Chapter 263: A Mighty General
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
They embarked on their journey exceptionally early the following day.
Su Bin had kept silent throughout the entire previous day, as though suppressing his curiosity. Now, he could no longer contain his desire to witness the unfolding scenery beyond.
He gently raised the curtain, revealing the receding emerald-hued mountains in the distance. His gaze then shifted to Qin Silong and Su Ping, who were gracefully mounted on their horses, prompting him to delve into profound contemplation.
Even Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t resist the allure of the outside world and peered through the window.
Suddenly, Su Bin turned to her with a curious inquiry, “Do you ever get the feeling that your fourth brother has experienced life on the battlefield?”
Qin Zhenzhen was momentarily taken aback before a smile graced her lips. “Really? How did you deduce that?”
Su Bin explained, “It’s in his eyes; there’s a certain aura that comes from a seasoned rider.”
“Have you noticed that my second brother’s equestrian skills pale in comparison?”
Qin Zhenzhen questioned Su Bin further, “Why is that surprising? Your second brother is my fourth brother’s disciple. Naturally, his skills wouldn’t match up. Haven’t you heard the saying that sometimes, students surpass their masters?”
Although Qin Silong had not officially agreed to impart martial arts to him yet, he had already commenced Su Bin’s education in horsemanship several months earlier. He had even taught him the fundamentals of riding and archery.
Su Bin felt a surge of excitement; he had long regarded Qin Silong as his master.
However, a lingering suspicion gnawed at him. “I’ve never heard of your fourth brother being proficient in horse riding before.”
For ordinary farmers, the mere sight of horses was a rare occurrence, let alone the ability to ride and shoot.
Yet, Qin Silong possessed these skills, leaving Su Bin bewildered. He recalled the day he had followed his second brother to observe them during their equestrian and archery practice, an experience that had left him with a multitude of unanswered questions.
Qin Silong astride his horse, charged forth with grace. In one fluid motion, he drew his bow and expertly nocked an arrow, and astonishingly, nine out of ten arrows found their mark within the bullseye.
Su Bin couldn’t help but sense an air of mystery surrounding Qin Silong, much like Qin Zhenzhen. It appeared that he harbored undisclosed talents and hidden depths.
“Even if he possesses a natural affinity for horsemanship, one can’t easily acquire such skills without proper guidance,” Su Bin mused aloud. “Riding and archery are not ordinary pursuits; they require more than mere intuition. I’ve never heard of someone mastering them without a teacher.”
He continued to observe Qin Silong closely. “And the way he carries himself, it’s evident he didn’t teach himself.’
“Doesn’t it strike you as peculiar how knowledgeable he is?” Su Bin’s gaze remained fixed on Qin Zhenzhen.
In an attempt to allay his suspicions, Qin Zhenzhen fabricated a story. “Well, what’s so unusual about that?”
“My fourth brother has had a passion for horses since childhood. He used to visit our uncle’s house often, and our uncle is a renowned equestrian expert.”
“In his youth, my fourth brother had already honed his equestrian and archery skills. Unfortunately, our family couldn’t afford a horse back then. I recall him clamoring to acquire one.”
Su Bin remained skeptical. “Is that so?”
However, a nagging doubt lingered in his mind, telling him that Qin Silong’s abilities did not appear to be solely gleaned from their uncle’s teachings. He had witnessed Qin Zhenzhen’s uncle ride a horse before, and the comparison was stark—Qin Silong was far superior.
Noticing Su Bin’s skepticism, Qin Zhenzhen cast a meaningful glance in his direction.
“In truth, you’re not well-acquainted with my family’s history.”
“Since we’re on the subject, I’ll share a little-known fact: my fourth brother has harbored a lifelong dream since childhood—he aspires to become a formidable general.”
“From a young age, he held an admiration for the soldiers stationed in the military camp, and he was resolute in his determination to join their ranks.”
Su Bin’s face lit up with understanding. “So, based on what you’re saying, your fourth brother intends to enlist in the military camp this coming spring?
Qin Zhenzhen affirmed with a nod. “Exactly! Towards the end of last year, my fourth brother got wind of the news that this spring’s recruitment will encompass seven or eight counties within our prefecture.”
“As long as one meets the physical fitness requirements and doesn’t exceed the age limit, they can enlist in the military camp..”