Becoming the Emperor’s Greatest Woe - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

 

A clear, lazy, and slightly heavy voice drifted to Jiang Yuxun’s ears with the wind.

 

Perhaps because he had experienced it himself, Ying Changchuan’s storytelling was particularly vivid.

 

At first, Jiang Yuxun felt a bit uneasy.

 

But as he listened, he became engrossed, walking along and asking questions as if he had returned to the northern lands of years ago alongside Ying Changchuan.

 

The North Town Army camp was located downwind, and the strong winds that had blown all afternoon had left the open space outside the tent littered with debris carried by the wind.

 

Several soldiers clad in soft armor were carefully making their way around the gravel, cradling lambs in their arms.

 

Each of them was holding five or six lambs, which were bleating and kicking their legs in fright.

 

To enhance the soldiers’ physical condition, meat was essential in addition to rations.

 

Long before the agricultural inspection, the North Town Army had already begun grazing and raising sheep on the surrounding grasslands to provide food for the soldiers.

 

Seeing these men pass by, the increasingly curious Jiang Yuxun casually asked, “Your Majesty, what are they doing?”

 

Ying Changchuan looked up at the sky.

 

Though the strong wind had stopped, the yellow sand still lingered in the air.

 

By rights, it should still be over an hour until sunset, yet the sky had already darkened like evening.

 

“It will be windy again tonight; they must bring the lambs inside the tent to keep them warm.”

 

As he spoke, Ying Changchuan slightly bent down and entered a nearby military tent.

 

Jiang Yuxun followed him in, and immediately the loud bleating of the lambs greeted his ears.

 

This tent was originally a storeroom, filled with brand-new shoes, hats, bedding, and pillows.

 

In addition, there were now over a dozen lambs inside the tent, all marked with ear tags.

 

Seeing the two enter, the soldier stationed inside the tent hurriedly saluted, “Greetings, my lords—”

 

He only knew that Jiang Yuxun and Ying Changchuan were “lords from Zhaodu” and did not know their specific identities.

 

Ying Changchuan casually said, “No need for excessive courtesy.”

 

“Yes, my lord.”

 

Once the soldier stood at attention, Jiang Yuxun noticed that he was holding a flat porcelain pot.

 

The small pot made of coarse porcelain was filled with warm milk, and the group of lambs was bleating around the pot.

 

This was an ancient milk bottle!

 

Jiang Yuxun had seen one in a museum before, but back then, it was behind glass, and he could only look but not touch.

 

Now that he saw it in the soldier’s hand, Jiang Yuxun’s eyes immediately brightened.

 

Out of professional habit, he felt an overwhelming urge to touch that porcelain pot.

 

… I wonder if I could try using it?

 

Jiang Yuxun bit his lip, just about to speak, but quickly stopped himself.

 

Absolutely not!

 

I am the Minister of the Great Zhou; how can I do something so unbecoming of my status?

 

Jiang Yuxun instinctively cleared his throat and pretended to look serious as he turned his gaze away.

 

Just then, he heard Ying Changchuan softly say, “You can go now.”

 

“Yes, my lord!”

 

The soldier immediately complied, placing the porcelain pot on a nearby table and retreating, while also pulling down the tent curtain.

 

The tent grew dim as a result.

 

… Did Ying Changchuan see what I wanted to do?

 

Perhaps it was because he had embarrassed himself too many times.

 

Little Jiang had long lost his burden in front of the emperor.

 

Seeing the emperor send the soldier away, Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but gently bite his lip and steal a glance at the person standing beside him.

 

Tentatively, he asked, “Your Majesty, may I try it?”

 

His tone was somewhat nervous, and his eyes brimmed with genuine anticipation.

 

Ying Changchuan smiled, “Of course.”

 

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Jiang Yuxun no longer hesitated in front of Ying Changchuan.

 

He carefully picked up the porcelain pot from the table and crouched down to select a thin little lamb.

 

As soon as it caught the scent of milk, the little lamb opened its mouth eagerly.

