Guo Jiwang surprised. "Is there more?"
"There are also thirty-four repeating crossbows, each capable of firing three arrows at a time, and can fire three times in succession."
Is there anything else?
"I have a personal guard whose strength is close to the First Rate level. He should be able to hold off a First Rate expert for a short time."
Is there anything else?
"As long as it's a one-on-one fight, without anyone else interfering, I'm confident I can win against even the most formidable fighters from Mount Liang!"
Wu Shuangren said with certainty.
Guo Jiwang smiled and nodded; he had long seen through Wu Shuangren's 'arrogance'.
"I was originally only 20% confident, but now I feel 40%."
Guo Jiwang said this to Wu Shuangren.
That evening, three cargo ships docked at the pier, and the boatmen and militiamen worked together to unload supplies.
Bags of grain were unloaded from the carts and neatly stacked into the hold. Bundles of leather armor were carried out of the storeroom, and boxes containing infantry armor were also loaded onto the ship.
By 11:45 PM, the three cargo ships were fully loaded.
Wu Shuangren called Bai Jinhuan to the dock, "Take the First Brigade and board these three ships. When you arrive at Yi Province Dock, keep a close watch on the supplies and wait for me to arrive with my men."
Bai Jinhuan bowed and said, "Rest assured, Commander, I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!"
He naturally understood that Wu Shuangren entrusted him with this task because she valued him.
The supplies and equipment on board are crucial to the success or failure of the mission; there is no room for error!
Guo Jiwang suddenly walked over from the side, followed by Zhou Zhengqing.
"Let Zhengqing go with the ship."
Guo Jiwang said to Wu Shuangren, "We must get him to the Yi Province dock as quickly as possible. Once he arrives, arrange for someone to escort him into Yi Prefecture City immediately. This matter is crucial to success or failure, so I suggest we send the fleet out first to save time."
Wu Shuangren glanced at Zhou Zhengqing, but didn't ask any further questions, choosing to believe Guo Jiwang.
He instructed Bai Jinhuan:
"Then do as the strategist says. You leave tonight. Once you reach the dock, immediately arrange for someone to escort Mr. Zhou into Yi Prefecture City."
Bai Jinhuan agreed, and Zhou Zhengqing bowed to Guo Jiwang and Wu Shuangren respectively before turning around and following Bai Jinhuan onto the boat.
A moment later, the three cargo ships slowly sailed away from the dock and headed downstream towards Yi Province.
The next morning, before dawn, the torches on the drill ground were already forming a continuous line.
More than 2,500 people lined up in neat square formations.
Everyone carried only two days' worth of rations, weapons, and packs, setting off lightly.
"Set off!"
At Wu Shuangren's command, he took the lead and rode out of the fortress.
More than 2,500 people set off from West River Market!
Nothing unexpected happened along the way. On the first day, they marched more than 60 li (about 30 kilometers) at a rapid pace, and by noon on the second day, they had arrived in Bo County.
No one fell behind on the way, and there were no non-combat casualties.
Outside the city gate of Bo County, Wu Dongrong and Liao Yu led a hundred militiamen from the city to line up in formation.
Wu Shuangren sent his personal guards on horseback to act as scouts, who arrived in Bo County ahead of time to inform the two men of the news. As a result, the two men led the militia out of the city to greet them.
When Wu Shuangren's troops appeared on the official road, the militiamen who were waiting in line outside the city immediately stirred up a commotion!
Although I had long heard that my own leader was doing very well in Xi Province and that the scale of the militia was growing larger and larger.
But hearing is unreliable, seeing is believing.
Only when the hundred militiamen saw thousands of people wearing the same uniforms as them walking towards them from a distance did they truly believe the rumors they had heard before!
"So many people!"
"They're all from our training group!"
"How impressive!"
"..."
The group couldn't help but whisper among themselves, and the team leaders all spoke up, emphasizing discipline.
The group of one hundred people fell silent again, and everyone subconsciously straightened their chests, a sense of pride rising in their hearts!
The long line approached from afar, the footsteps of thousands of people heavy and orderly.
Leading the way were Wu Shuangren and his personal guards, several dozen riders lined up in two rows. Behind them, the square formations were like a forest of spears, exuding an imposing aura!
Wu Dongrong and Liao Yu exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise and pride.
From the perspective of these two veteran border soldiers, the team led by Wu Shuangren was quite respectable.
"Wow, Shuangren is really as imposing as a general in the army now!"
Liao Yu smiled broadly and said to Wu Dongrong, "You didn't become a general back then, but your son fulfilled your dream."
Even Wu Dongrong's usually stern face couldn't hide the smile.
He nodded. "In less than a year, this kid has managed to build such a team, excellent!"
The two elders kept praising Wu Shuangren.
Wu Shuangren rode his horse to the city gate and reined in.
"Father, Uncle Liao!"
