Chapter 647: Learning from My Brother

Chang'an.

The sun had just passed the hour of Chen, already exuding heat; a hot wind swirled the dust of the Xiaochang, swept over the blue‑brick wall of the Right Guard garrison, and made the copper bells at the eaves tinkle lightly.

In the garrison hall by the window, Yuwen Ze wore a Bright Light armor, its plates shimmering cold silver in the morning light; a dark leather belt cinched his lean waist, making his heroic, upright bearing even more striking, his posture like a pine.

With his hands folded, he stood beneath the window, his gaze falling outward; under the eaves, several old locust trees spread dense foliage, their shade covering half of the barracks.

Occasional cicada cries burst from the leaves, mingling with the clatter of soldiers in distant barracks arranging weapons, forming the camp's unique morning melody.

His shoulder plates fit snugly, the collar revealing a dark robe; strands of hair at his forehead fluttered in the wind, yet his composed demeanor remained unruffled.

Only in his obsidian‑like eyes lay a sharpness and calmness incongruent with his age, as if gazing into the distance, as if contemplating the imminent relief battle.

Two steps to his side, Yu Jian was likewise neatly clad; his armor resembled Yuwen Ze's, though the shoulder decorations were simpler, his posture also upright, his handsome face bearing a hint of firmness.

His gaze rested on Yuwen Ze's silhouette, expression respectful, saying nothing from start to finish, standing quietly, awaiting orders.

In the shadowed corner of the hall, Lu Cangfeng stood like a silent stone statue, arms encircling a sword hilt, spine rigid, eyes scanning the hall like a hawk, exuding a chilling aura that warned strangers to keep away.

Though silent and still, he took in all surrounding movements with his eyes, staying ever close to guard Yuwen Ze's safety.

This calm lasted only a moment before steady footsteps echoed from outside the hall, accompanied by the light clatter of plates; General Ke Chongdao of the Right Guard strode in.

Clad in heavy armor, his face dark, shallow scars etched on his brow from battlefield, marks of years of war, a fierce, brave aura surged forward.

Yet upon entering the hall and seeing Yuwen Ze, he instantly tempered his bearing, stepped forward quickly, placed his left hand on his chest armor, performed the standard military salute, his voice loud yet respectful: "Yuwen Zhuguo, General, the five thousand Right Guard soldiers have fully assembled at the Xiaochang, weapons are ready, provisions have been counted, awaiting your instructions!"

Yuwen Ze, hearing the voice, turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Ke Chongdao, gave a slight nod, his tone calm yet authoritative: "Thank you for your effort, General Ke!"

When the words fell, his aura suddenly deepened, shedding some of his idle calm, gaining a battlefield solemnity; in a deep voice he ordered, "Lead the way ahead!"

"Yes!" Ke Chongdao answered with a nod, daring not to delay, immediately stepping aside, raising his hand in a beckoning gesture, arm slightly bent, respectfully saying, "Gentlemen, this way!"

Yuwen Ze said no more, lifted his step and led the way out of the hall; the clatter of plates rang crisp, his steady, powerful footsteps on the blue bricks each exuded composure and resolve.

Yu Jian followed closely behind, Ke Chongdao lagged a half step while leading, and Lu Cangfeng remained like a shadow, still guarding the side‑rear corner, his long blade never leaving his side, eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

The party passed through the barracks corridor; intermittently patrolling soldiers caught sight of them, instantly halted, stood chest out and saluted, their eyes full of reverence.

Only after the few passed did the patrol resume; within the camp, ranks were strict, orders like mountains, every word and deed exuded orderly solemnity.

Meanwhile, atop the Right Guard Xiaochang, a sea of people had already gathered.

Five thousand Right Guard soldiers wore uniform armor, lined up by units, the formation as orderly as a chessboard, plates glinting in swaths of silver under the scorching sun, truly spectacular.

The soldiers all stood upright, heads held high, gripping long spears or horizontal blades, quivers hanging at their waists; though the sun blazed and sweat beaded on their brows, not a single one moved out of place.

