The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1051 - 239: Transmitting the Throne to Prince Yongle

Chapter 1051: Chapter 239: Transmitting the Throne to Prince Yongle

The intense heat of summer shone down, baking everyone at the military drill grounds.

Though canopies had been erected, the shade provided little comfort for the pampered chancellors, many of whom constantly dabbed at their sweat with handkerchiefs.

The soldiers on the field, however, stood stoic and imposing, their faces serious as they watched the person directing them—their General.

The long spears in their hands reflected a cold light under the blazing sun.

Pei Qin glanced again at Emperor Chu Wen’s ruddy complexion, retracted her gaze, and raised her long spear, "Begin!"

The motionless soldiers sprang into action at once.

The sound of gunshots thundered across the drill grounds.

All the moving targets were punctured.

A flock of pigeons was released, and as the gunshots echoed, one by one, pigeon carcasses dropped to the ground; only a few lucky ones managed to escape.

A group of death row prisoners was brought out, each wearing a prisoner’s uniform marked with a number corresponding to a soldier.

"If you can escape from under the gun, all charges against you will be wiped clean!"

After the Deputy General finished speaking, he signaled them to flee for their lives.

These were death row and Rebel Army prisoners from nearby regions, facing execution by beheading; given a chance at life, however slim, they desperately seized the opportunity. At the command, they ran for their lives.

The long spears had a range of only thirty feet; if one managed to run beyond that distance, they would be out of bullet range and could be spared. Or, if you weren’t fast enough, you could use someone nearby as a shield—as long as the corresponding soldier’s gun missed twice, one could still be pardoned.

These soldiers had only recently been introduced to long spears and weren’t proficient enough; their aim was less certain. They had a chance!

When the time came, the first gunshot abruptly rang out, followed by a series of shots. Those prisoners who had run farthest quickly fell to the ground.

"Seven! Only seven got away!" the Deputy General reported.

The chancellors gasped; even the Master of Archery could miss sometimes, yet with the entire column refusing to fire twice, only seven prisoners had escaped. In the sweltering heat, a chill seemed to sweep through the gathered chancellors.

"The seven who were not hit, present yourselves for punishment! The rest of you, prepare for battle!" Pei Qin commanded in a cold voice.

"Yes, General!" the Deputy General responded and turned to make arrangements.

The Captain of the Blade and Spear Team prepared for a different kind of practice.

Pei Qin remained serious; she had designed the long blades herself.

The drills, fierce and filled with murderous intent, stirred the blood and passion of the surrounding guards.

Since they were not yet implemented in the main army, the drills ended quickly.

Pei Qin stepped forward to report to Emperor Chu Wen about the drill and the readiness of equipment, "In another fortnight, ten thousand elite soldiers under my command will be fully equipped!"

"Your hard work is appreciated, my dear subject!" Emperor Chu Wen’s face lit up with joy, and he immediately granted Pei Qin a seat at the imperial meal.

Pei Qin had previously resided in the veranda room of the Emperor’s sleeping quarters and had shared meals with the Emperor more than once. She had been too busy with the long spear drills in recent days to enter the palace and pay her respects.

Seeing how calmly she accepted, other chancellors could not help but feel envious; those privileged to dine with the Emperor were trusted confidants and highly accomplished individuals. Even Grand Secretary Jiang Gan, an Elder Statesman, had received such an honor only a handful of times—they had little chance, except at the Emperor’s banquets, where they would be served imperial cuisine, often cold steamed and boiled dishes. Yet, to General Pei, dining on imperial meals had become the norm.

As the Emperor watched their envious faces, he laughed heartily and waved his hand, "Tonight, a banquet shall be held to entertain all my cherished chancellors! You have all worked hard today!"

The chancellors humbly demurred, proclaiming the Emperor’s sagacity and willingly accepted, happy at the invitation.

Some were genuinely happy, for with the creation of long spears by the Manufacturing Bureau, and once the entire army was equipped, no one would dare invade Great Chu. A strong military equated to a strong nation.

For those who were not pleased, a General like Pei Qin and such an elite troop were not part of their faction and were, in fact, their rivals.

Xiao Guangbi later sent an Advisor to express concern over Pei Qin’s ’assassination attempt’ and offer consolation, but his true desire was to eliminate Pei Qin. If she died, both the elite troop and the Manufacturing Bureau would naturally fall to Mo Heng. All he would need to do then is express some remorse at not protecting Pei Qin, allowing Prince Yong’an’s men to kill her. His only remaining obstacle would be Xiao Guangzhao, a Prince with little chance of succeeding to the throne—a soft egg! Mo Heng would remain his loyal subject and capable commander. Once he ascended the throne, Mo Heng would still be granted favor and honor! And if he gave him a noble daughter to marry, to bear him sons to carry on his lineage!