 

The other lambs also bleated in unison, crowding toward Jiang Yuxun.

 

However, before the pot could reach the little lamb, it was pushed aside by a stronger companion.

 

“Hey! Move aside—” Jiang Yuxun quickly withdrew the pot, trying to shoo away the larger lambs.

 

But those lambs seemed completely unafraid of him, unaffected by Jiang Yuxun’s actions at all.

 

Watching as the little lamb was pushed into a corner of the tent, Jiang Yuxun was about to get up to grab it when he saw Ying Changchuan furrow his brow and lift the little lamb by its leg.

 

“Baa—”

 

The lamb suspended in midair cried out in panic.

 

?!

 

Oh no, Ying Changchuan actually took action!

 

Jiang Yuxun instinctively turned to look at the tent curtain.

 

He only relaxed when he confirmed that the curtain was still securely closed.

 

… Thankfully, no one else saw this scene.

 

Seeing the emperor’s disdainful expression and recalling the rumors of his possible cleanliness obsession, Jiang Yuxun hurriedly stepped forward to take the lamb into his arms.

 

Finally, he carefully lifted the porcelain pot and brought it to the lamb’s mouth.

 

The little creature paused for a moment before eagerly lapping up the milk.

 

The other lambs were still bumping against Jiang Yuxun, drawn by the scent, but as Ying Changchuan turned around, the lambs suddenly became extremely quiet, as if frightened by the aura of killing that emanated from him. For a moment, only the sound of the little lamb drinking filled the tent.

 

Perhaps it was the warmth of the lamb in his arms or the silence within the tent, but Jiang Yuxun suddenly felt an inexplicable strangeness in the atmosphere.

 

It seemed necessary to say something.

 

Jiang Yuxun held the lamb and glanced around the tent.

 

In the next moment, he noticed that the largest few lambs inside were tied together with a rope.

 

This did not seem to be the most common hemp rope of the Great Zhou.

 

“Your Majesty…” Jiang Yuxun cautiously began.

 

Ying Changchuan lowered his gaze to him, “What is it?”

 

As dusk fell, the sunlight filtered through the yellow sand and felt particularly dim and gloomy.

 

Jiang Yuxun’s hair was slightly ruffled by the wind, and some dust had settled on his clothes.

 

Feeling somewhat uneasy, he bit his lip and asked, “Those ropes don’t seem to be made of hemp?”

 

“Hmm,” Ying Changchuan glanced at them and replied softly, “They are made of horsehair and camel hair.”

 

Jiang Yuxun nodded, listening attentively as Ying Changchuan continued.

 

“A rope made from mane is sturdier and more durable than hemp rope,” Ying Changchuan recalled while reminiscing about his time stationed in Zefang County, “The North Town Army raises camels in addition to cattle and sheep. Every spring, the soldiers cut the camel hair to make ropes, and the camel fleece is made into winter clothing.”

 

Camel fleece is known for its superior warmth compared to sheep wool, and it is even more durable; it has been referred to as “soft gold” since ancient times.

 

In the previous dynasty, Zefang County would send a large tribute of high-quality camel fleece to the imperial palace every year.

 

Ying Changchuan had always treated his soldiers well in this regard.

 

Now, the soldiers stationed in the northern lands could also rely on it for warmth in winter.

 

A plump little lamb struggled and jumped out of Jiang Yuxun’s arms.

 

“I see…” Jiang Yuxun involuntarily sighed, analyzing objectively, “Your Majesty truly understands Zefang County.”

 

Although Ying Changchuan came from nobility, he was not the type to be pampered and idle, disconnected from the world.

 

As Jiang Yuxun spoke, he lowered his head and placed the porcelain pot back on the table.

 

The last rays of sunlight for the day fell through the felt and illuminated Ying Changchuan, highlighting the slight curve of his lips.

 

The emperor seemed to be in a particularly good mood today.

 

—

 

The Great Zhou was at the end of the Little Ice Age.

 

Over the past hundred years, the climate in Zefang County had become exceptionally cold and dry, and the nearby grasslands had deteriorated into deserts, leaving large areas of land exposed.