Only occasional breezes rustled the plates, and heavy breathing sounded faintly in the silent training ground.

Amid the ranks, soldier Dai Yunshan clicked his tongue, his tongue touching his cracked lips, his face full of regret, unable to help but whisper, "Why isn't the commander leading our relief to Yubi Chen Zhuguo?"

"I thought that with Qi State invading this time, we could serve under Chen Zhuguo, slay generals, capture flags, and make great achievements!"

Chen Yan commands troops like a deity; his subordinates have many achievements, and his prestige in the army is extremely high. Dai Yunshan earnestly wishes to train under him…

Thus, upon learning the commander was not Chen Zhuguo, disappointment inevitably arose.

As soon as the words fell, soldier Gao Weizhen beside him let out a light laugh, also lowering his voice to retort, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief: "Look at how you say it, is Yuwen Zhuguo that bad?"

Gao Weizhen, who enlisted together with Dai Yunshan, knows his straightforward nature, and immediately rebutted eloquently, "During last year's Hezhou unrest, the Tuyu Hun invaded the border, burning and looting; it was Yuwen Zhuguo who personally led the army. At that time the enemy surged, yet Yuwen Zhuguo remained unflustered, advancing like a cleaving bamboo, pushing straight back to the Tuyu Hun royal court!"

Gao Weizhen spoke of Yuwen Ze's battle record, his tone full of admiration.

Several nearby soldiers who heard clearly also turned their heads, their eyes showing added approval.

Soldier Huang Zui Xin, standing beside the two, immediately took up the thread, his eyes brimming with respect, his voice pressed low yet crystal clear, adding, "It doesn't stop there!"

The Tuyu Hun Great Khan had originally held stubborn resistance, but Yuwen Zhuguo forced that audacious Great Khan to open the city and surrender, signing the treaty beneath the city!

He bowed to Great Zhou, offering tributes yearly, and would no longer dare attack our borders!

Another soldier, blood boiling, immediately echoed, his tone full of confidence: "Exactly! Yuwen Zhuguo achieved such feats at a young age, it's no empty fame!"

He has long served as Chen Zhuguo's deputy, campaigning north and south many times; having learned Chen Zhuguo's tactics, with him leading the relief to Yubi, we will surely crush the Qi army!

When these words were spoken, the surrounding soldiers all nodded in agreement.

The doubts that arose because the commander wasn't Chen Zhuguo now completely vanished, replaced by trust and expectation for Yuwen Ze.

Someone whispered in agreement, "Hmm, I think Yuwen Zhuguo can do it!"

"I also think Yuwen Zhuguo won't fail; following him we'll surely achieve great deeds!"

"If the Qi army invades, our Right Guard soldiers, plus Yuwen Zhuguo leading, will surely win big!"

The murmurs, though low, gradually spread through the ranks; the once solemn training ground now held a subtle surge of morale.

The hearts of the five thousand soldiers gradually united in one place.

At that moment, a clear proclamation rang from the training ground's entrance, cutting through the surrounding whispers and echoing across the whole ground:

"Yuwen Zhuguo has arrived—!"

The instant the voice fell, the training ground fell silent.

All soldiers' expressions hardened, their backs straightened further, eyes collectively fixed toward the high platform ahead.

There, Yuwen Ze and Yu Jian, guided by Ke Chongdao, steadily walked onto the platform.

Ke Chongdao stood first on one side of the platform.

Yuwen Ze stood upright at the center of the platform, Yu Jian at his side, Lu Cangfeng guarded beneath the steps, still a silent sentinel, his gaze scanning the five thousand soldiers below.

Morning light fell on Yuwen Ze, the Bright Light armor reflecting dazzling brilliance; his posture like a pine, face serene, though not yet of age, he exuded a commanding aura that made the whole ground hum with tension.

When the three stood firm, the five thousand Right Guard soldiers simultaneously raised their hands to their chest armor, performed a uniform military salute, shouting in unison, their roar shaking the heavens, soaring to the clouds, echoing long: "We salute Yuwen Zhuguo!"

