Li Xinyue's spirits immediately lifted: "Great, let's go have a spirited game with them right away."
The soldiers had abundant energy, and playing Cuju would surely be more enjoyable.
Li Xinyue and the other two headed to the military camp, found over a dozen soldiers, and a Cuju competition officially commenced.
For a full two hours, Li Xinyue, Chu Chen, and the others naturally played to their heart's content.
However, the soldiers had been taking care of them, giving them opportunities to score.
Fortunately, Chu Chen and Li Xinyue were both quick learners, quickly grasping some of the rules.
At this point, it was no longer likely for these dozen soldiers to pose a significant threat to Chu Chen and the others.
After the Cuju competition, these soldiers were naturally given some consideration. Even if they didn't want to go to the battlefield this time, they would receive a few taels of silver as a reward.
However, these soldiers flatly refused upon hearing this.
"Your Highness, Marshal, we still wish to fight on the front lines. Please allow us to continue fighting."
Hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but nod, deeply moved by their spirit.
"You speak well. Since you have the courage and confidence, I will grant you this opportunity."
"This time, if you can achieve similar merits, I will increase your reward by thirty percent."
Upon hearing this, the soldiers erupted in cheers.
Chu Chen then left with the Old War God and Li Xinyue.
As the departure time drew closer, Chu Chen's schedule became increasingly tight.
When leading troops into battle, the Marshal's own combat strength could not be overlooked.
Chu Chen would naturally not give up on becoming stronger.
For the remaining day and more, Chu Chen remained in his chambers, cultivating.
Li Xinyue stayed in the room next to Chu Chen's, so as not to disturb him.
After a full day, it was the afternoon of the second day, nearing dusk.
Chu Chen emerged from his cultivation, walked out of his room, and saw Li Xinyue standing at the doorway, her face filled with concern.
"Chu Chen, how are you feeling now? Have you broken through?"
Li Xinyue scrutinized Chu Chen from head to toe, trying to discern any signs of change in him.
However, Chu Chen appeared very calm, as if nothing had happened.
"Your Highness, this period of cultivation has only led to deeper contemplation of certain matters. It doesn't necessarily mean an improvement in my own strength."
Hearing this, Li Xinyue sighed, somewhat disappointed.
"So that's how it is. Then I was worried for nothing."
Chu Chen smiled wryly and shook his head: "Not entirely. Your Highness, after this cultivation, I have gained a deeper understanding of the upcoming battle."
"The probability of a great victory in this battle has increased by another twenty percent."
Upon hearing this, Li Xinyue excitedly grabbed Chu Chen's arm and shook it.
"If you say so, then it's practically a sure thing?"
Chu Chen nodded.
Li Xinyue patted Chu Chen heavily on the shoulder and said with great satisfaction.
"Alright, I believe you. In less than half a day, you'll be leaving. Tell me if there's anything you want, and I'll help you get it done."
"And you should focus your mind on cultivating, striving to increase the probability of victory by another ten to twenty percent."
Chu Chen heard this and smiled wryly, shaking his head: "Your Highness, please don't tease me."
"I've just finished cultivating, and I've temporarily reached my limit. It will take at least a month to make further progress."
"And that's under normal circumstances. I still have to fight, so I definitely won't have that much time."
Li Xinyue nodded upon hearing this: "In any case, I believe in you."
For the remaining half day, Chu Chen had the head chef at home prepare a sumptuous dinner.
Chu Chen, the Old War God, and the other two ate heartily. For Chu Chen and the Old War God, this dinner was the best meal they would have for quite some time.
Therefore, they savored every bite.
The Old War God would also accompany the army on this expedition. After all, if Chu Chen was in danger in the imperial city, there would surely be more trouble outside the city.
The Old War God did not want the rare war genius of the Yunyue Kingdom to perish just like that.
That night, Li Xinyue accompanied Chu Chen to the military camp. Afterward, she was surrounded by a group of guards.
At this moment, Chu Chen had changed into military attire, looking heroic and spirited.
Chu Chen bid farewell to Li Xinyue with a solemn expression and then led the army away.
Li Xinyue couldn't help but cry, but she knew it was pointless. She wished she had read more military books.
If she had, perhaps she could have gone to the battlefield and helped Chu Chen.
Thinking of this, Li Xinyue's eyes lit up.
Yes, why shouldn't she learn more?
Chu Chen would eventually return from this expedition. In the future, when he went on another campaign, she could accompany him if she understood military strategy.
With this thought, Li Xinyue's eyes sparkled. She went to the Empress's boudoir and requested the Empress to find her some military books.
The Empress asked with curiosity: "Why are you interested in military books? You never used to read these."
Li Xinyue's face flushed slightly as she replied: "Your Majesty, isn't it so that I can spend more time with Chu Chen?"
"If I understood military strategy this time, I could have gone on the expedition with Chu Chen to fight the enemy, instead of being stuck here like now."
Hearing this, the Empress sighed with a wry smile: "You foolish girl, so devoted to love."
"Alright, I will pick out some suitable military books for you."
The Empress personally led Li Xinyue to the library and selected several of the best military books for her. These books looked old, but they were very neat and clean.
Li Xinyue took the books and felt a sense of weight.
"Your Majesty, do you often read these military books? They show many signs of age."
The Empress nodded: "Yes, I used to read these military books often. Now that I don't need to lead troops personally, these books have naturally been neglected."
"It's not accurate to say neglected, as the contents of these books are deeply etched in my mind."
Li Xinyue nodded: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will take them back and study them diligently."
Li Xinyue, carrying the military books, quickly returned to her palace and studied them day and night.
If she read quickly enough, she might even be able to help Chu Chen before this battle concluded.
Thinking this, Li Xinyue's motivation to read grew even stronger.
Meanwhile, Chu Chen, leading his ten thousand strong army, gradually departed from Shuangyue City.
"Tell the vanguard to accelerate their advance. We must reach Sanli Village before dark."