 

The next day, the sandstorm was still fierce.

 

With the days of departing for Zherou approaching, Jiang Yuxun and the other envoys no longer wandered around but quietly stayed in the military tent, reading books about Zherou.

 

“… When will this sandstorm ever stop?”

 

Having seen no sunlight for several consecutive days, the other envoys who had come to Zefang County with Jiang Yuxun were also becoming increasingly depressed.

 

After saying this, he let out a heavy sigh.

 

A soldier who was making tea glanced outside the tent and seriously replied, “To all the lords, the sandstorm will only stop when the grass greens in early summer.”

 

Tang Yimeng, who had been to Zefang County before, put down his brush and said with some concern, “This is precisely the critical period for wheat to grow; if the sandstorm continues to blow too fiercely, it might damage the root system.”

 

Jiang Yuxun nodded lightly in agreement: “If it doesn’t get enough sunlight, it won’t grow well.”

 

Wheat relies on photosynthesis for growth, and without sunlight, it will not only struggle to develop but also become extremely susceptible to pests and diseases.

 

After saying this, he couldn’t help but murmur, “This year we might just get by, but we can’t rely on luck every year.”

 

“What do you mean, Lord Jiang?” Tang Yimeng looked over at him.

 

“We must find a way to stabilize the sand,” Jiang Yuxun’s tone was very firm.

 

Hearing this, the soldier hesitated and said, “To be honest, my lord, when we first arrived in Zefang County, we thought of this matter and even tried to plant trees. Unfortunately, none of those trees survived. So we haven’t attempted it again in recent years…”

 

Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but press his lips together.

 

Although Zefang County was arid, it had a large river flowing through it, which actually provided decent irrigation conditions.

 

In his view, at least half of the land in the county could be used for agriculture.

 

Due to the previous dynasty’s “prohibition of the border” policy and the impact of wars, Zefang County was now filled with uncultivated wasteland.

 

Soon, commoners would migrate here.

 

If they were to settle down, it was imperative to improve the living and farming conditions in the county as much as possible.

 

Jiang Yuxun bit his lip slightly.

 

The Little Ice Age was about to end, and the Great Zhou would soon welcome a long period of warmth.

 

By then, the climate in Zefang County would surely be warmer and more humid than it was now.

 

The cultivation and development in the northern borders of the Great Zhou were already in line with historical trends.

 

And beyond simply adapting and waiting, there was also the need to take action…

 

“How did you plant trees back then?” Jiang Yuxun suddenly asked.

 

The soldier placed the teapot on the charcoal stove, recalling carefully as he said, “We selected suitable tree species and planted them by the riverside or on low hills.”

 

Jiang Yuxun nodded slightly; they had not chosen the wrong location.

 

However, Zefang County, currently in a transitional climate period, temporarily lacked the conditions for trees to grow naturally.

 

… But cultivation had already begun, and immigrants were about to arrive.

 

If nothing was done now, by the time they realized it, perhaps an entire generation’s youth would have been wasted in the yellow sands.

 

If external forces could assist in tree growth, it would likely change the living conditions of the border residents ahead of schedule.

 

“Lord Jiang? Lord Jiang?”

 

Seeing Jiang Yuxun lost in thought, Tang Yimeng, who had grown familiar with him, reached out and waved his hand in front of Jiang Yuxun’s eyes, asking, “Do you have any ideas?”

 

After the southern tour, Jiang Yuxun had left the impression of being “knowledgeable and well-versed” among the officials.

 

As he spoke, a glimmer of anticipation appeared in Tang Yimeng’s eyes.

 

Jiang Yuxun carefully held up the tea cup.

 

The army doctor had lanced the blisters on his hand the day before, and now his palm was wrapped in a thin layer of bandage.

 

The heat from the tea seeped through the bandage to his hand.

 

The words “grass grid” appeared in Jiang Yuxun’s mind.

 

He didn’t nod directly but instead said softly, “I have some ideas, but I need to think about it further.”