The shout fell, causing the platform to tremble slightly; it was the five thousand soldiers' awe, also the bravery of Great Zhou's troops.

Yuwen Ze's gaze swept the orderly formation below, five thousand soldiers, weapons ready, morale high; he slightly raised his hand, his voice transmitted through a simple megaphone, clear and authoritative, cutting through the roar, reaching each soldier's ear: "Soldiers, you may forgo the salute!"

"Thank you, Yuwen Zhuguo!" the five thousand soldiers responded in unison, the roar still shaking the heavens, then they straightened uniformly, withdrawing the salute, still heads held high, awaiting further orders.

The entire training ground again returned to solemn quiet, only the light rustle of wind over plates and the soldiers' steady breathing echoing through the world.

Yuwen Ze lifted one hand, pointing at himself, fingertip lightly touching his chest armor; his other hand steadily held the megaphone, a bright smile curving his lips as he laughed aloud, "I suppose everyone knows me, right?"

As his words fell, the morning light brushed his brow, accentuating the smile into a more radiant cheer, devoid of any ruler's arrogance.

Instead, he showed a few more traces of the frankness of a youthful general, unlike the solemn stillness he had just displayed by the window, yet added a bit more friendliness and deterrence.

Below the Gaotai, five thousand provincial soldiers raised their arms in unison, their roar sweeping the Xiaochang like a mountain‑shouting tsunami, shaking the surrounding locust‑tree leaves into rustle, and the dust seemed lifted and blown about by this momentum:

"Recognized!"

"Recognized!"

"Recognized!"

The three replies were uniform and crisp, each word resonant.

It was both acknowledgment of this famed young Chen Zhuguo and the soldiers' straightforward respect.

In the ranks, Huang Zuixin blinked, his thick lashes hiding a hint of understanding in his eyes, and muttered to himself: "The Grand Preceptor's sole son, the current top Chen Zhuguo, Prince of Ancheng, Right Marquis Guard Grand General, Junior Inspector of Jing Zhao Fu—such a distinguished status, in this vast Chang'an city, could anyone still not know him?"

"Moreover, after last year's counter‑attack at Tuyu Hun, he alone forced the Xiahou clan to surrender; such feats have already spread through the Great Zhou camps, who doesn't know his fame?"

He pondered this, yet his back grew ever more upright.

His gaze locked tightly on the upright figure on the Gaotai, his admiration deepening further.

Yuwen Ze looked at the orderly responding soldiers below, his smile widening, slowly nodding, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction: "Very well!"

Then, his lips curled slightly, the smile receded, his expression grew solemn, and he still spoke loudly, "Since that's the case, I won't waste more time on self‑introduction or superfluous words!"

"I have a few words to say to everyone!"

His voice was not loud, yet through the megaphone it rang clearly to every corner of the Xiaochang; the youthful general's crisp decisiveness made the five thousand soldiers instantly hold their breath and focus.

The slight commotion that had arisen from the replies instantly subsided; everyone steadied themselves, heads held high toward the Gaotai.

Their eyes were full of curiosity and anticipation.

Even their breathing unconsciously lightened, fearing to miss a single word.

Above the Xiaochang, only the soft rustle of heated wind over armor plates and occasional cicada chirps from afar underscored the deep solemnity.

Yuwen Ze held the megaphone, his gaze slowly sweeping the densely packed Formation below from east to west, south to north, taking in every young, fierce face, then got straight to the point, asking in a deep voice: "You've all heard of Chen Zhuguo's regulations, right?"

Chen Yan was a war‑god among the Great Zhou Army; his methods of command and marching rules had already spread through every camp, needing no further words, and the five thousand soldiers again answered in unison, their roar still shaking the heavens: "Heard of it!"

"Heard of it!"

After the two replies, Dai Yunshan in the ranks could not hide the envy in his eyes; the earlier regret had largely faded. He tilted his head slightly, leaned toward Gao Weizhen beside him, and whispered: "Who hasn't filled their bowl and pot after campaigning with Chen Zhuguo?"

