For several days, everything had been calm and peaceful.
The number of recruited soldiers continued to grow, quickly reaching the number Shao Xun had anticipated.
He hadn’t lied to Mi Huang earlier.
These new recruits, especially those who had just suffered a defeat, needed to be reorganized, no matter how glorious or capable they had been in the past.
There were several ways to reorganize troops, but the most effective method was usually a combination of kindness and discipline.
However, time was short, so Shao Xun had no choice but to use the same approach he had used with Chen Yougen.
"Whoosh! Whoosh!" Shao Xun fired several arrows in quick succession, barely taking the time to aim.
Each arrow hit the bullseye.
This display of skill even impressed the archers from the Youji Camp.
After all, this was armored foot archery, which was entirely different from shooting without armor or with light armor.
Next came mounted archery.
Although Shao Xun wasn’t in top form today, he still managed to hit near the bullseye five times.
This level of accuracy was quite impressive.
In battle, it wasn’t about hitting the bullseye—shooting people or horses was much easier.
With skills like this, it was hard to miss.
During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, even the famous archer He Ba Sheng could only hit five or six out of ten flying birds while riding.
Many archers couldn’t shoot accurately while moving and had to rely on luck or simply stop their horses to shoot.
Mounted archery was far from simple.
Even among the Xiongnu and Xianbei, true mounted archers were rare.
"If you’re convinced, then train hard," Shao Xun wisely decided not to showcase any other skills.
Those required sparring partners, and among the common folk, there were always hidden talents.
It was easy to embarrass oneself.
Besides, archery was the most important skill, and demonstrating it was enough to earn respect.
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers shouted in unison.
Shao Xun observed them carefully.
Those who had been with him from the start shouted the loudest.
Among them, only about a hundred remained from the group that had trained with him at Pan Garden.
The casualty rate had been around fifty percent.
Those who had fought with him at the Biyong Academy for several months were also red-faced and shouting loudly.
This group was slightly larger, numbering just over two hundred.
Then there were those who had joined after the Biyong siege, about three hundred in total.
They had been with him for over half a year and were quite loyal.
The laborers from Luoyang, brought in by the student soldiers, were another story.
Their skills were mediocre, but their obedience was excellent, and they shouted especially loudly under the leadership of the student soldiers.
In other words, out of the nearly three thousand soldiers in the expanded lower army, only about eight to nine hundred were truly loyal to Shao Xun, even admiring him.
The remaining two thousand or so were just going through the motions, even after he had demonstrated his extraordinary skills.
Shao Xun wasn’t discouraged.
This was normal.
Some of them might have heard of his reputation, but they hadn’t lived or fought alongside him, so there was still a sense of distance.
A few battles would temper them.
This was a brutal battlefield, but it was also the best place to forge bonds.
Those who survived would eventually become as reliable as the veterans from Pan Garden.
After leading them in training for half a day, Shao Xun headed to Mi Huang’s residence.
His nephew and younger brother had arrived, and he hurried over to meet them.
"Quan..."
Xu Lang, who had been waiting, quickly shut his mouth when Shao Xun glared at him.
He then gestured for the gatekeeper to open the door and let Shao Xun in.
"You used to be a gatekeeper at the Minister of Works' office. I didn’t expect you to end up guarding Mi Huang’s gate," Shao Xun joked as he followed behind.
With the Minister of Works absent, there was no need for formalities.
Xu Lang had plenty of free time, either studying military texts or visiting Mi’s residence to exchange information with Shao Xun and others.
Yu Liang also visited frequently.
Shao’s and Mi’s residences had become the gathering spots for their small group.
Laughter echoed from the main hall.
Shao Xun recognized Mi Huang’s raspy voice from a distance.
There was also a younger voice he hadn’t heard before.
"Greetings, Commandant," Shao Xun saluted Mi Huang, then turned his attention to the two newcomers.
"Uncle."
"Elder Brother."
Shao Shen, his nephew, and Shao Fan, his younger brother, greeted him.
"Let me take a good look at you," Shao Xun smiled, pulling his relatives closer to inspect them.
