Chapter 117: Chapter 59: Seeds of Resentment

For the next two days, Shen Ruoxi went to inspect the crossbow made by Ning Zhen’er with great curiosity.

This sight indeed filled her with surprise.

In the Crossbow Camp, several soldiers saw her coming to inspect, and enthusiasm instantly surged.

Zheng Duwei in the Crossbow Camp smiled broadly, in their hearts, Shen Ruoxi was like a lucky star descending, bringing endless good fortune to the barracks.

“Miss Shen, allow me to test it for you.” Zheng Duwei said eagerly.

“Thank you, Zheng Duwei.” Shen Ruoxi replied with a smile.

Only Zheng Duwei himself operated it, the arrows flew out successively, the swift momentum causing Shen Ruoxi to widen her eyes, filled with amazement.

Although the loading speed of this crossbow was somewhat slow, the power displayed when the arrows were fired consecutively was truly astounding.

The range was extremely far, and the accuracy was remarkably precise, no wonder even Jun Moling spoke highly of Ning Zhen’er, this woman indeed had a great mind.

Shen Ruoxi stared thoughtfully at the crossbow, and Zheng Duwei noticed and asked with a smile, “Miss Shen, do you have any thoughts on this?”

“I feel the carved wooden parts are quite time-consuming and laborious, aren’t they?” Shen Ruoxi voiced her doubt.

“Indeed, because of this, the output is not high, which is somewhat troublesome. If our crossbowmen each had one, not only would it reduce losses, but the power exerted would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced.” Zheng Duwei nodded, his expression showing a hint of helplessness.

“Is the arm of this crossbow made of wood? Have you tried replacing it with iron?” Shen Ruoxi continued to ask.

“We tried, but after changing to iron, it became too heavy, and the force was insufficient to pull, making the arrow loading speed even slower.” Zheng Duwei frowned, apparently quite troubled by this.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Ruoxi said, “I’ll take one back to study.”

Zheng Duwei replied without hesitation, “Alright.”

Shen Ruoxi held a crossbow, bid farewell to everyone, and then turned to leave.

Back in her room, she deftly dismantled all components of the crossbow, carefully scrutinized it, and couldn’t help but regard Ning Zhen’er in a new light.

The construction of this crossbow was intricate, and the craftsmanship was remarkable.

However, Shen Ruoxi was contemplating how to further refine it.

Her delicate brows furrowed, concentrating so much that she didn’t even notice Qing Ning’s entrance.

It was Qing Ning’s complaining voice that interrupted her thoughts, “Miss Shen, that Feng Ming is downright obnoxious! She actually said my skills are lacking.

She wants me to leave, and she wants to take my place. Fortunately, the Marshal didn’t agree and said he would send her back to the capital.”

Shen Ruoxi looked at Qing Ning’s angry face, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her mouth, and she softly said, “Since the Marshal made a decision, why worry?”

Qing Ning, hearing this, became even more anxious, stomping her feet, “But she just won’t leave! She doesn’t dare to trouble you, yet she pesters me every day.

She even threatened that unless I beat her, she’d label me incompetent and would never leave, it’s driving me crazy!”

Shen Ruoxi gently shook her head, her gaze showing some understanding.

She knew well, although Qing Ning possessed some martial arts skills, the gap compared to the Emperor’s Hidden Guard was indeed vast.

And Feng Ming must have noticed this point, hence her refusal to return.

Moreover, perhaps returning she wouldn’t have a proper explanation for the Emperor, thus trying everything to tangle herself in this.

“Why don’t you call her over!” Shen Ruoxi said nonchalantly.

Qing Ning, hearing this, immediately broke into a pleased smile, quickly replied, “Alright.”

She said, then rushed out in a hurry.

Shen Ruoxi watched Qing Ning’s departing figure, shook her head gently in resignation.

Feng Ming hastily walked over, politely greeted Shen Ruoxi.

However, after the greeting, she pursed her lips, said nothing, just silently stared at Shen Ruoxi, her gaze filled with intense emotion, clearly silently accusing.

Accusing her for tricking them to leave, prompting the Emperor’s anger and punishing them.

Shen Ruoxi’s expression remained gentle, she softly said, “Miss Feng Ming, please take a seat.”

Feng Ming thanked before seating, still maintaining silence, as if the surrounding air condensed due to her gloom.

“I know you harbor discontent towards me, yet I have a question I’d like to ask you.

