The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 191 Military Prestige, Family Affairs

The sky hung low, and the sun hovered above the towering stockade of the western military camp, casting the rough outline of the logs into the shape of charred red embers.

The entire camp was stained with a chilling yet magnificent crimson hue.

On the vast training ground, most of the soldiers had finished their drills and returned to camp, leaving only the silhouette of a man and his horse moving swiftly across the empty, gray-yellow earth.

—It was Li Yi.

He is now responsible for the construction and inspection of the capital, as well as the military affairs of the Palace Guard and the Imperial Guard. He wishes he could double the number of hours in a day.

For him, leisure time is an extremely precious thing.

Despite this, Li Yi never neglected his archers, horsemen, and spearmen. No matter how busy he was each day, he would always find time to train them when he inspected the military camp.

Because he knew that his martial arts skills were the foundation upon which he could truly survive in this chaotic world!
Everything he has now is based on this.

Without his valiant fighting on the battlefield of Gaoping, and without his leading the charge in the Battle of Xinkou, he would not have achieved his current prominent position.

Even though he is now a general of the Imperial Guard and no longer needs to personally charge into battle, one must not forget one's roots, one's origins, and one's origins.

At this moment, Li Yi temporarily put aside his complicated official duties and noble status, becoming one with his mount like a lowly soldier on the front line, maneuvering and charging across the training ground.

The warhorse beneath him was jet black, its hooves churning and leaping like lightning, kicking up clouds of frozen dust as it galloped across the land.

On horseback, Li Yi's body was pressed close to the horse's neck, his legs controlling the horse as if they were his own arms, and man and horse seemed to be one.

As he jolted and sped along, he twisted his body suddenly, and the powerful bow in his arm snapped open like a full moon, the bowstring making a piercing sound as if tearing silk!

call out!call out!call out!
Three feathered arrows, accompanied by a sharp whistle, were released from the bowstring and, like shooting stars chasing the moon, pierced the arrow stack a hundred paces away—the fletchings immediately trembled violently, and almost simultaneously, they plunged deep into the solid red center of the straw target, the arrow tails still buzzing.

Immediately afterwards, Li Yi pulled hard on the reins, and the warhorse neighed loudly and reared up!

He spun around and drew his bow with swift, effortless movements. Then he spurred his horse to the weapon rack and grabbed a heavy, lacquered wooden spear.

The moment the gun barrel touched his hand, a chilling sensation seeped into his palm, but it felt as if he were grasping the arm of an old friend, holding it tightly in his hand.

With a flick of the spear shaft, the spear shot out like a dragon!

There are no fancy moves, only the killing skills honed on the battlefield—stabbing, thrusting, striking, pointing, and dancing!

The heavy gun barrel stirred the frigid air, producing a dull, oppressive whistling sound, swirling up withered grass and fallen leaves. Each shot carried immense force, each strike seemingly designed to tear apart the frozen twilight!
Speeding, stopping abruptly, turning, sprinting... every movement carries a honed instinct, bursting with power, yet controlled with absolute precision, without any hesitation or slack.

Sweat quickly seeped from his forehead, rising into white vapor in the cold wind, clinging to his forehead and temples, only to be instantly chilled by the north wind and condensed into tiny ice beads.

At this moment, a solemn atmosphere prevailed at the edge of the training ground.

Many soldiers gathered together, densely packed, all their eyes fixed on the muscular figure galloping across the field.

The onlookers stared wide-eyed, barely daring to breathe. With each draw of the bow and each thunderous thrust of the spear, their hearts pounded violently.

The admiration in his eyes was far more than just ordinary respect; it carried a hint of awe. Watching that figure move with the grace of a dragon, his moves containing immense power, and his precise control over archery and horsemanship, one's scalp tingled with fear.

Someone couldn't hold back any longer and let out a roar: "Good!"

It instantly ignited the crowd of onlookers!

In an instant, deafening cheers swept across the field like rolling thunder—

This was not flattery or sycophancy towards a superior, but rather the most instinctive and purest shock and admiration upon witnessing such divine skill—in this chaotic world where every day was uncertain, warfare was the bloodiest art of violence, and force was the most compelling explanation!

After using his marksmanship to its fullest extent, Li Yi stood still, his chest heaving violently, thick white mist billowing from his mouth and nose, his muscles and bones completely relaxed and stretched during this combat drill.

He twirled the spear, then carefully placed it back into the weapon rack before letting out a long breath.

The deafening cheers from the soldiers outside the drill ground came in waves, like surging tides.

Li Yi naturally heard it clearly and saw it clearly.

