Chapter 41

Liu Yan hurriedly tried to squeeze through the crowd toward Ding Miao, but the street was packed with people, making it difficult to move. He had only taken a few steps when he saw Ding Miao quickly take off his outer robe and inner clothing, baring his upper body and joining the scar comparison contest.

He was one of the top generals under General Yu Shi, who had long regarded injuries as commonplace as eating and drinking. According to him, the scars on his body should have been numerous. However, it seemed that his recovery ability was too strong, and he had healed too well. In the scar comparison, he was unexpectedly no match for a few others, and was immediately ridiculed. It looked like he was about to be laughed off the scene.

Ding Miao, who always had to compete for the upper hand, could not tolerate this. He roared, "Hold on, hold on! This general still has something better!"

In his roar, he actually took off his lower garments as well, standing completely naked. He thrust his lower abdomen forward, "Look! This is the sword wound I received during the Battle of Banqiao!"

"Oh—" The hundreds of onlookers let out a collective, drawn-out exclamation. The wound was indeed severe. It was a horizontal cut about three inches below his navel, the scar about half a foot long, with the muscles on both sides protruding, truly terrifying. More importantly, it had almost severed his vital parts!

Impressive, truly impressive. The soldiers burst into laughter. This scar was indeed extraordinary, not something an ordinary person could have. Truly worthy of our brave and unparalleled General Ding, even his scars were so outstanding!

Ding Miao, who was used to being unrestrained, left Liu Yan with no choice but to watch him boast proudly. It was unclear whether he was also showing off his private parts, which was indeed indecent. However, the surrounding soldiers and civilians were in a frenzy, their cheers and applause deafening, wave after wave. More people were coming from all over Jinyang City to gather here.

At this moment, no one cared about the conflict between Shen Jin and the city patrol soldiers, nor did anyone pay them any attention. Liu Yan and his personal guards were pushed to the corner of the street by the excited crowd. Liu Yan looked at the scene, feeling helpless. Today's conflict was an opportunity to subdue the remaining forces of the Bingzhou army and establish his authority, but it had turned into a ridiculous scene.

"These people are all crazy..." he muttered. He looked around, hoping to get some agreement from his guards, but found that most of them were watching the naked soldiers with admiration.

"This isn't craziness, it's a release," Lu Yao, who had been pushed out by the crowd, stood against the wall near Liu Yan.

"Since the rebellion of Liu Yuan in the first year of Yongxing, three years have passed. During these three years, the Bingzhou army, with the strength of one state, held back the Xiongnu, who once rivaled the Han. The soldiers fought one after another, and countless people died on the battlefield. Those who survived... as you can see, are all brave and battle-hardened heroes!" Although they were in a noisy corner, Lu Yao's words were still clearly heard by Liu Yan.

"You're right, these soldiers are indeed brave and skilled..." Liu Yan said, "But what about the current situation? Your Bingzhou army was ultimately defeated by the Xiongnu, and tens of thousands of troops have been annihilated, right?"

"Why did the Bingzhou army fail? With your insight, General Liu, you should understand. What kind of person was the former Bingzhou governor, Sima Teng, and what kind of people are the current Sima nobles? As someone who has come from the imperial court, you must have a clear understanding..."

Liu Yan suddenly turned, his voice low, "Lu Yao, you dare to criticize the imperial relatives, how dare you!"

Lu Yao bowed slightly, his expression unchanged, "I dare not."

He took a step forward and continued, "No matter how brave the soldiers are, they cannot overcome an incompetent commander. The reason for the Bingzhou army's defeat is not the soldiers, but the incompetence of the commander. The defeat of the Bingzhou army only makes the soldiers feel honored despite the loss, and they still have the courage to fight. I have heard that after Princess Yu Shi took control of Bingzhou, the scattered remnants of the Bingzhou army, like us, are all inspired and eager to join. We are willing to sweep away the Xiongnu and wash away the shame, whether as tigers and leopards or as hawks and dogs. We only need a wise leader to point the way, and we are willing to swear our loyalty. General Liu, please understand the soldiers' sincere hearts!"

