Chapter 9

Huang Shi looked at Su Lie with amusement: "Didn't Xuan'er already say it? Secretly form a private army and wait for the situation to change."

"When the Taiping Dao rebellion starts, the imperial court will inevitably call upon the righteous people of the world to form local militias to assist the imperial court in suppressing the rebellion."

"At that time, it will be the best opportunity for Xuan'er to make contributions and establish a career!"

"However,"

Speaking of this, Huang Shi looked at Su Xuan with a worried expression: "Swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield. Xuan'er, are you really prepared to participate?"

"How will you ensure your own safety?"

As a mother, she was naturally worried.

But since chaotic times were coming, simple avoidance was useless. Therefore, Huang Shi didn't directly stop him but asked about Su Xuan's specific plans and thoughts.

"Naturally!"

Su Xuan nodded affirmatively: "Didn't I have an awakening and my comprehension increased greatly? Next, I will practice training troops while practicing martial arts to strengthen my body."

"With divine cultivation methods and my comprehension, one year is enough for me to become a first-rate martial general or even a stronger existence."

"By then, saving my life on the battlefield and even making contributions will naturally no longer be a problem."

"Moreover, judging from the current situation of the Great Han, I feel that the chaotic phenomena of the Great Han will not stop at the Taiping Dao rebellion."

"Afterward, I fear there will be a great chaos that truly sweeps the world. For the safety of our family, we must further expand our power, especially military power."

"To support the needs of raising troops, I am also preparing to receive and adjust the merchant caravan to further enhance its ability to make money."

If you want to raise troops, you can't do it without enough money and grain.

"Hmm!"

Huang Shi nodded in satisfaction: "It seems that what you said, Xuan'er, is not a hot-headed idea, but a result of careful consideration. Then Mother is at ease."

"Whatever ideas you have, just go do them! Mother fully supports you!"

"Regarding military equipment, Mother will have the Huang family support you. The family's military equipment workshop also needs to be expanded; we can't rely entirely on the Huang family."

"In addition, for martial arts and troop training, Mother will recommend a talent with the potential of a great general to you!"

"Otherwise, relying on yourself alone, I fear you won't be able to achieve things in the short term. After all, you haven't trained troops or led troops."

Su Mu was born into the Nanyang Huang family, the same Huang family as Huang Chengyan.

The clan had some Mohist heritage and had trained many craftsmen, operating businesses in military equipment, carpentry, ironware, etc., all year round.

Producing and providing military equipment was a breeze.

"Oh? A talent with the potential of a great general? Could it be Huang Zhong, Huang Hansheng?"

Su Xuan's eyes lit up as he pursued the question.

"Eh?"

Su Mu looked at Su Xuan in surprise and asked: "You know him?"

"Hmm! I've heard of him!"

Su Xuan nodded: "Rumor has it that Huang Hansheng of Nanyang has the courage to fight ten thousand, and is especially skilled in archery. Mother, you recommend him—could it be that he is from your maternal clan?"

Historical records from his past life did have claims that Huang Zhong and Huang Chengyan were of the same clan, but there were also claims that they were not.

"Correct!"

Su Mu nodded affirmatively: "Hansheng is indeed from my clan, but their family is considered a side branch and is already outside the five degrees of mourning! It's just that his martial arts talent is too good."

"Over the years, his martial arts practice and the treatment of his critically ill son have received support from the clan. It just so happens that the Divine Doctor Hua Tuo is with us. Xuan'er, you can take Mother's letter and the Divine Doctor Hua Tuo to visit him."

"Once his son is cured, you will naturally gain his loyalty."

"At that time, the matter of training troops can be handed over to him, and you, Xuan'er, can also learn troop training and martial arts from him."

Although Su Xuan already had divine cultivation methods and heaven-defying comprehension,

Su Mu felt that for martial arts, it was still better to have a teacher.

She would be more at ease.

"I understand, Mother! Sorry for the trouble."

Su Xuan nodded happily.

He had originally prepared to find an opportunity to get to know and win over Huang Zhong.

It was just that he didn't know where to find him for the time being.

Now that his mother had provided convenience, it was simple.

"Ahem!"

At this moment, Su Lie cleared his throat, attracting the gazes of Su Xuan and Su Mu, and couldn't help but say: "You two have already arranged things? Is there no place where you need my help?"

He felt that he couldn't keep up with the rhythm of this mother and son at all, having a feeling of being excluded.

"Haha!"

Su Mu found it very amusing.

Su Xuan smiled and replied: "Naturally, there is! For the private army, personnel can be recruited from the family's tenant farmers, servants, and the merchant caravan's guards. We can also recruit a batch from the refugees outside, but we must use the name of county soldiers as a cover."

"Of course, this is in case someone notices and asks. If we can avoid exposing it, it's better not to!"

"I remember we have a manor hidden in the mountains west of the city. I will set up the training base there."

"Externally, we will temporarily use the name of merchant caravan guards."

Su Lie nodded: "I understand! Leave it to me! I will arrange it well!"

In any case, the Commandant of Deng County was also his loyal follower.