 

“No rush, no rush!” Tang Yimeng’s eyes brightened. “Right now, the important thing is the mission to Zherou; we can think about the rest after we return!”

 

“Mm.” Jiang Yuxun smiled and nodded at him.

 

※

 

The outbreak of war doesn’t choose its timing.

 

Soldiers naturally need to have the ability to fight in harsh environments.

 

But that doesn’t mean they should be pushed to the extreme whenever possible.

 

The sandstorms had been particularly strong these days, so the soldiers temporarily stayed in the tents instead of going to the training grounds.

 

Jiang Yuxun and Tang Yimeng, along with others, were inside a tent, checking over the gifts prepared for the princess one last time.

 

The sounds from the tent next door reached their ears at this time.

 

The centurion speaking next door had a heavy accent, and Jiang Yuxun only understood a few words after listening for a while.

 

He couldn’t help but ask a soldier nearby who had come to help, “What are they talking about in the tent next door?”

 

“Oh, that,” the soldier replied while counting medicinal herbs, “the soldiers in the camp have been learning battle formations recently. The centurion is explaining how to arrange the formations, and once the sandstorm stops, they’ll begin practicing in the field.”

 

Finally, he added, “It’s all by order of His Majesty. He said the ‘battle formation drills’ should become a regular part of army training, something everyone must master.”

 

Since arriving at the camp, Ying Changchuan had been even busier than he was in Zhao Capital.

 

In just a few days, he had made many arrangements.

 

Another soldier added, “There’s also coordination among the different arms of the military.”

 

In the past, the Zhou army was primarily composed of infantry.

 

Now, led by the Northern Frontier Army, the forces were gradually transforming into a mixed infantry-cavalry unit.

 

This was not something that could be accomplished overnight.

 

Jiang Yuxun nodded slowly, keeping all of this in mind.

 

The Zhou army was known for its strict discipline and reliable system of rewards and punishments.

 

Under this influence, the soldiers’ obedience was particularly high, which was entirely different from the Zherou people.

 

Historically, after the Yi River dyke burst, the Zherou people seized the opportunity to invade southward, leaving Ying Changchuan no time to train his troops.

 

But now… Jiang Yuxun suddenly found himself looking forward to seeing what this already disciplined army could grow into.

 

He couldn’t help but glance outside.

 

After a pause, he resumed his work.

 

Evening, in the military tent.

 

Jiang Yuxun, dressed in light gray training attire, was standing with a soldier, both holding swords.

 

“Draw your sword—”

 

Just as Jiang Yuxun gave the order, a flash of silver light passed in front of him.

 

“Yes, sir!” The soldier immediately drew his sword to block the silver blade.

 

The next moment, the two swords collided heavily with a crisp “clang.”

 

The impact made Jiang Yuxun’s hand go slightly numb, but he only frowned without dropping his sword.

 

After a few seconds to adjust, he swung his sword again, aiming at his opponent’s neck.

 

The soldier was startled and instinctively raised his sword to block.

 

Unexpectedly, just as the light sword was about to touch his neck, Jiang Yuxun changed direction, thrusting toward the soldier’s abdomen.

 

His ponytail swayed gently with his movements.

 

In that instant, his dark eyes reflected the silver light.

 

His brows seemed to grow more mature and fierce in that moment.

 

Although Jiang Yuxun didn’t have great strength, he knew how to apply leverage skillfully.

 

Before the opponent could evade, his unsharpened silver blade was already pressing against the soldier’s abdomen.

 

Had this been the battlefield, the soldier might have been disemboweled.

 

The soldier took a frightened step back, and his sword clattered to the ground.

 

Clearly, he hadn’t expected someone who appeared so refined like Jiang Yuxun to have such skill!

 

The soldier paused, then couldn’t help but exclaim, “Sir Jiang, that was remarkable swordsmanship!”

 

“Phew…”

 

Jiang Yuxun exhaled, holding his knee as he tried to steady his breathing.

 

After a few seconds, he finally placed his sword aside with a smile, then bowed to the soldier who had practiced with him, “Thank you for letting me win.”

