Kapitel 57: Chapter 57: Xu Ming Joins the Army.
"Xu Ming, receive the decree."
"The Holy Emperor commands: Having learned that Xu Ming has temporarily withdrawn from the huishi to enlist in the army, I am deeply gratified. This is how the men of Wu Kingdom should be. I approve of his decision. That is all."
In the Xu family's main hall, Eunuch Wei delivered the imperial edict in his signature sharp, high-pitched voice.
"Ming, accepts the decree."
Xu Ming straightened his back and respectfully accepted the decree. Those without official titles or ranks also rose from their kneeling positions.
"Xu Jieyuan," Eunuch Wei said quietly as he handed over the decree, "His Majesty has instructed me to tell you that entering the Blood Asura Battalion isn't mandatory. If you wish to join another unit, that's entirely acceptable."
Xu Ming smiled politely and nodded. "I appreciate His Majesty's concern, and thank you, Eunuch Wei, for relaying his words. I will carefully consider this matter."
"Well then, since the decree has been delivered, I shall return to make my report." Wei Xun's tone was neutral, leaving the decision entirely in Xu Ming's hands.
"I'll see you off, Eunuch Wei."
"Xu Jieyuan, there's no need to trouble yourself. Such courtesy is unnecessary," Eunuch Wei replied.
Despite his words, Xu Ming still escorted Wei Xun to the outer courtyard. After all, offending an influential eunuch close to the emperor was unwise. Even a few disparaging words at the wrong time could lead to endless headaches.
As soon as Wei Xun left, the Xu family elders erupted with concern.
"Ming'er, you must not join the Blood Asura Battalion!" the matriarch urged.
Xu Zheng quickly added, "That's right, my son. The Blood Asura Battalion may be one of Wu Kingdom's three elite ironclad armies, but it's not a place for just anyone! Countless recruits don't even make it to the battlefield—they die during training!
"And the battalion is all about life-and-death missions! If 5,000 new recruits enter each year, it's uncertain if even 2,000 will survive by the year's end!"
Xu Shuiya, now holding the title of Duke Xu, nodded gravely. "Ming'er, your future is limitless. There's no need to take such a risk."
It was clear that the matriarch, Duke Xu, and Xu Ming's father were all deeply opposed to the idea.
Xu Ming, however, was no stranger to the Blood Asura Battalion's reputation.
The battalion was the pinnacle of Wu Kingdom's military might, equivalent to the elite of all elite special forces. Its soldiers came from two sources:
1. Handpicked talents from other military units.
2. Homegrown recruits, trained from a young age to be "native" members of the battalion.
For any unit to become a battle-hardened force feared even "internationally," its training regimen was unimaginably harsh. Within the Blood Asura Battalion, recruits were regularly sent on missions designed to push them to the brink of death.
If they survived, their strength and willpower would transcend limits.
If they didn't, they simply died. The battalion cared little for individual lives, even if the deceased hailed from noble or royal bloodlines.
Yet Xu Ming understood the true concern of the Xu family elders. They weren't worried about his death—they were worried about the death of Xu Jieyuan, their shining beacon of hope.
"Grandmother, Grandfather, Father," Xu Ming said, bowing respectfully, "His Majesty has entrusted me with this opportunity because he holds expectations for me. How could I possibly disappoint him?
"Moreover, the Blood Asura Battalion was co-founded by Duke Xu and Duke Qin alongside the founding emperor. They built a legacy that will last for generations.
"As a descendant of Duke Xu, how could I face the court if I don't even dare enter the very battalion our ancestors helped create?"
The elders opened their mouths as if to speak but ultimately fell silent.
This Xu Ming...
So young, and already wielding the weight of righteousness to silence others.
"Suya, talk some sense into him," Xu Zheng said, turning to Chen Suya.
Xu Ming raised his head and looked at his mother.
Chen Suya pressed her lips tightly together, her expression filled with hesitation and worry. For a long moment, she said nothing. Finally, her lips parted, and she spoke softly but firmly:
"Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, Husband… I respect Ming'er's decision."
Nightfall, Xiaochun Courtyard.
Chen Suya sat in the courtyard, gazing up at the vast night sky.
Xu Ming, fresh from the kitchen after his evening bath, noticed his mother sitting on a stone bench in a daze. A pang of guilt rose in his heart. "Mother…" Xu Ming approached her.
Chen Suya snapped out of her thoughts. Looking at her son, she reached out and took his small hand into hers. "Come, let Mother take a good look at you. The next time we meet, it will be five years from now."
"If Mother doesn't want me to go, then I won't," Xu Ming said earnestly.
"Silly child," Chen Suya said with a gentle smile, her hand stroking Xu Ming's cheek.
"You'll have to grow up eventually. A man's ambitions should stretch beyond the horizon. Do you think you can stay with Mother forever? Besides, our Wu Kingdom's men are meant to have courage and blood in their veins.
"But Ming'er, once you leave, you must take care of yourself. In the Blood Asura Battalion, you'll be all alone. You must think things through carefully and never act on impulse. Do you understand?"
Xu Ming nodded solemnly. "I understand, Mother. Please take care of yourself too."
"Don't worry about me. Lady Wang and Madam Qin have been looking after me well. And ever since you made such a stir in the capital, I've gained a certain level of respect. The entire household treats me with great courtesy now."
As she spoke, Chen Suya's expression turned playful, a touch of pride flashing across her face.
Xu Ming merely smiled. He knew his mother was putting on this act to ease his mind. But she wasn't entirely wrong—Lady Wang and Madam Qin's influence ensured she would be well-protected.
"Tomorrow morning, you'll be leaving for the Blood Asura Battalion, won't you? Go get some rest. Mother will see you off in the morning," Chen Suya said, stroking Xu Ming's head.
Xu Ming wanted to say more but stopped when he saw his mother's reddened eyes, the tears she held back threatening to fall at any moment. Bowing deeply, he replied, "Yes, Mother."
As Xu Ming retreated to his room, Chen Suya watched his door close. Covering her mouth with her hands, she finally let the tears fall, streaming down her face as she whispered, "How did my child… grow up so fast?"
---
The next morning.
Two soldiers in blood-red iron armor rode up to the Xu residence on horseback.
Xu Ming bid farewell to his mother and the others.
Lady Wang, ever proud and aloof, said, "Don't make me have to collect your corpse. It's such a hassle."
Xu Xiaopang said nothing but hugged Xu Ming tightly, crying his heart out. To Xiaopang, his fifth brother was his only true friend.
The white goose patted Xu Ming on the shoulder with its wing, saying, "Don't worry about your mom. This goose has got her covered. Big Sis will be waiting for you to return."
The goose even thought about giving Xu Ming a delicate feather as a keepsake but decided against it after realizing it had been balding recently.
Bowing deeply, Xu Ming bid farewell to everyone and the goose—before following the two Blood Asura soldiers into the distance.
---
It was unclear how long they traveled before Xu Ming was unceremoniously thrown off the horse by one of the Blood Asura soldiers. Without so much as a backward glance, they turned and rode away.
Xu Ming picked himself up, dusted off the dirt on his clothes, and looked ahead.
Before him stood a massive military encampment.
At the entrance to the camp, an emaciated old man sat lazily.
The old man glanced up at Xu Ming, his voice gruff. "Name? Purpose?"
"Xu Ming, here to join the Army."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein