Ye Ge observed the man before him, a man with a full beard, and eyes that darted around in defiance. Even as he was paying respect, his gaze remained fixed on Ye Ge, displaying an unyielding demeanor.
In theory, the military camp should be united against external enemies, but there were countless struggles within the camp. They were military officials, naturally petitive in martial arts. When a new General came, some pre-existing senior officials might not be willing to accept the new arrival. Why should they stand under a newer? And why should this newer be the main General upon arrival?
Therefore, when word spread about General Nangong Ye’s arrival, naturally, there were some who wouldn’t accept him, such as the Northern Defense General, Qiu Qi.
Ye Ge was the General of the Expeditionary Force in the North, one rank higher than Qiu Qi, the Northern Defense General.
“General Qiu, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be guarding the frontline? Why are you at the rear camp?” Li Ze asked.
“General Li, upon hearing about General Nangong Ye’s bravery in battle and inheriting the martial ways of the great General Nangong, I admire him greatly so I wanted to cross hands with General Nangong Ye,” Qiu Qi responded.
As Qiu Qi spoke, more Generals started to gather around.
In military campaigns, although not all individuals enter the battlefield, for instance, the army’s strategists, those who do must be extremely courageous. Otherwise, how would they mand respect?
Qiu Qi’s provocation attracted more spectators.
Usually, Qiu Qi was quite a robust and fierce character with hardly any opponents at the military camp.
But wouldn’t the adopted son of General Nangong be exceptional?
If General Nangong Ye were to lose to Qiu Qi, wouldn’t it imply that the Emperor had randomly dispatched someone to boost the morale of the soldiers?
Li Ze tried to mediate, “Qiu Qi, if you want to challenge Nangong Ye, why not let him rest since he has just arrived after a long journey? Why not duel in the evening?”
“No way!” Qiu Qi refused outright, “I have been fighting here for months, who gave me a break?”
Although those on the sidelines dared not stir up trouble, they hoped for a showdown. Hence, everyone waited with bated breath.
Ye Ge stared calmly at Qiu Qi while Qiu Qi’s gaze remained fixed on Ye Ge, provoking him even further.
In the military camp, petition between men was no different than in the animal kingdom. Whoever won the fight would be the leader.
Ye Ge took a step forward and said to Qiu Qi, “Please, stand up.”
Qiu Qi stood, maintaining his intimidating stance, “So, are you willing to pete?”
“How do you want to pete?” Ye Ge looked at Qiu Qi and asked.
“How do you want to pete? I don’t know what you are petent in, General Nangong Ye. If I choose something you’re weak at, it wouldn’t be a bold victory,” Qiu Qi replied.
Ye Ge smiled faintly and replied, “No worries, just choose what you’re good at. Whatever you want to pete in, whether it’s sabers, swords, or spears, I’m up for it.”
Qiu Qi pointed to two tall black horses behind him, “Let’s pete on horseback with spears. How about forty rounds?”
This was something Qiu Qi excelled at. The Dashun men were all skilled horse riders. To be capable of repelling them, one’s horse riding skills had to be exceptional. Therefore, he wanted to pete on horseback. He didn’t wish for the new mander to arrive without any equestrian skills and bee a laughing stock.
All the soldiers gathered around, watching Ye Ge, curious to see if he would accept the challenge. Ye Ge didn’t hesitate and immediately agreed, “Alright!”
The horse-riding field was surrounded by several military officials.
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