The Tenth Section Hits the Iron Plate

  Wangcai was very unaccustomed to having a saddle on his back, he always wanted to get rid of the thing, but with a bit in his mouth and a dragon head on his head, the complete set of saddlery bound him tightly, unable to make his usual movements. He could only use his head to constantly nod and hope that the boss would have mercy and remove these things, restoring his freedom.

  Yun Ye was also in a difficult situation at this time, and with the general's order, he had to get up and go to the Left Wuwei Army Camp. Cheng Chumu gave Yun Ye his old armor, which was still a bit big but much stronger than the standard helmet and armor. As soon as he walked, his whole body clattered, like a dog wearing a bell, it was so awkward. The image was bad enough, but this armor alone weighed 30 pounds without the helmet, and with the horizontal sword at his waist and the bow and arrow on his back, Yun Ye felt like a mobile war fortress. Yun Ye thought that wearing this armor, it would be good if he wasn't killed by others, let alone killing anyone else.

  Cheng Cheng apologized profusely, feeling embarrassed that his brother had to wear his old armor. Although it was simple and plain in the army, they made do with it. Once they returned to Chang'an, he would definitely have a new set of 80-jin heavy armor made for Yun Huan. Zhang Cheng and the others envied him, thinking that such armor was fitting for the identity of a military secretary. After finishing speaking, he tightly re-tied Yun Huan's armor straps once again, causing Yun Huan to turn bright red in the face as he desperately tried to loosen his belt, barely saving his life.

  With great difficulty, he caught his breath and asked Cheng Chumo: "As a scholar-official, what is the use of wearing armor?"

  "What nonsense is this about civil officials in the army? Even if Your Majesty were in the army, wouldn't you have to wear a helmet and armor? If you want to be beaten with a military stick, then go see the great general wearing a single layer of clothing."

  Cheng started talking about the time he was caned, his sturdy body could withstand ten lashes, but he would have to lie down for two days. Looking at his thin arms and legs, it seemed like they would break easily. Someone advised him to eat a full meal, no matter how difficult it was, it was better than being caned. Standing up straight and walking a few steps, it didn't seem so unbearable after all. It seems that roads are made for people to walk on, but people are forced to do so.

  Hugging Wangcai, the two brothers complained to each other for a while, and then Zhang Cheng lifted him onto another gentle mare. Wangcai was not yet grown up and couldn't ride, just letting him get familiar with the saddle, so it would be convenient to ride later.

  There was also a chief clerk who came with Cheng Chumou, to replace Yun Yan to continue making salt. General Cheng would not rest until the emperor's orders were fulfilled. Before noon, Cheng Chumou began to urge them to set off. He borrowed ten taels of silver from Cheng and gave it to the two women as a thank you. Amidst the crying of the two women, they bid farewell to the logistics camp soldiers who had been with them for over a month. Wang Cai carried his backpack, and the fat mother horse carried Yun Yan, rushing towards the large camp in Lanzhou.

  Sixty miles, not far nor near, Cheng Chumu rode for an hour and could gallop back and forth, but now he can only let the horse trot slowly. Like this, Yunyan's five internal organs were almost vomiting out. The damn saddle was too hard, rubbing against Yunyan's buttocks like it was on fire. He carefully lifted his body to minimize contact with the saddle. Cheng Chumu showed off his unparalleled riding skills from time to time. Yunyan really missed his second-hand Santana.

  The road has finally come to an end, and the large camp is already in sight. The scouting horses, messengers, and relay riders are coming and going without a break, and from time to time, the low and muffled sound of bugles can be heard. On the arrow tower, thick and sturdy crossbow arrows are shining with cold light. A huge commander's flag with the word "Cheng" is fluttering high in the air, looking very majestic.

  Cheng Chu Mo quietly brought the reported name and verified the suitability, only then did he pass through the camp gate and head straight for the commander's tent.

  Before meeting Old Cheng, the various legends of the Demon King kept surging in his mind, with two personalities: one was passionate and fiery, while the other was despicable and cunning. Which one was the true face of this old man?

  Before Yun Ye could make sense of it, a loud and clear laughter came from the commander's tent, followed by a man in his forties appearing at the entrance. His deep and piercing eyes were fixed on Yun Ye: "Good kid, so young and yet you've saved my army from danger! You're indeed a high-ranking officer's son, your reputation is well-deserved!"

  Yun Yan lowered his head to avoid the sharp gaze that was like a knife's edge, and bowed: "Junior officer Yun Yan pays respects to General."

  "Good, good, now that you're here, let's hear Ugly Son talk about your various talents. I didn't believe it at first, but now that I've seen you, you're indeed extraordinary. Our army has gained another talented individual, what a joyous occasion!"

  It's all become a good nephew, this uncle can only cover his nose and admit it.

  "My young nephew and I have been getting along very well, and I had long wanted to meet you, uncle. However, the matter of salt production is crucial to the safety of our troops, so I didn't dare to be negligent and delayed until today to pay my respects. I apologize for my tardiness, please forgive me."

  "Haha, haha, you've done a great job with the salt production! I'm delighted to see young people achieving success. You and Chou'er should learn from each other and make progress together. Come, come, let me take a good look at this young hero."

  Yun Ye just got up from the ground, stood upright beside Cheng Chu, but was caught by Old Cheng and taken into the commander's tent. The guards had already set up a table with four dishes of food, which were still steaming hot. Yun Ye looked at the food, thinking that young people get hungry quickly, and didn't think he was being rude, but rather felt that this kid was neither arrogant nor humble, truly genuine, and even ignored his own murderous aura, increasing his good impression.

