Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Since the age of ten, Xia Zhining has been studying military books, practicing various battle arrays, and is confident in her knowledge. Yet, due to her being a daughter, she has never demonstrated her skills in actual practice.

She has requested her father several times, always to be refused.

Since the founding of the Great Song Dynasty, there has never been a female general; even mere practice is not allowed.

Her father has never discussed military affairs with her, let alone asked for her opinions.

But now this bastard dares to ask her for her opinion.

This feeling is like someone on the margins suddenly gaining attention.

Seeing her silent, Chen Mo deliberately provoked her: "I've heard you are well-versed in military books and eager to lead troops into battle, deploying tactics. Don't tell me you don't even know the method of training soldiers? And yet you desire to take to the battlefield?"

"Don't underestimate me." Seeing this bastard question her expertise in her most proud profession, Xia Zhining immediately held her head high and began to critique, saying:

"As the military books say, when two armies confront each other, each holding a long spear to stab, whoever is steadier, more accurate, and faster can easily pierce the enemy in front. The instructor you've chosen has some skill, knowing to bind straw figures to teach them to aim for vital spots.

Because the enemy soldiers charging in the front rows are sure to wear heavy iron armor, if you cannot stab the vital spot accurately, fail to kill them or incapacitate their movements, you're the one who will die."

Chen Mo listened quietly to what Xia Zhining said, which was something basic that Wei Qing had told him before.

However, Xia Zhining's ability to speak on this indicates she does have some knowledge.

Chen Mo raised his eyebrows: "That's it?"

"An inch longer means an inch stronger; for ordinary soldiers, a spear's lethality surpasses that of a saber. If they can master both, all the better. When stabbing, one must grip the spear firmly; do not let it tremble because the enemy may strike at the spear itself. If it slips from your grasp, you're as good as dead."

It may be true that she needs to exhibit her understanding before Chen Mo, as Xia Zhining continued: "I observe that they hold their spears steadily and maintain a solid stance, but their speed is extremely slow. At such a speed, the enemy would have thrust two to three times already.

Furthermore, yelling loudly when stabbing can boost morale, regulate breathing, and even intimidate the enemy, lending you a greater chance of victory. Yet they produce such soft voices, and there's more…"

After pondering over Xia Zhining's words, Chen Mo nodded in agreement, acknowledging the reason in her observations.

Seeing Chen Mo approve of her opinion, Xia Zhining extended her graceful neck like a proud swan.

"Then how to resolve it?" asked Chen Mo.

"You can teach them spear technique martial arts. No need for mastery, just learning the basics can increase the speed of thrusting," explained Xia Zhining.

Chen Mo noted it down, as Yi Shiyin had given him a spear technique martial arts text.

Growing more enthusiastic, Xia Zhining continued: "You can also have them practice throwing stones over distance to strengthen their abilities. The military books say a heavy stone of twelve catties serves as a mechanism to reach two hundred steps.

The specific procedure has the thrower use a stone weighing twelve catties, set wood as the mechanism, reach three hundred steps as victory, failure below that. Those with strength, capable of hand-throwing stones, are one step ahead. Overcoming distance involves horizontal wood six or seven feet high, jumping over to determine victory. It greatly enhances soldiers' strength and agility."

From this, it's clear Xia Zhining has indeed read military books thoroughly, speaking coherently.

Chen Mo suddenly thought about establishing a military training class soon, teaching the management of the army combat knowledge and leadership theories.

Though Xia Zhining has read extensively from military books, possessing theory alone without practice, she is suitable for the "Instructor" role.

Chen Mo applauded, not stingy with praise, saying: "Impressive, impressive, I initially thought you were just a heartless, troublesome young lady, yet you have some skills indeed."

Xia Zhining glared harshly at Chen Mo.

This bastard, picking the least appropriate topic to mention.

"Come, I'll take you somewhere to receive a gift."

Chen Mo brought Xia Zhining to the perfume factory.

Inside the factory, workers were about to use rose petals to produce rose perfume.

Roses mainly bloom in spring and summer.

Summer falls between June to August.

In this chaotic era, where even food is scarce, roses have little value, making perfume production costs very low for Chen Mo.

The Great Song Dynasty's perfume methods are quite primitive, primarily immersing aromatic wood, gum, and resin in oil and water for a time, then filtering to obtain liquid perfume.

Furthermore, the application is not by spraying, but by rubbing onto the skin.

Thus, Chen Mo's plant extraction method has a significant advantage, completely outmatching local perfumes.

As soon as Xia Zhining entered the factory, she was greeted by a floral fragrance, prompting her to close her eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Chen Mo presented a bottle, packed in a porcelain container, to Xia Zhining.

