When Hu Hua sent Xie Zhao over, he wasnât surprised at all, and was even quite pleased.
After all, he was very satisfied with the talent Xie Zhao possessed.
Hu Hua didnât know that the intention behind calling Xie Zhao over was to investigate Chu Hengâs actions in the Ministry of War. Both sides had their own objectives, but unexpectedly, both were satisfied.
Zhou Tianqi trained for an hour.
He was drenched in sweat, yet his spirits seemed quite good.
He frowned, walked over to Chu Heng, saw him writing something, but didnât look closely, only saying, "This wonât work. How could you even let Xie Zhao in."
"Why canât I let him in." Chu Heng showed no change in expression, continuing to write.
Zhou Tianqi frowned, "If you let Xie Zhao in, heâll learn all the formations you use to train the soldiers. By the time the annual examination comes around, our men wonât be able to compete with Hu Huaâs."
"Your point isnât wrong, but have you considered this: if Minister Xiang wants training methods, could we refuse?" Chu Hengâs idea was simple, to use certain formations and training methods to attract more soldiersâ loyalty.
After all, strength is what can truly win over these soldiers.
Rather than contending with Xiang City and Hu Hua, he wanted to win over more soldiers.
Even if those soldiers coming to learn werenât under his command now, as long as they had a favorable impression of him, his goal was achieved.
Zhou Tianqi didnât agree with his perspective: "Even if Minister Xiang asks, we can still hide some details."
"Just because theyâre not your soldiers, does it mean you donât want to care for them?" Chu Heng casually remarked.
Zhou Tianqi paused, at a loss for words, looked at Chu Heng, his gaze somewhat distant. After an unknown period, he reluctantly let out a sigh, ashamed, turning his head away: "Lord Chu, just take it as if I never said anything."
"Itâs just..." He turned and took a couple of steps away, then stopped, with his back to Chu Heng, couldnât help but remind, "Lord Chu, I understand your good intentions, but the relationships in the capital are intricate. Perhaps one day, those youâve helped may turn against you."
"If it truly comes to that, it only means my skills arenât sufficient. Even without todayâs matter, it wouldnât change anything." Chu Heng responded indifferently, lifting his brush to continue writing.
He needed reform, because progress was rather slow, also related to the Emperorâs recent reluctance to see him, so Chu Heng simply immersed himself in the barracks, writing small notes for each soldier, recording their family situations, personalities, and more.
He penned these freely, on the surface merely ordinary records, seemingly insignificant, yet what he wrote, only he understood.
Because of this, even those secretly sent to spy on what he wrote, upon seeing his content, merely thought he was idle, not finding any use in it.
They thought he was mad for doing such things.
In any case, Chu Hengâs progress was smooth, and when the time was right, these records would become useful.
In the evening, after finishing his tasks, Chu Heng returned home early.
At night, he dined with Ye Muyu, and naturally, they spent time together, sharing what they had done during the day.
Then happily went to sleep.
Ever since Ye Muyu learned that the Deng Family planned to send people to cause unfounded troubles.
She had been keeping watch.
With effect.
The opposition couldnât even make a fuss before being interrupted by those she dispatched.