  "I know you're a smooth talker, try some military rations and see if they suit your taste,"

  "Uncle's gift of food, how could a junior like me dare not show respect? Just now I recalled that my teacher also treated me in the same way, every time it was mealtime, he would also have this kind of expression. Thank you, Uncle." Cheng Yaoguang put too much pressure on Yun He, and just now the electric saw-like gaze made him unbearable, how could he dare to engage in a verbal dispute with such a person? Although Old Cheng didn't mention Yun He's background, his eyes were full of inquiring color. Forget it, don't wait for him to ask, let's start the conversation ourselves.

  "Alas, where is Master Fang's superior man? I, old Cheng, was unable to meet him, it's truly a regrettable matter."

  "My master called himself Xiao Yao Zi, but he never told me his real name. He said that a name is just a label and it doesn't matter whether you know it or not. He didn't interact with outsiders, saying that people in the world are foolish and if you stay with them for long, you'll catch their foolishness too. So until my master passed away, I was so unfilial that I still didn't know his real name."

  "It's really hard to fathom the ways of a superior being. It seems that we ordinary people living in this mundane world have had our spiritual wisdom tainted and darkened by the impurities of the world."

  It can be seen that Cheng Yaojin is somewhat melancholic. He was born into an official family, married a wife from a high-ranking household, and held the military seal in his hand, achieving the ultimate wealth and glory in the mortal world. What he pursued was unclear, even to himself.

  Yun Ye's words sounded very reasonable at first, but in fact, they were just vague and ambiguous, striking a chord with many people and making himself stand out as if he was the only sober one in a world of drunkards. And indeed, this kind of talk is effective against geniuses with an IQ over 200. Intelligent people think too much and too deeply, and they can fill in the loopholes in your language, making it perfect and flawless.

  In the past, Yun Yan stayed at a rural house in Tianshui for twelve days and was charged 1,000 yuan, excluding meals. The house was old and dilapidated, with mice running around at night. Three meals a day were mainly porridge noodles, but the price was exorbitant. After midnight, his stomach growled with hunger, but he didn't think it was bitter. He had a long conversation with the white-haired landlord, discussing the past five thousand years, and talking about England, America, Germany, France, and the Soviet Union. Every time he heard a wonderful theory, he was amazed by the old man's wisdom. In the wilderness, there is a hidden sage! He regretted not being able to bow down and worship him.

  The old landlord examined Yun Yan from head to toe and said that within ten years, he would definitely have a brilliant future. Yun Yan was so moved that he couldn't speak, and he poured out all his money to thank the old man. The feeling of regret for not meeting earlier overflowed in their conversation.

  But unexpectedly, on the second day, a group of villagers came together, armed with hoes and shovels, and shouted that they would beat the old scoundrel to death. They said that he was a cheat who had swindled his own relatives and friends from the same village. The old man jumped over the wall and ran away, showing remarkable agility. The villagers chased after him closely, leaving Yun Yan alone in the garden, staring blankly.

  From then on, Yun Yan's conversations with clever people became like this.

  Lao Cheng was indeed a seasoned veteran of the Jianghu, and after a brief moment of confusion, his eyes cleared up again. As a tough guy who had been through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, his mind had long been as solid as a rock. How could he be shaken by these few words? His eyes rolled around, and anger burst forth. He took two steps forward to stand in front of Yun Ye, grabbed him with one hand, and lifted him up onto his leg. With a huge palm the size of a winnowing fan, he slapped Yun Ye repeatedly, scolding him as he hit: "This slap is for your disrespect towards your elders, this slap is for bewildering me, this slap is for your arrogance and rudeness, and this slap... well, I don't care what it's for. Just looking at you makes me want to beat you up."

  After a few slaps, Yun Ruo felt that his buttocks were no longer his own and hurriedly begged for mercy: "Uncle Cheng spare my life, I won't dare again."

  "Hmph, you little scamp, trying to play tricks on me in front of your old man?" He said with a slanted gaze at Yun Ye, then sat back down at his desk, focusing on eating.

  Yun Yan didn't know why, but the old man had beaten out both his tears and snot. A 40-year-old shouldn't be so irresponsible; it seems that psychological maturity doesn't equal physical maturity. The tears and snot were probably a bodily defense mechanism not controlled by the brain. Rubbing his numb butt, he was filled with regret, thinking to himself: What's wrong with me for provoking the old man? Isn't this just asking for trouble?

  He slowly sidled up to Old Cheng and served him dishes with a flattering smile. Old Cheng was a straightforward person, whatever he was given to eat, he would eat without complaint. It seemed the old man had forgiven him. Yun Huan hesitated for half a day before speaking, but he wasn't that old cheat who could spout lies with a straight face after being exposed.

  Lao Cheng looked at him with disdain: "If you have something to say, then say it. I'm still waiting for you to continue circling around me."

  "Uncle Cheng, please forgive me. Just now was also a lesson taught by my teacher, one of them. As I'm new to the battlefield, I saw Uncle Cheng's majestic and intimidating presence, and unintentionally used you as an experiment. Who knew that my skills were not refined and you saw through it? This beating I received is well-deserved, entirely due to my own doing. I hope Uncle won't be angry."

  "Oh? Homework?"

  Yes

  "What has your teacher actually taught you? How can you confuse people's minds and talk nonsense as if it's part of the curriculum?"

  "Yes, Master thinks that everything in the world can be measured, including speaking. What kind of occasion, what kind of words to say, with what tone, combined with what actions, how to persuade others, how to make people feel trustworthy, how to use words to create a sense of distance, what kind of expression matches what action to give people a sense of majesty... etc."