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While Bai Tang was busy with his work, a significant event occurred in the Da Shun Dynasty: the invasion of the southern region by the Japanese. The officials and soldiers were caught off guard, suffering heavy casualties and losing several cities. The request for support from the Southern An County Prince was swiftly sent to the capital. Emperor Kang Yuan immediately summoned his ministers to organize troop deployment, during which a sensational incident unfolded: Jia Family's second branch's Eldest Son, Jia Zhu, unexpectedly gave up his position at the Hanlin Academy to join the army and head to the front lines!
The Emperor naturally agreed with pleasure and even issued an edict to commend Jia Zheng and Jia Zhu. Many noble families in the capital recognized the Emperor's intentions and sent their illegitimate sons to the military, causing great distress for the Minister of War. What could these young masters do? Sending them to the battlefield would only serve as fodder. After some thought, the Minister of War assigned them all to supply teams, ensuring they wouldn't directly face danger on the battlefield. Jia Zhu approached the Minister of War, requesting to join the vanguard unit. The Minister looked at Jia Zhu's physique, revealing his disdain.
Jia Zhu pressed his lips together and demonstrated a set of spear techniques in front of the Minister, followed by archery, hitting the target three times in succession. The Minister was astonished; indeed, he was a descendant of the Duke of Rongguo, possessing his ancestor's demeanor. Thus, he agreed to Jia Zhu's request and allowed him to join the vanguard.
When Bai Tang arrived at the Jia residence, Jia Zhu was packing his belongings at home. Li Wan was very upset; her husband was heading to a dangerous battlefield, and there was no guarantee he would return safely. Perhaps this time would be a parting for life or death. However, she couldn't voice any objections; she understood her husband's thoughts. He had ambition and capability, but due to Madam Wang's influence, even as a top scholar, he was not valued and had been like an invisible person at Hanlin Academy for six years. Her husband wanted to redeem himself through military merit and support his wife, son, younger brother, and sister—Sister Yuan Chun felt distressed about not finding a suitable family to serve in the palace; younger brother Jia Baoyu was looked down upon by classmates at school; Jia Zhu didn't want his son Jia Lan to face similar situations. With their father Jia Zheng unreliable, they could only rely on Jia Zhu. He had already taken on a crown and became the pillar of the second branch. Li Wan secretly wiped away her tears and placed a fox fur cloak into his luggage.
"The cloak is too precious; you shouldn't take it," Jia Zhu said as he took it out of his bag. "I'm going to fight at the front lines, not going out for leisure; I can't carry so much!"
Jia Zhu looked at the cloak with nostalgia; it was made for him by Madam Wang during her lifetime. No matter how bad Madam Wang was or how ruthless she appeared to outsiders, she genuinely cared for her three children and could be considered a loving mother.
"But autumn is just around the corner..." Li Wan frowned with worry.
"The south isn't as cold as the north, plus we need to wear standard armor in the army. Bringing a cloak would be pointless; it's better to prepare more medicine," Jia Zhu replied.
"Uncle sent two bottles of gold wound medicine over; it's a unique formula used by grandfather during his campaigns. Father also sent some medicine for preventing colds; I've prepared medicine for treating miasma since I've heard there's a lot of it in the south..." Li Wan presented a box and pointed out each bottle inside for Jia Zhu.
Jia Zhu felt warmth in his heart: His uncle treated him so generously; he would be more filial towards him in the future and help support Second Brother Lian in managing the general's residence.
"Master, Mistress, someone named Bai Tang is outside wanting to see you," Su Yun entered and reported after lifting the curtain. Su Yun was Li Wan's maidservant who had originally been prepared by the Li Family as a concubine for Jia Zhu during inconvenient times. However, over the years, Jia Zhu focused on reviving Jia Family's second branch and had no intention of taking a concubine. Seeing that Su Yun had grown older, Li Wan arranged for her to marry one of their middle-ranking stewards in two months.
Jia Zhu stood up abruptly from the couch: "You didn't hear wrong; it's really Bai Tang?"
Su Yun nodded, "I did not hear wrong; he is indeed called Bai Tang, a graceful young gentleman."
Jia Zhu stepped outside, and Li Wan hurriedly called out, "Sir, you haven't changed your clothes yet!"
Jia Zhu looked down at his casual attire and immediately turned back into the room to let Li Wan change his clothes, instructing Su Yun to go outside and respectfully invite the guest in.
"Do not neglect the guest; serve the best tea!"
Li Wan was puzzled. Since their marriage, she had never seen her husband act so flustered or place such importance on a guest. Curiously, she asked, "Sir, who is Young Master Bai?"
Jia Zhu reached for the sleeves of the outer garment that Li Wan was holding up and replied, "I do not know his background, but his family must be remarkable."
Li Wan was even more surprised. "Sir, you don't even know his family background, yet you care so much about him?"
Jia Zhu lowered his arms; the outer garment was already on. Li Wan bent down to fasten his belt. "Bai Tang is my lifesaver and also my Master. My current skills are entirely thanks to the techniques taught to me by my Master!"
Bai Tang sipped the fine tea and waited for less than five minutes when he heard hurried footsteps from outside the hall. The next moment, Jia Zhu appeared in Bai Tang's line of sight. The young man in his twenties was no longer the thin and pale boy from six years ago; although still lean, he had become much sturdier. His face bore a healthy flush, and his eyes sparkled with determination instead of despair.
"Master!" Jia Zhu approached Bai Tang and respectfully bowed.
Bai Tang did not shy away; Jia Zhu was recognized as her disciple by the system, so she could naturally accept Jia Zhu's greeting.
"Master, it has been many years; your elegance remains unchanged!" Jia Zhu's expression was filled with excitement. For this Master who had saved his life, he felt both respect and gratitude. Unfortunately, he had only met Bai Tang once before; for the past six years, no matter how he inquired, he had not heard any news about her. Now that Bai Tang stood before him, he finally had the opportunity to express his long-overdue gratitude that had been six years in coming.
Bai Tang waved his hand and said, "Since you are my disciple, it is only right to save you; there is no need for thanks. I heard that you have decided to transition from literature to martial arts and voluntarily go to the battlefield?"
"Did you hear that, Master? That's right. I have accomplished nothing in the Hanlin Academy for six years. If I do not seek new opportunities, I fear I will never have a chance to advance in my life. How can I revive the Jia Family this way? How can I become a support for my younger siblings and descendants? Master, for the sake of my family, I must take this risk!" Jia Zhu said solemnly.
Bai Tang replied, "But the battlefield is dangerous. How can a scholar like you survive amidst the chaos of battle?"
"Master, I am no longer Wu Xia A Meng. While practicing the techniques you taught me, I have also learned spear and archery skills; I have the ability to protect myself."
"Your skills are only enough to intimidate the Minister of War!"
"Master, how do you know that I practiced martial arts in front of the Minister of War?" Jia Zhu was greatly surprised.
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