Here is the translated text:
Miss Jun placed the teacup back on the table.
"Duke, when you return to the capital, we will follow along," she said.
"We" naturally referred to her and the Qingshan Army.
Madam Yu's smile deepened.
"Good child, thank you," she said. "But don't worry, unlike me, the Duke doesn't need an escort just to travel."
However, the Duke did indeed rely on others to rescue him and ensure his safe return.
Madam Yu chuckled again.
"The capital is not like the battlefield," she continued. "Miss Jun, I'm not saying this to look down on you, but if the Duke needs an escort to safely enter the capital, he might as well give up being the duke altogether."
The Duke of Chengguo smiled gently.
"Thank you for the compliment, madam," he remarked.
"You're the one holding this title, Duke," Madam Yu said with a smile, glancing at him.
Miss Jun observed the couple and offered a faint smile of her own.
"Miss Jun, thank you. I can take care of what comes next," the Duke said.
Zhu Zan snorted twice from the back.
"No, I know the Duke doesn't need protection," Miss Jun said. "What I mean is that I do. So aside from the 300,000 silver taels, this is my only request."
Ah, ah, ah… Zhu Zan, standing behind the Duke, could hardly restrain himself from pointing a finger. His honest parents—you see this? Do you see this? This is the real her.
Don't think too highly of her. She's full of schemes, always after some gain.
"Miss Jun, please speak," Madam Yu hurriedly prompted.
"I want the Qingshan Army to become a proper military unit," Miss Jun said. "They are neither my house servants nor a rebel army; I want them to be recognized as government soldiers."
Government soldiers?
Indeed, many people—bandits or rebel soldiers alike—no matter how powerful they might appear, often yearn for a legitimate status.
After all, being part of the official army itself offers many advantages.
Zhu Zan snorted twice again from behind.
Here we go again!
Back in the capital, under the pretext of promoting vaccination, she not only trampled on those Imperial Physicians who opposed her but even managed to get a group of ordinary doctors appointed to the Hanlin Department, granting them official status overnight.
Though it was merely a trivial official position, having even the smallest degree of legitimacy made everything so much easier. Even after she left the capital, her Jiuling Hall remained untouchable.
Now she wanted to extend her influence into the military!
But hearing this request, Zhu Zan was a little less worried. Charm and persuasion may have worked on his parents in other matters, but when it came to military and political affairs, his father was not one to be easily swayed.
Zhu Zan raised his eyebrows at Miss Jun.
"Miss Jun," the Duke said promptly, without any hesitation, "while incorporating house servants into the army may seem like a good thing—it can bolster the forces and improve control over them—such benefits are only short-term and personal advantages for generals. Over time, this strategy actually weakens the overall fighting strength of the army. The foundation of soldiers, the core of a nation's military—when viewed in the long term—will suffer harm. Ultimately, it's detrimental not only to the country but also to the generals themselves."
Miss Jun smiled.
"Duke, I'm not talking about pretending to incorporate house servants into the army," she said. "I mean to genuinely establish them as a proper military unit, under the direct command of you, Duke, as their General. Just like the Shun'an and Yongning forces, they will be a legitimate division of the government army."
Her expression grew even more solemn as she continued.
"You may find this hard to believe, Duke, but they were already government soldiers to begin with. They should have been an official unit long ago. For all these years, they've carried the titles of house servants or even bandits. It's truly unfair."
The Duke's expression showed a slight flicker of astonishment.
Her words were indeed surprising and demanded further explanation. But before Miss Jun could elaborate, the Duke broke into a smile once more.
"Why wouldn't I believe it? I've told you before, Miss Jun, these people are excellent soldiers," he said. "If such capable and battle-proven troops are kept out of the official system, it would indeed be foolish of me."
He already agreed?
She hadn't even fully explained her case yet?
Zhu Zan stood there, stunned. Miss Jun, too, was momentarily taken aback.
He believed her just like that?
"Thank you, Duke," Miss Jun stood up and bowed.
Madam Yu smiled graciously and nodded.
"No need to thank us, Miss Jun. On the contrary, you're remarkably generous," she said. "These kinds of capable soldiers are what many people dream of having at their disposal, yet you're willing to give them up."
A good weapon is only truly valuable when held in one's own hands. Giving it away—no matter how excellent it might be—holds no benefit for oneself.
Miss Jun smiled faintly.
"Madam, it wouldn't be fair to them otherwise," she said. "They are excellent soldiers and deserve a title that matches their worth."
What was she now? Nothing. By following her, they would only ever be regarded as bandits or house servants—not even worthy of being called a rebel army.
"I will immediately begin the discussions for incorporating them into the system," the Duke said, looking at Miss Jun. "Miss Jun, do you have any other requests?"
Miss Jun shook her head.
"No, that's my only request," she said with a smile.
"That request doesn't count as a 'request' of yours," the Duke said. "This is something that accords with their status and is something they've long deserved. So, it has no relation to you, Miss Jun."
Miss Jun froze momentarily, and Madam Yu chuckled again.
"Yes, exactly. This doesn't count," Madam Yu said. "Miss Jun, you should come up with another request."
Miss Jun bowed to them once more.
"No need to be so modest," Madam Yu said. "Think carefully—what else do you want?"
What else did she want?
Would they really agree to anything?
Zhu Zan felt his hair stand on end.
"Think hard," he urged, looking at Miss Jun with a hint of warning. "Don't think of anything inappropriate or waste the opportunity."
