You expect me to serve your mistress? The mistress is driving this scumbag and his entire family cra

Chapter 127 Tong Zhao'er Makes Her Promise

Gu Xizhi raised an eyebrow: "I almost forgot, Young Master Lu is Princess Heya's grand-nephew."

Lu Er said nonchalantly, "Your Highness really knows how to bring up the most sensitive topics, making me feel inferior in front of others for no reason."

The others then understood the connection between the two and joined in the teasing.

Tong Shouliang stepped forward and invited the merchants to the reviewing stand.

Although he held a high position and wielded great power, he was not arrogant or disdainful of others. On the contrary, even in front of Liang Jiang, he always maintained a humble and polite demeanor.

He greeted Liang Jiang, a princess in name only, and to outsiders, it seemed that he was grateful to the former Duke Liang and valued loyalty.

Liang Jiang remained calm and played along.

Soon, everyone ascended the reviewing stand.

The drill begins.

Although everyone had their own thoughts and harbored many complaints and resistance to today's events, they were quickly swayed by the atmosphere.

Looking at the soldiers fighting bravely under the scorching sun, their hearts surged with passion, as if they were on a cruel yet exhilarating battlefield. They felt a deep respect, and some even had tears in their eyes.

After the drills are completed, a second combat drill will be conducted. The troops will be divided into two teams, A and B, each leading three thousand soldiers, to engage in a head-on battle. The team that attacks the opponent's position and captures the flag will be the winner.

The side closest to the reviewing stand was the A side. General Liang Jiang recognized him; he was a former subordinate of her father, who used to frequently visit the Duke's mansion with Deputy General He to discuss war matters with her father. His surname was Zhao, and his given name was Wei; Liang Jiang called him Uncle Zhao.

After his father passed away, he, like Deputy General He, was ostracized by the Tong family in the military camp, but his prestige remained.

Facing him head-on to determine the victor, his opponent must also be a seasoned veteran.

At the command, drums and gongs sounded, and the second party, under the command of their commander, launched an attack on the reviewing stand like tigers released from their cages.

Zhao Wei calmly directed his soldiers to fight back, while the merchants and officials retreated to avoid being injured by stray arrows.

Only Gu Xizhi and Tong Shouliang remained standing on the wall, their faces unchanged and their feet firmly planted. Arrows with broken arrowheads whizzed past them, but they didn't even blink, displaying a calm and composed demeanor as if Mount Tai were collapsing before them.

Faced with the fierce and unstoppable offensive of the soldiers from the opposing side below the reviewing stand, everyone experienced firsthand the sense of crisis of "the country on the verge of collapse," and they were all secretly sweating with anxiety for the soldiers from the opposing side.

Despite Zhao Wei's skillful command and fearless bravery, the enemy soldiers were clearly more valiant and coordinated perfectly. Under the command of their general, they used feints and surprise attacks to quickly capture the lone Zhao Wei and storm into their position.

The second party's general stepped onto the reviewing stand, knelt on one knee before Tong Shouliang, and bowed with his hands clasped in salute.

"Your subordinate, Tong Zhao'er, has lived up to your expectations, General. We have captured three enemy generals and three thousand soldiers. Please give your instructions, General."

Liang Jiang then realized that the general of the second party was indeed Tong Zhao'er.

Tong Zhao'er in the military camp, dressed in silver armor and wearing a red tassel on her head, had skin that was a bit tanned and rough, but her eyebrows and eyes were bright and she was full of spirit. Where was the hysterical look from before?

Or perhaps, this is what she was originally like, only she has been worn down and lost her beauty by the Fang family.

Fang Chengxu said that she was somewhat obsessed, and then she was taken back to the General's Mansion by General Tong. It seems that after leaving the inner quarters and returning to the military camp, Tong Zhao'er has found her former self again, and her condition has improved by more than half.

As for today's success or failure, experts see the details, while laymen only see the spectacle. The difference in strength between the soldiers of the two sides is huge, and some soldiers of the A side are even disobeying Zhao Wei's command, showing signs of deliberately losing.

