Chapter 590: Forever Contending for Second

As the Grand Martial Contest drew nearer, the East Great Camp seethed with undercurrents. The Special Recruit Camp was a hassle-free direct path to the Feather Forest Guard, unlike the other forbidden armies. The King had heard some sour talk from the other Qu.

After spending two uneventful days in the camp, a sudden downpour struck that evening, and in just a moment those training outside were drenched to the bone.

Seeing that it was getting late, the unit simply disbanded.

The rain before the autumn harvest was also a good thing; for the East Great Camp, which didn't farm, the heat was washed away and the mood improved, everyone smiling. The rain fell hard, and puddles formed instantly in the uneven spots. The King was soaked through, and the disbanded troublemakers weren't in a hurry to leave, energetically hopping about on the drill field as he trudged through the puddles, splish‑splashing…

Wei Ke, who had been constantly by his side, soon shook his head and walked off; he could tolerate getting wet, but not mud.

"That kid from the Special Recruit Camp is dancing in the rain…"

"He hasn't grown up yet…"

"But he's quite capable, with that immense strength and good looks—he might even make it to the Imperial Presence someday…"

Someone called out to him, "Hey, Qian Xiaoxiong!"

That night at rest, Wei Ke noticed the King's spirits were high—no longer the listless King of the past two days. Had the undercurrents really surged here to the King? Or… was he blind?

"May I ask which faction is looking for you?"

The King, like his vigilant xiou, snapped his head around: "What? There are still several factions?!' It seems there are still things the King doesn't know!

Wei Ke: ……

"The upper echelons have already been taken out by you; now the biggest left is Qu Chang. Liang He's military officers directly manage these Qu Chang; these people previously had various factions, but after being cut down in one sweep they're now a disorganized mess, unable to stir up big waves. In our region, Li Yu, Fang Shoutong, and Zhang Junzhang were originally direct subordinates of the Marquis of Dingbei; the officer they followed was the Marquis's younger brother, who had received unlimited favors—calling them top troops of the East Great Camp wouldn't be an exaggeration. Now they've become just another mediocre part of the 220,000, and it's their frolicking that's welcome. Also, there's Sun Gong and his crew here; their background seems questionable, so we'll have Liang He look into them."

Hearing that, the King's ardor cooled by half: "Sun Gong? Let's wait until he smoothly enters the Feather Forest."

"Li Qu and his lot, you mean they can't stir up trouble? They got me to join the squad opposing the Grand Martial Contest, saying it's unfair, that we should unite to gain a say and give Liang He a taste of his own medicine—basically that's the idea."

Wei Ke drawled, "Give Liang He a taste of his own medicine? Leap up and slit his throat, spraying blood in his face?"

The King: ……

He was unwilling: "Cousin, if you keep this up, you won't be my favorite brother anymore."

"Will I still lose to Wei Shen?"

The King spoke righteously: "No, Aheng is still here—I still have a choice! Aheng does whatever I say, pointing where to strike. I had him sell vegetable seedlings, and he'd also set up a stall nearby to hawk sweet potatoes."

Wei Ke: ……

After the lights went out at night, Wei Ke lay down beside him, and the King again moved close, unbothered by past grudges: "Since a scattered mess can't stir up waves, let's achieve our second goal. How about we four strive to take the top four spots in the Grand Martial Contest? Then we'll be a formidable presence in the army." Leaving behind a legend, thinking it lovely, the King himself laughed out loud.

"Does Ling Yin count too? That's a bit bullying, isn't it?"

The King smacked his lips, "Then I, the king, will forever contend for second place."

Wei Ke: ……

The next day, everyone found the King training all day with high spirits, his combat power doubled. The few he had recruited yesterday thought he'd gotten motivated and was working hard. Whenever the King met someone's gaze, he'd throw a meaningful glance, everything left unsaid, and Wei Shen could see goosebumps rising all over him.