He dismounted and strode forward.
Wu Dongrong and Liao Yu went to greet them.
"Haha, you've really made a name for yourself these days! Our Bo County has produced quite a figure!"
Liao Yu laughed and patted Wu Shuangren on the shoulder.
Wu Dongrong's emotions were much calmer. She looked her son up and down and finally said, "Your mother has prepared the meal and is waiting for you at home."
Wu Shuangren smiled and nodded.
He turned to look at the two rows of militiamen standing straight at the city gate. The militiamen were also looking at him, their eyes filled with tension and admiration.
Some of these militiamen knew Wu Shuangren, while others did not.
Wu Shuangren didn't stand on ceremony and directly gave the order, "Everyone, please!"
Brush!
One hundred people immediately stood at attention.
Wu Shuangren nodded. It seemed that his father and Uncle Liao had trained these hundred men very well.
"Take the food to your comrades."
Wu Shuangren pointed to the large army in the distance and said.
He didn't plan to stay in Bo County for too long. After everyone had eaten and replenished their food supplies, they would continue their journey today.
Upon receiving the news, Wu Dongrong and Liao Yu had already prepared food and had the militiamen move it out of the city.
"Yes!"
One hundred militiamen shouted in unison and began moving the grain.
"Father, Uncle Liao, let's go into the city first."
Wu Shuangren turned around and said.
"Okay, let's go."
The three of them walked into the city together.
"You suddenly returned with so many people, is something urgent happening? Are you planning to start a war with Mist Hidden Temple right now?"
On the way, Liao Yu couldn't help but ask.
News of the Mount Liang rebellion is currently only circulating within Rong Province; the government has not issued any official gazette. Those in Yi Province who are truly aware of the matter are only the high-ranking officials and nobles in the prefectural city.
Although Guo Jiwang was far away in West River County, he had access to the West River Wharf within his jurisdiction, making him more well-informed.
On the contrary, Bo County has not received any news yet.
Not wanting to worry his elders, Wu Shuangren smiled and said, "The Mist Hidden Temple has suffered repeated heavy losses; now is the best opportunity!"
He had already arranged for people from the Flying Feather Hall to specifically relay messages to Bo County. If anything went wrong on his side, or if Mist Hidden Temple or Mount Liang sent people to attack Bo County, people from the Flying Feather Hall would notify the county immediately.
Someone will then lead Wu Dongrong and the others to West River Market.
Liao Yu suddenly realized, "I guessed right, they really are going to attack the Mist Hidden Temple!"
Wu Dongrong looked at his son and said in a deep voice, "Are you sure you can succeed?"
Wu Shuangren said confidently, "I'm sure!"
So Wu Dongrong stopped asking questions.
The three of them then returned to the Wu Clan together, and Liao Yu also came along for a meal.
After the meal, a guard came to report, "Commander, many people in the regiment have applied to go home for a visit. Battalion Commander Chen sent me to ask you if you would allow it?"
"..."
Wu Shuangren pursed her lips.
Chen Tie knew they had to continue their journey today, so there was no need to send someone to ask specifically; such a thing was definitely not allowed.
But Wu Shuangren understood why the other party had specifically sent someone to ask him.
Those who know about Mount Liang are currently limited to the level of battalion commander and above; the militiamen below are unaware of the dangers of this battle.
Many of them haven't been home in a long time, and this might be the last time they ever see their families...
Should we allow it?
Wu Shuangren discovered that this was the most difficult order he had ever given!
'A kind heart cannot command an army...'
He silently recited it in his heart, remained silent for a long time, and finally said to his personal guards expressionlessly:
"Tell Battalion Commander Chen that no one is allowed to leave the ranks! The entire unit will depart in half an hour!"
"Yes!"
The guards left with the orders.
"Father, Mother, Uncle Liao, I have to go."
Wu Shuangren turned to the three elders inside the room and spoke.
"How could it be so fast?"
Xu Nanzhi stood up with a surprised look on her face.
Liao Yu frowned and said, "Yeah, you should at least stay home for the night before you leave."
Wu Shuangren shook his head. "Speed is of the essence in war. This time, we're aiming to catch Mist Hidden Temple off guard, so we can't wait. We'll have a proper get-together after I'm done fighting."
After saying that, without waiting for the others to say anything more, he waved his hand and strode out of the house as if fleeing.
123 A Military Family's Son, a Dock Crisis
Wu Shuangren walked out of his house, and after taking only a few steps, a constable jogged over from the alley entrance, stopped in front of him, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, and spoke with undisguised awe in his voice:
"Militia Commander Wu, County Commandant Xu wishes to see you, saying he has important matters to discuss."
Wu Shuangren glanced at him. He recognized the constable; they had met before when they worked at the police station. Back then, the constable would at most nod and call him "Brother Wu." Now, the constable was bowing more deeply than if he were seeing the magistrate.