"Every expedition brings piles of gold, silver, jewels, provisions, and cloths like mountains; even ordinary soldiers get a good share, and those who distinguish themselves are rewarded with fertile fields and mansions!"

When he said that, many nearby soldiers glanced sideways, their eyes full of unabashed longing.

Although the soldiers' backgrounds were already decent, earning an extra merit and reward to secure a more stable life for their families—who wouldn't want that?

The generous rewards under Chen Zhuguo had long been the soldiers' aspiration.

Gao Weizhen nodded repeatedly at the words, also lowering his voice to add, his tone full of agreement: "Moreover, many brothers who fought under Chen Zhuguo have been promoted by merit!"

"Countless ordinary soldiers have risen to Captain of the Ten, Colonel, and some even directly promoted to Langjiang—a leap to the heavens!"

Those words struck directly at the soldiers' hearts.

Many silently clenched their weapons tighter.

A fierce light ignited in their eyes, their anticipation of battle growing stronger, even the scorching heat of the sun seemed to lessen.

Their low whispers, though soft, reached the surrounding ranks faintly, prompting soldiers to silently echo them.

Although the Xiaochang no longer echoed with loud chatter, a hidden restlessness lingered—a keen yearning for merit and reward.

From the Gaotai, Yuwen Ze took it all in, a knowing curve lifting his mouth, and instead of rebuke, he stepped forward with a lofty bearing, pressing the megaphone slightly, his voice resonating through the entire Xiaochang, each word clear and forceful: "My regulations are the same!"

Those nine brief words cracked like thunder in the soldiers' ears, the hidden restlessness on the Xiaochang froze instantly.

Everyone held their breath and focused, their gazes burning on the Gaotai, fearing to miss any further words.

Seeing this, Yuwen Ze's smile broadened, his tone becoming even more resonant and forceful, with bold confidence: "Take wherever you reach, seize wherever you find!"

"I promise here that all spoils from this battle will be distributed by merit; those who cut down an enemy earn ten strings of cash, flag‑capturers receive five mu of fertile land, and strategists who devise brilliant plans will be promoted three ranks!"

"It will let everyone loot to their heart's content!"

"It will certainly make the journey worthwhile!"

The moment the words fell, the Xiaochang was briefly silent, then erupted in uncontrollable cheers.

The original solemn stillness was fully ignited, the five thousand soldiers' blood boiling over.

In the ranks, Dai Yunshan, who had still harbored some regret, instantly widened his eyes in excitement, his mouth unable to stop lifting, and he couldn't help but shout a low exclamation: "Great!"

That heartfelt exclamation instantly ignited the surrounding soldiers' emotions, with echoing voices of agreement rising and falling.

Gao Weizhen's eyes shone even brighter, his face full of exhilaration, smiling at those beside him: "Yuwen Zhuguo truly follows the same path as Chen Zhuguo!"

"Rewards and punishments are clear, generous and magnanimous!"

"Marching with such a commander, we certainly won't suffer losses!"

Huang Zuixin's face flushed red as well, his admiration for Yuwen Ze deepening, and he couldn't help to add: "The young Chen Zhuguo is talented and so considerate of his troops; this battle will surely start with victory!"

The other provincial soldiers were equally excited, each rubbing their fists, faces alight with excitement, nodding repeatedly while discussing; though their voices remained low, the exhilaration was evident: "It seems Yuwen Zhuguo has fully inherited Chen Zhuguo's true legacy!"

"With such clear rewards and punishments, marching with him will surely earn merit and return fully loaded!"

"What fear have the Qi army! Our Right Marquis Guard soldiers are all brave, and with the Chen Zhuguo's clear rewards, we will crush the Qi army and rush to aid Yubi!"

"Ten strings of cash! Five mu of fertile land! With such rewards, we'll cut down more Qi soldiers and earn merit to bring home!"

The discussion spread through the ranks, yet without any disorder, instead exuding an unprecedented cohesion.