These words were spoken with great passion, and Liu Yan was moved. After a moment's thought, he realized the deeper meaning. Although he was arrogant, he was from a noble family and could understand the subtle implications. Lu Yao's words were ostensibly praising the loyalty and bravery of the remaining Bingzhou army, but in reality, he was emphasizing that the Bingzhou army and the former governor Sima Teng were not on the same side, and they were willing to swear loyalty to Princess Yu Shi. If so, why did he need to constantly think about establishing his authority and subduing the Bingzhou army?

Thinking this, Liu Yan looked deeply at Lu Yao and said, "General Lu... Dao Ming, you have a heart."

The words "Dao Ming" made Lu Yao feel relieved. Given Liu Yan's character, calling him by this name clearly meant he no longer harbored suspicions about him or the remaining Bingzhou army. If so, the conflict between Shen Jin and the city patrol was not a big deal.

In the small building at the back of the Bingzhou governor's residence, Xu Run was still leaning on the railing, looking out.

Seeing the crowd at the crossroads a few hundred meters away, like a pot of boiling water, and the naked men like noodles in the pot, Xu Run shook his head, "What a mess! Lu Yao is really absurd! Ding Wen Hao is really boring!"

In our dynasty, literati often valued a free and open-minded spirit. For example, the famous scholar Liu Ling often went naked in his house. When others criticized him, Liu Ling replied, "I consider the universe my house and my house my pants. Why do you come into my pants?" This house is my pants, why do you come into my pants? Are you trying to be lice?

Liu Ling's behavior became a famous story among scholars, and many people imitated him, but that was in the house! The current scene of soldiers stripping off their clothes in public was beyond Xu Run's tolerance.

"Hahaha... Zhiquan, you don't know. This is a trick used by Sun Lang of Jiangdong to praise Zhou Tai. It's hard to believe he thought of it! This guy... hahaha..." Liu Kun, however, was not so rigid. He had been laughing for a while and couldn't stop.

Liu Kun was once a young man who was bold and unrestrained. After he joined the military, he gradually developed a resilient and deep character. As a high-ranking official in charge of the military and political affairs of a state, he had to bear great pressure, but had no one to confide in. At this moment, Lu Yao's performance was a good show. The scene of dozens of naked men in the street was indeed amusing. The anxiety and worries of the past few days were instantly swept away, making him laugh heartily.

"General Wen Hao is naturally humorous and free-spirited. If it weren't for Lu Daoming's deliberate design, this wouldn't have happened," Xu Run sighed, "I thought Lu Daoming was somewhat learned and not as crude as the other soldiers, and could be of great use. But, my lord, look at today's situation. He appears humble and cautious, but inside he is rebellious and unwilling to submit easily... He may not be easy to control."

Liu Kun continued to laugh, waving his hand casually, "Ha, ha, Zhiquan, you worry too much. Haven't you heard: A man of virtue may not be ambitious; an ambitious man may not be virtuous. In today's difficult times, I need brave and experienced soldiers, not to worry about other things."

Xu Run bowed deeply, "My lord's words are wise."

After a long while, Liu Kun finally stopped laughing, "Zhiquan, issue an order. All the soldiers are brave warriors, and I, Liu Yu Shi, greatly appreciate them. Today, I will reward the entire army with food and drink."

"My lord, since our army entered Jinyang, our supplies have become increasingly scarce. The remaining grain is only enough for ten days. If we give out rewards, it might..."

"No problem. Just arrange it," Liu Kun waved his hand, "Also, I will hold a banquet tonight to welcome Taizhen..."

He stroked his beard, thinking for a moment, "Prepare a guest list, and remember to include Lu Yao."

Xu Run was taken aback, then bowed in agreement, but a trace of jealousy flashed in his eyes.

******

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