Chapter 626: I

Outside the fence on the east side of the Main Camp, Lu Wu took the iron spade, jumped into the ditch, and flung soil outward with each scoop.

The sun grew ever hotter, scorching his back, sweat beads streaming down his face, and the blood blisters on his hands were worn through.

After finally finishing the digging, he straightened his back, wiped his sweat, and just as he lifted his head, Tuan Tuan appeared again.

She rode atop the dark‑skinned big man's shoulders, holding a string of bright red wild fruits, laughing joyfully.

The white fox followed behind, its four short legs scurrying wildly, leaping now and then, trying to reach the fruits in her hand.

Tuan Tuan raised the fruits higher, waved them toward Xiao Feifei and called, "Come on, come on!"

Xiao Feifei cried "Eee‑eee‑eee," and jumped even higher.

Lu Wu gripped the iron spade, standing in the ditch, feeling his chest constricted with anxiety.

The child he was desperate to approach was right before his eyes, so close he could see the pearl hairpin on her head.

But he just couldn't reach her.

"Let's go, brothers!"

Lu Wu hadn't even caught his breath when he was hauled to the stables.

Inside the stables were dozens of warhorses, each plump and robust, with glossy coats.

Lu Wu took the brush, and as he approached a dark‑red mare, the horse suddenly snorted, flicked its tail, and almost struck his face.

"Old Zhao, what's up with you today? How come you can't even brush a horse?"

The soldiers beside him roared with laughter, cleaning the horses next to them in just a few strokes.

Lu Wu gritted his teeth and brushed the horse's back stroke after stroke.

The horse, however, was far from obedient, constantly turning its head toward him, blowing hot breath onto his face, forcing him to retreat sharply.

"Hahaha! Old Zhao, why didn't we notice you were afraid of horses before?" several soldiers laughed uproariously.

Lu Wu's face flushed bright red, but he dared not speak, forced to press on with the brush.

After finally finishing one horse, Tuan Tuan appeared again.

The brush in Lu Wu's hand nearly fell, because she seemed to be everywhere!

This time, she held a handful of fodder, standing on tiptoe as she added it to the feed trough.

Xiao Feifei squatted at her feet, tilting her head to watch the horses eat.

Tuan Tuan said softly, "Horses, horses, eat more; you're the hardest workers!"

Xiao Er stood nearby, pressing down on the fodder basket for her, making it easier to lift.

Lu Wu stared blankly.

"Old Zhao! Stop spacing out! There are three more!" a soldier shouted.

Lu Wu snapped back to attention, lowered his head, and kept brushing horses—one after another—never daring to pause, fearing anyone would become suspicious.

After adding the fodder, Tuan Tuan clapped her hands, stood up, and said, "Second Uncle, I'm hungry!"

Xiao Er laughed, scooped her up, and said, "Let's go back for a meal."

Tuan Tuan perched on his shoulder, waved toward them, "Uncles, great work! Finish quickly and we'll go back for meat!"

The soldiers replied in unison, "Thank you, Princess (Commandery)!"

Lu Wu twitched his mouth; that little brat had finally left.

At last, all the work was done; Lu Wu dragged his lead‑weight legs with the crowd toward the mess hall.

Before even entering, a rich meaty aroma hit his nose, making his stomach rumble.

The flatbread he ate this morning had already been completely consumed while chopping wood, digging ditches, and brushing horses.

The cook handed him a bowl of steaming rice, topped with a thick layer of stewed meat and a few vegetable leaves, the glossy broth soaking the grains beneath.

Lu Wu lifted the bowl, found a spot to sit, and took a bite.

The meat was stewed to tenderness, melting in his mouth, the salty, fragrant juices exploding on his tongue.

He scooped another big mouthful; the rice grains were distinct, mingled with meat juices, chewing up a burst of flavor.

He paused, lowered his head, and stared at the bowl, wondering why it tasted so good.

He used to eat gourmet delicacies every meal, yet always complained the cook's skill was lacking.

But now, a simple bowl of stewed meat rice made his throat tighten.

Lu Wu buried his head, shoveling mouthfuls, even licking the oily broth from the bottom of the bowl clean.

A nearby soldier grinned, "Old Zhao, why are you eating so heartily today? You're faster than me."

Lu Wu mumbled a reply, daring not to continue speaking.

After finishing his meal, Lu Wu leaned against the wooden post behind him, his whole skeleton feeling as if it had been taken apart and reassembled.

He lifted his eyes and looked at the soldiers around him.

Those who had worked with him all morning were now wolfing down their food, smiling broadly, each radiant as if they possessed inexhaustible vigor.

How could these people, after so much labor, still be so energetic?

The troops trained by Prince Ning truly are formidable!

He had always thought soldiers were all the same, merely differing in blade speed or armor thickness.

Today he saw with his own eyes why the people of Jingcheng feared Xibei Daying so much.

Look at these soldiers: they eat heartily, work efficiently, no task seems too hard, no one complains, and their eyes still shine.

With troops like these, losing a battle would be the oddity.

Lu Wu gradually relaxed; that child was restless and would surely run around this afternoon, so he needed to find her quickly.

What should I say to her to get her to follow me out of the Main Camp?

I mustn't let these soldiers notice; each looks at her as if she were their own child, and if they realized, they'd surely eat me alive.

Just as his mind was filled with thoughts of Tuan Tuan.

Tuan Tuan came running in, hopping and jumping, and Xiao Feifei followed behind her, rolling in like a snowball.

That dark-skinned big guy actually wasn't there!

Lu Wu's eyes lit up, and she was overjoyed.

Great, no need to look—they came right to our door!

The soldiers all stood up, laughing and shouting, "How did the Princess come?"

"Is the Princess hungry? Want to eat a few more bites?"

"Stop asking! Hurry up and serve the Princess!"

Tuan Tuan smiled sweetly: "No need, uncles! I'm full!"

Lu Wu frowned, wondering what's so good about her.

"It's just a little kid, right?"

The next moment, Zhang Wu'an strode in with big steps and scooped Tuan Tuan into his arms.

"Brothers! Have you eaten enough? If you're full, hurry up and leave!"

"The Princess just said we'll add a match at the Training Ground later!"

"Whoever wins gets to spend the whole day playing with her tomorrow!"

"Whoa——"

The kitchen instantly exploded.

Everyone stood up, threw their bowls and chopsticks on the table, and shoved their way out, as if afraid of being late.

"Really? Great! If I win, I'll make you all jealous to death!"

"Come on, with just your two moves, I'm about the same!"

"Don't crowd! Who wins isn't certain yet!"

Lu Wu was swept along in the crowd, her feet off the ground as she surged outward.

He stared wide-eyed, "What? A match? Me?"

"I'm a Yin Yang Master!"