All doubts in the soldiers' hearts vanished, replaced by eager anticipation of battle and a belief in inevitable victory.

The spirits, once wilted by the scorching sun, now surged fully, the five thousand soldiers standing ever more upright.

Gripping their weapons tighter, their eyes ablaze with fierce battle intent, as if already on the Yubi battlefield, awaiting orders to charge, break formation, slay generals and seize flags.

Beside them, Ke Chongdao wore a satisfied smile; after years of campaigning, he deeply understood morale's importance to any battle.

Seeing the five thousand soldiers brimming with battle spirit, his heart was already resolute: this relief to Yubi, with Yuwen Ze's keen grasp of the troops and strategy, will surely not disappoint the Court, and will repel the Qi army.

Yuwen Ze lifted his chin toward the side of the Gaotai and shouted: "Bring it up!"

As soon as the words fell, the six Personal Guards waiting at the side of the platform immediately responded; Jia Ye's light clank sounded as they all reported in unison, "Yes!"

All six were burly, robust men, clad in dark short armor, their steps steady and synchronized.

In pairs they carried a crimson large box about three and a half mouths tall, and stepped steadily onto the Gaotai Stone Steps.

The box was tightly bound with coarse hemp rope, its corners wrapped in brass, and its heavy weight pressed the six men's shoulders down slightly.

Each step was accompanied by the muffled thud of the wooden box against the Blue Bricks, unusually clear in the silent Xiaochang.

Below the platform, the five thousand garrison soldiers all fixed their gazes on the three‑mouth box, not knowing what it contained; each darkened face was full of confusion as they whispered to each other.

Dai Yunshan stood on tiptoe to observe, his brows knit, muttering low, "What is Pillar of the State Yuwen planning?"

"The box looks very heavy; could it be military rations?"

Beside him, Gao Weizhen wore a puzzled expression, shaking his head, "I don't know! Rations wouldn't be moved onto the platform, and I have no idea why they're lifting these boxes."

Huang Zuixin stared at the brass‑wrapped corners of the box, pondering, still unable to fathom the intent of Pillar of the State Yuwen.

The surrounding soldiers' murmurs rose and fell, adding unrest to the previously solemn Xiaochang; everyone's eyes glued to the three‑mouth crimson box, curiosity mingled with anticipation.

When the three‑mouth box was steadied at the center of the platform, Yuwen Ze glanced at the Personal Guard and said briskly, "Open it."

The Personal Guard rushed forward, deftly untied the rope, pried open the lid, and as the heavy lid was slowly lifted, dazzling silver light burst forth.

The box was filled with layers of silver ingots, each an official‑minted yuanbao weighing ten taels, stamped with the Great Zhou official silver mark; under the scorching early‑July sun they glittered, making eyes spin.

At that moment, the crowd below the platform erupted; Dai Yunshan's eyes bulged, his mouth hung open, and after a pause he shouted in disbelief, "Silver! Pure white silver!"

That exclamation instantly ignited the whole area, the soldiers' eyes blazing with heat.

Many could not help leaning forward, staring fixedly at the silver box on the platform, their breathing quickening.

Someone whispered while rubbing his hands, "My heavens, that much silver must be over ten thousand taels!"

"I've never seen so much silver in my life; it piles like a small mountain!"

Yuwen Ze looked at the excited soldiers below, his face unchanged, then steadily raised the loudspeaker; his clear, firm voice carried on the wind to every corner of the Xiaochang: "Everyone, this is fifty thousand taels of silver!"

"It is a token of my generosity!"

"Every soldier present today will receive a share!"

The words rang like thunder; the five thousand garrison soldiers were instantly stunned, then a louder uproar broke out. Dai Yunshan grabbed Gao Weizhen's arm, his voice trembling, "Everyone gets it—five thousand brothers, fifty thousand taels, that means each gets ten taels of silver?!"

Ten taels of silver equals a typical farmer's harvest for more than half a year, enough for a whole family to live peacefully.

