Chapter 24: Nie Bing’s Weakness

Chapter 24: Nie Bing’s Weakness

Xiao Ce looked at the increasing number of young men joining the grain transport.

This was an unexpected delight.

He had originally planned to ‘brainwash’ them after reaching the Northern Desert wasteland.

As a result, there was a pleasant surprise.

Xiao Ce looked at these young men and said, “Do you know what you are doing with This Prince?”

The sturdy young man kneeling before Xiao Ce said, “Prince, isn’t it to fight those damned Turks? Prince, I am not afraid of death! I’m just afraid of dying without knowing the reason. You said if we die, we can still get a year of Military Pay, is that true?”

Xiao Ce said, “Of course it’s true! But can’t you aim a bit higher! Go to the battlefield and kill enemies! Wouldn’t it be better to earn money through military achievements?”

The sturdy young man said, “Prince, I was just thinking of the worst outcome. Prince, let me work for you. I have been doing physical labor for years… look at my body…”

Seeing the sturdy young man about to take off his clothes, Xiao Ce quickly stopped him and said, “There’s no need!”

“Everyone, those of you who want to join the Northern Desert Army. Go register with Uncle Zhong during the rest break later! However, you still have to transport these provisions for This Prince. Your Military Pay will start from the day you register!”

“Long Live the Prince!”

The people in the grain transport team cheered loudly, and some who were overly excited said:

“Prince, since you are so wise, why do people in the Capital City call you a waste?”

After saying this, the man looked at the Northern Desert Army soldiers around him, whose angry gazes seemed about to spit fire.

He plopped down on his knees: “Prince, I didn’t mean that! It wasn’t me who said it… it was the people in the Capital…”

Xiao Ce said with a smile, “Then do you think This Prince is?”

The man kneeling on the ground shook his head and said, “Of course not. If a wise person like you is a waste, then everyone in the world is useless!”

Xiao Ce still wore a smile: “Good! This Prince never cares what others say about This Prince. This Prince will use actions to prove who is the most indispensable person in the Great Xiao Kingdom!”

“Alright, let them register here. We must continue to hurry with the grain transport!” Xiao Ce waved his hand and said.

Everyone returned to their positions.

Seeing Han Da and Yan Jia following beside Xiao Ce.

“Aren’t you planning to go back and take a look?”

Han Da bowed with his hands clasped and said, “Prince, if all three thousand Northern Desert Army soldiers leave, how will your safety be guaranteed! We’d better stay.”

Yan Jia said, “Yes, Prince. We have offended the local gentry. Going back would just be asking for trouble.”

After hearing Yan Jia’s words, Xiao Ce turned his head and said to them: “By the way, regarding This Prince’s military recruitment, don’t talk about it when you go back! Also, those who have offended the local gentry, be careful for your safety when you return.”

Everyone bowed with clasped hands in acknowledgment.

After saying that, Xiao Ce looked at Yan Jia and Han Da and said, “Alright, it’s fine if you don’t go back! Don’t these young men transporting grain want to join us? Take this time to go and select some.”

“Han Da, you go and pick some with good physical fitness to form a Cavalry unit. Start training them soon.”

“Yan Jia, can you ride a horse?” Xiao Ce asked.

Yan Jia said, “Reporting to the Prince, of course. My best skill is actually mounted archery.”

Xiao Ce nodded with satisfaction and said, “Good, then you go and pick talents for archers. This Prince now appoints you as Lieutenant General of the Mounted Archery Battalion, commanding three thousand men. First, make a plan. Later, when the recruitment teams return, you can make your selections then.”

“Han Da, you do the same! You will form a Cavalry Battalion, also with three thousand men!”

The two men were thrilled upon hearing this: “Thank you, Prince! We will definitely not fail our mission!”

Xiao Ce could tell at a glance whether someone had organizational ability.

Yesterday, he let these two men each lead a thousand men, and they handled it with ease.

“Alright, go ahead. You can pick freely from these five thousand men! However, for your two battalions, I have one condition: rather have none than have subpar ones. I need elite troops! The absolute best! In the future, This Prince will have great use for you.”

“Also, in every city we pass along the way, go and purchase some horses. If you need money, go talk to Uncle Zhong!”

The two men bowed and agreed.

Xiao Ce yawned and said to Da Lei, “Is there an extra Carriage here? This Prince needs to catch up on some sleep.”

Da Lei nodded and said, “Prince, Uncle Zhong arranged one yesterday.”

With that, Xiao Ce followed Da Lei into the Carriage.

Although he had tormented Nie Bing all night yesterday, it also exhausted him greatly.

After getting into the Carriage, he fell asleep as it rocked and swayed.

…

Several hours later.

In the Yuelai Inn, after the effects of the drug wore off.

Nie Bing gradually regained control of her body. She straightened her clothes.

Her whole body felt as if it was about to fall apart.

Seeing the trace of red on the bed, Nie Bing’s hatred grew even stronger.

“Xiao Ce! I will kill you!”

She cleaned her body.

Looking at the pale skin on her body, now bruised blue and purple by Xiao Ce, the killing intent in her heart intensified!

She straightened her clothes and walked out with her weakened body.

She got on a horse and rode out in pursuit.

