Chapter 916: Promotions Before the War

Xuanxiao did not refuse. After finishing everything he had to say to Baifeng, he left under the escort of Yulong to the small courtyard reserved for the Xuanyuan Tribe. Primarily, Xuanxiao felt immense pressure when conversing with Baifeng; he was very clear about what kind of person Baifeng was, as he could judge it from his own father's words. Therefore, he felt that he did not yet have the ability to negotiate face-to-face with Baifeng, and that doing his job as an envoy well was enough.

Having recovered a bit, Xuanxiao now finally had the energy to look at the construction situation of Huaxia City. If it weren't for the fact that the Xuanyuan Tribe was already well-constructed, he would truly have been shocked by the scale and prosperity of Huaxia; as it was, he only felt a little surprise and envy.

After sending off Xuanxiao, Baifeng pondered for a moment and immediately had someone call Xiong over. Now, in Huaxia, it was time to go to war.

Xiong already roughly knew what the matter was, so this time, he did not avoid suspicion but instead brought Shaoyin along, which could be considered an expression of his own determination. Regardless of how it looked to outsiders, at least that was what he himself thought.

Shaoyin was also full of anticipation for the coming war, mainly because he finally had a chance to not rely on his father's achievements to pave his own way, and had a chance to strive for himself.

This summons of Xiong by Baifeng was relatively formal. It was not in the small meeting room, and by his side were a group of officials from the Secretariat, including Sanxin. As the Prime Minister of Huaxia, even if he actually did not have much power now, his status was sufficiently high.

He himself also knew that this might be the last major task he would perform for Huaxia. Once it was successfully completed, it would be time for him to retire and go home. However, in Huaxia, retirement often seemed to be linked to death, even if Baifeng was very good to them.

But retirement was equivalent to one's body already being in poor health; after going home to rest for a year or two, one's condition would suddenly take a sharp turn for the worse. No one knew the reason why—they were clearly more idle, right? But the experiences of several friends had already proven it, so everyone tried their best not to think about retirement.

However, having lived to this age, if they died, they died. They had all lived for nearly fifty years, perhaps over fifty. Anyway, before meeting Baifeng, they hadn't even counted how many years they had lived, but if it weren't for Baifeng, they would have already died twenty years ago; it would have been impossible to live this long. Now, they had lived enough.

Xiong brought Shaoyin over, and Baifeng immediately had someone arrange seats, then said very seriously: "Xiong, just now, Xuanyuan's son, Xuanxiao, came as an envoy."

Xiong nodded: "I know about this matter. King, are you urging us to set out for war?"

"Yes, he said Xuanyuan has already led the troops away and gone to war in person. Calculating the time now, he has already arrived at the Shennong Clan, so we must also prepare to set out. In a moment, you will muster the troops, and then set out tomorrow."

"The number of Soldiers and such have already been arranged, the weapons and equipment are all prepared, and the food and logistics have already been handed over to the Xuanyuan Tribe, so there is nothing to worry about now."

Xiong was very calm and was not startled by the fact that they were setting out so soon: "I understand. I will definitely be able to prepare to set out tomorrow."

Baifeng glanced at Shaoyin and said: "Shaoyin, this time it is still very dangerous. Do not think that fighting a war is just you hacking at others; others will also hack at you. Are you afraid? Actually, I can keep you in Huaxia City."

Xiong did not offer any explanation. Shaoyin knew this was testing him, so he immediately rose from his chair and knelt down: "King, I must participate in the war. I know war is very dangerous and I might die, but I must strive to charge and fight to win a larger territory for Huaxia."

"I also do not want to rely on my father's merits for my whole life. I want to win military merit myself to prove my ability, and I cannot bring shame to my father."

Baifeng clapped his hands happily: "Well done, Shaoyin. Get up and speak. I watched you grow up, and your name was also given by me. Shaoyin, the little tiger from back then, I hope you have now grown into a big tiger, strong enough."

"Since you are not afraid and you want to earn merit, then I support you. How about this: I will appoint you as a Platoon Leader, allowing you to lead a team so you can better display your ability. How is that?"

Xiong still did not speak, because this was a special favor Baifeng was giving to Shaoyin, or rather, a special favor to their family. If it weren't for his own hard work in the past, his son would not have been able to obtain a promotion under such circumstances.

The military merit that an ordinary little Soldier could obtain was different from that of a commander, because only with proper command could one achieve greater results.

And although a Platoon Leader was not very high, how many Soldiers could they lead this time? The ability of a Platoon Leader would appear very important, and the opportunity to obtain military merit would be even greater.

However, Shaoyin was somewhat panicked. He hurriedly said: "King, I have not yet performed any meritorious service, so how can I receive a promotion? This is not in accordance with the rules. I really do not want to rely on my father's Laborers to promote myself. Everything I want, I must strive for myself."

Before Baifeng could speak, Sanxin began to provide assistance from the side. It was mainly because some things could not be said from Baifeng's mouth; they had to be said by someone else.

"Shaoyin, now is wartime, which is different from normal times. In wartime, let alone a Platoon Leader, as long as you have the ability, you can be promoted directly from a little Soldier to a general. You know Lu, right? Back then, he was just a silly boy who would risk his life for one little Iron Knife. He had no merit, but didn't the King also value him and promote him?"

"Therefore, do not look down on yourself. Promoting you is not because of your father's merit, but because of your father's experience and ability. Tell me, has Xiong usually told you things related to war? Has he taught you these things?"

Shaoyin was even more confused, but he answered truthfully: "From childhood to adulthood, he has always been telling me."

A smile appeared on Baifeng's face, and Sanxin was also happy; this was the answer he wanted.

"Look, that's it. Don't talk about Soldiers of your same age; even your superiors, those Company Commanders and Battalion Commanders, do they have such a father teaching them how to fight every day? You currently have a little less experience than them, but your ability is not inferior to theirs, and may even be stronger."

"This time, we don't have many officers, and most are Soldiers, so promoting people with talent is necessary. Don't overthink it. If there is a Soldier with ability stronger than yours, on the battlefield, he can be promoted higher at any time. Do you understand?"