As the sun set in the west, the withered vines on Maple Bridge swayed in the evening breeze, and crows returned to their nests. Zhu Ping’an led his uncle Zhu Shouren, along with Hu Wei and Xia Qiang, out of Suzhou City just before the gates closed at dusk. By the time they reached the entrance of the Maple Bridge military camp, the sky was half-dark.
“Uncle, Mr. Xia, and Mr. Hu, this is the Maple Bridge military camp where our Zhe army is stationed. A military camp is a heavily guarded area, unlike other places. Once you enter, you must strictly abide by military laws and discipline, without exception—this applies to me as well. Uncle, are you sure you want to follow me into the camp?”
Before leading them into the camp, Zhu Ping’an solemnly confirmed with his uncle and the other two.
Uncle Zhu Shouren exchanged glances with Hu Wei and Xia Qiang, both of whom nodded eagerly.
The reason they had gone through so much trouble and endured so much hardship to curry favor with Zhu Shouren was precisely to climb the social ladder through Zhu Ping’an. Naturally, they wanted to enter the camp.
Uncle Zhu Shouren was no exception. If he didn’t follow Zhu Ping’an into the camp, how could he take advantage of Zhu Ping’an’s resources and connections? Asking for Hu Wei and Xia Qiang’s opinions was merely to make them feel indebted to him. He laughed heartily and said, “Dear nephew, your question is unnecessary. The three of us have traveled thousands of miles to lend you a hand. Of course, we will follow you into the camp. How else can we assist you?”
“Uncle, if you enter the camp, you must strictly abide by the military laws and discipline of our Zhe army,” Zhu Ping’an reminded them again.
“Of course, dear nephew, don’t worry. We may not be good at much, but when it comes to obeying rules and laws, we are the best.”
Uncle Zhu Shouren pointed his thumb at himself, then at Hu Wei and Xia Qiang, boasting without a hint of modesty.
“Commander Zhu, rest assured, we will definitely abide by military laws and discipline. We will absolutely not cause any trouble for you,” Hu Wei and Xia Qiang also assured him repeatedly.
“Good, then follow me into the camp. I will have a large tent set up next to the commander’s tent where you can prepare for your exams. You’ll also dine with us for all three meals,” Zhu Ping’an nodded.
“Thank you, dear nephew/Commander Zhu,” Uncle Zhu Shouren, Hu Wei, and Xia Qiang couldn’t help but express their gratitude with clasped hands.
This was the first step in their plan to climb the social ladder through Zhu Ping’an, and they had succeeded. They were filled with joy.
As they entered the Maple Bridge military camp, Uncle Zhu Shouren looked around while walking. Seeing the situation inside the camp, he couldn’t help but blink in confusion. He tugged on Zhu Ping’an’s sleeve and asked, “Dear nephew, this camp looks quite large. Didn’t you say there are two thousand soldiers here? Why is it so quiet? Apart from the sentries posted every five steps and the patrols, I don’t see or hear anyone else. The tents are all dark and silent. Are they empty? It feels like there aren’t even two hundred people in the camp.”
“Yes, why does the camp feel so eerily quiet?”
Hu Wei and Xia Qiang shared similar feelings. The Zhe army camp was simply too quiet, devoid of any human presence.
“Oh, this is because after the evening drum roll, the entire army extinguishes all fires and lights, prohibits noise, and restricts movement. That’s why the camp seems so quiet,” Zhu Ping’an explained softly.
“So that’s how it is,” Uncle Zhu Shouren, Hu Wei, and Xia Qiang finally understood.
When they reached the commander’s tent, Zhu Ping’an had three identity tags prepared, engraved with the names of his uncle and the other two, and handed them over.
“Uncle, you must wear these identity tags at all times. You cannot remove them for even a moment, not even when you get up at night to use the restroom. Without them, you won’t be able to move freely in the camp. Violators will be lightly punished with military caning or severely punished with execution on the spot,” Zhu Ping’an said sternly.
“What?! We have to wear the tags even when going to the restroom?!” Uncle Zhu Shouren, Hu Wei, and Xia Qiang were stunned and hurriedly fastened the tags to their waists.
“Dear nephew, isn’t this a bit too strict? There’s no need for this. Why wear tags when going to the restroom?” Uncle Zhu Shouren said dismissively.
“Using the restroom requires going to the designated area, which is guarded by officers who will check your tags. This is to prevent spies or troublemakers from infiltrating the camp and causing harm. The camp is constantly monitored, and tags are checked to ensure safety,” Zhu Ping’an explained.
“Ah…”
Uncle Zhu Shouren and the others still found this unnecessary. What spy or troublemaker would infiltrate the camp just to use the restroom?!
Zhu Ping’an noticed the dismissive expressions on their faces but didn’t elaborate further. Instead, he took a booklet of military laws and discipline from the shelf and handed it to Uncle Zhu Shouren, instructing them, “Uncle, Mr. Hu, Mr. Xia, these are the military laws and discipline of the Zhe army. Study them carefully and make sure to follow them.”
“Alright… Oh, there’s so much…”
Uncle Zhu Shouren took the booklet and was immediately dumbfounded. The booklet was thick, with many pages, and likely contained over a hundred military laws and regulations. He was momentarily stunned.
“Uncle, it’s getting late. You’ve had a long journey and must be tired. Your tent has already been set up. It’s a ten-person tent, so it will be more than enough for the three of you. However, conditions in the camp are limited and certainly not as comfortable as at home. Please bear with it. If it becomes too much, don’t hesitate to let me know, and I’ll arrange for you to stay outside the camp,” Zhu Ping’an said to them.
“How could it be too much? Commander, rest assured. We’ve endured hardships and slept rough throughout our journey. Having a tent is already a great comfort,” Hu Wei said with clasped hands.
“Exactly, exactly,” Xia Qiang also chimed in.
“Good, then I’m relieved. I’ve also prepared two sets of Zhe army uniforms for each of you. Wearing military uniforms in the camp will make things more convenient. Tomorrow morning, at the fifth watch (around 3-5 AM), the drum will roll, and the entire army will rise for training. You should also get up then. You can join the morning training if you wish, or if not, you can use the time for morning study and preparation.”
Zhu Ping’an explained to them.
“Understood,” Hu Wei and Xia Qiang replied with clasped hands, then glanced at Zhu Shouren and gave him a meaningful look.
Zhu Shouren immediately understood. He chuckled and pulled Zhu Ping’an aside, saying, “Dear nephew, we’re here to lend you a hand. Preparing for exams can wait until we have free time, like in the evenings. For now, our main focus is assisting you. Rest assured, my two friends here are well-versed in both literary and military matters. You can entrust them with important tasks, and they will handle them with ease. Of course, the same goes for me. Feel free to assign us any important tasks, and we’ll get them done for you.”
“Alright, there’s no rush. Rest well tonight, and we’ll make arrangements tomorrow,” Zhu Ping’an replied indifferently.
“Alright, then we’ll wait for tomorrow’s arrangements. Dear nephew, don’t be too polite with us,” Uncle Zhu Shouren said, seizing the opportunity.
