Chapter 100: Cen Shen Comes to Join

At the rear mountain of the princess’s residence, the sharp sound of gunfire echoed continuously—bang, bang, bang. The wild birds that once nested there had all fled as far away as they could.

The mountains were lush and green, and halfway up the slope lay a shooting range, which was included in Wu Yueling’s design plans.

Swiftly darting among the wooden stakes was Wu Yueling herself, wielding dual revolvers. She moved through the course, shattering dozens of wooden targets perched atop the stakes.

A faint scent of gunpowder lingered in the air, and wisps of smoke curled from the gun barrels. Rising and glancing back at the targets, she noted that not a single shot had missed. Shooting on the move, relying purely on instinct, she had finally reached the level she desired. With her current cultivation of the martial art, she was barely a second-tier expert; but with a gun in hand, she could hold her own against surprise attacks from first-tier masters.

She then took out an ordinary sniper rifle. She lacked much experience with sniping, as the mechanics in games and reality differed greatly.

Depending on a gun’s power, the durability consumed per shot varied. This common sniper rifle could only fire two hundred rounds before wearing out. The Barrett, for example, lost five percent durability with a single shot, so she dared not use it.

Now, even hitting a target a thousand meters away proved challenging; the bullets always strayed off course.

Just as she crouched down, resting the rifle on a support and aligning her eye with the scope to lock onto the red hanging dummy atop the mountain peak, Hua Chuer approached.

“Miss, Elder He has arrived!”

“Oh?” Wu Yueling stood, surprised. Elder He usually spent his time fishing at the pavilion. If he came here, it must be important. She glanced at Hua Chuer, who was curiously staring at the sniper rifle on the ground. “Let’s go.”

A roar sounded!

A great white tiger leapt out from the grass. Seeing its master no longer stern, it quickly ran over, circling around her.

Hua Chuer picked up the heavy sniper rifle from the ground, then vanished as usual after a moment. She flipped through her hands, unable to fathom how the rifle disappeared. The young lady didn’t explain, and Hua Chuer dared not question—a weapon that suddenly appeared and disappeared, like a stone crashing against a house.

Wu Yueling patted the white tiger’s head and descended the mountain with it.

Entering the main hall, she saw Elder He and a tall young man with a rugged appearance. The young man’s eyes were sharp, his face covered in stubble, lending him a somewhat disheveled look. Beside him rested a long spear, its tip gleaming sharply—a sign of meticulous care. Clearly, he was a martial artist. Since he came with Elder He, perhaps the matter Elder He wished to discuss involved this man.

Wu Yueling removed her shoes outside and entered through the main door. Instead of sitting in the master’s seat, she chose to kneel slowly opposite Elder He.

“Elder He, who is this gentleman?”

“Haha, young friend Yueling, this is Cen Shen! A student I took in a few years ago—quite skilled in martial arts!” Elder He, seeing that the princess did not assume the host’s seat, understood her intent immediately and introduced the young man beside him with a change in tone.

Wu Yueling smiled and looked at the stubbly-faced young man. Cen Shen! She recalled a poem she once memorized titled "Song of White Snow Sending the Military Judge Back to the Capital"—wasn’t he its author? Excited, she slapped the table.

Cen Shen intended to introduce himself but was confused by the princess’s enthusiasm. He glanced at Elder He, who shrugged, and then back at the princess… who had already risen.

“You are Cen Shen?” Wu Yueling approached him, looking him over from left to right, then thoughtfully stroked her chin. If he shaved off his beard, trimmed his messy hair, and styled a mushroom cut, he’d be the quintessential modern warm-hearted young man.

“That would be me!” Cen Shen was puzzled—why did the princess seem so interested in his face? Did he look like a monster?

Elder He was also perplexed; the princess’s expression did not resemble one of love at first sight.

“Xiao Chun! Send someone to Tianci Pavilion for some distilled liquor!” Elder He commanded, then clasped his hands and asked Cen Shen, “Do you like strong spirits?”

Hearing this, Cen Shen laughed heartily. “I enjoy all kinds of alcohol and hope the princess will not disdain my shabby appearance!”

Waving his hand, he returned to his seat.

“How could I disdain it? But my distilled liquor is different. It burns the lips, seals the throat, and warms the body!”

