The Later Three Kingdoms: Slaying Deng Ai, and Reviving the Han Dynasty

"kill!!!!"

On the training ground, over five hundred soldiers brandished their spears, roaring with all their might. Their strong bodies, combined with their sharp spears, resembled five hundred ferocious tigers roaring.

The murderous aura soared to the heavens, and the sound shook the world.

When the time came, a personal guard came to inform Zhang Sheng.

With a single command from Zhang Sheng, the day's training session came to an end.

Although the drills were over, it didn't mean they would scatter like birds and beasts. The soldiers first reorganized their ranks, and then, organized by squad leaders, platoon leaders, and captains, dispersed in groups and entered their own longhouses.

They first put down their weapons, removed their fine armor and leather armor, wiped their sweat, and then took their bowls and chopsticks to get their food.

When they removed their armor and leather armor, their strong, muscular physiques were revealed. Having just finished training, their muscles were trembling, their skin was steaming, and they exuded a strong masculine aura.

Only then did the soldiers finish their training for the day. They were then free to do as they pleased, chatting and joking with each other. When they returned with their food, they ate heartily, some sitting, some standing.

They have a huge appetite, two to three times that of an average man.

Especially on training days.

Not counting their salaries, their daily food rations are astronomical and could quickly bankrupt a wealthy man.

Of course, this was also because Liu Chen's army received exceptionally generous treatment. Even the regular troops of Liu Han stationed on the border of Hanzhong did not eat as well as Liu Chen's guards.

After the event was over, Zhang Sheng and Wang Chong entered the Weiwei Yamen (Imperial Guard Office) located in the center of the military camp.

Zhang Sheng's whole family now lives here.

But Zhang Sheng didn't have any special meals prepared for him; he ate whatever his soldiers ate, except he drank more wine.

The guards brought food, and Zhang Sheng and Wang Chong knelt facing each other and ate heartily together.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Wang Chong had his personal guards come in and tidy up. He went out, closed the door, and came back to sit down.

"Hmm?" Zhang Sheng noticed something was wrong and looked up at Wang Chong.

Wang Chong said in a low voice, "Victory. I'm confused. Wang is building up an elite force. Given time, no one in Chengdu can be ours..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his expression and tone became excited. At the same time, a look of confusion appeared in his eyes as he said, "But to seize the throne, elite troops alone are not enough. Your Majesty should cultivate relationships with ministers and increase your prestige in court and among the people. But Your Majesty..."

Zhang Sheng said calmly, "Chong, you're drunk."

"I am a little drunk." Wang Chong suppressed his excitement, nodded, and then changed the subject.

Zhang Sheng trusted Liu Chen.

He believed in Zhang Sheng.

That's how they ended up as a group. But he always had doubts about Liu Chen. Was Liu Chen capable? Did he really have the will?

Now he's starting to believe it.

At this time, Sichuan was at peace, and its elite troops were stationed on the frontier. Chengdu's military preparedness was in disarray; although it had a large number of soldiers, they were mostly a rabble.

Just give them time.

With these five or six hundred elite soldiers, we can launch a surprise attack and take Chengdu.

But that won't work either.

First of all, the behavior was improper.

Secondly, to seize the throne, one needs a base of supporters.

Aside from military achievements, Liu Chen, the Prince of Beidi, made no other contributions.

Liu Chen spent almost all his time in the palace, and he didn't even contact Huang Hao much, let alone make friends with ministers.

This really puzzled him.

Wang Chong shook his head. If he were to abandon all of this...

He felt very comfortable here.

Liu Chen entrusted them with all military matters, and they trained the troops every day, watching the soldiers become more and more capable.

happy.

"We have won. Our troops are becoming increasingly elite, but they have yet to see blood. If they haven't seen blood, they are not truly elite. Should we ask the king for permission to attack the bandits?" Wang Chong asked in a low voice.

"We are the king's guards, not the army. We certainly can't attack thieves at will," Zhang Sheng shook his head. However, due to the widespread poverty and suffering, there were indeed quite a few thieves in Sichuan and Chongqing.

"What should we do then?" Wang Chong said, frowning.

"A hunt," Zhang Sheng said succinctly.

Wang Chong raised an eyebrow, then nodded slightly.

To instill blood in new recruits, the opponents cannot be too strong. Bandits and thieves are the preferred targets. If that's not feasible, hunting is also an option.

Hunting in a circle is not the same as hunting in the field.

It involves issuing military orders, troop deployment, and joint efforts to hunt down wild beasts.

This is equivalent to a military operation. Since ancient times, there has been a tradition of generals using hunting as a way to train their troops.

However, the hunting must wait until after the autumn harvest.

..........

morning.

It was still dark.

Liu Chen's biological clock woke him up.

Liu Chen said, "Rise."

The eunuchs outside the curtain immediately rolled it up, and the palace maids and eunuchs who were prepared performed their respective duties.

Liu Chen completed the washing and changing without having to lift a finger.

He doesn't even have to cook for himself.

But when it comes to meals, he still prefers to cook for himself.

After eating his fill, he left his bedchamber for a walk, then returned to his study to read. Half an hour later, he left his study and sent for Zhang Sheng.

He asked Zhang Sheng to teach him how to use the horse spear.

How to train your body, how to use a sword, etc.

Daily routine includes reading, martial arts practice, and rest.

However, he had something to do today. After practicing for a while, he dismissed Zhang Sheng. He returned to his palace, bathed and changed, and then went to a room to wait for the person who was coming.

Because of his public image, his clothes and bedding are no longer scented. And since Shu brocade clothes can't be washed, they inevitably develop an odor after being worn for a long time.

He would not wear Shu brocade clothes unless he went out.

After Liu Chen waited for a while, a eunuch came in from outside. He said, "Chenxi is still three miles away from the palace."

After reporting, the eunuch left.

When he came back in, Chen Xi was already outside the door.

Liu Chen said, "Let him in and offer him wine and food."

"Yes." The eunuch bowed and left.

A moment later, Chen Xi, dressed in magnificent attire and seemingly eager to showcase the immense wealth of the Chen family, walked in from outside.

He dared not look Liu Chen in the eye, and bowed to Liu Chen, saying, "This humble one greets Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities, please sit." Liu Chen glanced at Chen Xi a few times, quite pleased with his air of immense wealth, and said.

"Thank you for the seat, Your Majesty." Chen Xi bowed respectfully and then sat down in his seat.

A palace maid brought in wine and food.

Liu Chen and Chen Xi ate and drank while talking. They were neither too close nor too distant, as if they were two colleagues discussing official business.

In reality, their current relationship is that of brother-in-law and brother-in-law.

Liu Chen has already presented the betrothal gifts, and Chen has also prepared her dowry.

The two agreed to hold the wedding at the end of the year.

Once a marriage agreement is made, there's no going back on it. Chen Yong couldn't wait to send his son to Chengdu, ostensibly to pay respects to the Prince of Beidi, but actually to establish a kinship with the Li family.

Chen Yong had even bought a house, right next to Li Qiu's.

Everyone knows the heart of Sima Zhao.

Although Liu Chen was inside the palace, he knew everything. He did not express any opinion on Chen's actions.

They gave money, and the dowry was generous.

It is their right to befriend the Li family.

After Liu Chen and Chen Xi finished their meal, Liu Chen looked up at Chen Xi and said, "I wish to summon the Prime Minister and other guests for a discussion. Xi, would you like to listen in?"

"It's an honor," Chen Xi said, bowing.

Liu Chen nodded slightly and ordered the eunuch to inform Yang Yong and the others.

Yang Yong has been in office for some time now.

He and his subjects should also bask in the glory of their ancestors.