"Hmph, I'm just a butterfly, can't possibly take on the role of a family elder in front of you, Your Highness," grumbled Huo Changlin pettily, unwilling to engage further with Cheng Mo. Instead, he called over Mingcheng, "Xiang Bei, come here, let me introduce you. This is the cavalry captain, Huo Mingcheng. You should call him Brother Mingcheng. He grew up in the Huo family's military camp, always by your grandfather's and uncle's side. From now on, if any of the old soldiers of the Huo family army cause trouble, you should ask him."
"Hello, Brother Mingcheng. The Huo family army's dependents coming south will rely on your efforts. If our soldiers have any difficulties or grievances that Cheng Mo might not immediately notice, please come directly to me. We are all family. Although Prince Mo is young, not talkative, and this is his first time leading troops, I hope you can guide and take care of him," Xiang Bei said, instantly understanding Huo Mingcheng's importance in the Huo family and the military, and she spoke with natural familiarity.
Huo Mingcheng was taken aback. Just the day before, he and Changlin had been speculating that King Mo might have some feelings for the young lady, but now it seemed more than just a little affection. Seeing Prince Mo and his guards acting as if it was all natural, it was clear that the young lady, their Little Miss Bei, already had significant influence. "Don't worry, Miss Bei, Mingcheng is your family, and the Huo family will always stand behind you. Just the thoughtfulness in this letter from Prince Cheng Mo is enough to earn the soldiers' trust and loyalty," Mingcheng said, turning to Cheng Mo and bowing respectfully. "Marshal Prince Mo, your consideration is truly thorough! On behalf of the Huo family's comrades, I thank Your Highness for your compassion."
"Please, no need for formalities, Brother Mingcheng." Cheng Mo, not one to speak much in front of outsiders, lifted Huo Mingcheng's arm as he clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, already considering this influential representative of the Huo family, capable of affecting twenty thousand elite soldiers, as one of their own.
"The timing is just right, Uncle Mt. Shan. You can now start assigning those two thousand volunteers to work. Sea One Hai Yi, the logistics unit of the army seems to be primarily composed of troops relocated from the inland mountainous regions of Hunan and Hubei. Don't forget to send them plenty of the spicy secret sauce from Fuhai Restaurant. Also, if possible, prepare some spicy boiled beef for them. You should have someone go to Fuhai Restaurant to learn a few strong-flavored dishes specifically for the soldiers from those regions," Xiang Bei said, recalling how people from Sichuan never enjoyed their food without spice.
"Got it, we'll handle it right away." Hearing the instructions, the Cheng family guards immediately requested Huo Mingcheng's assistance and went out together to start working.
Huo Changlin watched coldly as Cheng Mo said nothing, yet his attendants left to follow Xiang Bei's orders. Not just surprised, he was almost in shock. If mutual affection had already been accepted by family and friends, this level of direct command within the military had surpassed the usual authority of a lady of the house. If one day...
"Xiang Bei, you've grown up so much, and I as your uncle has just met you. I'm truly sorry for neglecting you and your mother all these years. But today, I need to speak candidly, even if it's heavy and somewhat improper. Don't be upset, and don't let this distance us."
"Of course not. Though we've only met twice, your eyes have shown me that you'll cherish me for life. Whatever you say, I know it's for my good. I will always hold you in high regard."
"Well, let me put it this way. The Marquis is the Supreme Commander of the army, and all military matters must be directed by him. I trust you two are of one mind, but in front of outsiders, it might seem like you're overstepping your bounds."
"I understand. Thank you for the guidance, Uncle. I will be mindful of this from now on." Having lived two lives, Xiang Bei immediately grasped the reason behind Huo Changlin's reminder. She sincerely thanked this elder, who, despite his somewhat flamboyant and immature appearance, had her best interests at heart.
"Thank you, Uncle, for your concern for Xiang Bei. Earlier, the tent was filled with the Cheng family guards. I usually speak little, and these logistical matters are typically managed by Xiang Bei. They are accustomed to following her arrangements. In front of outsiders, she is very careful. Moreover, my father once said that this army would be the private force of the Marquis in the future. Everything of Cheng Mo's, whether royal assets, private assets, private army, household troops, or secret guards, is shared with Xiang Bei. The day you worry about will never come. No matter what the Marquis achieves, he will always and forever be Ah Mo by Xiang Bei's side," Cheng Mo quickly explained for Xiang Bei.
"Alright, it seems my worry was unnecessary. Since the Marquis has said so, let me ask you something else. The engagement with Qiao Ziqiu has become widely known. Do you have any plans regarding that?" Huo Changlin's question was partly to probe on behalf of his brother.
"That engagement means nothing. Tong grandfather and Doctor Li both oppose it," Cheng Mo replied confidently.
"What does Doctor Li have to do with this?" Huo Changlin was unaware of the connection between Doctor Li and the Tong family.
"Grandfather Tong is a disciple of Doctor Li and has taken care of Ah Mo for over ten years. They have agreed to invite my grandmother as the main guest for Xiang Bei's coming-of-age ceremony, during which they will consent to my grandmother's proposal. I have already written to my Royal father, and once this battle is over, he will discuss the details of the proposal with my grandmother, King Yue."
"In that case, I'll wait in the capital for your good news. When the time comes, I'll show you both what a great time I can give you," Huo Changlin said, feeling reassured now that the relationship between the two had royal approval.