Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 274 Morning Sword Practice

As dawn broke, pale golden light pierced through the thin clouds, gently scattering across the magnificent training ground of the Western Jing Kingdom's imperial palace. The bluestone ground gleamed with a cool luster under the dim light, while the weapon racks around the training ground stood in rows, their blades gleaming with a cold light.

Jiang Youan wore a dark training uniform with silver cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, and a bright yellow belt around his waist, outlining his tall and straight figure. His jet-black hair was tied back, with a few wisps of hair fluttering gently in the breeze, and his young face exuded a resolute and determined air. At this moment, he stood in the center of the training ground, waiting for the arrival of the imperial guards.

A short while later, more than twenty imperial guards lined up neatly and ran into the training ground. They were dressed in uniform black outfits, with swords at their waists, their steps were vigorous, and their aura was extraordinary. Leading them was the guard commander, Zhao Gang, who was burly, with sharp eyes, and the scar on his face added to his imposing presence.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" The guards saluted in unison, their loud voices echoing across the training ground.

Jiang Youan nodded slightly: "No need for formalities. Today, I would like to practice martial arts with you all, and I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance."

Zhao Gang stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and said, “It is our honor that Your Highness can practice with us. However, martial arts training is hard work, and Your Highness is of noble status, so we hope you will act according to your ability.”

Jiang Youan smiled slightly: "Commander Zhao, there's no need to worry. Now that I'm here, I'm prepared to endure hardship. Let's begin."

The training began with basic physical conditioning. Jiang Youan and his guards ran laps around the training ground, their clothes gradually soaked with sweat. Although Jiang Youan exercised regularly, the long run still took its toll. However, he gritted his teeth and persevered, not falling behind even a step.

"Your Highness, if you are tired, please take a rest," Zhao Gang said with concern.

Jiang Youan shook his head: "No need, I can do it. If I can't even endure this little bit of hardship, how will I defend the country in the future?"

After physical training came weapons training. Zhao Gang selected a longsword for Jiang Youan and personally demonstrated swordsmanship. His swordsmanship was powerful and fluid, with each move containing immense strength.

"Your Highness, watch closely. This move, 'Rainbow Piercing the Sun,' requires the use of waist strength to thrust the sword out quickly, with the force reaching the tip of the sword," Zhao Gang explained while demonstrating.

Jiang Youan watched intently, carefully memorizing each movement. When it was his turn to practice, he held the longsword and, following Zhao Gang's instructions, thrust it forward. However, due to improper force, he lost his balance and nearly fell.

“Your Highness, there’s something wrong with your posture. When thrusting with a sword, you need to keep your balance and concentrate.” Zhao Gang stepped forward and patiently corrected Jiang Youan’s movements.

Jiang Youan humbly accepted the instruction and practiced repeatedly. As his practice deepened, his swordsmanship gradually became more proficient, and the blade sliced ​​through the air with a "whoosh" sound.

Next came the practical training. Jiang Youan sparred with a guard. The guard was agile and his attacks were fierce. At first, Jiang Youan was unable to defend himself and was forced to retreat repeatedly.

"Your Highness, don't panic. Observe the opponent's moves carefully and find the weakness," Zhao Gang shouted from the side.

Jiang Youan took a deep breath and calmed himself down. He carefully observed the guard's movements and finally discovered his weakness. He seized the opportunity, thrust his sword out, and successfully struck his opponent.

"Excellent! Your Highness has made rapid progress." Zhao Gang clapped and praised.

Jiang Youan wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile, "Thanks to the guidance of Commander Zhao and all the brothers, I have been able to make progress."

During the break, Jiang Youan sat with the guards, sharing their training experiences. He showed no airs of a prince, chatting freely with the guards in a very harmonious atmosphere.

"Commander Zhao, I feel that my reaction time in actual combat is not fast enough. How can I improve?" Jiang Youan asked humbly.

Zhao Gang thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness can improve by practicing reaction speed through small games, such as throwing stones and quickly dodging or catching them. In addition, you can practice with different opponents to accumulate practical experience."

