Close to two months before the approaching New Year, with the impending closed training, there is much preparation to be done. The foremost task is to plan the content of the special training and select appropriate training grounds based on that content, along with the construction of the training site.
The closed training encompasses two main exercises:
1. Physical endurance training, including activities such as weighted long-distance running, rock climbing, and wilderness survival.
2. Skill training, focusing on equestrianism, archery, martial arts (primarily using knives), and combat. Team units practice together, engaging in mutual exercises and sparring.
Equestrianism involves simulated exercises in maneuvering through various obstacles on the battlefield and assuming defensive postures on horseback.
Archery emphasizes mounted shooting, field shooting, mounted archery, and shooting on foot.
Mounted shooting requires the archer to place arrows in a convenient location for continuous shooting. Shooting from horseback also demands shooting arrows higher to avoid missing the target.
Field shooting requires each arrow to be treated seriously, shot slowly, and with careful consideration. Mistakes in one arrow should not affect the accuracy of the next, and success in one arrow should not lead to complacency.
Mounted archery demands not only speed in horse riding but also heightened awareness of surroundings. The archer must shoot with a fully drawn bow and quickly release the arrow.
Foot shooting requires gradual progression, familiarizing oneself with the bow based on the choice of strength, and striving for unity between the individual and the bow.
Equestrianism and archery represent the fundamental skills practiced in ancient military training. The inclusion of these skills in the special training is intended to address various enemy engagement scenarios, enhancing the previously more focused training.
Apart from archers, proficiency in archery is a basic requirement for everyone in the military, with the expectation of at least hitting eight out of ten shots.
Over the two months, Gong Xiaohua spends each day coming and going, even on rest days, constantly at the military training grounds.
During this period, two events transpire. The first event is Lord Shi forcing his son into the Gong family to learn martial arts.
Since returning from Liang Country, he has been considering having his son apprentice under Gong Xiaohua. However, upon his return, the matter of a marriage alliance surfaced, and Gong Xiaohua, assuming her mood was not good, didn't dare to visit.
Now, seeing Gong Xiaohua officially taking on responsibilities, he seizes an opportunity during her day off and shows up at the Gong residence early in the morning with his son.
Conveniently, he also transports all his son's daily household items directly to the Gong residence.
Gong Xiaohua, observing the Shi Mansion's servants bustling in and out, is speechless. She hasn't even agreed to take on apprentices yet, and here they are forcefully trying to insert him into her life.
Lord Shi pulled the young lad beside him and shamelessly introduced him to Gong Xiaohua, "Xiaohua, this is my son, Shi Yan. You also have a young one in your mansion, I heard you personally taught him. One is taught by you, and the other one also. Not bad, my son is the only one in our family."
Gong Xiaohua looked at Shi Yan next to Lord Shi, probably around ten years old, with a dark complexion and a sturdy appearance. It seems he's been spending a lot of time outdoors.
"Lord Shi, Su Hao and I haven't spent much time teaching him. Most of the time, he practices on his own. I'm afraid of delaying your son."
"No problem. Learning martial arts is guided by the master, but personal practice matters. If others can learn well, and he can't, he better give up early."
"Does Lord Shi plan to let him go to the battlefield in the future?"
"My son is not cut out for studying. He only loves playing with knives and guns. Now that he's encountered you, even if he wants to go to the battlefield in the future, I can feel more at ease."
Meanwhile, Shi Yan on the side was continuously sizing up Gong Xiaohua. Although she's only a few years older than him, she serves the same dynasty as his father, and there's some admiration in his disbelief.
"I've seen your 'Wrestling Tournament.' Your skills are not bad. But when I reach your age, I'm sure I'll surpass you." Shi Yan confidently declared.
As soon as he finished speaking, Lord Shi slapped him on the head, scolding, "You silly boy, if you can't talk, just shut up."
Then, awkwardly smiling at Gong Xiaohua, he said, "Don't mind him; this kid has no filter in his words."
"No problem. Encouraging a child with aspirations is worth it."
"Just based on this, I'm willing to take you as my master. Unlike someone who only knows how to fight, so vulgar." The last sentence was directed at his father, with a tone of disdain that almost made Lord Shi want to start a fight again.
Gong Xiaohua chuckled. This kid is practically labeled 'asking for a beating' all over.
"Lord Shi, let him stay here for a while. If he adapts, it's not too late to formally apprentice later."
Lord Shi was delighted. This was the best outcome. He quickly bowed to Gong Xiaohua, saying, "Xiaohua, I'll remember this favor."