Madam Yu turned to glare at him.
"What business is it of yours to interrupt adults speaking?" she scolded.
"Mother," Zhu Zan retorted, "she's only sixteen, and I'm already twenty-three."
Who's the adult here?
"Her age may be young, but she's accomplishing major feats," Madam Yu replied. "What's the point of comparing ages?"
Zhu Zan looked exasperated.
"Mother, I've also fought the enemy and protected civilians," he said.
"You're a grown man, that's your duty. Why compare yourself to a young lady?" Madam Yu snapped.
Who was the elder, and who was the younger here?
"Mother, I'm a man—you can't bully me like this," Zhu Zan cried out in frustration.
Madam Yu raised her brow sharply and hit the armrest, as if about to rise.
"Alright, no more arguing," the Duke said warmly, his smile placating.
Miss Jun covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.
"Yes, Madam, the Duke and Zhu Zan are right. I really can't think of anything at the moment," she said with a chuckle. "This is a great opportunity. With the Duke and Madam both giving their word, I certainly won't waste it. I will give it some serious thought."
Madam Yu smiled warmly at her.
"Take your time," she said. "Think it through carefully. Don't rush—whatever you want is fine."
.....................
The Duke moved quickly, and within a day, arrangements were finalized.
The Qingshan Army was incorporated into the Ansu Army under the Duke's authority, supplemented by a portion of troops from the Shun'an Army to fill out eight battalions, forming an independent regiment.
This was reasonable since the Ansu Army had lost over half its forces in the recent raid on Yizhou, and replenishing its strength was a practical move. Moreover, everyone knew that the Qingshan Army was originally the house servants brought in by the Heir's Wife, so the Duke integrating them into his forces made perfect sense.
Additionally, the Shun'an Army's significant contribution in the rescue at Yizhou earned them merit. The Duke granted them the opportunity to enter the capital with Commander Mao Shuncai to receive commendations from the emperor.
Mao Shuncai, thrilled by the prospect of recognition, didn't harbor the slightest resentment over the redistribution of his forces.
First, the Duke had the authority to direct all soldiers along the Hebei Road. Second, Mao Shuncai realized he could no longer control the 8,000 Shun'an soldiers properly. They had grown too accustomed to the Heir's Wife's wealth, indulging in superior food, clothing, and equipment. Discontent had spread, making them unruly.
The Duke could take them if he wished—Mao Shuncai was content to receive his accolades and await new reinforcements.
The troops transferred to the Qingshan Army welcomed the change as well. Not only had they already formed close ties with their new comrades, but they also knew the Duke would lead them into the capital to meet the emperor.
Having previously saved the people of Bazhou and successfully reinforced Yizhou, the decisions were universally accepted and celebrated. All related documents were quickly prepared and sent to the Ministry of War overnight.
"Is it true?" Xia Yong asked in disbelief. "The Qingshan Army can officially be incorporated? We're going to become the Dingzhou garrison?"
"Of course! The documents are already on their way to the Ministry of War," Li Guorui said, brimming with excitement. "The Duke said there's absolutely no way it will be denied."
"It was that easy, huh," Yang Jing remarked, his expression somewhat conflicted.
"Of course! Our achievements are undeniable—everyone in the world can see them," Li Guorui replied.
Were their now-recognized, open deeds responsible for this turn of events, unlike the secretive nature of their past actions within Jurchen Territory?
Both Xia Yong and Yang Jing were overwhelmed with a mix of elation and complexity, leaving them momentarily speechless.
Li Guorui didn't seem to notice, his heart racing with excitement. Though assigned to the Qingshan Army, he had been promoted to Guerrilla General and now had the honor of entering the capital under their banner.
Had he remained in the Shun'an Army, promotions and awards might still have come, but not the chance to enter the capital.
As the men began to eagerly anticipate their upcoming accolades and the honor of appearing before the emperor, the courtyard buzzed with joy.
The rewards would arrive swiftly. Unlike before, there would be no prolonged back-and-forth checks and delays. The undeniable achievements and the emperor's urgency for the Duke's return to the capital expedited the process.
The emperor's priority was clear: making the Duke happy enough to head to the capital promptly. All else could then proceed smoothly.
This was precisely why the Duke acted so swiftly in handling the matter. Standing at the cusp of action, why not take advantage of the momentum?
The Duke's enduring prominence in the northern lands wasn't merely because of his might on the battlefield.
"Cunning," a voice muttered.
Standing at the entrance, Miss Jun turned around after hearing the comment.
Zhu Zan stood there, arms crossed, his chin raised as he eyed her.
"Devious," he added.
Miss Jun curved her lips into a smile.
"Husband, mind your words with me," she said softly, approaching him.
Zhu Zan instinctively stepped back a few paces, his guard up.
"Hey! Broad daylight, public space—you'd better watch yourself," he muttered.
Miss Jun stopped in front of him.
"And what if I don't? Will you go complain to your parents?" she asked, blinking innocently.
Zhu Zan looked down at the petite woman who barely reached his shoulder, grinding his teeth audibly.
"Miss Jun," he growled, "if you've got the guts, stop hiding behind my parents."
Miss Jun looked directly into his eyes.
"I don't have guts," she replied earnestly.
*************************
Thanks to South's "Bing" for the reward of He's Bi O(∩_∩)O Haha~
Have a great weekend, everyone. The word count is sufficient today. Thank you all!