Such generosity could not fail to stir the low‑born soldiers.

Huang Zuixin's face flushed red, and he could not help shouting, "What a magnanimous Pillar of the State Yuwen!"

"Rewarding silver before even marching out, caring for the troops like this—following the Pillar of the State into battle, even dying on the field would be worth it!"

Words of praise and cheers instantly swept the Xiaochang; before anyone could calm down, someone raised an arm and shouted, "I wish to serve Pillar of the State Yuwen!"

That shout spread like a prairie fire; the five thousand soldiers raised their arms together, the wave of sound crashing like an avalanche and tsunami, echoing repeatedly throughout the Xiaochang, rattling the eaves' copper bells and sending dust flying:

"I wish to serve Pillar of the State Yuwen!"

"I wish to serve Pillar of the State Yuwen!"

"I wish to serve Pillar of the State Yuwen!"

The roar persisted, each shout bearing the soldiers' sincere devotion and resolve; morale solidified completely, more genuine than any command.

Yuwen Ze held the loudspeaker, watching the fervent crowd below; a knowing smile curled his lips. When the roar faded, he raised his voice, "That is all I have to say today!"

"The silver will later be distributed by General Ke according to each camp; everyone gets a share, do not scramble!"

"Everyone return to bid farewell to your families, settle matters, and tomorrow at dawn gather at the Xiaochang, departing promptly for Yubi!"

"As you command!" the five thousand soldiers answered in unison, their voices shaking the surroundings, then under Ke Chongdao's command they withdrew orderly by unit.

Jia Ye's clanging collisions and the synchronized footfalls intertwined.

The once‑crowded Xiaochang gradually emptied, leaving only the three‑mouth silver box still shimmering on the platform, bearing witness to the recent fervor.

Yuwen Ze handed the loudspeaker to a Personal Guard, turned, and walked down the platform.

Just after descending a few stone steps, a familiar light call came from behind, "A Ze!"

Yuwen Ze halted, recognizing the voice without turning, then spun around, a smile instantly spreading across his face, hurried forward, and the solemn authority of the Xiaochang vanished, his tone full of joy, "A Xiong, you're here?"

Standing not far away was Chen Yan, unarmored, wearing a purple brocade official robe cinched with a jade belt, his black hair tied with a jade crown, his posture equally heroic and his face handsome.

He looked at the briskly approaching Yuwen Ze, gave a slight nod, his eyes holding a smile, "Hmm."

Now alone, with only Lu Cangfeng watching from a distance, Yuwen Ze dropped all guard, approaching like a child seeking praise, his tone tinged with excitement and anticipation, "A Xiong saw everything just now, right?"

"My performance on the Xiaochang just now was still acceptable, wasn't it?"

Recalling how just now A Ze, with only a few words, seized the troops' morale, igniting it with fifty thousand taels of silver and prompting the five thousand soldiers to vow to serve, Chen Yan couldn't help laughing and nodding, heftily patting his shoulder, his tone full of approval and praise, "What do you mean 'acceptable'?"

"That's what I'd call quite good!"

He paused, gazing at the light in Yuwen Ze's eyes, and said appreciatively, "You've mastered even my modest skill to the core!"

Yuwen Ze's eyebrows curved from the praise, he scratched his head, a shy smile appearing, "Hehe! It's all from being around you…"

Seeing him like that, Chen Yan's smile deepened, but after a moment he slowly restrained it, his aura settling, his tone suddenly turning solemn, "However, you lead the army to Yubi; I still have a few words to advise you, brother!"

The previously childlike Yuwen Ze immediately suppressed his smile, his back straightening, his expression turning solemn; he bowed slightly to Chen Yan and replied gravely, "A Xiong, please speak, I am all ears!"

Chen Yan, looking at this solemn demeanor, nodded with satisfaction, lifted his gaze toward the east where Yubi lay, his eyes deep as if seeing the distant beacon smoke beyond Chang'an's walls; after a moment of silence, each word heavy, he slowly uttered four words:

"Hold firm and avoid battle."