To say that he felt no ripples in his heart at this moment, no sense of smug satisfaction, would be an absolute lie.

In fact, this is exactly the effect he wanted to see.

To establish authority in the army and control an elite force that is as responsive as an extension of one's own arm, one cannot rely solely on the suppression of rank and status. That can only force soldiers to submit, but it cannot truly win their hearts and minds.

In addition, efforts should be made in various aspects such as moral appeal, proof of ability, and emotional connection.

Li Yi believed that in terms of character, he far surpassed most military men. He was neither cruel and domineering, nor did he ever criticize or mistreat the lower-ranking soldiers.

His abilities and skills need no further explanation... Whether it's his personal bravery or his achievements on the battlefield, his reputation is earned through hard work and dedication, which is evident to all.

As for maintaining emotional ties with his soldiers, Li Yi adopted the most practical approach: going down to the grassroots level, observing people's feelings... starting from the smallest details to win the trust and respect of ordinary soldiers.

Therefore, he was not content with issuing orders from a high position, but instead would travel to various military camps and outposts every day to listen to the needs and difficulties of the soldiers and do his best to solve them.

Call it a show or a pretense, it doesn't matter.

At least in the eyes of the soldiers, Li Yi, as a high-ranking general, was no longer just a symbol representing orders and rewards.

This subtle influence, like a gentle stream, silently permeates people's hearts.

Just like Li Yi practicing his archery skills in public, showcasing his exceptional martial arts, it can also enhance his presence in the hearts of ordinary soldiers.

"General, your martial arts skills are unparalleled in the entire world! Your archery skills, hitting the bullseye from a hundred paces away, are truly breathtaking..."

Xu Sheng stepped forward at the opportune moment, handing over a warm, damp cloth, and not forgetting to offer a compliment.

"You..."

Li Yi dismounted, casually took the cloth, and pursed his lips slightly, as if in a smile.

But he didn't say much. He simply covered his face with the damp cloth, wiped it deeply, and his spirits immediately lifted.

"Alright, it's getting late. Let's pack up and get ready to go home."

Li Yi's voice was slightly breathless, yet it conveyed a calm strength.

He looked up at the last sliver of twilight in the west; dusk was falling and the chill was growing ever deeper.

A moment later, Li Yi summoned the commander of the camp and instructed him: "Add two more basins of charcoal to the night watchmen. Also, make sure everyone has the clothing recently issued by the court. If any of you brothers encounter any difficulties, remember to report them to the military headquarters, and I will handle it."

"Yes! Your subordinate obeys!" the general replied sternly.

……

Stepping out of the military camp felt like crossing an invisible barrier; the wooden fortress gate receded into the distance behind us.

The sounds of bustling streets drifted in from afar, carrying the unique atmosphere of everyday life.

Li Yi sat upright on the horse's back, the horse's hooves clattering rhythmically on the cold, hard road.

The number of pedestrians on the street has also decreased, and the lanterns hanging high on both sides have lit up one after another. People hurrying home have their shadows lengthened and shortened under the lanterns.

Turning the familiar street corner, the not-so-grand mansion came into view. In the distance, you could see two plain gauze lanterns with openwork lotus patterns hanging under the eaves.

The light, though not dazzling, was enough to pierce the biting night wind and shine straight into the depths of one's heart.

Li Yi couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly. He had planned to go home early today, but after all the trouble, he didn't get home until it was dark.

But compared to usual, today is indeed considered early... Second Aunt and the others probably haven't gone to sleep yet, right?
When the mansion gate creaked open for Li Yi, the warm yellow light mixed with the respectful greetings of the servants allowed him to finally relax his tense back, which had been taut all day.

He reined in his horse, and the way he dismounted carried the relaxed ease unique to returning home.

Upon learning that Fu Erniang had not yet rested, Li Yi quickened his pace and headed straight for the backyard.

The curtain of the main hall in the inner courtyard was half-drawn, and warm yellow light flowed out from inside, accompanied by the faint, crisp sound of chess pieces lightly tapping the chessboard and a few soft laughs.

Li Yi lifted the curtain and stepped inside. The hall was warm and cozy, filled with the fragrance of lamp oil and the subtle sweetness of fruit and pastries.

The sight before him made him chuckle: Fu Erniang had taken off her embroidered shoes and was sitting on a wide couch covered with brocade carpet. She was slightly frowning, her gaze fixed on the sandalwood backgammon board in front of her, and her slender fingers in her other hand were twirling a jade chess piece, as if she were deep in thought.

