Before long, every faction learned that Li Xuancang had gone to the military camp, and they all attached great importance to it.
They wanted to know how Li Xuancang would consolidate his authority after taking office.
"Lord Li will arrive shortly. Come with me to welcome him."
After Wang Tianlin and the others learned that Li Xuancang was heading for the military camp, their expressions turned grave, their hearts filled with unease.
They hastily dressed properly and waited at the camp gates to receive him.
The military camp was not far from the garrison commander's residence, and Li Xuancang arrived quickly.
"Greetings, Lord Garrison Commander..."
Everyone bowed to Li Xuancang in unison, showing utmost respect.
"Rise."
Li Xuancang's voice rang out as he ordered, "Beat the drums. Have everyone gather at the Drill Ground."
The moment those words were spoken, Wang Tianlin's heart sank. The thing he feared most had still come to pass.
"Yes, sir."
No one could stop it. They could only obey the order.
"Boom, boom-boom-boom..."
The drumbeats soon echoed throughout the entire military camp; even the surrounding area could hear them.
"It's the Assembly Drum. Hurry to the Drill Ground."
Hearing the drums, some soldiers hurriedly put down what they were doing and rushed over.
"Ignore it. Keep the music playing, keep dancing."
"I haven't had enough to drink yet. Why should I care about him?"
"Come on, come on! I refuse to believe my luck is this rotten—I haven't won a single bet!"
"..."
The soldiers had grown lazy and undisciplined. Military regulations had long since been cast beyond the nine heavens.
They had brought people from brothels into the camp and behaved as recklessly as they pleased.
They drank themselves into a stupor all day, living in drunken dreams and dying in hazy fantasies.