Jiang Youan nodded in agreement: "This is a good method. I'll try it when I get back."

After a break, training continued. This time it was concealed weapon training. Zhao Gang took out some darts and demonstrated how to throw them to Jiang Youan.

"Your Highness, when throwing darts, you must control the force and angle, and the throw must be fast, accurate, and ruthless." As Zhao Gang spoke, the dart in his hand shot out like lightning, accurately hitting the bullseye in the distance.

Jiang Youan took the dart and tried throwing it. At first, the dart either missed the bullseye or wasn't thrown hard enough. But he didn't get discouraged and kept adjusting his posture and force. After many practices, he finally succeeded in hitting the bullseye.

"I did it!" Jiang Youan shouted excitedly.

Zhao Gang smiled and said, "Your Highness is exceptionally talented and hardworking. Given time, you will surely become a master of martial arts."

Before they knew it, the sun was high in the sky, and training was nearing its end. Although Jiang Youan was exhausted, a satisfied smile was on his face.

"Today's training has been very beneficial to me. Thank you all for your company and guidance," Jiang Youan said to the guards.

The guards all said, "Your Highness is too kind. It is our honor to train with Your Highness."

Jiang Youan knew that becoming an excellent martial artist was a long road ahead. But he firmly believed that as long as he persevered, he would surely achieve his goal. In the days to come, he would continue to train diligently with the imperial guards, constantly improving his martial arts skills, and contributing his strength to protecting the Xijing Kingdom.

As time went by, Jiang Youan's martial arts skills became increasingly refined. In a martial arts competition held at the imperial palace, Jiang Youan won praise from everyone for his outstanding performance. His swordsmanship, fist techniques, and hidden weapon skills all reached a very high level, making him one of the best in the palace.

However, Jiang Youan did not become arrogant or complacent. He understood that there was no end to improving martial arts skills, and what was more important was having a heart to protect his country. He continued to train hard while keeping a close eye on the national situation, always ready to stand up for his country.

Since that martial arts competition, Jiang Youan's reputation spread rapidly both inside and outside the palace, but he did not slacken in the slightest. Every day, before the first rays of dawn had fully pierced through the clouds, Jiang Youan would already be dressed in his light training clothes and appear on the training ground. Dewdrops condensed on the grass, reflecting a crystal-clear light that mirrored his resolute gaze.

"Commander Zhao, let's practice riding and archery today," Jiang Youan said to Zhao Gang, the guard commander, as he stretched his limbs.

Zhao Gang clasped his hands in a salute, his eyes full of approval: "Your Highness's idea is excellent. Horse archery is an essential skill for military campaigns, but the training is quite arduous, and Your Highness needs to be prepared."

Jiang Youan nodded firmly: "I am ready, Commander Zhao, let's begin."

Soon, the guards brought several strong warhorses, with bows and arrows and quivers on their backs. Jiang Youan skillfully mounted the horse, his posture upright, like an ancient pine tree, exuding vitality in the morning light.

"Your Highness, archery requires perfect harmony between rider and horse. You must maintain balance while galloping and shoot the arrow accurately," Zhao Gang explained, demonstrating as he went. He gripped the horse's flanks tightly, spurred it on, and swiftly nocked an arrow and drew the bow. With a "whoosh," the arrow shot towards the bullseye like a meteor.

Jiang Youan carefully observed Zhao Gang's movements, memorizing every detail. Then, he gently squeezed the horse's flanks with his legs, and the warhorse neighed and galloped away.

Jiang Youan struggled to maintain his balance on horseback, but just as he was about to nock an arrow, the horse suddenly lurched, and he almost fell off.

"Your Highness, hold on!" Zhao Gang shouted from the side.

Jiang Youan took a deep breath, readjusted his posture, gripped the reins tightly, and controlled the horse's rhythm.

After several attempts, he finally managed to nock the arrow, draw the bow, and the arrow shot out with a whistling sound.

