Chapter 35: Changing Armor!

Cheng Lingyu’s tone was indifferent, yet it carried a profound, enigmatic weight.

Within the imperial court, the more sharp-witted veteran officials exchanged glances of surprise. By this move, Cheng Lingyu had clearly ceded the initiative to Chu Nan, a man of common origin.

What was she planning? Was she deliberately shielding him, or was there a deeper strategy at play?

Liang Li let out a cold snort, his face etched with disdain. "Your Majesty is certainly being cautious. What profound insight could a mere commoner possibly offer?"

Cheng Lingyu did not reply; she merely cast a glance at Liang Li. Her gaze was as cold as an abyss, as if she were watching a fool who knew not his own limitations. A slight chill crept into Liang Li's heart, and he fell silent against his will.

Before long, Shangguan Ya'er arrived quickly at the front of Chu Nan’s shop.

Inside, Chu Nan was leisurely flipping through a book he had brought from the modern era. He held a cup of tea, his expression relaxed, as if the street confrontation moments ago had never occurred.

"Chu Nan, hurry! His Majesty has summoned you to court." Shangguan Ya'er pushed open the shop door, her voice laced with urgency.

Chu Nan looked up at the sound, his brows lifting slightly. His tone was flat. "Summoned to court? Are they here to hold me accountable?"

"Stop with the glib talk!" Shangguan Ya'er glared at him in frustration. "The Danan delegation is being aggressive, and His Majesty is bearing the pressure to protect you in the court, yet you are here lounging about! Hurry and come with me to face the Sovereign!"

Chu Nan offered a faint smile, slowly set down his teacup, and rose. "In that case, let us go." He added, "But remember, I am not going because I am afraid; I simply do not wish to make things difficult for Her Majesty."

Shangguan Ya'er curled her lip, silently cursing, *This fellow truly has no sense of how high the heavens are.* Yet, she said nothing more, turning to lead Chu Nan toward the imperial palace.

In the court, Chu Nan stood dressed in simple robes. Upon seeing him, a flash of mockery crossed Liang Li’s eyes. "Is this the murderer from your country? He looks like nothing more than a frail scholar. Is it not a bit excessive for Your Majesty to shield him so?"

"The envoy is mistaken," Chu Nan spoke, his voice steady and calm, yet carrying an undeniable firmness. "I merely stopped you from committing violence in the streets. If there is a murderer to be named, it is only those who acted out of their own guilty conscience first."

Liang Li sneered. "Boy, empty words are useless! This matter has already spread throughout the Imperial Capital. The fact remains that your arrow wounded the envoy of Great Danan!" He pressed, "Do you intend to push all the blame onto us?"

Ignoring the provocation, Chu Nan swept a calm gaze over Liang Li, then turned to Cheng Lingyu and bowed. "Your Majesty, I have a plan that may temporarily resolve this crisis."

Cheng Lingyu raised her eyes slightly, a flicker of interest in them. "Speak."

Chu Nan smiled slightly. "Since the Danan envoys seek justice, let them witness the true strength of the Dahuang military. A demonstration of martial power will provide them with a chance to measure us. If Danan believes they have the advantage, then let them declare war; if they feel Dahuang is not to be trifled with, then there is no need for further empty talk."

Liang Li was stunned for a moment, then burst into loud laughter. "Based on the Dahuang army? From what I know, your Northern Barracks are nothing but a rabble of undisciplined soldiers. You dare to flaunt them before Great Danan?"

A stir ran through the court. Many officials lowered their heads, faces burning with shame. They were well aware of the state of the Northern Barracks; it was practically the weakest link in the entire Dahuang military. For Chu Nan to suggest that the Danan envoys "inspect the troops"—was he insane?

Cheng Lingyu, however, showed no surprise. Her gaze lingered on Chu Nan for a moment before she said coolly, "Young Master Chu’s plan is indeed interesting."

"Your Majesty!" An official stepped forward, looking distressed. "The situation at the Northern Barracks... is it truly suitable for such a demonstration? If they see through our facade, it will only invite more trouble!"

Cheng Lingyu raised a hand to silence him and turned to Liang Li. "Envoy of Danan, what say you?"

Liang Li sneered, "Since Your Majesty insists, Great Danan has no objections. We shall discuss the state of the Northern Barracks after we have seen them ourselves. However, I hope Your Majesty does not disappoint us."

"Rest assured," Cheng Lingyu said, the corners of her lips curling upward, her smile cutting like ice. "I never disappoint."

Soon, they arrived at the Northern Barracks. The cold wind cut like a blade, and the sky was heavy with dark clouds.

Rows of soldiers stood in formation on the training grounds, gripping their spears, clad in armor, their postures as upright as pines. Each man wore a grave expression, as if their resolve could not be shaken even by the biting wind. The entire unit looked like a piece of finely tempered steel, exuding an aura of chilling lethality.

At the center of the Northern Barracks, a massive banner snapped in the wind. The characters for "Dahuang" were written in bold, vigorous strokes that seemed to pierce the firmament.

Cheng Lingyu stood at the highest point of the viewing platform, dressed in deep purple imperial robes, a simple yet majestic crown atop her head. Her gaze swept over the field like a sword; though she remained silent, the invisible pressure was palpable. Beside her, Chu Nan wore dark, practical robes with a simple short sword at his waist. He remained calm, seemingly ignoring the contemptuous glares cast by the Danan delegation behind him.

Liang Li, the leader of the Danan delegation, watched Chu Nan and the soldiers with a face full of mockery. He chuckled coldly from time to time, whispering to his attendants, "This is the Northern Barracks of Dahuang? They look like nothing more than straw men dressed for show."

Though Liang Li’s voice was low, it reached Chu Nan. Chu Nan did not turn back, but a faint, mocking smile touched his lips.

"Northern Barracks, fall into formation!"

Chu Nan’s voice was not loud, but it struck the hearts of everyone present like a hammer against metal. At his command, three thousand soldiers moved as one, marching into a massive, uniform phalanx. Every step landed in perfect rhythm, and it felt as if the very earth were trembling beneath their feet. Their spears reflected the cold light of the sun, and their black armor merged into a singular, dark tide.

The Danan envoys, previously full of disdain, began to show traces of surprise.

"What is this?" Liang Li frowned slightly. "How are their movements... so synchronized?"

His attendants could not help but whisper in awe, "This unit... they do not look like a rabble at all."

They did not know that this was the result of Chu Nan’s modern military training. The synchronized marching, standardized drills, and unified rhythm were things these ancient armies had never witnessed before.

But this was only the beginning.

"All units, raise spears!" Chu Nan commanded again.

Three thousand soldiers raised their spears simultaneously. The tips of the weapons formed a forest, pointing forward with such precision that there was not a hair’s breadth of difference between them. In that instant, three thousand spears wove together, forming an iron wall that seemed to span the horizon.

"What a disciplined force!" a Danan warrior whispered, his face filled with disbelief.

Yet, even more shocking sights were yet to come.

Chu Nan’s expression remained cold as he waved his hand. "All units, switch armor!"