The Female Soldier

Chapter 16

A blush?

Shou blinked twice. Must be the heat from running.

He looked back at the commanding officer as he began his introduction. His name is Commander Xu, and although at such a young age, due to his merits in the battlefield, he was promoted recently and was summoned back to camp to train the new recruits. 

Commander Xu then ordered them to start practising as he instructed. However, the juniors soldiers started training half-heartedly. There were even rumours of disrespect going on during the practice.

"I heard his father is Minister Xu." 

"A commander at such a young age? Sure. Not without connections." Another snicker. 

"But he sure is good looking. Maybe he got his post using his looks. Wonder who got his ass," someone else added. More snickers. 

The whispers did not escape the young commander's ears. In a quick motion, he hurled a few wooden rods towards the group of gossipers. His action was so quick that most of the rods hit the soldiers on the back of their heads or parts of their body.

Shou watched closely at how this young commander would attempt to earn the respect of his soldiers. This has always been a challenge for young soldiers who were promoted too early. Talents alone would not earn respect, but would also attract jealousy. This was the time for the young commander to prove himself. And best yet, in front of the Dark Prince himself. Shou was determined to sit out in this fight. 

Unluckily for Falyn, she was standing next to the gossipers. Although she tried to ignore them and concentrate in her practice, she could not ignore the incoming rod that was aimed at her. Swiftly, she turned and deflected the rod with her own. 

"Defiance!" the young commanding officer accused.  All the targeted soldiers got down to their knees in regret. 

"If anyone doubts, he is more than welcome to challenge me on a duel. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut and train until the day you can beat me. A hundred push-ups for everyone. And you there," he spoke towards Falyn who was still standing up, " how dare you avoid punishment? Two hundred!" He commanded and turned to walk away. 

Despite his young age, no one dared to challenge a soldier who has survived the battlefield. Everyone quietly got down and started on their push-ups. 

Shou effortlessly did his push-ups and watched as the rest of the soldiers grumbled when they were done with their push-ups as well. One by one, the soldiers left for lunch while Falyn was left alone on the training ground just starting her second cycle of hundreds. 

"That meanie sure is bossy," Reon sulked as he collapsed on the ground beside Falyn. 

"He just got back from the battlefield," - One hundred and twelve - "He has not proven himself yet." Falyn managed to say between her push-ups.

"You were wrongly punished even more than the rest, but yet you speak for him," Reon accused, still out of breath. 

Falyn only smiled. "Extra push-ups won't kill you. Ignorance will." She turned to look at Reon, but he was already snoring away. One hundred and eighteen. 

When she reached at a hundred and forty eight, her arms could not take it anymore. Sweat dripped profusely from her forehead. Her arms gave way and she collapsed on the ground. Unsatisfied, she tried to get back up again. "One hundred and forty eigh-"

She dropped down again. Got up, and fell again. 

"Stand up," a voice commanded her. 

She looked up and saw Commander Xu stood, towering her. 

"Have you learned your lesson today?" he asked. 

She stood up shakily but nevertheless, she stood up straight and faced him. 

"Yes, I have. Have you, Commander Xu?" she challenged back. 

"You-"

"The soldiers won't respect you if you just order them around. You need to prove  to them that you are more capable than them. No one would just volunteer to duel with a commanding officer appointed by the emperor's army. Respect is earned, not demanded."

"Why are you saying this to me?"

"Because my father has spoken highly of you during the battle of Wukong city. Please don't let me regret it."

"Your father?"

Reon suddenly woke up in the middle of the conversation. Seeing Commander Xu standing in front of him, he quickly wiped his drool away and stood up, bowing respectfully to him.

"Commander Xu," Reon greeted. 

Falyn looked at him and then back at the young commander. She also bowed respectfully to him, "Forgive us for wasting your time, Commander. Please excuse us to our next practice." With that, she  grabbed Reon's hand and quickly retreated away from the commander's sight without another word, leaving the clueless commander to figure out her last statement. 

The battle of Wukong. The rebellion. 

He had worked with a few officials and generals to subside an uprising rebellion from that village  three years back. There had been a drought then and because the village was located furthest from the capital, it had received the food supply late until a point where the starving villagers thought they were forgotten by their emperor. The officials had to pacify the locals while the generals and soldiers had to control the violent outbreak with minimal force. 

However while most officials sat behind their desks to brain storm, one particular official joined the army to oversee their plan. Because of his great effort to personally carry out the task, he was promoted as a minister not long after. 

"Are you Minister's Fa's....son?" Commander Xu looked up and noticed that he was alone on the training ground. Speaking to the air. 

"That sneaky brat! He didn't even complete his push-ups!!"

Shou watched from the sideline as Commander Xu shook his head and walked away from the training ground. He has yet to give that wretched brat a hard time, but something didn't quite sit well with him. 

"Minister Fa?"