Chapter 6

When the sun was high in the sky, the streets of Zhongmu County were not very crowded. Many shops were closed, presenting a desolate scene.

On the eastern street, a few soldiers from Xiliang had appeared at some point.

Upon seeing them, the passersby fled in panic, as if they had lost a loved one, fearing they could not escape in time.

"Uncle Fu, why is this? Why do people run away when they see us?"

Today was the first time Li Li, after fully recovering from his injuries, went to the military camp.

After the morning exercise, with the help of the old steward Li Fu, he put on the iron armor that had been stained dark red by blood and recently repaired.

Under the protection of more than ten bodyguards, Li Li rode a high-quality warhorse newly selected by his uncle Li Jue, and walked onto the street, heading for the northern city camp.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped onto the street, the passersby were frightened and fled in all directions.

"This... Young Master, the common people are deeply afraid of our Xiliang army, so... Since we entered the county, it has always been like this."

The steward Li Fu stammered, looking very embarrassed.

"Oh, I understand!"

Li Li was slightly surprised and nodded helplessly.

Immediately, he recalled that since the Xiliang soldiers under Dong Zhuo's command entered the eastern capital Luoyang two years ago, they had been plundering and committing evil deeds, causing the entire Xiliang army to be notorious throughout the Han Empire.

Over time, whether it was the powerful families or the common people, they all feared the Xiliang soldiers like tigers and avoided them.

Dong Zhuo dominated the court for two years, committing evil deeds, and tarnished the reputation of the entire Yuzhou and Liangzhou armies.

Since then, the labels of cruelty and greed were firmly attached to the heads of all Xiliang soldiers, deeply rooted and difficult to wash away.

Even if Li Li had the intention to change the behavior of the Xiliang army, his low position and limited influence made it impossible for him to do so.

However, these things were not unchangeable. As long as military discipline was strictly enforced and management was strengthened, the poor impression of the Xiliang army in the hearts of the people could gradually be reversed.

Moreover, in a chaotic world, the strong are respected.

No matter how much the people of Sili hated the Xiliang soldiers and despised Dong Zhuo, they could do nothing to stop Dong Zhuo and his hundreds of thousands of Xiliang soldiers.

Even the combined forces of more than twenty feudal lords could not eliminate Dong Zhuo and his Xiliang army, let alone ordinary people.

...

The northern city military camp.

The camp housed all the troops under Li Jue's command, including eight thousand cavalry and over twenty thousand infantry.

In addition, there were more than a thousand original city guards of Zhongmu County, totaling over thirty thousand troops.

In name, all these troops were under Li Jue's command, but in reality, it was not so.

The troops truly belonging to Li Jue were only his main force, the Longxiang Camp, consisting of three thousand cavalry and over five thousand elite infantry.

Apart from these, other troops had their own commanders.

Li Li's unit was a thousand-strong cavalry, one of the three thousand-strong cavalry units of the Longxiang Camp.

After recovering from his injuries, Li Li, along with Li Fu and others, headed straight for the main tent.

Inside the main tent.

Li Jue sat in the center, commanding the entire army, occupying the position of the commander.

On his right, a robust general of similar age to Li Jue knelt, with a height of eight feet, a pumpkin-shaped face, a large beard, and very thick eyebrows. He had single eyelids and small eyes, which narrowed to slits when he smiled.

This was Guo Si, one of the five major generals of the Xiliang army, ranked after Li Jue.

He and Li Jue were sworn brothers, having known each other for many years and being close friends.

Moreover, they shared the same rise and fall, and had high prestige in the Xiliang army, deeply trusted by Dong Zhuo.

During Li Li's convalescence, Guo Si visited him twice. He was straightforward in speech and kind in demeanor, giving a sense of warmth.

Apart from Guo Si, Li Li knew the names of the other seven generals in the tent but could not match them to their faces, so he did not dare to greet them casually to avoid revealing his identity.

"Reporting to the general, the Longxiang Camp's commandant Li Li has recovered and returned to the ranks. Please give your instructions!"

Despite being Li Jue's nephew, Li Li did not neglect the formalities, as there were rules in the military.

Li Li, a true soldier from the future, had a deep understanding of military discipline. Upon entering the tent, he bowed deeply, his manners impeccable.