 

…

 

This winter and spring, Jiang Yuxun abandoned his old habit of inconsistent training.

 

Every morning, he would spend at least an hour practicing swordsmanship diligently.

 

Under the constant prodding of Ying Changchuan, this “strict teacher,” Jiang Yuxun gradually found a sword technique that suited him.

 

He was not physically strong, nor did he have much strength, but he had the advantage of quick reflexes and agile movements.

 

After realizing this, Jiang Yuxun, once he had mastered the basic sword techniques, found some sword manuals that would let him leverage his strengths and began studying them.

 

Just now, seeing soldiers sparring in the tent, he couldn’t resist the curiosity to test his current level and asked someone to spar with him.

 

The official from the Xuanyin Bureau, who had come north with Ying Changchuan, handed a water jug to Jiang Yuxun.

 

After drinking most of it in one go, he finally smiled and turned to look at the other side of the tent.

 

“Your Majesty, were there any issues with my swordsmanship just now?”

 

Although Jiang Yuxun asked this, there was a subtle delight in his eyes.

 

The firelight in the tent illuminated his brows and eyes.

 

Jiang Yuxun hadn’t realized—at this moment, he was entirely in the posture of waiting for praise.

 

The soldier he sparred with had been serving in the army for over a year.

 

Initially, Jiang Yuxun hadn’t thought he could beat him.

 

…Now, it seemed his level might be passable?

 

“Not bad indeed,” Ying Changchuan put down his teacup and walked over slowly. “Your moves in intercepting and lifting the sword were very precise, and your reflexes were quick.”

 

Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but let his lips curl slightly.

 

He was about to thank His Majesty when he heard him change the topic: “Is that all you wanted to ask me?”

 

“Huh?”

 

Jiang Yuxun’s chest was still heaving uncontrollably.

 

The loose strands of hair at his forehead had somehow stuck to his face.

 

After a few seconds, realizing what he wanted to say, Jiang Yuxun’s ears, unusually, reddened.

 

Unconsciously, he clenched his hand.

 

He averted his gaze, coughed softly in embarrassment, and murmured, “…I wanted to ask Your Majesty if perhaps I didn’t perform as poorly as you originally thought? Maybe I even did fairly well? If Your Majesty could offer a few words of praise, it would be even better to boost my reputation a bit.”

 

Jiang Yuxun, you really shouldn’t get carried away…

 

How could you go seeking praise in front of the emperor?

 

Is that even proper?

 

At the word “poor,” the emperor chuckled lightly.

 

He casually turned the jade ring on his finger and asked, “How should I praise?”

 

At some point, the official from Xuanyin Bureau had exited the tent, leaving only Jiang Yuxun and Ying Changchuan inside.

 

The emperor’s voice was clear, lazy, slightly hoarse, and when it reached Jiang Yuxun’s ears, it made them itch faintly.

 

He instinctively looked away and murmured, “For example, praise that I have some talent?”

 

Before he could finish, Jiang Yuxun already felt a bit guilty.

 

Ying Changchuan: “…”

 

The tent fell silent once more.

 

Before Ying Changchuan could respond, Jiang Yuxun suddenly sighed to himself, “…I really don’t know my own worth.”

 

Early the next morning, the Zhou envoy was ready to set out.

 

The yellow sand in Ze County had finally subsided this morning, and the sky was a clear blue.

 

A gentle breeze rustled the distant green wheat shoots, creating a soft rustling sound that, from afar, looked like undulating waves.

 

Although Jiang Yuxun was the youngest of this envoy group, he carried the heaviest responsibilities.

 

At dawn, the first light spread over the horizon.

 

It tinged the white manes of the fine horses and illuminated the military tents scattered on the ground like stars.

 

By the time Jiang Yuxun stepped outside, the others had already boarded the carriage.

 

Just as he was about to find his place, a soldier quickly approached and saluted him, saying, “Master Jiang, this way—”

 

Today, Jiang Yuxun was not only the “Palace Attendant” or “Minister of the Ministry of Personnel,” but also a representative of Zhou as an envoy.

