novelapdf Chapter 17 Imperial Uncle
Chapter 17 Imperial Uncle
In the market town at the foot of Cangwu Mountain, three travel-worn figures were walking up the mountain path.
The man at the front was tall and robust, wearing a purple python robe. He had broad shoulders, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. Standing on the ground, he resembled an iron tower, a standard warrior's physique that exuded a strong sense of oppression.
This man was named Zhao Jingting, Zhao Cheng'an's uncle. He was also one of the few grandmaster-level experts in the Dayin Dynasty, wielding considerable military power and serving as the dynasty's pillar of stability.
The two young men following behind him were named Zhao Chengze and Zhao Chengyuan.
Zhao Chengze was slightly overweight and was in charge of managing some of the merchant guilds under the name of the Dayin royal family.
Zhao Chengyuan was thin and had a cold face. He was about the same age as Zhao Chengan. However, he had several years of military experience and had even personally led troops to repel barbarian armies on the battlefield. His temperament exuded a cold and ruthless aura, which was completely different from that of ordinary people.
At this moment, Zhao Chengyuan looked at the merchants and vendors coming and going around him, chatting and laughing, and the steaming buns and soy milk stalls that could be seen everywhere on the street, and a somewhat uncomfortable expression appeared on his face.
He couldn't help but complain aloud.
"My cousin is living a really good life. While we're out there fighting for our lives, he's here enjoying himself, not having to worry about anything, and we have to go through all the trouble of coming here to give him money."
"Shut up!"
Zhao Jingting, who was walking in front, immediately turned around and glared at him fiercely.
"Didn't I tell you before that you mustn't say anything carelessly here?"
Zhao Chengyuan pursed his lips, and although he did not refute it, he obviously did not take it to heart.
……
The group continued up the mountain path and soon arrived at the gate of the Imperial Academy.
Zhao Chengan and Xiao Wu were already waiting at the door.
The two sides met face to face and locked eyes.
Zhao Jingting's face showed surprise. He looked Zhao Cheng'an up and down carefully, almost unable to recognize the person in front of him.
In just a few months, Zhao Chengan has undergone tremendous changes.
The sickly weakness that had been emanating from him had completely vanished. His posture had become more upright, and his shoulders had broadened considerably. More importantly, his demeanor had changed; even though he was standing right in front of Zhao Jingting, he exuded a refined and otherworldly aura.
Zhao Chengze and Zhao Chengyuan, who were following behind, were also somewhat surprised.
Especially Zhao Chengyuan.
He muttered to himself, "Isn't my cousin studying at the Imperial Academy? How come he seems to have achieved some success in martial arts?"
He scratched his head, just about to go up and say hello.
However, Zhao Jingting seemed to suddenly realize something. His expression became extremely excited, and even his broad shoulders trembled slightly.
The brothers Zhao Chengyuan and Zhao Chengze were shocked when they saw this scene.
Zhao Jingting had a nickname in the army: "The Butcher." He once ordered the massacre of over 100,000 barbarian prisoners of war during a battle. Even then, they had never seen Zhao Jingting so agitated and out of control.
What exactly happened?
At this moment, Zhao Jingting had already strode up to Zhao Chengan.
"Cheng'an, it seems you've had a pretty good time at the Imperial Academy. That's wonderful."
He took a deep breath, lowered his voice, and his tone was filled with barely concealed excitement. "But the changes in you, could it be...?"
Zhao Cheng'an glanced around, his expression calm.
"Uncle, this is probably not the right place to talk about these things. Let's go inside and talk. You must be tired from your journey, so I've prepared some food and wine for you to welcome you."
Hearing Zhao Chengan say this, Zhao Jingting immediately felt reassured.
With an irrepressible smile on his face, he reached out and tightly grasped Zhao Cheng'an's hands.
"Okay, okay, Cheng'an, you're right."
"It was a wise decision for my elder brother to send you to the Imperial Academy. Of all the members of the royal family, you are the best at studying."
"You did a really good job."
Zhao Jingting let out a long sigh, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart, and couldn't help but sigh again.
……
The group arrived at the bamboo house where Zhao Chengan lived.
A sumptuous feast had been prepared in the courtyard. Xiao Wu stayed in the living room outside to entertain the Zhao brothers.
Zhao Cheng'an then led Zhao Jingting to a tea room on the second floor.
In the original owner's memories, he was not very healthy as a child and could not travel far. Zhao Jingting often took him to travel around, and the uncle and nephew had a very close relationship. Now that the Dayin Dynasty is in the midst of war, Zhao Jingting, as a general in command of troops, still made a special trip across the entire war zone to visit him at the Imperial Academy. This affection is extremely meaningful.
Zhao Cheng'an personally got up and poured Zhao Jingting a cup of hot tea.
Looking at the other person's graying temples and slightly expectant eyes, Zhao Chengan nodded.
"Uncle, you guessed correctly. I did pass the Imperial Academy's examination and have been accepted as a student by the Chancellor."
"good!"
Zhao Jingting stroked his long beard, and the huge weight that had been hanging over his heart finally lifted.
He smiled and said, "Congratulations, Cheng'an. From now on, you and we are no longer from the same world."
Zhao Chengan immediately responded, "No matter what, I will always remember your kindness to me, Uncle."
Zhao Jingting's smile widened.
He picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea.
Zhao Cheng'an then inquired about the situation at the front lines, specifically the current conditions in the provinces of Baishan and Heitu.
Zhao Jingting put down his teacup, his expression turning serious.
"The situation remains serious, but the most dangerous phase has passed."
Zhao Jingting mentioned that a strange secret medicine seemed to have appeared in the barbarian army.
This secret medicine can greatly stimulate the body's potential, not only multiplying strength and endurance, but also making those barbarian soldiers fearless and ruthless.
In addition, the barbarians had previously purchased and accumulated a large amount of high-quality military equipment from the Four Seas Merchant Guild, which indeed caused great casualties and trouble to the Great Yin border army in the early stages of the war.
"However, those forbidden drugs seem to have strong side effects. I seized the opportunity when their effects wore off and laid an ambush, inflicting a heavy blow on the barbarians."
"Furthermore, it seems that the Four Seas Merchant Guild has cut off trade with the barbarians, which is why the situation has barely stabilized."
Zhao Jingting sighed and continued.
"However, the situation on our side is not optimistic either. Our soldiers have suffered heavy casualties, and due to natural disasters and man-made calamities, many fertile fields in the north have been abandoned, and the current food pressure is extremely enormous."
At this point, Zhao Jingting sighed repeatedly.
He enjoyed extremely high prestige in the military and always treated his soldiers like his own children.
But now the soldiers on the front lines are not even getting enough to eat, and they have to fight on empty stomachs to protect their country. Every time he sees those emaciated soldiers in the camp, he feels heartbroken, but he really can't think of any solution.
A thought suddenly struck Zhao Cheng'an.
"Uncle, wait for me here for a moment."