Although the arrow did not hit the bullseye, Jiang Youan was not discouraged.

"Again!" Jiang Youan shouted, spurring his horse toward the shooting range once more.

And so, Jiang Youan practiced again and again, his clothes soaked with sweat that slid down his face.

After several days of intensive training, Jiang Youan's horseback archery skills have improved significantly.

Soon after, an urgent report came from the border of Xijing Kingdom: a group of bandits were burning, killing, and looting in the border area, causing great suffering to the people.

Upon learning the news, Jiang Youan volunteered to lead a team of guards to the border to quell the rebellion.

On the way to the border, Jiang Youan carefully studied the map and formulated a battle plan.

He knew that the bandits were familiar with the terrain and acted slyly, so he had to be careful.

"Your Highness, the bandits' lair is just ahead," a guard said, pointing to the valley in front of them.

Jiang Youan observed the surrounding terrain and found that the valley was strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to divide his forces into three groups: one to draw the bandits' attention from the front, and the other two to flank them from both sides.

After the battle began, the guards charging towards the bandits' camp shouted as they attacked from the front. Seeing this, the bandits grabbed their weapons and resisted. Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, Jiang Youan led his guards from both flanks in a swift attack, catching the bandits completely off guard.

Jiang Youan brandished his longsword, charging at the forefront. His swordsmanship was fierce, each strike carrying a powerful momentum. Under his leadership, the guards' morale soared, and they fought bravely against the enemy. After a fierce battle, the bandits were driven back in disarray and were ultimately annihilated.

"Your Highness, you are so brave!" a guard exclaimed excitedly.

Jiang Youan wiped the blood off his sword and said with a firm gaze, "Protecting the people is our responsibility, and this is what I should do."

Upon returning to the capital, Jiang You'an received a warm welcome from the people and commendation from the imperial court. However, Jiang You'an did not bask in the joy of victory; he knew that the security of the border still faced many challenges.

To further enhance his military skills, Jiang Youan began studying various military books and strategies, and sought advice from veteran generals in the court on their experience in marching and fighting. At the same time, he also reformed the training of the palace guards, introducing new training methods and tactical concepts.

During a military exercise, Jiang Youan divided his guards into red and blue teams to simulate a real combat scenario. He personally commanded the red team, engaging in fierce combat with the blue team. Throughout the exercise, Jiang Youan fully utilized his knowledge and experience, flexibly responding to various situations, and ultimately the red team emerged victorious.

"Your Highness, your command was outstanding!" Zhao Gang exclaimed sincerely.

Jiang Youan humbly said, "This is all thanks to the cooperation of my brothers and the guidance of the veterans. I still have a lot to learn."

As time went by, Jiang Youan's military talent became increasingly outstanding. However, just as Xijing Kingdom was gradually moving towards prosperity and stability, a neighboring country suddenly deployed troops to the border, and the situation became extremely tense.

Xiao Jingchuan urgently summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. Jiang Youan offered his opinion in court: "Your Majesty, our neighboring country is coming with great force this time. We cannot rashly send troops. We should first strengthen border defenses and send envoys to negotiate with our neighboring country to understand their intentions. If the negotiations fail, then we can make military preparations."

Xiao Jingchuan nodded in agreement: "You'an is right. You'an, I hereby appoint you to be in charge of border defense and to ensure the safety of the country."

Jiang Youan knelt down and accepted the order: "Your subject will do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust!"

Upon arriving at the border, Jiang Youan immediately threw himself into the intense defense work. He inspected the border defenses, reinforced the city walls, increased the number of sentries, and organized soldiers to conduct live-fire drills to improve their combat effectiveness.

Thanks to Jiang Youan's efforts, the border defenses were impregnable. Seeing no opportunity to exploit, the neighboring country ultimately chose peace talks. Xijing Kingdom successfully averted a crisis, and its people returned to a peaceful life.

Jiang Youan stood on the border city wall, gazing at the distant mountains and rivers, his heart filled with countless emotions.