 

Therefore, he was not dressed in his usual official attire but had donned a more formal ceremonial robe, with a headpiece that symbolized his status.

 

Jiang Yuxun rarely dressed so formally, and at this moment, he appeared much more mature.

 

“Alright.” He nodded and followed.

 

The ceremonial robes of Zhou officials vary by season, with spring attire in blue.

 

The Northern Frontier military camp was built on barren land, which was yellowish even without sand.

 

From afar, only the blue robes of the envoy showed a hint of vitality.

 

“Wait.” Just before reaching the carriage, Jiang Yuxun suddenly stopped.

 

In the next instant, all the accompanying soldiers turned to look at him.

 

“What’s the matter, Master Jiang?”

 

Jiang Yuxun didn’t hurry to board but instead turned to look at the largest tent in the distance.

 

The emperor of Zhou stood here with the Xuanyin Bureau, watching those about to depart for Zherou from afar.

 

Though Ying Changchuan kept a low profile for this journey, everyone present was aware of his identity.

 

Jiang Yuxun’s heart skipped a beat.

 

He turned to the soldier beside him with a smile, then said softly, “Let’s keep it formal, after all.”

 

The King of Zherou ruled without truly governing, and the new king was merely a child whose teeth hadn’t fully grown in.

 

This kind of “diplomatic activity” took place every year, but neither side paid much attention to it.

 

Yet, as it was his first time leaving this territory on behalf of “Zhou,” Jiang Yuxun suddenly felt that a touch of ceremony was in order.

 

The spring breeze stirred, lifting the blue hem of the young envoy’s robes.

 

The pine-stone necklace hanging over his chest swayed gently with it.

 

Amid the yellow sand, he was the only touch of green.

 

Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but straighten his posture, raise his hand to his forehead, and bow solemnly to the emperor of Zhou.

 

His movements were impeccably precise, his posture as upright as green bamboo.

 

Somehow, the morning light had faded, leaving only a crimson sun in the distance.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

After finishing his bow, Jiang Yuxun straightened up, ready to turn and head to the carriage.

 

But at that moment, he suddenly saw…

 

By the military tent not far away, Ying Changchuan, dressed in dark robes, smiled at him.

 

Then, he lifted his hand in return, also offering Jiang Yuxun a bow.

 

Ying Changchuan’s movements were graceful and solemn.

 

Jiang Yuxun’s eyes widened involuntarily.

 

—According to the customs of the previous dynasty, after a minister performed a bow, the emperor would reciprocate as a gesture of respect.

 

But since Ying Changchuan’s ascension, this custom had ceased.

 

This was Jiang Yuxun’s first time seeing Ying Changchuan bow in return to a minister.

 

His breath hitched.

 

Jiang Yuxun blinked gently to ensure he wasn’t mistaken.

 

The spring breeze suddenly intensified, stirring the horse manes.

 

Someone cracked a whip, and the warhorses neighed, pulling the carriages northward.

 

The Xuanyin Bureau officers and soldiers stationed outside the military tents also retreated into the camp.

 

A general who had accompanied Ying Changchuan stepped forward and saluted, saying, “Your Majesty, shall we head to the training ground now?”

 

“No rush.” Ying Changchuan squinted, looking into the distance.

 

Jiang Yuxun, led by the soldier, walked towards the last carriage.

 

Just as he was about to board, he paused once more.

 

After a moment of hesitation, he couldn’t resist raising his hand slightly, waving lightly in Ying Changchuan’s direction.

 

In the next instant, he finally smiled, lifted the curtain, and stepped into the carriage.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

“Yes, Master Jiang—”

 

The spring breeze made the distant wheat fields sway gently.

 

The red sun illuminated the vast sky.

 

The carriage gradually headed in the direction of Zherou until it disappeared into a speck in the distance, and only then did the emperor turn back towards the military camp.

 

The author’s note:

 

Jiang Yuxun: Ying Changchuan is surprisingly courteous.