If the Emperor ordered you to stay in the harem as his concubine, what would you plan to do?” Shen Ruoxi’s voice broke the oppressive silence.

Feng Ming was completely taken aback when Shen Ruoxi suddenly posed such a question, and for a moment, he stood there dumbfounded.

After a while, she slightly furrowed her brow, “Marquis Shen, how could the Emperor possibly be interested in your subordinate? I am just a mere warrior.”

Shen Ruoxi smiled faintly, “Look at how you reject the notion so vehemently; am I not the same?

Feelings can’t be forced after all. You should return and report to the Emperor!

Once this battle is over, I’ll return. I believe capturing Xia Pass shouldn’t take too long.”

“Marquis Shen, after the battle, I am willing to return to the capital with you. Now that I am here, I am determined to go to the battlefield and serve the country, contributing what little I can,” Feng Ming said resolutely.

“Are you serious?” Shen Ruoxi slightly raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing Feng Ming.

“Yes!” Feng Ming replied firmly, without a trace of hesitation.

Shen Ruoxi pondered for a moment, then said, “Alright, you can also stay then.”

Upon hearing this, Qing Ning was almost scared to tears, exclaiming in panic, “Miss Shen, are you trying to drive your subordinate away? I absolutely will not leave, I won’t go anywhere!”

Since the day she followed Shen Ruoxi, she had deemed herself one of Miss Shen’s people.

Being by her side, she had never felt a trace of unease. She couldn’t have imagined that Miss Shen would consider keeping Feng Ming while discarding her.

It was a pity that she had joyfully gone to call Feng Ming earlier.

“With your martial arts skills, you definitely can’t protect Miss Shen, don’t be resentful,” Feng Ming said, not missing a chance to jab Qing Ning.

Qing Ning tightly clenched her fingers, full of distress.

Seeing Qing Ning in such a state, Shen Ruoxi felt touched, as their many days together had deepened their bond.

“You stay as well. Let’s research the crossbows I have later.”

Upon hearing she could stay, Qing Ning was instantly so happy she forgot herself, even smiling provocatively at Feng Ming, saying, “Miss Shen, I knew you couldn’t do without your subordinate.”

“Alright, come over quickly, let’s study and see if we can make this crossbow more advanced,” Shen Ruoxi said with a faint smile.

…

At that moment, Jun Moling was sitting with several commanders, jointly studying the terrain.

The terrain of Xia Pass is treacherous and towering, its defense impregnable, especially the Moon Valley on the key route, filled with hidden dangers. It could easily become a perilous shortcut for an ambush; capturing it is indeed not easy.

“Damn!” Xu Ji couldn’t help but swear, “Were the brains of those abandoning the pass kicked by a donkey? That Dayi would produce such disgraceful commanders is indeed a shame!”

“Dusi Xu, watch your language!” Zhai Wen reminded in a low voice.

Pei Xuan quickly patted Xu Ji’s shoulder, “There’s no use in talking about this now; recapturing this pass is the top priority.”

Jun Moling gazed deeply at the map, then raised his eyes to the solemn-faced Guan Qizhe, and asked, “Vanguard Guan, do you have any thoughts on this battle?”

Guan Qizhe pointed to the lookout post, the top of Moon Valley, and the city gates of Xia Pass, saying, “Marshal, these three places are key.”

Guan Qizhe paused, lowering his voice, “If we do this…”

Jun Moling nodded continuously in praise, truly worthy of being General Guan’s son; indeed, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

…

Outside on the lawn, several soldiers gathered together, indignantly saying, “Vice Vanguard Liu, the Marshal really doesn’t respect you, calling in Vanguard Guan, Xu Ji, and Pei Xuan to discuss the battle, leaving you out entirely, it’s a huge injustice!”

Liu Qian was already filled with resentment, very angry, now being brought up made his face full of bitterness, unable to hide it!

“Don’t speak!”

“I am just standing up for you.”

Liu Qian’s face looked even more grim.

On the arena, he could have easily taken first place, but his master wouldn’t let him steal the spotlight, asking him to get along with those prominent family sons, as long as he could enter the military camp officially.

He didn’t understand his master’s motives, but had to listen and settle for second place.

Now, the commanders who came along are all in the main tent discussing the battle with Jun Moling, leaving him out, can he be content?

This is blatant disrespect! Making him lose face in front of the soldiers, this humiliation can’t be swallowed.

His face was grim, the air around filled with a heavy pressure, and suddenly they heard the loud call of a Hunting Falcon resounding in the sky…

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