Chapter 88: The Formation of a Private Army Begins

Chu Yun woke early and saw a light rain falling outside. He frowned, then hurried out of the house to observe the sky. At last, he shook his head and sighed, “The sky is covered in rain clouds, and there’s almost no wind. This gentle, persistent drizzle will likely keep us here at Pingba Manor for at least two days.”

Bai Hao, hearing this, remarked, “Count Chu, you’re incredible. Not only can you predict when it will rain, but also how many days it’ll last. But with such light rain, we should still be able to travel, right?”

Chu Yun waved his hand. “It’s best not to travel in the rain. If everyone’s clothes get soaked and they catch cold, it will be troublesome.”

Bai Hao nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. It’s said that General Mingwu of the Great Qi Dynasty suffered a disastrous defeat and death because he was too aggressive, attempting a night raid during heavy rain. Though he caught the enemy off guard, many of his soldiers caught cold and grew weak, leading to the annihilation of his entire army.”

Chu Yun agreed, “Exactly. Even with rain cloaks, some will inevitably catch cold, and such illness is highly contagious—it could severely diminish the fighting strength of the whole force.”

Bai Hao added, “Count Chu, if this rain really lasts several days, will everyone just stay here at Pingba Manor, doing nothing? That would consume a lot of provisions for no reason.”

Just then, Chu Wencai approached, having overheard Bai Hao, and said, “My lord, I suggest we reduce to two meals a day, or even one. I’ve checked the Jade Casket Chronicle, which predicts at least three days of rain ahead. Its divination is accurate—it may truly be as it says.”

Chu Yun replied, “Judging by the sky, the rain will last at least two days. What is this Jade Casket Chronicle? Show it to me.”

Chu Wencai nodded. “Certainly, my lord. I’ll bring it to you soon. Shall we eat only once a day?”

Chu Yun waved his hand, “No need, we’ll keep three meals a day.”

Both Bai Hao and Chu Wencai were stunned, unable to understand why Chu Yun insisted on this. Yet in their hearts, they were moved, quietly admiring Chu Yun’s consideration for everyone.

Those from Chu Family Town who overheard that Chu Yun insisted on three meals a day were even more touched, rushing to spread the news. Gratitude toward Chu Yun grew, and everyone felt even more fortunate to have chosen to follow him.

After all, it was barely a hundred miles from Chu Family Town to Pingba Manor, and their journey to Chu Yun’s fief had only just begun, yet already they faced such unending rain. Anyone would regret bringing so many people.

Chu Wencai said, “My lord, I know you care for everyone, but most people usually eat once a day, sometimes twice. There’s really no need for three meals, and even if you have the wealth to buy food, it’s not sustainable. The road ahead is still long. Besides, since we’re staying put, we’re not as exhausted.”

Chu Yun replied, “Who said staying here means we won’t be tired? I have no intention of letting everyone idle for days. Wencai, go fetch Le Fu and Cuihua, I have tasks for them.”

Chu Wencai was puzzled by Chu Yun’s intentions, but obediently brought Chu Le Fu and Chu Cuihua over.

Chu Yun looked at the three heads of households and said, “You’ve already tallied up the skills and specialties of your teams, correct?”

The three nodded, “Yes, my lord, we’ve finished.”

“Good! From your teams, select twenty strong men and ten women in good health. The rest, assign some to help the people of Pingba Manor with their chores in exchange for kitchen access—it’ll make cooking easier for us, especially since the rain makes gathering firewood troublesome.”

“Yes, my lord!” they replied, and went to select the twenty men and ten women.

Chu Yun inspected the sixty strong men and was quite satisfied. But with the thirty women, he was speechless. Each woman had an excellent figure—where it should be full, it was full; where it should be slender, it was slender. Their faces were lively and attractive, each one beautiful.

Chu Yun complained, “I said women in good health, not women with good figures. Well, select women who are robust and also skilled in needlework.”

The three heads of households apologized and promptly sent their women back, then returned with ten who met Chu Yun’s requirements.

Yang Liu’er had been watching Chu Yun, and when she saw the thirty beautiful women brought to him, she was stunned. Later, seeing them replaced, she realized it had been a misunderstanding.

Still, she walked over out of curiosity, “Husband, why are you gathering so many women?”

Ye Zelan followed, unable to resist her curiosity, and looked at Chu Yun.

He glanced at the two of them and smiled, “You’ll see soon enough.”

Then, addressing the sixty strong men, he said, “You are the sixty strongest among our three hundred or so people.”

He had barely finished when someone interjected, “My lord, we aren’t the strongest. Lord Bai and his men are stronger.”

Chu Yun snorted, “Enough chatter! I meant you are the sixty strongest among those who came from Chu Family Town. Also, do not interrupt me again, or I won’t be so lenient—do you understand?”

“Yes!” everyone responded in unison.

Chu Yun treated them well, and they respected him as their lord, genuinely admiring him.

He continued, “The reason I’ve chosen you is obvious—I want you to serve as guards, alongside Lord Bai and his men, to protect everyone’s safety.”

“The journey is long, and we may inevitably encounter conflict. We need people willing to stand before the rest.”

“Some of you may die, but rest assured: if anyone gives their life for everyone, I will compensate his family and ensure they live comfortably.”

“I hope you have the courage to bear this responsibility. Of course, if you’re unwilling, I won’t force you—you may withdraw now, and I’ll find replacements.”

Upon hearing this, one of the men immediately declared, “My lord, your fief is close to the battlefield. By choosing to follow you, I’m already prepared to die.”

Another spoke, “A true man does not fear death. I’m willing to shoulder this responsibility.”

“I am willing!” another echoed.

“So am I…”

Soon, many strong men voiced their willingness. In truth, a handful were afraid and reluctant, but seeing nearly everyone agree, they feared being mocked as cowards if they withdrew. Their own blood stirred, and so they too declared their willingness.