Chapter 135: Friend or Foe (4)

The imperial army receiving help from water bandits? It was an absurd concept that no one had ever thought of.

Scanning the seated officers, So-mu said:

“This matter was pursued with the help of the Beggars’ Sect. I heard their chief has recently changed. He is said to be a person of outstanding martial arts and great tact.”

Doubt still lingered on Lieutenant Seol Pung’s face.

“But why would they help us? And by accepting their help, does that mean we will turn a blind eye to their piracy in the future?”

For a recently joined lieutenant, he was bold to the extreme.

Someone tried to give him a warning look, but Jang-yang raised his hand slightly to stop them. He liked it when his subordinates expressed their opinions.

So-mu also continued speaking without minding it.

“Of course, we will not tolerate their looting on the water. First of all, the reason they are helping us is because we share the same goal. Last year, the headquarters of the Yonggang Water Stronghold was attacked by the Jin Dynasty, and they lost about a dozen ships.”

According to the Beggars’ Sect’s intelligence, the chief was highly likely a master from the Jianghu. If so, there could be no better person for the job than him.

Lieutenant Yang Gang, who was watching, nodded in agreement.

“If that’s the case, the Yonggang Water Stronghold must have a lot of resentment toward the Jin Dynasty. They also need to reclaim their lost ships, even if it means borrowing the strength of the imperial army. However, it feels like we are feeding the water bandits, so I worry about the complaints from the people.”

“We will do our best.”

“Indeed, you are reliable. Since this is a matter for later, let us first focus only on the battle ahead.”

“Understood.”

If the mission succeeded, the water bandits could become even more arrogant in the future.

Jang-yang scanned the room and delivered his final remarks.

The reclaimed ships would surely be used for piracy on the Hanshui River again. It was a difficult thing to accept easily.

“This time, out of necessity, only the Wolf Fang Squad and the cavalry will march, but you must not forget that your roles are also important. For the time being, the lieutenants must accelerate the training of the soldiers. Only brave soldiers who can fight against a hundred foes each will be able to lead this war to victory.”

However, Jang-yang was drawing a larger picture. A meaningful smile played on his lips as he joined the conversation.

“Right now, the front line is expanding along the Hanshui basin. Therefore, we also need ships and experienced naval forces. But how can such things be prepared overnight?”

Everyone bowed their heads simultaneously.

Lieutenant Gwak Cheol asked with a bewildered look:

“Are you by chance planning to incorporate them into our army’s forces?”

“I will give them a chance. A chance to pay for their crimes by dedicating their lives to the country.”

The Hanshui River flows from Hanzhong, through Xiangyang, all the way to the Yangtze River. Therefore, strategically speaking, a navy had become desperately needed. Gwak Cheol did not fail to understand this either.

“If that happens, the troublesome water bandits will disappear, and we will gain the best naval force. However, why would they bother to join our army?”

Jang-yang glanced at So-mu. It was a gaze filled with absolute trust and reliance.

“Do not worry about that. Chief So-mu has agreed to step forward and handle it once this battle is over.”

The new owner who had appeared like a meteor and seized control of the Yonggang Water Stronghold.

“Yes, General!”

“I will prepare without fail.”

“Leave it to us, General!”

The military council ended earlier than usual. This was because debating on paper was useless in this situation.

Since they were deploying as a small force for a special purpose, they had to adapt to the situation on the ground. There was nothing more they could do for now.

After the meeting, So-mu patrolled the military camp until late at night.

Intense training was continuing everywhere, yet not a single soldier was slacking off.

The sharp eyes of the soldiers were filled with pride. It was certainly a stark contrast to the past.

With a satisfied heart, he washed up and headed toward his barracks. Near the entrance, he saw a member of the Wolf Fang Squad standing guard.

“Is it your turn for guard duty today?”

Cheol-du put a finger to his lips and whispered softly:

“Chief, shh…”

“What is it?”

“So-so is sleeping right now.”

So-mu looked up at the sky. It was far too early to sleep.

“Already?”

“I heard she’s been going out on patrol since early morning lately.”

A chuckle escaped So-mu. Come to think of it, hadn’t she received the low-ranking post of patrol officer? The appointment ceremony must have concluded while he was away at Liu Guangshi’s camp.

“What about the other members?”

Except for So-so, no presence could be felt inside the barracks. Cheol-du was the only Wolf Fang member here.

“They will probably return around sunrise tomorrow.”

“They are truly tenacious.”

So-mu shook his head and stepped inside.

The spirit of competition among the members was growing fiercer by the day. Jang-yang’s hint that the ten most outstanding members would be promoted to centurions had set them ablaze.

Creak.

The barracks door opened quietly. He saw So-so sleeping curled up like a shrimp, breathing softly.

Staring at her blankly, So-mu pulled a blanket over her and lay down beside her.

‘I should get some sleep for once as well.’

So-mu only slept once or twice a week. Even then, due to his sensitive senses, he had never once fallen into a deep slumber.

Now that the surroundings were quiet, it was the perfect opportunity to sleep.

An hour passed after he lay down with his hands clasped behind his head.

As expected, sleep did not come. All sorts of random thoughts drifted through his mind.

Right then.

A small weight landed on his chest.

Thud!

It was So-so’s right arm and knee. Resting against his body, she was sleeping peacefully.

With a faint smile, So-mu wrapped his arm around her back.

‘Peaceful.’

When was the last time he had slept so snugly with just his daughter?

Even though they were doing nothing, he felt a happiness he had never experienced before. And he wished for these days to continue in the future.

