How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 120 Establishing Authority at the Training Ground

The general held in his hand an imperial edict personally drafted by the Empress. The bright yellow silk shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, clearly indicating that something important needed to be announced.

Zhao Yi stood quietly beside her, his posture upright like a pine tree, clearly a confidant of General Yuchi.

"Madam Chu, I've often heard of you and always hoped to meet you. I never expected this day to come so soon."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ci bowed slightly and said, "I am truly humbled and do not deserve such praise from the General. I am deeply grateful for the General's kindness."

"This is no flattery," General Yuchi slowly unfurled the scroll and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Empress decrees that Lady Chu is hereby appointed as a Military Advisor of the Imperial Guard, holding the rank of Fifth Grade..."

Before he finished speaking, a gasp of surprise came from the crowd.

One of the women, whose features were somewhat rugged, was particularly astonished, muttering to herself, "A fifth-rank official? This... to be ranked at such a high position so soon after arriving? That hasn't happened in a hundred years."

Chu Ci didn't really understand these complicated and cumbersome official titles, but looking at the envious or shocked expressions of the people around her, she roughly understood that this official position must be quite high.

Chu Ci subconsciously turned to look at Zhao Yi opposite her, a questioning look in her eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, Zhao Yi said, "This official position is the same as mine, both being fifth-rank officials."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ci raised his eyebrows, thinking to himself: I never thought that I would be able to sit on equal footing with Zhao Yi in the army. It seems that the empress really likes me.

Just as Chu Ci's thoughts were wandering, General Yuchi suddenly spoke up and ordered Zhao Yi, "Zhao Yi, you should take Lady Chu to familiarize herself with our camp, and also let her meet the female soldiers under your command."

"Yes."

After respectfully bowing, Zhao Yi led Chu Ci away from the main barracks with steady steps.

As the two walked through the military camp, they saw that the soldiers were all heroic and spirited, and most of them were straightforward and open-minded.

As Chu Ci walked along, she was surprised to encounter many enthusiastic young women who greeted her. This surprised Chu Ci, who had just entered the military camp.

How do they know me?

Chu Ci couldn't help but look puzzled and turned to look at Zhao Yi beside him.

Zhao Yi didn't look at him and answered directly, "You're quite well-known in the military."

"Is that so?" Chu Ci smiled and didn't ask any further questions.

The two continued their leisurely stroll, wandering around the military camp and taking in the surrounding scenery.

Before they knew it, Zhao Yi had led Chu Ci to a camp tent.

The area around the tent was bustling with people, and a group of female soldiers were chatting and laughing, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

“These are your soldiers,” Zhao Yi said succinctly, pointing to the group of female soldiers as he spoke to Chu Ci.

Upon hearing this, Chu Ci raised an eyebrow slightly and said with a half-smile, "So, you say I'm in charge of everything?"

Zhao Yi nodded affirmatively and gestured for Chu Ci to step forward.

Facing the many unfamiliar yet curious female soldiers, Chu Ci showed no fear. He strode up to them and gracefully bowed to them.

"From now on, all of you sisters will follow me. If anyone is dissatisfied, feel free to step forward and challenge me to a duel!"

The female soldiers stared wide-eyed at each other, none of them daring to speak first.

But not long after, a tall, strong female soldier stepped out from the ranks.

She held her head high, looked confidently at Chu Ci, and said loudly, "I have heard of Lady Chu's great name. Today I have come here specifically to learn from her!"

After saying this, she clasped her hands together and bowed to Chu Ci.

Chu Ci smiled slightly, returned the greeting gracefully, and gestured for him to enter.

The two then stood facing each other, neither of them picking up any weapons, intending to engage in a fight bare-handed.

The female soldier named Wu Er launched the first attack. She shouted and used all her strength to throw a powerful punch straight at Chu Ci's face.

However, Chu Ci dodged the attack with ease.

Immediately afterwards, she grabbed Wu Er's wrist and gently pulled him, causing Wu Er to lose his balance and fall forward.

But Wu Er reacted quickly, immediately regained his footing, and launched another attack.

However, no matter what moves Wu Er made, Chu Ci was always able to neutralize them with skillful footwork and agile moves.

After just a few moves, Wu Er was already panting heavily, while Chu Ci remained calm and composed.

Finally, in another exchange, Chu Ci seized the opportunity and kicked Wu Er in the shin. Wu Er lost his balance and fell to his knees with a thud.

The competition ended so quickly that all the female soldiers present were stunned.

It should be noted that Wu Er was considered one of the most skilled martial artists among them, and she rarely lost when sparring with the other sisters.

But now, facing Chu Ci, he couldn't even last ten moves, even after Chu Ci deliberately held back. This is... truly unbelievable.

For a moment, the entire training ground fell into a deathly silence. The female soldiers who had been eager to challenge Chu Ci were now trembling with fear and dared not step forward easily.

Chu Ci calmly surveyed the crowd and slowly asked, "Is there anyone else who wants to learn from me?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

However, she received only silence.

The vast training ground was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop clearly.

Zhao Yi stood with his arms crossed, waiting by the training ground.

She showed no sign of anxiety, as if she had anticipated the situation.

And so, time passed by, second by second...

Chu Ci stood quietly in place for a while, but no one appeared.

She then turned to Zhao Yi beside her and said softly, "It looks like no one is coming. Let's go."

After saying that, she took Zhao Yi and the two of them turned and left together.

The female soldiers were left in awe.