Chapter 25: A Talent to Utilize

The Prince’s residence was no longer the desolate place it once was in the early morning. The backyard, which had previously seen few souls throughout the day, was now bustling with activity. This change was necessary to ensure the safety of Gao Changsheng, a duty entrusted to Han Cong, a former military battalion commander, and Shi Meng, a towering man of fierce appearance.

"Hah!"

Shi Meng grabbed a stone table with one hand and swung it through the air. The menservants and maids passing through the courtyard were all struck with awe, never having imagined such immense strength in a human.

"To toss a seventy or eighty-pound stone table as if it were a toy—Brother Shi, you truly open one’s eyes!" Han Cong exclaimed from the side.

*Thud.*

Shi Meng set the table down, turned, and scratched his head, looking suddenly shy. "Compared to what you have done, Brother Han, my little trick is nothing. I hear you were a battalion commander in the army; you must have slain many enemies. Could you teach me a thing or two?" Shi Meng asked with earnest eyes.

"Haha!" Han Cong chuckled. "With the natural talent you possess, Brother Shi, what could I possibly teach you? However, it seems your training method doesn't quite push your strength to its limit. If you don't mind, I have a way for you to make better use of it."

With that, Han Cong strode forward and stood opposite him. "Strike me," he said calmly.

"What?" Shi Meng asked, looking confused.

"Attack me," Han Cong repeated.

"This... I don't know," Shi Meng hesitated. "My blows are heavy. If I accidentally..."

"It’s fine. You won't hit me," Han Cong said with a confident smile.

This statement stung Shi Meng’s pride. He had fought his way up from the beggars' dens; while he wouldn't claim to be stronger than Han Cong, to say he couldn't even land a single blow was ridiculous.

"Be careful then, Brother Han!" Shi Meng snorted, lunging forward. He gave a sharp jerk of his shoulder, and a fist larger than an infant’s head shot straight toward Han Cong’s face. The air whistled as if a sudden gale had been whipped up. Though it seemed like a simple punch, its power far exceeded the imagination of an ordinary man.

"If that lands, it might just cost a man half his life," Han Cong thought, secretly startled.

He admired Shi Meng’s strength, but he did not fear it. The reason was simple: Shi Meng was too slow. The moment the punch was thrown, Han Cong sidestepped effortlessly. He even had the spare breath to slip behind Shi Meng and poke a finger into the small of his back.

"If this were a blade, Brother Shi, you would be critically wounded by now," Han Cong explained.

"Haha, Brother Han is truly formidable!" Shi Meng nodded in acknowledgment.

However, Han Cong looked at him with concern. "No, it is not that I am formidable; it is that your habitual way of fighting is your undoing. I have heard of your background—you grew up in the beggars' dens, often standing up for others, frequently fighting dozens of men alone without losing ground. But those beggars were neither as strong as you, nor could they afford weapons. Even if dozens surrounded you, they posed no lethal threat. But on a real battlefield, that style of fighting will get you killed," Han Cong said solemnly.

He was a clever man and understood why Gao Changsheng had taken Shi Meng in. Gao Changsheng was destined for the northern expedition, and as his bodyguard, Shi Meng would inevitably enter the fray. If he could not shed his street-brawling habits, he would be nothing more than a living target, no matter how great his strength.

"Well said!"

A round of applause broke the tension. Gao Changsheng appeared with Miaofa. He had witnessed the training and was struck by Han Cong’s nimble footwork and profound experience. His expertise on the battlefield was a treasure that no amount of money could buy. Gao Changsheng decided then and there that he would learn from Han Cong whenever he had the chance.

"Your Highness!" Han Cong bowed, clasping his hands.

At that small gesture, the smile vanished from Gao Changsheng’s face. Miaofa, standing to the side, understood the unspoken message immediately.

"Han Cong," Miaofa chided, "now that you have entered the Sixth Prince’s residence, you are his man. The Prince values your ability and is willing to seek justice for you and the people of Tanzhou, which proves his trust in you. Do you intend to walk away once the mission is complete?"

"No, I have never thought of using His Highness, nor would I dare," Han Cong said in a panic. "I know that the Prince took a great risk in offending the Crown Prince for the sake of the people of Tanzhou. Regardless of the outcome, I am willing to entrust my life to him!"

"If that is the case, why do you still address me as 'Your Highness'?" Gao Changsheng asked with a sigh.

Han Cong realized his mistake instantly. "My Lord!" he declared, bowing again.

Only then did Gao Changsheng’s smile return. To him, Han Cong’s value was no less than Miaofa’s. Even if Gao Changsheng were to eventually become an outlaw with only a ragtag group of followers, with Han Cong by his side, he had the confidence to forge them into a regular army. But the prerequisite was absolute loyalty.

"Shi Meng," Gao Changsheng said, "call your brothers here later. If Miaofa deems them suitable, you will lead them into my household. I cannot promise them riches, but food and clothing will be assured. Furthermore, you must listen to Han Cong. From today on, he will teach you battlefield experience. Do not defy him, or there will be no food!"

"Don't worry, My Lord, I respect Brother Han greatly!" Shi Meng replied with a simple, happy grin.

Gao Changsheng nodded in satisfaction. He did not dare hope for too many talented individuals among a group of beggars and refugees, but if he could recruit a few loyal confidants before reaching the northern frontier, it would far exceed his expectations. Just two days ago, he had been utterly alone, yet in such a short time, he had gathered so many helpers. It was as if he had found a glimmer of light in the vast darkness.

"The army departs tomorrow. I must spend the entire day in the study. If anyone comes looking for me, do not admit them—except for the eldest daughter of the Chu family."

With that, Gao Changsheng turned back to his study. He felt a headache coming on as he looked at the room filled with records. To grasp the military systems of the Great Yong Dynasty across the ages and analyze the reports of countless battles in a single day—that was a task not even a god could accomplish, let alone a mortal.

"If only Chu Yanyan were here. She knows the military regulations and the Ministry of War’s reports better than anyone. Perhaps I should discuss borrowing her for the northern expedition with Chu Jiangnian!"