It's tough on Zhao Wei. He fought alongside his father on the battlefield for many years and was highly respected in the army, with the reputation of a fierce general. But today, he had to lower his own standards and let Tong Zhao'er show her talent and make a name for herself.

Tong Shouliang remained noncommittal, then looked at Gu Xizhi beside him and said, "Your Highness has always been a brilliant strategist, invincible in every battle. I humbly request your guidance and advice."

Gu Xizhi withdrew his gaze from the distance: "If I am not mistaken, the general from Party A is Zhao Wei, isn't he?" Tong Shouliang nodded: "That's right."

Gu Xizhi nodded slightly in appreciation: "Your daughter remained calm in the face of danger, commanded with composure, and responded skillfully. She was even able to defeat Zhao Wei, a valiant general. Truly, like father, like son."

Zhao Wei lowered his head in shame and resentment. This battle was undoubtedly a disgrace to him, a complete loss of face.

Tong Shouliang looked flattered and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness. My daughter has been following me in the army for many years, and this is her first time leading troops. There are many shortcomings, and she still needs more training."

Among the merchants, some immediately praised her, saying, "I never expected that this fierce general is actually your daughter. She is so brave and valiant, no less so than General Tong in his prime."

The others also feigned surprise: "This is actually the daughter of General Tong? General Tong is actually willing to let her suffer like this?"

"That's right. While other young ladies are busy in their boudoirs painting, playing the zither, and applying makeup, Miss Tong is just as capable as any man. She practices every day, braving wind and rain, which makes us ashamed."

Tong Shouliang said solemnly, "The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen; everyone has an inescapable duty and obligation."

Every child present was the apple of their parents' eye, and every one of them wanted to spend time with their family and enjoy the joys of family life. No one wanted to charge into battle or risk their life.

But my daughter, Tong Shouliang's daughter, was born with the blood of protecting the country. She is a warrior on horseback and a hero on the battlefield. How can she be like other women who only know how to scheme and fight for fame and fortune in the inner quarters?

"Today we must hone our skills to kill the enemy, so that one day we can defend Chang'an. What is a little hardship compared to that?"

His impassioned speech, filled with righteous indignation, moved everyone who heard it.

Immediately, someone flattered him, saying, "General Tong sacrificed his own family for the greater good; such integrity truly earns our respect."

We are able to enjoy peace and happiness in the capital, thanks to the sacrifices and bloodshed of these soldiers on the battlefield.

I cannot be as selfless as Miss Tong, but I can do my utmost to donate ten thousand taels of silver to help the soldiers improve their difficult lives and to comfort the orphans and widows of the fallen soldiers.

As soon as he finished speaking, his righteous act immediately drew thunderous cheers from the soldiers below the reviewing stand.

Fine, I'll donate. I'll grit my teeth and stomp my feet if I have to.

Following closely behind, a second person, a third person, donated more and more silver, and the atmosphere reached its peak.

Soon only Liang Jiang and Lu Xingzhan remained.

Tens of thousands of eyes were fixed on her from the audience.

Lu Er pretended to be stupid and remained silent.

Minister Zhou of the Ministry of War spoke first: "A few days ago, Princess Heya generously donated 10,000 taels of silver. On behalf of all the soldiers, I thank Princess Heya for her generosity."

Therefore, we invited Your Highness to come only as a token of our gratitude; donations are entirely up to you.

Before Liang Jiang could speak, someone in the audience suddenly said, "It is said that when Fucheng was hit by disaster, Princess Heya was able to generously donate her wealth and save the entire city's people with her own efforts, spending no less than tens of thousands of taels of silver. It is clear that she is very wealthy and her resources are immeasurable."

Donating ten thousand taels of silver is but a drop in the ocean, especially when it comes to spending other people's money. Surely Princess Heya won't be stingy this time, will she?

What kind of utter nonsense is this?

I earned this money myself, I can spend it whoever wants, why would you want to kidnap me?
It's obvious that Tong Shouliang and his second uncle were deliberately trying to provoke him, right?

Could it be that he's trying to bankrupt himself by putting on a brave face?
Am I the kind of person who would rather suffer than save face?

(End of this chapter)