Opposite her sat two concubines, Xuan'er and Zuo Ling'er, dressed in casual light-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress).

Both of them held their breath and focused intently on the chessboard.

Right next to Fu Erniang's bed, her sister-in-law Guo was also leaning against the brocade cushion with a smile, holding a small purple copper hand warmer in her hands, looking warmly at her younger brother and sister-in-law who were stuck in a stalemate.

The flickering lamplight softened the warm and inviting atmosphere of the room.

"Ha!" Fu Erniang suddenly exclaimed softly, with a hint of resentment, "It's not fair, there are two of you against one of us, so losing doesn't count..."

Fu Erniang seemed to be acting like a rogue, and then she raised one bare foot and pretended to kick over the chessboard in a playful manner, which made Guo Shi and the two concubines cover their mouths and laugh.

Just then, Fu Erniang caught a glimpse of a familiar figure at the door from the corner of her eye.

She suddenly looked up, her eyes instantly lighting up: "Oh! My lord is back!"

The frown and resentment on her face vanished instantly, replaced by a bright smile.

Looking at that radiant smiling face bathed in warm light, and at the harmonious and cozy scene in the hall, Li Yi felt as if his heart had been gently melted and cleansed by this gentle warmth.

"Ah Lang!" "Er Lang is back..."

The other three women in the hall also quickly rose to greet them. Xuan'er and Zuo Ling'er bowed slightly, while Guo Shi's movements appeared somewhat awkward and uneasy.

"Don't worry about me, you guys keep playing." Li Yi waved his hand casually.

That being said, the girls naturally wouldn't ignore him.

Xian'er and Zuo Ling'er exchanged a glance and quietly retreated to the side, leaving only Fu Erniang still sitting lazily on the couch, smiling at her husband.

Guo's cheeks visibly flushed, her eyes darted nervously down to the thick carpet at her feet, and her fingers unconsciously twisted her handkerchief.

"I...I'll go back to my room to rest first!" Her voice was so low it was almost a whisper. Before Li Yi or Fu Erniang could stop her, she practically turned and headed for the door.

Guo walked hurriedly, and when she brushed past Li Yi, she deliberately turned her face away, staring intently at the ground in front of her, not daring to meet his gaze at all. She almost ran out of the curtain.

“Uh…” Li Yi opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

He's been leaving early and returning late lately... Could something have happened at home? The question, like a stone thrown into water, stirred ripples in his heart.

"My lord, have you not eaten yet? Your servant and Ling'er will go and tell the kitchen to prepare some wine and dishes."

Xian'er, being quick-witted, wisely pulled Zuo Ling'er along and quietly slipped out, leaving only the curtains swaying gently.

In the blink of an eye, the once lively and cheerful hall was now empty except for Li Yi, Fu Erniang, and the unfinished game of backgammon.

Seeing her husband looking out the curtain with a hint of doubt, Fu Erniang gently patted the empty spot on the couch next to her.

"My lord, come and sit down and rest!"

Her voice was clear and bright, filled with undisguised joy and dependence, and her radiant smile easily dispelled the chill of winter.

Li Yi's doubts temporarily dissipated, and he did as instructed, sitting down next to Fu Erniang and gently stroking her swollen belly with his palm.

He seemed to be able to feel the pulse of that tiny life... At six months pregnant, the baby was already quite showing, pushing the wide ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) high into a rounded arc.

According to Zuo Congqin's diagnosis, Fu Erniang was very likely pregnant with twins—what later generations called twins.

This should have been a joyous occasion, but Li Yi felt a mix of happiness and worry... These days, childbirth is very risky for women. Even having one child is unpredictable, and if a woman is pregnant with twins, the risks increase exponentially.

In response, Li Yi could only pray that God would extend His blessings to his wife and children.

"My lord!" Fu Erniang suddenly spoke, resting her head against Li Yi's chest and whispering, "About my sister-in-law...you should at least give me a definite answer, shouldn't you?"

"Huh?" Li Yi was slightly taken aback, not understanding what he meant.

"Are you still going to keep this from me?" Fu Erniang said with some dissatisfaction.

Upon hearing this, Li Yi's mind raced, and he suddenly realized: Could it be that his wife had already found out about his "affair" with Guo?

Recalling Guo's behavior when she left, he felt that it was probably true... Li Yi was slightly embarrassed, rubbed his nose, and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Seeing this, Fu Erniang rolled her eyes at him: "Back when I was still a concubine, you and your sister-in-law were so...so blatant in the mansion. Did you really think everyone was blind?"

(End of this chapter)