Chapter 5: The Crown Prince Sets Out for War

When Chen Xingtian and Zhao Lai regained their composure, they looked at Chen Mu, at a loss for words. Were it not for the constraints of his position, Chen Xingtian would have wanted to bow and offer his heartfelt thanks to Chen Mu right then.

Zhao Lai personally tested the repeating crossbow as well. Beyond its rapid-fire capability and increased impact, the repeating crossbow also offered improved recoil absorption compared to ordinary bows, reducing the risk of self-injury for its users.

The evidence was undeniable; nothing further needed to be said.

Chen Xingtian cast a deep, meaningful glance at Chen Mu, then turned to face Li Heng.

“Lord Li.”

“I am here, Your Majesty.”

“I will allocate silver to the Ministry of Works. Mobilize all craftsmen and materials at once—begin large-scale production of these items immediately. I want our soldiers equipped with these miraculous weapons as soon as possible!”

“As you command!”

After receiving his orders, Li Heng immediately departed to make arrangements within the Ministry.

“General Zhao.”

“I await your orders, Your Majesty,” Zhao Lai replied, dropping to one knee.

“Select a unit of elite soldiers from the army. Once the first batch of saddles, stirrups, and repeating crossbows are completed, train them in their use at once. They will become the vanguard of our Xia Dynasty’s forces.” As Chen Xingtian spoke, his gaze turned northward, his fists unconsciously clenching. “This time, I want to see what tricks these barbarians can play!”

“Your servant obeys!”

Chen Xingtian’s confidence was not unfounded. The greatest disparity between the forces of Xia and the barbarians lay in their cavalry. The barbarians fielded an all-cavalry force, with exceptional mobility. As a nomadic people, each of their horsemen was a master rider, chosen from thousands, with superb equestrian skills and excellent horses, all far superior to Xia’s cavalry.

But all these advantages were now easily counterbalanced by Chen Mu’s invention of equestrian gear. No matter how skilled the barbarians’ horsemanship, they could not match the Xia cavalry, now aided by superior equipment. Their pride in their cavalry would be thoroughly dashed.

What could they possibly use to contend with Xia now?

Moreover, though the barbarians were fierce and warlike by nature, their weaponry was relatively primitive. Under a barrage from repeating crossbows, they would likely collapse on the spot. Once their uprising was suppressed by force, it would serve as a stern warning to all neighboring border powers, making them think twice before acting rashly.

Thus, the borders would be pacified, and the realm would know peace. In time, once the army was further reformed, even launching an offensive into the northern territories to annihilate the barbarians would not be out of reach.

The Ministry of Works performed with remarkable efficiency; within days, the first batches of saddles and repeating crossbows were produced. Each crossbow was equipped with sixty-four bolts, allowing soldiers to unleash eight volleys in rapid succession. Even if only half hit their mark, the effect on the battlefield would be terrifying. The best soldiers could, at most, face two or three foes at once. With these crossbows, before their bolts were spent, they would be nearly invincible.

Zhao Lai had already selected his elite warriors. He distributed the gear and repeating crossbows among the troops, drilling them day and night without pause. The urgency of the frontier left no room for delay.

During this period, Chen Mu personally appeared on the training grounds several times, instructing the soldiers in the use of the gear and teaching them the secrets of swiftly reloading the crossbows. This greatly boosted the army's morale.

The Crown Prince himself guiding their training! For ordinary soldiers, it was both the highest encouragement and the greatest honor. With these new “miraculous weapons” in their hands, the army’s spirit soared—they were just waiting for the chance to drive the barbarians back to their homeland.

Notably, upon learning of the repeating crossbow’s power, Chen Ya clamored for one of her own. But with the Ministry of Works focused entirely on military supply, there were neither resources nor time to build one for the Second Princess. In the end, Chen Mu interceded personally, using leftover scraps from the ministry to craft a miniature repeating crossbow for Chen Ya. Though it could only fire four shots in succession, its power remained impressive.

Upon receiving her little crossbow, Chen Ya was utterly delighted, dragging Chen Mu to the garden to test it out. The moment she struck the straw target herself, the princess was so excited she nearly leapt for joy.

“Brother, you’re amazing!”

The girl turned, beaming a brilliant smile at Chen Mu.

Chen Mu’s heart melted instantly.

Say no more. The barbarians had used Chen Ya’s cooking of their totem as a pretext for war; now, he would seize this opportunity to avenge his sister’s honor and strike straight at the barbarians’ lair!

Zhao Lai, a seasoned and capable general, wasted no time. Soon, two units under his command—well-armed with the new gear and crossbows and trained in their use—were ready, amounting to about two thousand elite soldiers, more than sufficient for the vanguard. A third group was in intensive training, while the fourth batch of gear and crossbows neared completion at the Ministry.

Seeing the moment had come, Chen Mu approached Chen Xingtian with his proposal.

“Father, the army is in high spirits, and our elite troops are fully trained. I believe General Zhao Lai should lead two thousand men to attack the northern border immediately, with reinforcements dispatched a few days later. This way, we can either engage the barbarians in battle or ensure our supply lines remain secure.”

Chen Xingtian nodded, satisfied. “That is exactly as I hoped. But tell me, whom does the Crown Prince have in mind as the second commander?”

Chen Mu had already made up his mind.

“If I may, Father, I wish to personally lead the reinforcements to support General Zhao, to inspire the troops!”

Of course—after all, he had crossed time and space to ancient days. How could he pass up witnessing firsthand the clash of swords and spears, the thunder of cavalry on the battlefield? Otherwise, his journey would have been in vain. Besides, he longed to see with his own eyes the power of his inventions unleashed in battle.

As for his safety, Chen Mu was unconcerned. With General Zhao Lai and the other loyal officers at his side—and, above all, armed with his new weapons—not a single barbarian could get close!

With a Crown Prince so bold and resolute, Chen Xingtian gave his full support.

At once, Zhao Lai mustered his troops and set out at dawn the next day.

Several days later, when the last batch of soldiers had mastered the use of the crossbows and gear, Chen Mu mounted his own horse, ready to lead his men to the northern border.

Before his departure, Chen Xingtian personally came to send him off, with Chen Ya by his side, gazing at Chen Mu with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Brother, you must take care of yourself. Don’t get hurt.”

Seated on horseback, Chen Mu could not do much, so he reached out and gently pinched Chen Ya’s soft cheek.

“Don’t worry. This time, your brother will bring back all the falcons of the north for you!”