My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 163 General Tianzhu's Methods of Training Troops
After the start of spring, the snow melts and all things revive.

The sunny days that lasted for several days dispelled the last trace of coldness that shrouded Xiuyingchuan, and the sunlight felt warm on people's bodies.

Erzhu Rong led his entourage on horseback to the encampment of Yuan Tianmu's army.

Yuan Tianmu also showed great respect, personally leading his personal guards and generals from the camp to greet them.

Apparently...

Erzhu Rong's confidants in Luoyang made contact with the young emperor through various means, expressing Erzhu's desire to serve the young emperor. The young emperor then hinted to Yuan Tianmu to contact Erzhu Rong.

Gao Yu was also called to come along.

After exchanging pleasantries, Erzhu Rong began to introduce the Erzhu clan 'heroes' who had come with him to Yuan Tianmu one by one.

When it was Gao Yu's turn, Erzhu Rong gave him considerable face and treated him with great ceremony, saying, "This is Gao Lang of Huai Shuo. He was once a famous man in Luoyang. He escorted the Rouran king back north and led his army to defeat the Gaoche army of over 100,000 men."

Yuan Tianmu warmly grasped Gao Yu's hand, saying, "I heard of Gao Lang's name back in Luoyang years ago. He single-handedly drove back hundreds of soldiers with his bow."

"It's a pity I didn't get to see him back then. But seeing him today, Gao Lang is indeed exceptionally brave and a rare young hero."

Gao Yu could feel the calluses on Yuan Tianmu's hands. Just from this, he could tell that Yuan Tianmu was obviously an extremely skilled archer. Otherwise, as a member of the clan, if he hadn't studied martial arts since childhood, he would have been pampered with delicate skin and tender flesh. How could he have calluses on his hands?

Looking at his appearance, he has thick eyebrows, big eyes, and strong features. He can be considered a handsome person, so it's no wonder that the young emperor took a liking to him and chose him as a confidant.

"I am over-flattered."

Gao Yu couldn't help but sigh, realizing that the reputation he had left in Luoyang back then was indeed quite useful.

Regardless of whether it was true or not, anyone who had stayed in Luoyang during those years would address him respectfully as "Gao Lang" and treat him with great courtesy.
In times of peace and prosperity, it is difficult for military men to rise to prominence.

However, as the situation in the Great Wei became increasingly unclear and showed signs of impending chaos, people like Gao Yu, who were known for their bravery, became targets for recruitment.

When chaos truly arrives.

It still comes down to force.

Yuan Tianmu also took the initiative to introduce the generals behind him, and Gao Yu also saw an old acquaintance.

Even among the Shedi Gan, Da Xi Wu was not seen. Perhaps it was because his family had strong connections over the years and he had been sent to serve as an official in other prefectures and counties, or perhaps he simply was not selected this time.

Gao Yu smiled and nodded at She Digan, who, though expressionless, also nodded in response.

Erzhu Rong extended a warm invitation.

"You have come from afar and are heading north to quell the rebellion. You are all pillars of our Great Wei. I also wish to share His Majesty's burdens, so I will treat you all well."

He then led Yuan Tianmu and the others to his own fortified village.

The banquet had been prepared well in advance.

With various delicacies and fine wines, and beautiful women accompanying them, the generals of the central army who had come along were quite pleased.

Then he pulled Yuan Tianmu aside and said.

"Please rest for a few more days in Xiurongchuan."

Yuan Tianmu, however, looked troubled. "We don't yet know the military situation in the north. If we linger here, we might miss crucial military opportunities..."

"Hey, it's only a few days, how could we possibly delay military operations?"

Erzhu Rong leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I intend to gather the bravest warriors of my tribe for a hunt. I would be grateful if the Grand Commandant would grant me some guidance. Once I have trained the tribe's warriors well, they can serve as Your Majesty's sword, helping you to quell troublesome people and matters."

Yuan Tianmu immediately understood and revealed a faint smile. "When I left Luoyang, His Majesty gave me earnest advice, saying that the Erzhu clan are the pillars of the Great Wei and the backbone of the country, and that Tianbao is also a rare and capable minister. He told me that I must get to know you better. Since that's the case... then I will stay for a few days to inspect for His Majesty just how brave the elites of the Erzhu clan really are."

"Hahaha, then thank you, Tianmu!" Both sides understood each other's thoughts without saying a word.

Gao Yu took a look and understood.

Erzhu Rong had indeed colluded with the young emperor, and they were now in contact.

The next day.

Gao Yu took Gao Yue, Gao Cheng, Duan Shao, and Wei Jie with him on the trip.

While the army was hunting, they could ride horses or hunt small animals like rabbits on the outskirts, just to get some fresh air and relieve boredom.

Not only him, but Erzhu Rong, Erzhu Zhao and others also brought their families and children from their clans on hunting trips.

“A-Yue, Tie-Fa, you two are older, please keep an eye on them for me. I need to go and accompany the hunt.”

Gao Yue nodded, "Brother, please rest assured."

Duan Shao nodded in agreement. Although Duan Shao could occasionally be playful like a child and reveal his childlike nature, he was mostly calm and composed beyond his years. He was obviously very talented, and it was no wonder that he was the leader of the "Three Heroes of Northern Qi" and saved the Northern Qi Dynasty many times.

One can discern certain traits from their behavior from a young age.

After the explanation.

Gao Yu then rode swiftly, leading Mulan, Peng Le, and others to join Erzhu Rong's main force and come to his side.

Today, not only Erzhu Rong himself, but also his thousands of elite Qihu cavalrymen are all wearing armor. In addition to the elite Qihu cavalry, there are also brave warriors from Erzhu Zhao and other tribes.

Those who knew them thought they were going out hunting, but those who didn't might have thought they were sending troops to suppress bandits.

He selected a location north of Xiurongchuan, a place with mountains and a river, intending to hunt the wild animals in that area.

He was dressed in a bright armor, draped in a red cloak, with a bow and a precious sword at his waist.

Clothes make the man, and this flamboyant outfit, putting everything else aside... combined with Erzhu Rong's dignified appearance, certainly gave him the air of a great general commanding thousands of troops from afar.

Yuan Tianmu was also accompanying him, and he was secretly alarmed as he looked at the Qihu elite cavalry with their grim expressions.

"Such bravery far surpasses that of the central army in Luoyang... I must write a letter to His Majesty explaining the situation."

Boom boom boom!
The war drums sounded, and since it was a show of force, Erzhu Rong was indeed taking it very seriously. Or perhaps, when he led his troops out on a hunt, he was simulating all the procedures of a battle.

"Erzhu Zhao, heed my command!"

"I hereby order you to lead 1,500 elite Qihu cavalry to the north."

"Erzhu Zhongyuan is to lead 1,500 men to the east, and Erzhu Tianguang orders you to lead 1,500 men to the west..."

One order after another was issued.

It's a hunt.

It means driving the prey from all directions toward the center.

The four main directions were headed by Erzhu Zhao and others, while the other four directions—southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest—were filled by younger members of the clan with smaller groups.

After issuing the military orders.

Erzhu Rong spoke with a serious expression.

"If you encounter any dangerous mountains or rivers, do not give way. If any prey escapes from the direction of your location, you shall be killed without mercy!"

(End of this chapter)