After this competition, Yu Meng's strength secured her victory, making her the undisputed choice for commander.
Even Wu Yi, who was initially unconvinced, had to accept the reality. He was a seasoned warrior who had been on countless battlefields, but after being defeated by Fan Zehao once, he had hoped to defeat his daughter this time. Instead, he not only failed to regain his honor but completely disgraced himself.
In contrast, Leng Han had already accepted the situation. Considering the martial prowess of the commander's master and father, his defeat wasn't entirely humiliating.
When the news of three matches held to determine the commander reached King A'le, he was consumed by shame and fury.
He smashed every porcelain item in the room. The guards, seeing these valuable possessions, acquired through trading with sturdy horses and cattle, shattered, felt a pang of heartache but dared not voice their anger.
"Fan Zehao actually disregards us so much as to appoint a mere girl as commander. Is he looking down on me, or overestimating them?"
Kagel raised an eyebrow and fanned the flames, saying, "Brother, this is clearly looking down on you. Otherwise, why would they appoint someone who hasn't even fully grown to be commander? If you ask me, Fan Zehao is simply humiliating you and doesn't take you seriously at all!"
His measured words ignited King A'le's rage. He immediately ordered a preemptive strike, intending to catch them off guard.
The war began, silently.
In the military camp, everything was in order. Yu Meng, clad in armor, prepared to take the field. Her anxiety was evident despite her efforts to appear calm. After all, age was a factor; a girl, ultimately, could not compare to a man.
Seeing her walk out of the tent, Zhao Jiaqi grabbed Fan Zehao, who was about to leave, and repeatedly urged him, "You must protect our daughter, do you understand?"
Fan Zehao smiled at Zhao Jiaqi under the sun and gave her a reassuring look, promising, "Don't worry, I will bring her back safe and sound. She absolutely will not be injured."
He then took out the black sphere from his waist and dangled it, saying, "With this, this battle will be over with ease."
Looking at the explosive device, Zhao Jiaqi's lips twitched. She slowly released his arm. His words were true; who could withstand such a thing with flesh and blood?
"Go!"
Fan Zehao looked slightly surprised. "That's... it? Aren't you going to say anything else?"
"What do you want to hear?" Zhao Jiaqi asked, not answering directly.
He left with a sense of disappointment. In the past, goodbyes usually involved wishes for a triumphant return. Today, it was just two simple words. He felt as if he were merely going to collect rent.
He departed dejectedly, murmuring to himself, while Zhao Jiaqi seemed unfazed. However, her heart was entirely filled with thoughts of her daughter.
They say that fathers and sons fight together, and brothers fight in war. These sayings needed to be revised for their family; women could also hold up half the sky.
Yu Meng was the ancient version of Hua Mulan, and Zhao Jiaqi was very proud of her daughter.
While the battle raged fiercely on the front lines, those in the rear were not idle. In the afternoon, thunderous explosions echoed from the front, deafening.
By evening, many captives were seen being brought back, bound in chains, their faces etched with joy.
As darkness completely enveloped the land, Fan Zehao returned with his daughter and Shi Haoming. As they walked, they praised Yu Meng's brilliant performance in today's battle.
Behind them, Wu Yi and Leng Han followed closely, eavesdropping on their conversation. However, they mentioned nothing about the mysterious black object from today.
Inside the tent, the commander, general, and deputy commander discussed the day's events on the battlefield. Wu Yi had no interest in listening. He was far more intrigued by the explosive device from today.
He asked Yu Meng, "What was that explosive device today? This subordinate observed its destructive power to be quite formidable. I wonder how it is made?"
Yu Meng was taken aback by the sudden question.
She countered with a question of her own, "General Wu, could you display the defense map of your Zongsheng Kingdom's passes for me to examine?"
"This concerns national security, how can it be casually revealed!"
Yu Meng smiled, revealing her small, sharp teeth, and said, "Since you acknowledge that the defense map is of utmost importance, how much more so is our weapon? Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you."
Wu Yi fell silent, secretly rolling his eyes. He suppressed his frustration, plotting to acquire an explosive device and have the most skilled technicians in his country study it. He refused to believe it couldn't be replicated.
The next day, as the sky began to lighten, people started causing trouble in the border town. Arson, murder, and even volleys of fiery arrows rained down on the camp.
Seeing this, Zhao Jiaqi exchanged a look with Fan Zehao. She said, "These spies can no longer contain themselves and have begun their actions. We cannot stand idly by. We must root them out early to prevent their resurgence."
Fan Zehao nodded, looking at the large fire ignited near the grain supplies. He said in a deep voice, "The chief executive will lead the soldiers to ambush the town. This time, we will thoroughly clear out the spies in the town. Today is particularly dangerous, so you must remain in the camp and are not allowed to go out."
After the previous incident, she dared not venture out casually. She repeatedly nodded at Fan Zehao.
The bugle horn sounded, and Fan Zehao immediately prepared to depart. A large group set off to meet the enemy. That afternoon, Zhao Jiaqi heard several pieces of good news.
Su Ya returned from outside the tent, joyfully tugging on her sleeve. "Madam, King A'le has sent a letter of surrender."
"The spies in the small town have all been captured by the chief executive. Guess what?" Su Ya asked Zhao Jiaqi, her eyes sparkling.
Zhao Jiaqi shook her head. She really had no idea about the spies and said, "Hurry up and tell me, you're making me anxious."
Su Ya giggled and said, "The largest gambling house in the town was the spies' den. Moreover, these spies are not just from the A'xi tribe; a significant portion of them are actually our own countrymen! What a strange situation!"
A gambling house?
Zhao Jiaqi suddenly recalled the incident of someone cheating at cards she had witnessed in town before. It seemed that the gambling house back then was indeed the home of these spies.
Fortunately, they came here for a visit and unexpectedly uncovered King A'le's involvement. Otherwise, if he had been allowed to develop for a few more years, these spies could have infiltrated even the imperial city.
The thought alone sent shivers down her spine.
As she was lost in thought, Su Ya's words pulled her back to reality. "Madam, the County Princess tore the letter of surrender to shreds and did not have the envoy relay any message back. She wants this tribe, and she wants to capture King A'le alive, saying it's to avenge you and Master."
Zhao Jiaqi chuckled, her heart warmed. Even a 'little cotton jacket' wouldn't leak like this.
"She is the commander, so she makes the decisions."
However, she still hoped that her daughter's killing would not be too heavy. Yet, another voice told her that if she didn't kill others, she would be killed. It was a paradox.
As expected, upon hearing Yu Meng's words, King A'le, overcome with rage, fought desperately.
Twenty thousand troops against a small tribe; the outcome was not in doubt, especially with the commander possessing a secret weapon.
It was rumored that King A'le had written to the Xue and Liang kingdoms for aid, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. Within a few days, Yu Meng led her generals to capture King A'le alive, and the A'xi tribe gradually faded into the history of the Cangyi Continent.