She wasn’t afraid of not catching up, because Xiao Ce’s group was a large force of nearly ten thousand people, and the distance they traveled each day was predictable.

As Nie Bing rode her horse, she felt something leaking out…

Her hatred grew even more.

That stuff was from Xiao Ce!

…

When Xiao Ce woke up, the sky was completely dark.

After catching up on sleep, he felt much more comfortable.

He got out of the Carriage and looked around.

“Where is this?”

Da Lei, who was guarding the Carriage, said, “Prince, we are already a hundred li outside the Capital.”

Xiao Ce nodded.

Da Lei reminded him from the side, “Prince, isn’t our speed too slow? The distance from the Capital to the Four Northern Desert Prefectures is over two thousand li. At this speed, it will take forever to get there!”

Xiao Ce said with a smile, “No hurry! This Prince has a plan! By the way, has Nie Bing returned?”

Da Lei shook his head and said, “Reporting to the Prince, not yet. However, Miss Yin came looking for you twice, and I turned her away both times. The Death Warriors haven’t returned either. They are probably with Miss Yin, so there’s no danger.”

Xiao Ce nodded and said, “What about Uncle Zhong?”

“Uncle Zhong went into the city with Han Da and Yan Jia to buy horses. They haven’t returned yet!”

Xiao Ce nodded and walked to Yin Pan’er’s Carriage.

Hearing the noise, Yin Pan’er came out of the Carriage.

Once out, she asked with a worried face.

“Prince! Where exactly has Sister Nie Bing gone? You said she was resting. She should have caught up by now. What did you do to her?”

“If something happened to Sister Nie Bing, I would never forgive you!”

Xiao Ce said, “Don’t worry. This Prince sent people to protect her…”

Before Xiao Ce could finish, Da Lei beside him said, “Prince, they are back!”

Xiao Ce had thought Da Lei was helping him fool Yin Pan’er.

But he didn’t expect to hear the sound of urgent hoofbeats just seconds later.

Soon, several dark figures approached.

Even without seeing them clearly, Xiao Ce recognized Nie Bing from the swaying silhouette at the front.

As Nie Bing neared the main group, she slowed her horse, seemingly searching for them.

Not only did Xiao Ce recognize her at a glance, but Yin Pan’er also exclaimed excitedly, “Sister Nie Bing! Over here… over here…”

Watching Nie Bing ride over, Xiao Ce felt somewhat guilty and said to Da Lei, “Be careful to cover for me a bit!”

Seeing this, Da Lei nodded and became more alert.

As Nie Bing rode closer, moonlight fell on her face, making it appear even colder.

“Sister, you’re finally back! I thought you might have…”

Nie Bing dismounted, and even the way she got off the horse seemed unnatural.

Nie Bing forced a faint smile and said, “I’m fine! Let’s go inside and talk.”

With that, she took Yin Pan’er’s hand and entered the carriage, not giving Xiao Ce a single glance.

The Death Warriors protecting Nie Bing also rode over at this time.

Upon seeing Xiao Ce, they immediately saluted. “Prince, everything went smoothly.”

“Well done. Go and rest now.”

…

Xiao Ce glanced at Yin Pan’er’s carriage but still didn’t have the courage to go inside.

After all, the scenes of how he had ‘retaliated against’ and ‘tormented’ Nie Bing last night were still vivid in his mind.

Xiao Ce cleared his throat softly and said, “Da Lei, make sure to arrange for the Death Warriors to protect me properly these coming days.”

Da Lei cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

…

Nie Bing inside the carriage heard this clearly.

Yin Pan’er, holding Nie Bing’s hand, lowered her voice and asked, “Sister, did he bully you? Are you alright? I was so worried about you!”

Nie Bing had thought she could hold back. She had prepared herself mentally along the way!

But she never expected.

Yin Pan’er’s words made Nie Bing cry from grievance.

Although she knew it was Yin Weiyong who caused her father’s death, she understood clearly that this matter had nothing to do with Yin Pan’er.

She regarded Yin Pan’er as her only family in this world.

No matter how strong she was, she was still a girl under twenty years old.

Nie Bing’s sudden emotional breakdown left Yin Pan’er flustered.

Because Nie Bing had always given Yin Pan’er the impression of being cold, incredibly strong, and unflappable no matter what!

“Sister, it’s okay! I’m here! I’m here! How did he bully you… I’ll help you demand an explanation.”

Hearing Yin Pan’er say this, Nie Bing lost even more control. “Pan’er, I’m sorry toward you… I… I… I was… by that beast…”

…

After walking a few steps, Xiao Ce heard crying coming from the carriage.

He was so shocked he stopped in his tracks. Could that iceberg actually cry?

Then he reconsidered. She might appear icy and tough, but after all, she was just a young woman. If her father, Nie Yao, were still alive, she would probably still be a maiden waiting for marriage in her boudoir.

Last night, he had indeed bullied her in a humiliating way.

For a virgin like Nie Bing, it truly must have been hard to accept.

Xiao Ce felt no guilt at all!

She had wanted to kill him, and he had spared her life. That in itself was a mercy.

Thinking this, a smug smile appeared on his face. “They form a sort of victim alliance now. Let them discuss it together. Hearing them talk about this Prince’s prowess isn’t such a bad thing either…”