Because Li Li was Li Jue's nephew, the soldiers outside did not stop him and allowed him to enter the commander's tent directly.

"Uh? Li'er!"

Immediately, everyone in the tent looked at Li Li in surprise, and Li Jue was particularly stunned.

Just now, he had been whispering and laughing with Guo Si, not expecting Li Li to suddenly enter the tent and be so formal.

Previously, Li Li was always casual and playful, not paying attention to minor details.

After a moment of surprise, Li Jue smiled and said, "Hehehe! Li'er is here, come and sit down. There are no outsiders here, don't be so formal. Be at ease, no one will blame you!"

Li Li, upon hearing this, stood up and slightly bowed to the generals on both sides, then walked to the last seat on the right and knelt down.

After Li Li sat down, Li Jue smiled and said, "Li'er, you have come at the right time. Our army will launch an offensive tomorrow, once again attacking Zhu Jun.

This time, we aim to break through Zhu Jun's stronghold and end the war as soon as possible, following the orders of the Chancellor to move to Chenliu and capture the rebel Zhang Miao."

"Uncle, my injuries have fully healed, and I am ready to serve at the general's command!"

Li Li, slightly surprised, immediately stood up and said.

Li Jue, now very pleased, turned to look at Guo Si and smiled.

Then, Guo Si said with a smile, "Hehehe! Li'er, you are a young hero, extremely brave. No one in the entire army is unaware of your valor!

In the last battle, you single-handedly charged into the enemy ranks and killed 132 enemy shield soldiers, showing extraordinary bravery and achieving the highest military merit in the entire army.

After the battle, I and your uncle jointly submitted a petition for your commendation. The Chancellor approved your promotion to the position of a sub-commander in the Longxiang Camp, assisting your uncle in commanding the Longxiang Camp!"

"Oh?" Li Li was slightly surprised and pondered for a moment.

A moment later, he smiled foolishly and said, "Hehehe! Uncle Guo, is this true? I didn't hear any news before. I am young and rash, and to receive such a generous reward from the Chancellor for a little merit is quite unexpected.

Uncle Guo, will it be difficult for me to command the Longxiang Camp?"

"Ha ha ha!"

Li Li's words made all the generals in the tent burst into laughter.

However, their gazes towards Li Li became even more kind, and they did not feel any resentment over his commendation and reward. Instead, they admired his modest attitude.

Li Li's promotion was something the generals in the tent had expected.

After all, the commander Li Jue was a trusted confidant of Chancellor Dong Zhuo, and he would certainly not neglect to reward Li Li for his injuries in battle. A reward was inevitable.

Moreover, in the last battle, Li Li was indeed extremely brave and killed many enemies, a fact witnessed by the entire army.

This time, Li Li's promotion to sub-commander was well-deserved, and no one would object.

Therefore, Li Li's words were seen by the generals as not only immature but also a sign of modesty and respect, which won him favor.

After the laughter subsided, Li Jue said with a smile, "Li'er, your promotion to sub-commander is entirely due to your bravery in battle, and no one in the army disagrees.

In addition, General Niu Fu has also rewarded you with a fine horse from Dayuan and ten gold pieces, as well as some high-quality Shu silk. I will have the soldiers deliver them to you later."

Li Li, upon hearing this, said without hesitation, "Uncle, in the last battle, it was the bravery of all the soldiers that led to victory, not just my own.

This time, I have been promoted to sub-commander, but I do not feel comfortable accepting the gold and silk.

Why don't we use the gold to buy some meat for the soldiers? A big battle is coming, and it is necessary for the soldiers to have a good meal. As for the silk, if the generals do not mind, we can distribute it among them.

During my convalescence, the generals have been very concerned about me. This Shu silk can be considered a small gift from me to show my gratitude. I hope the generals will not mind."

Li Jue was both surprised and pleased by his nephew Li Li's performance today.

Li Li had truly grown up and knew how to win the hearts of the people and show kindness to the entire army.

However, some formalities still needed to be observed. Li Jue said sincerely to the generals, "This... Very well. Since Li'er insists, let's do it this way. What do you think? The Shu silk may be small, but it is a token of Li'er's heart. It can be used to make some clothes. Please accept it."