Gong Xiaohua evaded, "Lord Shi, no need for such formality."
So, Lord Shi left Shi Yan directly at the Gong family. Shi Yan's literary studies also changed from home learning to external classes.
He specifically found a school that Su Hao attended. Every day, the boy had to ride a horse to the school.
Another matter was the engagement of Li Zichen and Qin Chuqin. They planned to marry in May after the New Year, conveniently right after their special training.
Originally, Qin Chuqin was unwilling, but Li Zichen analyzed the future situation with her. Perhaps one day, he would have to follow the army to the battlefield. When he would return, or if he would return, was uncertain. Did she really want to regret it for a lifetime? Only then did Qin Chuqin agree.
After resolving Qin Chuqin's concerns, the next issue was the elders of the Qin family. The biggest obstacle for the two was the issue of social status.
In the past, it was absolutely impossible for Li Zichen to marry Qin Chuqin.
Now it's different. Firstly, because of the divorce between Qin Chuqin and her ex-husband, it was well-known in the capital that the Qin family had lost its value.
Secondly, since Qin Chuqin and Li Zichen's departure, there have been many suitors seeking Qin Chuqin's hand in marriage. However, they were either men looking to take her as a second wife or from humble backgrounds seeking to climb the social ladder by marrying into the Qin family.
But regardless of their intentions, the Qin household already had a pile of illegitimate children. There was no way Third Madam Qin would allow her daughter to step into another disaster.
At this moment, Li Zichen happened to step forward. Although previously looked down upon by Third Madam Qin, he was no longer a servant of the Qin household. Rumor had it that he was doing well in the military. As long as one strives for success, relying on the Qin family's support wouldn't be lacking. What's more, Li Zichen pledged his lifelong commitment to Qin Chuqin.
Third Master Qin wouldn't oppose either. He acknowledged Li Zichen's talents and character, and moreover, Li Zichen was Qin Chuqin's maternal uncle. Their family was known for their simplicity and kindness. If his daughter married into their household, she would lead a comfortable life.
Qin Chuqin never expected her marriage to Li Zichen to be so easily settled. In the past, she truly misunderstood.
Little did she know, Third Madam Qin had long been enraged by the various unsuitable suitors who had come knocking at their door, and she had been unable to vent her frustrations.
Close to two months before the approaching New Year, with the impending closed training, there is much preparation to be done. The foremost task is to plan the content of the special training and select appropriate training grounds based on that content, along with the construction of the training site.
The closed training encompasses two main exercises:
1. Physical endurance training, including activities such as weighted long-distance running, rock climbing, and wilderness survival.
2. Skill training, focusing on equestrianism, archery, martial arts (primarily using knives), and combat. Team units practice together, engaging in mutual exercises and sparring.
Equestrianism involves simulated exercises in maneuvering through various obstacles on the battlefield and assuming defensive postures on horseback.
Archery emphasizes mounted shooting, field shooting, mounted archery, and shooting on foot.
Mounted shooting requires the archer to place arrows in a convenient location for continuous shooting. Shooting from horseback also demands shooting arrows higher to avoid missing the target.
Field shooting requires each arrow to be treated seriously, shot slowly, and with careful consideration. Mistakes in one arrow should not affect the accuracy of the next, and success in one arrow should not lead to complacency.
Mounted archery demands not only speed in horse riding but also heightened awareness of surroundings. The archer must shoot with a fully drawn bow and quickly release the arrow.
Foot shooting requires gradual progression, familiarizing oneself with the bow based on the choice of strength, and striving for unity between the individual and the bow.
Equestrianism and archery represent the fundamental skills practiced in ancient military training. The inclusion of these skills in the special training is intended to address various enemy engagement scenarios, enhancing the previously more focused training.
Apart from archers, proficiency in archery is a basic requirement for everyone in the military, with the expectation of at least hitting eight out of ten shots.
Over the two months, Gong Xiaohua spends each day coming and going, even on rest days, constantly at the military training grounds.
During this period, two events transpire. The first event is Lord Shi forcing his son into the Gong family to learn martial arts.
Since returning from Liang Country, he has been considering having his son apprentice under Gong Xiaohua. However, upon his return, the matter of a marriage alliance surfaced, and Gong Xiaohua, assuming her mood was not good, didn't dare to visit.
Now, seeing Gong Xiaohua officially taking on responsibilities, he seizes an opportunity during her day off and shows up at the Gong residence early in the morning with his son.
Conveniently, he also transports all his son's daily household items directly to the Gong residence.