His nephew was only four years younger than him.
The last time they had met was three years ago, when the boy was still a mischievous child who had stolen someone’s horse and nearly broken his backside.
Now, after two or three years, a faint mustache had appeared on his upper lip, and he had grown into a young man.
His face was tanned, a sign that he had taken on heavy labor after Shao Xun was conscripted, enduring sun and rain.
Yet, his eyes were bright and full of life, still holding hope for the future—he was still young and hadn’t been worn down by hardship.
"Uncle," Shao Shen tugged at Shao Xun’s military uniform, excitedly saying, "After you were recommended as a Filial and Incorrupt candidate, our family was exempted from taxes and labor."
"Oh? That’s great news," Shao Xun smiled.
Although he was a transmigrator, he had lived with this family for several years and had developed genuine affection for them.
He still remembered when he was conscripted by the Prince of Donghai to go to Luoyang.
His father had given him the few eggs they had for the journey, while his mother wept outside the door.
The whole family had come to see him off.
People aren’t made of wood or stone—how could they not feel emotions? Now that he had achieved some success, he could give back to his family, freeing them from dangerous military service, heavy labor, and oppressive taxes.
Naturally, he was overjoyed.
"Elder Brother," Shao Fan bowed slightly, speaking softly.
He was only a year younger than Shao Xun but was naturally shy and reserved.
The family had a cow and a few sheep, which he often tended.
He could spend an entire day in the livestock pen, meticulously cleaning and caring for the animals.
He was an introverted, careful, and diligent person, but his weakness was his lack of social skills.
He preferred to keep things to himself.
"You’ve grown up too," Shao Xun gently patted his thin frame, sighing.
"From now on, follow your elder brother and eat well. Build up your body."
Shao Fan nodded silently.
"Elder Brother, our family’s household registration was revised with the help of the Mi family," Shao Fan suddenly added, then lowered his head, staring at his feet.
"Revised household registration?" Shao Xun was momentarily puzzled but quickly understood.
This was to remove his family from the military household status.
As an official, he now enjoyed many benefits, such as being able to shield his relatives.
After the revision, they could enjoy these privileges.
"Commander Shao, Mi Zhi pays his respects," a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Mi Huang stepped forward and bowed.
Shao Xun immediately returned the greeting, then turned to Mi Huang.
"This is my son," Mi Huang introduced with a smile.
"He’s a year older than you, Commander Shao, and just got married this year. When your nephew and brother came to Luoyang, I was worried about their safety, so I sent my son with two hundred retainers to escort them. It was also a good opportunity for him to see the capital."
Shao Xun was deeply moved.
He looked at Mi Huang and said, "Commandant, your kindness will not be forgotten."
Mi Huang waved his hand.
"The bond between us is special. There’s no need for thanks. I’ll be relying on you in the future."
Shao Xun nodded.
His relationship with Mi Huang was almost inseparable.
They could speak openly, and their interests were deeply intertwined.
There was no need for formal thanks.
Mi Huang then explained the details of the household registration revision.
Shao Xun only knew the basics, such as being able to shield relatives from taxes and labor, but he wasn’t familiar with the specifics.
According to the laws of the state: "Officials of the first to ninth ranks are entitled to land based on their status... and can shield their relatives accordingly, with higher ranks shielding up to nine clans and lower ranks shielding three generations..."
In simple terms, Shao Xun, as an eighth-rank Commandant Major, could own up to fifteen qing of land.
Of course, rules were rules, but in reality, everyone knew how things worked.
A first-rank official could own fifty qing of land, while someone like Shi Chong owned thousands of qing—literally "fields stretching as far as the eye could see."
If Shao Xun were bold enough to claim fifty qing of land, no one would stop him.
Officials, regardless of rank, didn’t pay land taxes or household levies.
Owning land was pure profit.
Current officials could also shield their relatives.
High-ranking officials could shield up to nine clans, while lower-ranking officials could shield three clans.
The number of people was unlimited, and those shielded were exempt from taxes, labor, and military service.
