The punishments were carried out, and everyone recognized the Empress's ruthless methods, no less severe than their own General An. In fact, she was even more bloodthirsty. With a smile as radiant as blooming flowers and an air of detached calmness, she was a master of killing without a trace. Witnessing her like this, the onlookers couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Perhaps this campaign into the Danfeng Kingdom would be a miracle.
To the side, Qingyao and An Dingfeng sat beneath the shade of lush trees. Xiaoyuer and Bingxiao withdrew to a distance, while Yin Xuan sat on a large rock far from them, eyes closed, resting comfortably. This made the punished soldiers seethe with resentment, seeing how others lived while they endured such hardship.
Under the scorching sun, some did push-ups, while others knelt. Who told them to provoke that woman? Despite their grumbles, they dared not show any expression on their faces.
"General An, you don't feel sorry for these men, do you?" Qingyao asked coolly, glancing at An Dingfeng, who had looked towards the punished soldiers several times.
An Dingfeng hadn't expected the Empress to be so perceptive, to notice even this. He chuckled twice, "Your Highness?" He wanted to say more, but didn't know how. An Dingfeng, still a man of military background, was loyal and honest, not prone to sly maneuvers. Qingyao had understood this about him. She raised her hand and spoke calmly.
"General An, the reason I am being severe with them is not simply to punish them. The situation of this northern expedition is very grim. Only by enduring inhuman treatment can these men awaken their potential and willpower, thus increasing our chances of victory. If we continue with the child's play of before, it will not be out of kindness but rather will harm them."
"Your Highness?" An Dingfeng was stunned. He truly hadn't thought that deeply. The Empress's words were logical and reasonable; rigor was indeed the right approach. He often interacted with the soldiers and had developed feelings for them, which was not a good thing.
"Alright, let's discuss how to train these soldiers next." Qingyao didn't dwell on the punishment, but instead focused on devising a feasible plan for the current soldiers. Hearing her words, An Dingfeng knew the Empress must have some good suggestions. He immediately spoke in a deep voice.
"Your Highness, do you have any plans?"
Qingyao called out behind her, "Mochou." Mochou approached and presented the plan Qingyao had spent half the night formulating. An Dingfeng took it and, from the first item to the last, was dumbfounded. The plan was truly formidable, treating the soldiers as less than human with its heavy-load training. Could this work? A flicker of worry crossed his brow. "Your Highness, this...?"
"General An, you feel sorry for them again. Remember, by doing this, you will ultimately harm them." Qingyao's words stopped An Dingfeng from saying more. He let out a slow breath and finally spoke, "Your Highness, can it be slightly adjusted?"
"No." Mu Qingyao refused with righteous sternness. She didn't believe these soldiers couldn't endure it. When she had applied this plan to those young beggars, it hadn't failed. Nor had it failed when used in Fengchen Palace. Now, in the crucial military camp, it wouldn't work? Her eyes suddenly darkened. Seeing the Empress's displeasure, An Dingfeng dared not say anything more.
"Mochou, read out the plan and see if there are any issues." Although Qingyao's voice wasn't loud, on the vast open ground, many heard it clearly. They wondered why the Empress was arguing with General An and listened even more intently. At this moment, Mochou respectfully replied, and without taking the paper, his clear, icy voice rang out.
"Training begins every day from Mao Shi (5-7 AM). There will be weighted running, starting with twenty jin, running two kilometers daily. It must be completed within the stipulated time, or an additional two kilometers will be added. The second item: perform thirty pull-ups, one hundred push-ups, and one hundred sit-ups. At noon, stand stationary under the sun for one shichen (two hours), followed by combat training. Until evening, rest in the wilderness. From today onwards, these one hundred thousand soldiers must sleep in the wilderness at night."
As Mochou finished speaking, a clamor erupted from the distant soldiers, with many discussing amongst themselves. They had never heard of such rigorous training. Did this not even value human life?
Qingyao slowly rose to her feet. The hundred thousand soldiers immediately fell silent, not daring to utter another word. Qingyao strode to the high ground, the wind lifting her light veil, her silver armor gleaming brilliantly, dazzling many. She seemed enveloped in a golden aura, like an immortal from beyond the heavens. Her cool voice then resounded.
"This northern expedition, many know we are advancing with a hundred thousand troops against their land. Therefore, we must train these hundred thousand soldiers to possess the capabilities of two hundred thousand, even three hundred thousand. Only then can we achieve a decisive victory. Many will say, if we cannot win, then we shouldn't fight. The current situation is that even if you don't fight, others will. The world has always been divided to unite, and united to divide; this is a law. Do you wish to be confined to your own territory, waiting for others to attack us? By then, will you still have the ability to fight back?"
Qingyao finished speaking and paused for a moment. Many raised their heads, their eyes filled with renewed fervor, the spirit of war ignited.
"This rigorous training now is to reduce unnecessary casualties. Everyone has siblings. In my eyes, you are all my brothers and sisters. We march north together, like a family. No one wishes for you to go to your deaths or to die at the hands of the enemy. Therefore, I hope you train seriously and earnestly, for the sake of your loved ones. In this war, some will undoubtedly sacrifice themselves, and some will emerge distinguished, their names recorded in history. Whether you become a hero whose name is etched in history or a dimly lit sacrifice depends entirely on your efforts today. I have said all I need to say. I hope you will act wisely."
As her words fell, silence enveloped the surroundings. Everyone was moved, their expressions filled with excitement. In these chaotic times, when heroes emerge, they too could become vice-generals, generals, people of influence. This was everyone's aspiration, so they no longer felt the hardship.
In the distance, two soldiers were helping the beaten Huang Muyang. His young face also shone with eagerness. It seemed the outcome of this battle was yet unknown. A glimmer of hope for the future ascended in each of them. If they won this battle, all of them would become great heroes. They were attacking the Danfeng Kingdom's border at Chentang Pass with a hundred thousand troops. History would record this moment.
A thunderous applause erupted. An Dingfeng stood up, watching all this, a gleam in his eyes. He strode forward to the head position, raised his hand, and silence fell. Everyone looked at the general, wondering what he wanted to say.
"You all heard. The training ahead is arduous, but do we have the confidence to complete it?"
"Yes." A surging spirit filled the air. This time, the cry was genuine. In the distance, Lu Zhanyun, his face flushed from the sun, also shouted. Even the beaten Huang Muyang shouted, not feeling any ill will about being beaten. Instead, it signified the Empress's strict military discipline, and they saw hope for the future.
Subsequently, the hundred thousand soldiers entered the most rigorous and ruthless phase of training.
Meanwhile, Qingyao selected a thousand soldiers who could swim from the army and subjected them to similarly demanding training. These thousand men would dive to a depth of at least five meters and tie six knots on a single rope, then untie them within a specified time. This was an exceptionally difficult training. Initially, out of a thousand soldiers, only one or two could untie one or two knots. But as training continued, more and more people could untie the knots, and finally, someone broke through the six knots, officially completing the water training. These thousand men were not only trained in water skills but also in archery and swordsmanship, both on and off horseback. While not demanding absolute accuracy, they were expected to hit the mark with rapid movements.