Gong Xiaohua, observing the Shi Mansion's servants bustling in and out, is speechless. She hasn't even agreed to take on apprentices yet, and here they are forcefully trying to insert him into her life.
Lord Shi pulled the young lad beside him and shamelessly introduced him to Gong Xiaohua, "Xiaohua, this is my son, Shi Yan. You also have a young one in your mansion, I heard you personally taught him. One is taught by you, and the other one also. Not bad, my son is the only one in our family."
Gong Xiaohua looked at Shi Yan next to Lord Shi, probably around ten years old, with a dark complexion and a sturdy appearance. It seems he's been spending a lot of time outdoors.
"Lord Shi, Su Hao and I haven't spent much time teaching him. Most of the time, he practices on his own. I'm afraid of delaying your son."
"No problem. Learning martial arts is guided by the master, but personal practice matters. If others can learn well, and he can't, he better give up early."
"Does Lord Shi plan to let him go to the battlefield in the future?"
"My son is not cut out for studying. He only loves playing with knives and guns. Now that he's encountered you, even if he wants to go to the battlefield in the future, I can feel more at ease."
Meanwhile, Shi Yan on the side was continuously sizing up Gong Xiaohua. Although she's only a few years older than him, she serves the same dynasty as his father, and there's some admiration in his disbelief.
"I've seen your 'Wrestling Tournament.' Your skills are not bad. But when I reach your age, I'm sure I'll surpass you." Shi Yan confidently declared.
As soon as he finished speaking, Lord Shi slapped him on the head, scolding, "You silly boy, if you can't talk, just shut up."
Then, awkwardly smiling at Gong Xiaohua, he said, "Don't mind him; this kid has no filter in his words."
"No problem. Encouraging a child with aspirations is worth it."
"Just based on this, I'm willing to take you as my master. Unlike someone who only knows how to fight, so vulgar." The last sentence was directed at his father, with a tone of disdain that almost made Lord Shi want to start a fight again.
Gong Xiaohua chuckled. This kid is practically labeled 'asking for a beating' all over.
"Lord Shi, let him stay here for a while. If he adapts, it's not too late to formally apprentice later."
Lord Shi was delighted. This was the best outcome. He quickly bowed to Gong Xiaohua, saying, "Xiaohua, I'll remember this favor."
Gong Xiaohua evaded, "Lord Shi, no need for such formality."
So, Lord Shi left Shi Yan directly at the Gong family. Shi Yan's literary studies also changed from home learning to external classes.
He specifically found a school that Su Hao attended. Every day, the boy had to ride a horse to the school.
Another matter was the engagement of Li Zichen and Qin Chuqin. They planned to marry in May after the New Year, conveniently right after their special training.
Originally, Qin Chuqin was unwilling, but Li Zichen analyzed the future situation with her. Perhaps one day, he would have to follow the army to the battlefield. When he would return, or if he would return, was uncertain. Did she really want to regret it for a lifetime? Only then did Qin Chuqin agree.
After resolving Qin Chuqin's concerns, the next issue was the elders of the Qin family. The biggest obstacle for the two was the issue of social status.
In the past, it was absolutely impossible for Li Zichen to marry Qin Chuqin.
Now it's different. Firstly, because of the divorce between Qin Chuqin and her ex-husband, it was well-known in the capital that the Qin family had lost its value.
Secondly, since Qin Chuqin and Li Zichen's departure, there have been many suitors seeking Qin Chuqin's hand in marriage. However, they were either men looking to take her as a second wife or from humble backgrounds seeking to climb the social ladder by marrying into the Qin family.
But regardless of their intentions, the Qin household already had a pile of illegitimate children. There was no way Third Madam Qin would allow her daughter to step into another disaster.
At this moment, Li Zichen happened to step forward. Although previously looked down upon by Third Madam Qin, he was no longer a servant of the Qin household. Rumor had it that he was doing well in the military. As long as one strives for success, relying on the Qin family's support wouldn't be lacking. What's more, Li Zichen pledged his lifelong commitment to Qin Chuqin.
Third Master Qin wouldn't oppose either. He acknowledged Li Zichen's talents and character, and moreover, Li Zichen was Qin Chuqin's maternal uncle. Their family was known for their simplicity and kindness. If his daughter married into their household, she would lead a comfortable life.
Qin Chuqin never expected her marriage to Li Zichen to be so easily settled. In the past, she truly misunderstood.
Little did she know, Third Madam Qin had long been enraged by the various unsuitable suitors who had come knocking at their door, and she had been unable to vent her frustrations.