‘To make that happen, I must keep moving forward. The path ahead is still long.’

There was still no information on the Emperor of the Jin Dynasty. Moreover, under his command were two masters of the profound realm. In addition, there was the overwhelming difference in troop numbers. It was a mountain of obstacles.

They had barely taken a few steps.

‘Now I must take another step. By the way, sleep is out of the question today.’

As expected, he could not sleep tonight either.

Dawn passed, and the rooster began to crow.

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

At the rooster’s cry, So-so’s eyes snapped open. The way she got up reflexively was quite surprising.

“Why are you up already? You can sleep a bit more.”

So-so was already crouching and pulling out her small official uniform from the chest.

“No. I must go on patrol now.”

“Why go through such trouble? If it’s hard, just tell them you’ll quit.”

Suddenly, So-so whispered with a serious expression:

“There is a thief in the palace. I must catch them.”

“Who told you that?”

Adjusting her trousers, So-so said:

“Uncle Il-gwang said he saw one last time. He tried to catch the thief with me but missed.”

At a glance, it was obvious Il-gwang had lied. If he had spotted a thief, there was no way he would have missed him. To think she believed it literally.

Though he thought of telling her the truth, he helped her dress instead. Waking up early and taking a walk was a good habit anyway.

“Have a safe trip. Don’t go catching innocent people.”

Fully dressed in her uniform, So-so tucked a toy-like club into her waist. Then, standing before the door, she bowed politely.

“Understood, Father. I’ll be back!”

Left alone, So-mu pondered for a moment.

He had nothing to do alone in the barracks. Before long, he decided to tail his daughter.

Today was So-so’s second day as a patrol officer.

Since she already knew every corner of the palace, there was no hesitation in her movements. She walked around the palace with her eyes wide open.

So-mu stealthily followed her, leaping across the roofs of the pavilions.

Since the sun had not yet risen, the surroundings were very dark, and there was no one around, except for the occasional patrol guard.

The first place she headed was the headquarters of the patrol guards near the center of the palace. Leaping onto its roof, So-mu listened to the conversation below.

“Hello, Uncle! So-so is here.”

“Well, look who it is. Our little patrol officer has arrived? You must be sleepy. Come out a bit later starting tomorrow.”

It was Yang So, the patrol commander. His voice was filled with warmth. Thanks to So-so, he had escaped from the underground dungeon and survived.

“I’m fine. Hehe. Did you catch the thief?”

“Haha. What thief would be brave enough to come here? Don’t worry about that and go play. Or shall we take a walk together?”

“No. There definitely is one. I will catch him today.”

Declining flatly, So-so stepped out of the headquarters.

At some point, she had grabbed a snack and was clutching it in her hand.

She wandered all over the place, but of course, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

About half an hour had passed.

The moment she passed the grain storehouse, her small lips twitched.

“Found you, thief!”

Suddenly, So-so dashed forward.

Watching from his hiding spot, So-mu was puzzled.

‘What? There is no one there.’

If someone were there, it would be impossible for them to hide their presence from him. For now, he decided to watch further.

Dashing here and there, So-so suddenly jumped in joy.

“Hehehe. Hehe!”

Even from behind, he could tell she was grinning from ear to ear. And it did not take long to realize what was going on.

Meow!

It was a stray cat. In its mouth was some leftover food.

“You stole and ate food here, didn’t you? I saw you.”

So-so grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck and headed back to the patrol headquarters, hopping and skipping happily.

“Uncle, I caught the thief! See, I was right?”

Yang So’s flustered voice echoed.

“I-I see. You really caught him.”

“Hehe. Shall we lock him in prison?”

How could one lock a stray cat in prison?

Puzzled, Yang So replied with a generous voice:

“Since it’s his first offense, just scold him a bit and let him go.”

A moment later, So-so stepped out of the headquarters and dragged the cat to a secluded corner. Then, she drew the small club from her waist.

“Hold your hands up! You’ll be in trouble if you steal again! Do you understand? Next time, you might get hit with this.”

The cat did not dare to run away. Its body was frozen, suppressed by the qi So-so emitted.

After lecturing it for a long time, So-so reached into her pocket. She pulled out a dried persimmon and put it in the cat’s mouth.

Only after holding its front paws up and serving its punishment for seven minutes was the cat released.

Nothing else happened that day.

So-so’s working hours ended just before breakfast. Afterward, she practiced martial arts and played the tung flute on Mount Yangzhou, and in the afternoon, she went to Snow Flower Academy. Her routine concluded with another hour of patrol before dinner.

Although her day was packed with a tight schedule, she enjoyed everything.

Late the next night.

Once again out on patrol, So-so wandered through the palace.

The smile never left the face of the stealthily following So-mu.

It was amusing to watch the small girl walking around acting like a patrol officer, but it was entertaining to watch.

In a few days, he had to return to the battlefield. He wanted to imprint his daughter’s image in his mind like this.

‘She is truly destined to work for the state.’

She was at an age where she should enjoy playing with friends. It was hard to understand why she found working with officials more entertaining.

About half an hour after he began tailing So-so, he suddenly detected an unusual energy not far away.

It was a flow of qi moving quickly and quietly, like a wild beast. It was not a normal situation.

‘What is this? Who would be here at this hour?’

Focusing his internal energy on his eyes, a small shadow came into view.

Moving stealthily, the shadow was heading toward Uiseondang. Had a real thief actually arrived? He had to check.

And that stealthy presence was eventually detected by So-so as well. She was not a child to miss such an opportunity.

Crouching beneath the wall, So-so began to tail the shadow.