Chapter 236: Marriage
An hour later, Yang Hu and Yang Huai brothers exited the military tent.
The two brothers looked at each other, seeing their own sweat-drenched selves in each other’s eyes.
“I’m completely convinced,” Yang Hu sighed softly. “Compared to the Pei Family Army, our Guangning Army is simply like a puddle of mud.”
Yang Huai comforted dryly, “It’s not that bad. We’re at least much stronger than the Fanyang Army and Liaoxi Army.”
“The Fanyang Army surrendered to the rebel army, the Liaoxi Army carved out their own territory, each greedily without measure, with no common people in their eyes. The Guangning Army still held the bottom line of military discipline.”
Yang Huai spoke more smoothly, “Otherwise, General Pei wouldn’t have taken the initiative to lead troops to help us, providing men and rations, helping us hold Guangning Army, and driving away the Xiongnu barbarians.”
“When we surrendered, General Pei accepted us without hesitation. If it were the Fanyang Army or Liaoxi Army? General Pei wouldn’t want them at all.”
Yang Hu’s spirit lifted. “What you say makes sense. From now on, we’ll be like the Pei Family Army, strictly enforcing military discipline, wholeheartedly training a true elite soldier force.”
The two brothers smiled at each other.
Two days later, the Pei Family Army set off to leave. Yang Hu led a group of military generals to see them off for ten li.
Pei Qinghe smiled and cupped her hands to Yang Hu. “General Yang, please return! Train your troops well, and when I have time, I’ll come to Guangning Army again.”
Coming again would be to inspect the results of his training as commander.
Yang Hu knew what she meant and smiled in response. “Give me half a year, and I will surely make the Guangning Army brand new.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and led the army away.
Yang Hu rode back to the city on horseback, leaving behind those severely injured and unable to move, while bringing all the others back to the Guangning Army Camp. The newly compiled thirty articles of military discipline were distributed to each captain.
Within three days, captains first recited the military discipline, then each soldier had to pass one by one. Those who recited quickly got rewards, those who couldn’t were fined military pay.
Three days later, the first batch of people who could recite the military discipline were served a steaming hot bowl of braised pork.
This move was very effective, even better than shouting until one’s throat was hoarse. A craze for learning and reciting military discipline immediately swept through the Guangning Army. Evening literacy classes were also able to proceed smoothly.
Daytime troop training was also much more intense and fierce than before.
The Guangning Army soldiers, accustomed to idleness, couldn’t help but be full of grievances at first. However, with unlimited mixed flour steamed buns at every meal, after grumbling a bit, they reluctantly started training.
Yang Hu no longer ate special meals, queuing up daily with Yang Huai and others to get food, eating the same rations as the soldiers.
Achieving all this was truly no easy task.
Especially in the position of army commander, with absolute prestige and power in the barracks, yet still setting aside all greed and desires, eating, living, and training together with the big soldiers. It was really too difficult!
Yang Hu gritted his teeth and endured for a month.
In September, the Pei Family Army sent a batch of military rations, along with a batch of new military uniforms and shoes and socks.
The one delivering the supplies was Pei Zhi.
In front of everyone, Yang Hu put on a righteous face and cupped his hands to thank the Pei Family Army for their benevolence and generosity.
Pei Zhi raised an eyebrow and said, “General Pei said this batch of military rations was saved from the Pei Family Army’s own rations, and a batch will be sent every month from now on. The military uniforms were specially rushed to make. Please have General Yang distribute the military uniforms as soon as possible.”
Yang Hu was full of gratitude and cupped his hands in thanks again.
Bag after bag of military rations was sent into the storeroom, giving the Guangning Army soldiers peace of mind. When queuing to receive brand new military uniforms, some were so excited they nearly cried. “It’s been two years since we got new military uniforms. The previous ones were almost worn out.”
Pei Zhi glanced at Yang Hu intentionally or unintentionally.
Though Yang Hu had thick skin, he felt a burning sensation. He coughed heavily and said to all the soldiers who received brand new military uniforms, “General Pei sent military rations and also sent military uniforms. Everyone remember General Pei’s kindness.”
Of course!
Their own general was completely convinced by General Pei; what reason did they have to be unconvinced?
Being a soldier was also for a bite to eat. Whoever gave them food and clothes to wear, they would give their lives for that person.
Pei Zhi also specially brought a letter for Yang Huai. “Pei Yan’s injury has also healed, but she’s not suitable for long journeys yet. This time I came to deliver rations; next time it should be her. This is the letter she asked me to give you.”
Pei Yan unexpectedly had a soft side too.
Yang Huai was simply overwhelmed with favor, took the letter, and eagerly opened it. After one glance, his mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Pei Zhi was curious like a cat’s claws scratching in her heart but couldn’t lean over to peek.
Yang Hu had no such reservations, thickening his face to lean over. “What does it say? Why is your mouth twitching nonstop?”
Yang Huai quickly stuffed the letter into his bosom and gave a sidelong glance. “Want to see the letter? Ask Pei Zhi to write one for you.”
One sentence turned two faces red.
Yang Huai grinned and sauntered off with hands behind his back.
Yang Hu leaned closer to Pei Zhi, rubbed his hands, and stammered, “Pei Zhi, I…”
Pei Zhi’s watery big eyes looked over. Yang Hu’s mind went blank, forgetting what he wanted to say.
Pei Zhi gave him a blank look. “Why aren’t you speaking? Before, when you saw me, weren’t you quite talkative?”
Recalling his initial lecherous behavior, Yang Hu felt somewhat ashamed and said softly, “Back then, I was like a peacock spreading its tail, shamelessly following you every day. Even after you beat me several times, I didn’t repent.”
Pei Zhi’s smile paused. “What do you mean by that? You’ve repented now? You no longer have feelings for me?”
“Of course not.” Yang Hu grew anxious, sweat beading on his forehead. “You’ve always been the only one in my heart. But now that I’ve become the Guangning Army commander, I can’t marry into the Pei Clan. How could I have the face to pester you anymore?”
Pei Zhi arrogantly raised an eyebrow. “General Pei has already changed the Pei family rules. From now on, Pei Clan women can either marry in a son-in-law or marry out.”
Yang Hu’s eyes lit up, unable to contain his emotions, and he grabbed Pei Zhi’s hand.
Pei Zhi reflexively raised her hand and gave Yang Hu a slap. She regretted it immediately; she never knew her own strength, and a bright handprint had already risen on Yang Hu’s left cheek.
“Sorry…”
“You haven’t hit me in a long time.” Yang Hu covered his left cheek, his face full of intoxication and nostalgia. “It’s exactly this feeling.”
Pei Zhi burst out laughing. “I’ve never seen anyone like you, actively asking to be hit. Before I came, the general instructed me not to hit casually. That was my fault just now; let me apologize to you.”
She reached out to pull down Yang Hu’s hand, carefully looked at his face, took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve, applied a little medicine, and smeared it on Yang Hu’s face. “This is the best wound medicine from the Lu Family. A little will heal it quickly. Does it still hurt now?”
Yang Hu was overjoyed and chuckled softly, “Not at all, it feels great.”
Pei Zhi smiled and smiled, then felt a trace of grievance. “These past few years, aunt and sisters-in-law have taken sons-in-law, Cousin Sister Qinghe, Cousin Sister Yun, Cousin Sister Yan also want to take sons-in-law. Now they changed the family rules just for me. The cousin sisters are all laughing at me behind my back!”
Yang Hu held Pei Zhi’s hand and said solemnly, “As long as you’re willing to marry me, I will surely let you live a life as good as marrying in a son-in-law. You can beat me every day if you want.”
……
