March 20th.

The conscription order stipulates that everyone must report to the County Captain's Office by early April.

The emperor's decree is hard to defy. After days of discussion, the villagers of Jinliu Village all selected those from their families who needed to serve in the military.

That day, Shen Wenxing, returning from the Martial Arts Hall in town, received the concrete news.

Zhang Bin had agreed to take him in as a personal guard and was also willing to take Zhao Jinhua under his command as a soldier.

He shared the news with Zhao Jinhua, and the two brothers immediately packed their bags, ready to report to the County Captain's Mansion.

At the farewell, families from both households personally escorted them to the village entrance.

Zhao Jinhua's wife, holding a child still in swaddling clothes, wept bitterly.

"Why cry, I'm not going off to die!"

"Stay home, take care of the child, and be filial to our parents. When I come back with honors, we'll have more children and live a good life."

Zhao Jinhua clumsily wiped the tears from his wife's face.

The woman obediently nodded, though the worry in her eyes did not completely fade.

On the other side, Shen Wenxing advised his younger siblings, saying, "The three of you must listen to our parents well and not be naughty and cause them anger."

"Ah Nu, after I leave, help our father with work and study hard, understand?"

Shen Wenyan nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, eldest brother. I will take good care of our parents."

Shen Wenxing patted him on the shoulder, then turned towards Shen Yuan and Hu Yufen, bowing, and said, "Mother, take care of yourselves after I'm gone."

Hu Yufen, holding back her tears, handed him a money pouch and said, "Write home with peace reports often when you're in the army."

Shen Wenxing nodded and looked towards Shen Yuan.

"Go on, with me at home, you do not need to worry." Shen Yuan replied calmly.

He understood that what he could do now was to take good care of the family, so his son need not be distracted.

After a round of farewells, the two shouldered their bags and turned to head out of the village.

Along the winding rural road, their two figures moved slowly.

"Do not look back, keep going forward!"

Shen Yuan shouted with a trembling voice. Their feet, about to halt, ultimately did not stop, and they slowly walked towards the distance.

March 24th, at Anyang County's County Captain's Office.

"I have already recorded your names. Tomorrow, someone will send you to the Border Army Camp; no need to wait to depart with these soldiers."

In the side room, Huang Yunxiao spoke to Shen Wenxing and Zhao Jinhua.

"Thank you, Uncle." Shen Wenxing quickly cupped his hands in thanks.

Alongside him, Zhao Jinhua somewhat woodenly followed suit.

"Yes, remember that in the army, the military law is merciless. You must abide by the rules and listen to General Zhang."

"If you violate military law, not only you but even your family might be implicated."

Huang Yunxiao's voice was stern, and his gaze fell on Shen Wenxing, "Especially you, never act rashly. Remember that two fists cannot beat four hands. Even martial artists might not gain the upper hand when faced with a military charge."

Shen Wenxing nodded seriously, "I will keep Uncle's teachings in mind!"

"Go now; I've arranged accommodation for you."

"Oh, and Lingxiu should be returning soon. Once you've put down your things, come over."

Huang Lingxiu was coming?

When they passed by the Martial Arts Hall in Yunshui Town, he intended to say goodbye to Huang Lingxiu and Huang Qingzhou, but they weren't there, not knowing they had come to Anyang County ahead of time.

Nodding in agreement, Shen Wenxing then took Zhao Jinhua to follow an official from the County Captain's Office to their lodging.

"Brother Jinhu, how about I take you out for a meal?"

After putting down their bags, Shen Wenxing suggested.

Zhao Jinhua chuckled, "I'll find something on my own. Don't let me hold you up with your important matters; go quickly, don't keep others waiting."

Shen Wenxing scratched his head and giggled.

"Alright, I'm heading off first."

When he returned to the County Captain's Office, Huang Qingzhou and Huang Lingxiu had indeed come back.

"Uncle, Senior Sister."

After saluting, Shen Wenxing said, "When I passed through Yunshui Town, I went to the Martial Arts Hall, but my masters said you weren't there."

Huang Qingzhou smiled lightly, "As the conscription approached, your senior sister was insistent on coming to the town to buy you some things."

"It's also been some time since I've been to Anyang County, so we came a bit early to have a look."

"Father!" Hearing Huang Qingzhou's blunt words, Huang Lingxiu's face flushed a little, and she glared at him playfully.

Huang Qingzhou seemed unbothered.

In his eyes, Shen Wenxing was his future son-in-law, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about.

"Girl, bring the items over and let Shi Tou have a look."

Huang Lingxiu shot him another annoyed glance before bringing the things she bought out from the back room.

"At the Martial Arts Hall, I noticed you were particularly fond of the long staff, so I had someone specially make this for you. See if it suits you?"

Huang Lingxiu first took out two iron short staffs, each three feet long, with grooves in the center that allowed them to be combined, forming a nearly six-foot-long staff.

Shen Wenxing took the long staff, weighed it, estimating it at around thirty to forty pounds.

Such weight, for an ordinary person, might be hard to use in a fight, but for him, it was just right.

And this detachable design was more convenient for carrying.

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Seeing his satisfaction, Huang Lingxiu smiled, then took out the large package one item at a time.

Inside were clothes.

There were close-fitting brown clothes, winter clothes for warmth, and several pairs of shoes.

"The fabric of these clothes is very soft and can be worn under armor. When you are out there, you must take good care of your health."

"First, try on the shoes to see if they fit."

Ignoring her father and uncle, Huang Lingxiu fussed over him like a gentle wife.

"Senior Sister..."

Shen Wenxing, slightly embarrassed, reminded her, "Let's try them later."

Huang Lingxiu was slightly taken aback, then bashfully put the shoes back, standing aside with her head down.

"Haha..."

Seeing this, Huang Qingzhou couldn't help but laugh.

Huang Yunxiao also smiled and shook his head.

"Alright, I've asked someone to prepare a farewell banquet for you, my dear nephew."

"Since it's still early, why don't you two go for a walk?"

The young have their way of socializing, and the two old fellows didn't want to be in the way.

Shen Wenxing cupped his hands toward the two, "Uncle, Uncle, we'll head out first."

After leaving the office, Huang Lingxiu walked slowly with her hands behind her back.

The spring breeze caressed her, lifting her hair.

Shen Wenxing followed silently beside her.

"What did you and Uncle Shen talk about?" Huang Lingxiu tilted her head, looking at his side profile.

Shen Wenxing appeared confused, "About what?"

Seeing the slight annoyance on her face, he realized, and with a silly smile, said, "I told them that once I return from the front lines, I'll marry you."

Upon hearing the answer, Huang Lingxiu smiled, her face bright like flowers swaying in the spring breeze.

"Those words that day were just a joke."

The girl halted, seriously looking at him, "I don't wish for you to become a great hero, a Grand General."

"As long as you return safely, that is enough."

Perceiving the affection in her eyes, Shen Wenxing nodded slightly, "Senior Sister, wait for my return."

Huang Lingxiu's smile was gentle. She then drew a short blade from her waist, cut a lock of her hair, gently wrapped it, and handed it to him.

A lock of hair, for one lifelong companion.

Shen Wenxing glanced at the lock of hair in his hand, and carefully tucked it into his breast.

"I almost forgot something important!" Huang Lingxiu suddenly exclaimed, "In battle, it's inevitable you might get injured and bleed. I heard the Liang Family Medicine Workshop in the city has good medicine for injuries; shall we go take a look?"

Shen Wenxing nodded, and the two walked together towards the Liang Family Medicine Workshop.

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