As for this so-called Vanguard General of the New Army, no one actually knew what rank it was supposed to be.

On the surface, it sounded like she merely commanded their Longqi New Army. But Feng Jiu’er held Ninth Prince’s commander’s token in her hands.

Even Yu Jingfeng, who served at the Prince’s side, carried only a deputy commander’s token. The token in Feng Jiu’er’s possession held far greater authority than the one in Yu Jingfeng’s hands.

In other words, whenever the Ninth Prince was absent, never mind just the Longqi New Army — even the entire Longqi Army would have to answer to her command.

So this title of Vanguard General, even without an official military rank, was a presence that could not be ignored.

“From this moment forth, Huo Yan is appointed Deputy General of the New Army. Should I be absent, all matters are to be carried out under the Deputy General’s command.”

“Yes! We pay our respects to General Feng, and to General Huo!” The new soldiers below responded in unison.

“Dismissed!”

Dismissed? Those below stared in bewilderment. What did dismissed mean?

“General — General Feng, do you mean for everyone to go back and pack their things?” Huo Yan could not help but ask.

The little young woman was composed and steady, but it was plainly obvious she had never been on a military campaign before.

Then again, she was only around fifteen or sixteen years of age. Where would she have had the opportunity to march to war?

“Is it wrong to call a dismissal?” Feng Jiu’er genuinely did not know the commands used in the military. If not dismissed, then what was she supposed to say?

Huo Yan gave a nod of understanding, then stepped behind her at a short distance and raised the flag.

The soldiers below immediately fell into solemn formation, every one of them standing ramrod straight.

Huo Yan swung his hand in an arc through the air, then lowered the flag.

The troops below instantly scattered, each returning to pack their belongings.

Half an hour was not a long stretch of time, and if they did not move quickly, some things might not be fully prepared in time.

Feng Jiu’er watched Huo Yan’s gesture and understood at once.

So they did not call out commands here — they simply raised and lowered the flag.

“Xiao Yingtao.” Noticing that Xiao Yingtao below seemed to want to leave but kept lingering, eyes fixed on her, Feng Jiu’er called out.

Xiao Yingtao immediately came forward and stood at the foot of the platform: “General… General Feng!”

“Catch.” Feng Jiu’er took the flag from Huo Yan’s hands and tossed it toward her. “From now on, you are responsible for raising the flag whenever the troops are called to formation.”

“Yes!”

“Go and pack your things.” Jiu’er turned and walked in the other direction, stepping into the Martial Training Hall.

Until that slender, perfect figure vanished from his line of sight, Zhan Yuheng remained leaning against the tree, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

The Empress walked over, her expression carrying a trace of displeasure: “Heng’er, where have you been these past few days?”

She had sent people to search Yuyang Palace for him and found no trace of him at all.

Coming here today, she had two purposes: one was to see what was going on with A’Jiu, and the other was to find out whether her own son was at the Imperial Guard’s courtyard.

She had not expected him to truly be here, and moreover, to have been staring at Feng Jiu’er in a besotted daze the entire time. How could that not vex the Empress?

Still, another thought came to her: “Heng’er, how long have you been here? Have you seen your Ninth Imperial Uncle?”

Yet Zhan Yuheng simply gazed at the main entrance of the Martial Training Hall in the Longwu Courtyard and, remarkably, did not respond.

The Empress grew furious: “Heng’er! Have you truly become so taken with that woman that you can no longer spare a thought even for your own mother?”

Zhan Yuheng’s attention was dragged back by her words. He glanced at her once, then said in a flat tone: “This son is feeling unwell. I will take my leave first.”

He turned and walked away, and no matter how the Empress called after him, he refused to stop.

The Empress did not dare make too great a commotion. After all, she had not wanted anyone to know she had come here today.

“Your Highness the Empress, how shall we deal with Miss Qingyin?” Stewardess Qin asked.

Nearby, Feng Qingyin’s screaming had already subsided — most likely the caning had concluded. The Empress said with displeasure: “Have her sent back to the Feng Family.”