"Members of the imperial family, state guests, descendants of ancient sages, and scholars’ descendants also enjoy these privileges"—these groups could also shield their relatives.
Shao Xun could also have two personal attendants who were exempt from taxes and labor.
This dynasty was incredibly generous to scholars and officials.
Now that Shao Xun was an eighth-rank official, after revising his household registration, three generations of his relatives would be exempt from taxes and labor.
Could they not be grateful? Would his relatives not fight tooth and nail for him to rise in rank? The answer was obvious.
Being recommended as a Filial and Incorrupt candidate and becoming a Commandant Major were rewards for capturing Sima Yi in the palace.
In this matter, Sima Yue had not been stingy with Shao Xun—in fact, he had been quite generous.
In Western Jin society, the gap between officials and commoners was far wider than in later dynasties—much wider.
After hearing Mi Huang’s explanation, Shao Xun felt a sudden pang of guilt.
Sima Yue was a good boss, at least to his fellow Donghai natives.
But I...
Forget it.
From now on, as long as I have the ability, I’ll ensure that Crown Prince Sima Pi enjoys a life of wealth and avoids the fate of being slaughtered.
I’ll make sure Sima Yue’s bloodline continues.
"Young Master, what are you thinking about?" Mi Huang asked softly, noticing Shao Xun’s distant expression.
Shao Xun snapped out of his thoughts.
"I’m thinking about how to protect Luoyang for the Minister of Works."
"Your loyalty is admirable," Mi Huang sighed.
Shao Xun felt a pang of shame.
A rebel at heart, a man with a rebellious streak—you wouldn’t understand.
"It’s almost noon. Let’s have lunch here. This afternoon, accompany me on a patrol of the city. Miao Yuan and Man Fen have been playing tricks, paying lip service but not following orders," Mi Huang said with a frown.
"Alright," Shao Xun agreed without hesitation.
Just then, a servant from Mi’s residence brought someone over.
Xu Lang peeked out, his expression changing.
He hurried over and exchanged a few words in a low voice.
Shao Xun chuckled.
Xu Lang was impressive.
In such a short time, he had already gained loyal subordinates.
Reporting matters even at Mi’s residence—he had a bright future!
"What’s the matter?" Shao Xun asked as Xu Lang returned.
Xu Lang’s face was pale.
"We just received news that several thousand defeated soldiers from the northern expedition have returned to Guangmo Gate. Miao Yuan initially kept the gates closed, enduring their curses. But then rumors spread outside the city that General Shangguan Si and Chen Zhen, among others, were escorting the Crown Prince. Miao Yuan had no choice but to open the gates and let them in. They’re now heading to the palace."
Damn it! Shao Xun’s heart sank.
Things were moving too fast.
It might be too late to stop them.
Mi Huang’s expression also turned grave.
He was already a weak commander, with Miao Yuan and Man Fen only paying him lip service.
Now that the Crown Prince and several imperial generals had returned, what changes would occur in the city?
"That fool Miao Yuan!" Shao Xun cursed angrily.
"I told him not to let them in, but he didn’t listen."
Mi Huang also realized the severity of the situation.
"With the Crown Prince here, he had no choice. This is a major issue. We need to discuss it with Military Secretary Cao and Vice Minister Wang immediately."
"I’ll go fetch the Princess Consort and the Crown Prince and bring them to Jincheng," Shao Xun said.
"I’ll go find Military Secretary Cao and Vice Minister Wang," Mi Huang said.
The two men made quick decisions and split up to act.
"What about me?" Xu Lang asked, bewildered.
"Go find Yu Yuangui and tell him to take his family to Jincheng," Shao Xun’s voice trailed off as he left.
(Tomorrow, the novel will be officially released, around 12:00 PM.
As a part-time writer, my ability to update is limited.
With 260,000 words of free chapters, I’ve almost exhausted my stockpile.
I’ve shown great sincerity.
After 12:00 PM tomorrow, I’ll release four chapters first, and then we’ll see how things go.
I hope for your continued support.)
(End of Chapter)