Inside the tent, it was completely silent.
On the vermilion case, stacks of documents piled high.
From time to time, a gust of wind would blow through the doorway curtain, carrying the scent of wild grass, rustling the topmost pages.
Outside the window, the weather was fine. Occasionally, the distant roars of warhorses or wolf-camels could be heard, only deepening the stillness within the tent.
Ma Yingjie, the young patriarch of the Ma family, was sitting cross-legged on a cushion, his head bowed over the desk, helping his father manage the affairs of the allied forces.
Ever since the Ma family launched a surprise attack and exterminated the Fei family, the greatest obstacle to the Hero Conference had been removed.
In the subsequent Tianchuan Hero Conference, the Ma family overpowered the Cheng family and claimed the position of alliance leader. Bound by a deadly oath, the Ma family's military forces instantly swelled to six hundred thousand, a truly formidable army.
After that, the Ma family marched east and west, starting from Tianchuan and heading southwest. Along the way, they constantly sought out beast herds or stubborn local forces to attack, training their troops and consolidating their combat power. With a string of victories, they absorbed the defeated tribes, further expanding their strength and building high morale.
Now, the Ma family had arrived near Mirror Lake and finally encountered an opponent of equal caliber—the Song family allied forces.
Currently, the Ma family was constructing their first line of defense.
"Report!" came the voice of a reconnaissance Gu master from outside the tent.
A sharp gleam flashed in Ma Yingjie's eyes. He knew that a report at this moment must mean urgent or important military intelligence. He set aside his work and called out, "Enter."
The travel-worn reconnaissance Gu master, upon hearing the summons, was about to step into the tent. The guards stopped him. "Don't you know the rules? Change your shoes. Don't dirty the carpet inside."
The reconnaissance Gu master promptly apologized, changed his shoes, and entered the tent. Seeing Ma Yingjie, he immediately knelt on one knee. "Subordinate greets the young patriarch. I bring important military intelligence from Yutian."
He reported concisely. After listening, Ma Yingjie inquired in detail, and only after half an incense stick of time did he order the man to withdraw.
"The Hei family has defeated the Eastern tribe. They've won the crucial first battle." Ma Yingjie's heart felt heavy.
The Royal Court Contest had been waged countless times. At his level, he had thoroughly figured out the rules of this game.
He understood the significance of winning the first battle. After defeating the Eastern tribe, the Hei family would receive a massive amount of compensation. These war reparations included many new Gu recipes from the Eastern tribe, as well as a vast quantity of war materials. Once they digested these resources and absorbed the prisoners, the combat strength of the Hei family's army would increase by roughly five times!
"In the history of the Royal Court Contest, the first battle is especially critical. Once you win the first battle, you have the foundational capital. If you lose the first battle, you are almost certainly eliminated. There are very few examples of a comeback. The Hei family has already secured their first victory, while our Ma family remains in a stalemate with the Song family…"
Fei Cai carefully approached the tent entrance, trying not to make a sound.
The two Gu masters guarding the entrance glanced at him, then looked away.
Since the Fei family was wiped out, the bewildered Fei Cai had been chosen by Ma Yingjie. He was lucky enough to become his personal servant, avoiding the miserable fate of the rest of his clan.
His daily job was to arrange the shoes at the tent entrance.
Ma Yingjie was naturally fastidious. Every visitor to his tent had to change their shoes so as not to dirty his precious, luxurious carpet.
Fei Cai was responsible for washing every pair of shoes worn by guests and then arranging them back.
But this time, it was different.
Holding the shoes worn by the reconnaissance Gu master in his hands, Fei Cai hesitated for a moment, then tucked another pair of shoes into his chest.
No one noticed this small action of his. Fei Cai left without incident. After passing more than a dozen tents, he arrived at a pool.
He squatted by the pool and began to meticulously wash the shoes that had been worn. He was so focused that he didn't even notice a person approach behind him.
"Hey, big idiot, why are you so serious about washing shoes!" A small hand suddenly slammed down on Fei Cai's shoulder.
Fei Cai was startled. He turned around and saw a little girl, exquisitely beautiful, with bright, sparkling eyes. It was Zhao Lianyun.
Ever since Zhao Lianyun used the 'Tiger, Wolf, Sheep' argument to persuade the Zhao clan leader, the Zhao family had traveled a long distance. After several twists and turns, they arrived safely at the Ma family camp and were personally welcomed by the Ma family leader.
The Zhao family successfully integrated into the Ma family army and received attention and a warm reception from the Ma family's upper echelons.
"It's you, Miss Xiaoyun," Fei Cai said, a foolish grin spreading across his face. His father's murder had plunged him into endless grief. By a twist of fate, he became Ma Yingjie's personal servant, only to be ostracized by the older servants, leaving him friendless.
Zhao Lianyun had played tricks on him a few times, yet he regarded her as his only friend. So, when he saw this little girl, his heart was filled with joy.
"Miss Xiaoyun, I have something to give you." Fei Cai lowered his voice and leaned his head close to Zhao Lianyun's ear.