"What is this?" Xia Zhining held hostility toward Chen Mo, naturally refusing to accept it immediately.

"Perfume, a gift for you. Smell it, see if you like it," Chen Mo smiled.

"Why should I accept your gift?"

"Alright, I'll give it to your sister then."

Summer Zhining snatched it quickly, ensuring no misunderstanding, and explained: "Don't even think about my sister; she could never like you."

She put it away without even smelling.

Even without removing the stopper, the bottle's unique fragrance was perceptible.

"I know, but I don't care." Chen Mo's eyes burned as they locked onto Xia Zhining's.

"What... do you intend to do?" Feeling the intense gaze of this bastard, Xia Zhining felt a strange shiver through her body and retreated two steps.

Then she saw that bastard reach for her, she wanted to dodge, but that bastard told her not to move.

Somehow, she really didn't move.

After that, her hand was grabbed by Chen Mo, along with the perfume she was holding, all seized in his palm.

Then she felt a warm, moist sensation on the back of her hand, as that bastard bent down to kiss it.

Xia Zhining jolted as if electrified, retracting her hand, her face flushed red, angrily and shamefully cursing Chen Mo, calling him a "bastard."

Yet the young man didn't take Xia Zhining's words to heart, instead saying, "That ring is beautiful, remember to wear it next time."

"You filthy commoner, why should I listen to you?"

"Be good, listen." With that, Chen Mo pinched her veiled face in the moment she didn't react, and then left the perfume factory.

Xia Zhining watched Chen Mo's back, stomping her foot angrily.

On the way back, Xia Zhining was completely out of sorts, her mind replaying that bastard's actions, what did they mean, exactly?

Did he not say she was just a substitute for her sister?

Then why was he doing all this?

Could it be he wanted to please her so she would speak well of him to her sister?

If that's the case...

"Don't even think about it..." Xia Zhining clutched the porcelain bottle tightly, but for some reason, there was a hint of bitterness in her heart.

Chen Mo rode ahead on the Snow Dragon Steed.

Xia Zhining rode the Chestnut Horse behind, watching the tall figure of the young man ahead.

For a moment, she didn't know why, but the figure she imagined draped in battle armor, with a saber at the waist and a long spear in hand, overlapped with the young man's figure, even the blurred face in the fantasy changed to the young man's appearance.

Xia Zhining was startled with a fright.

This was too terrifying, she shook her head to dispel this frightening image.

Back at the government office, Xia Zhining walked alone towards the backyard, looking preoccupied.

As she crossed the corridor, she felt a delicate hand being held, a force pulling her.

Xia Zhining was taken aback, and as she turned, she fell into a broad chest.

She saw clearly that the one holding her was Chen Mo.

Xia Zhining's heart skipped a beat, and instinctively, she began to struggle.

Chen Mo slightly lowered his head, resting his forehead against hers, gazing at her full, tender face, saying softly, "Don't you understand? What I said last time was just to anger you, you're not a substitute for your sister. I only said that because you rejected me before."

Upon hearing this, Xia Zhining's whole body trembled, and she stopped struggling.

What did he say, that bastard was acting out of spite?

"Think about it carefully. If I really saw you as a substitute for your sister, would I have given you a ring?" Chen Mo continued.

This bastard, is he trying to toy with her again?

But even if it's true, does explaining to her work? Does he think she falls for this?

Oh right, he probably wants to ease relations with her, and then through her, please her sister, that's definitely it.

"You might not believe me when I say this, but I started just wanting to get back at you, and somehow I became infatuated with you. You must feel how passionate, how fervent I am toward you." Chen Mo spoke warmly.

Xia Zhining's delicate face changed slightly, her gaze distant, she pursed her lips, feeling a bit smug inside, but quickly she realized, this bastard is surely up to his games again. She can't believe what he says.

She replied coldly, "Do you think I would believe you?"

"I know you don't believe me, but think again. If I truly saw you as a replacement for your sister, would I not have punished you for biting me?"

"Does it matter now whether I'm a substitute? What exactly do you want? Let me go." Xia Zhining struggled.

"Actually, the person I fancy is you, not your sister." Chen Mo said.

Boom!

These words exploded like thunder in Xia Zhining's mind, leaving her mind blank.

This... does this bastard know what he's saying?

He, he... he fancies her? That's ridiculous!

Fooling ghosts?

If he fancies her, why does he keep tormenting her?

However, before she could think further, she was overwhelmed by a rush of scorching breath.

Her lips were captured by Chen Mo's, and a domineering aura invaded her as well.

She was utterly defeated.

A moment later, Chen Mo released her, saying, "I've told you clearly, if you don't believe it, then so be it. After all, once the debt is paid, you'll be leaving."

With that, Chen Mo left.