“Oh?” Elder He’s eyes brightened. He had never heard of such liquor, nor tasted it. “Is there truly such a marvelous drink?”

“You’ll know once you try it. If you like it, Elder He, I shall gift you a jar!”

“Hahaha, Cen Shen, every time I visit the princess, I find something new, especially wine!” Elder He laughed heartily and explained to Cen Shen.

“I have drunk beer at the Journey to the West Tavern, but this is the first time I’ve tasted a liquor that burns upon swallowing! Quite distinctive!”

As they chatted, Wu Yueling realized that Elder He was recommending Cen Shen to serve the princess’s household. This pleased her immensely. Regardless of his future, just having a martial artist was valuable. The two thousand-plus soldiers were disciplined but lacked proper guidance and training.

If left to Hua Chuer, she might just lead those two thousand rogues astray…

At that moment, the liquor arrived, placed on the table before the three.

The amber liquid poured out, releasing a rich aroma. This drink was unlike any they usually had; its fragrance was intensely mellow.

“This is distilled liquor, brewed with ginseng and wolfberries! Let us first toast to Elder He, wishing him a long life as enduring as the southern mountains!” Wu Yueling raised her cup. Thankfully, the servant only poured half a bowl. She pinched her nose, closed her eyes, and downed it in one gulp.

Seeing the princess do so, Cen Shen also toasted Elder He. True feelings required sincerity, so without hesitation, he drank it all… cough, cough!

Having swallowed the mouthful, both Elder He and Cen Shen were choked by the burning sensation. The liquor was indeed potent!

They opened their mouths several times but could not speak, only looking at the princess for guidance.

Wu Yueling squinted. After downing her drink, she tilted her head back, stretched her neck, and slowly exhaled the breath laced with alcohol fumes. The sensation reminded her of the medicinal distilled liquor her grandfather brewed in his youth.

Opening her eyes, she looked at the two still recovering and said with a smile, “This liquor is strong and powerful. Elder He, you are older; after this bowl, please stop. Since you often fish by the water, this drink will help dispel rheumatism. It is infused with ginseng, and I shall gift that jar to you. Remember not to overindulge!”

Elder He gladly accepted the princess’s advice. “Young friend Yueling speaks wisely. This liquor is indeed strong. It seems I must visit you often!”

“If Elder He wishes to come, Yueling will certainly welcome you!”

Elder He’s white beard trembled as his laughter thundered through the hall, sounding genuinely joyful. Standing outside, Ah Xiang laughed along with her master.

After bidding farewell to Elder He, Wu Yueling spoke briefly with Cen Shen and then led him to the training grounds behind the residence, where the men working the fields had gathered.

More than 2,500 men stood in neat formations. Cen Shen was astonished; even the Dragon Guards of the palace lacked such vigor. He was dazed—were these all militia from the princess’s household?

Wu Yueling stood before them and declared that Cen Shen would be their chief commander. Besides herself, Cen Shen would be their highest authority from today onward. Anyone who objected could step forward and fight; if they won, they could assume the leadership.

As expected, Ma Erha, the careless younger brother of Ma Daha, was the first to challenge. He was promptly and thoroughly beaten into submission. All subsequent challengers were similarly defeated.

Cen Shen requested some training weapons from the princess. Wu Yueling explained that only fifty of her personal guards were currently equipped, meaning the household’s maximum weapon quota was fifty. Equipping over two thousand men would surely be deemed rebellion, which was far from wise.

Since this was militia training, wooden sticks and shields would suffice. These men were manpower, and their labor was best utilized in land reclamation and farming—one of their practical applications.

Cen Shen agreed with the princess’s reasoning. He was surprised that a teenager could consider so many aspects and employ training methods he didn’t fully understand. Ultimately, he decided to observe the situation before making changes. Since they were training soldiers, they needed to develop a proper formation.

That night, Wan’er timidly confessed to the young lady that she had rummaged through her belongings and revealed the situation at Elder He’s pavilion, bracing for punishment. Unauthorized tampering with the master’s property was absolutely forbidden.

Wu Yueling did not blame Wan’er, understanding that it was a case of unintended consequences. With things as they were, she did not hold it against Wan’er. She was somewhat concerned about Wang Li’s attitude but considered her a good child for admitting her fault.