Chapter 503: Who Says Women Can’t Join the Army?

Chapter 503: Chapter 503: Who Says Women Can’t Join the Army?

In front of everyone, Jiang Zhi removed her hair tie. A cascade of black hair, like a waterfall, fell around her shoulders.

"I am, in fact, a woman."

The moment she spoke, the crowd erupted in an uproar.

Chen Shaobei’s brow furrowed. "Jiang Zhi!"

’Does she have any idea how much trouble she’s just made for herself?’

Vice General Zhang was stunned.

’So the rumors were true.’

His suspicious gaze shifted from Chen Shaobei to Jiang Zhi.

"My name is Jiang Zhi. Years ago, General Chen recognized my skill and gave me a chance to train with the army. I earned my place by winning a martial arts tournament, becoming one of the Chen Family’s household soldiers, and was later assigned to the Fire Soldier Camp."

"Though I am a woman, the General never gave me special treatment. He treated me the same as everyone else, and there has never been any inappropriate intimacy between us."

At these words, Vice General Zhang nodded in agreement.

’Jiang Zhi was a woman who had been living right under their noses for years, and none of them had noticed!’

’And that was even more true for Chen Shaobei. He was always busy and didn’t seem like the type to be fooling around with Jiang Zhi.’

"I am clarifying this today because I don’t want anyone to continue using this to slander the General or tarnish the reputation of the Chen Family Army."

"They are soldiers who protect our country and deserve respect. I deceived everyone, and for that, I was wrong. I am willing to leave the army."

Vice General Zhang finally understood.

He immediately spoke up. "How can you leave? Your fist techniques are excellent! Your departure would be a great loss for us."

"As long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, it’s fine. Besides, this has nothing to do with you. It’s that Miss Su who has malicious intentions. I wonder how we offended her."

Just as he said this, Lady Shu arrived with Su Zhirou in tow.

Seeing that everyone already knew the truth, Su Zhirou grew even more confident.

"I said it all along—I wasn’t mistaken. If Jiang Zhi is as pure as she claims, and her relationship with the General is completely innocent, then tell me, why did the General rent a private room for her at an inn?"

Chen Shaobei shot her a sharp glare.

"Due to her military duties, it was inconvenient for Jiang Zhi to return home to rest. Therefore, I arranged a room for her at the inn closest to the barracks. Does that affect you in some way, Miss Su?"

Su Zhirou’s face stiffened. She averted her gaze and said with feigned pity, "Of course, I wouldn’t dare to presume anything. As long as the General and Brother Jiang—oh, my mistake, Miss Jiang—have clear consciences, that’s all that matters."

Jiang Zhi took half a step forward. "Our consciences are perfectly clear!"

Out of the corner of her eye, Su Zhirou saw Chen Shaobei’s expression and was delighted.

’This is what they get for making things difficult for me. With just a little trick, I can get Jiang Zhi kicked out of the army.’

’The Chen Family Army has never accepted female soldiers.’

’Even if Chen Shaobei were willing, his father, General Zhenbei, would never approve.’

Lady Shu tried to smooth things over.

"Since this was all a misunderstanding, let’s just drop it. It was our Zhirou’s fault, really. She spoke without knowing the full situation."

"Zhirou, hurry and apologize to Vice General Zhang and Mrs. Zhang."

This time, Su Zhirou obediently apologized.

’Because my goal has been achieved.’

’By tomorrow, the whole Capital City will be buzzing with rumors about Jiang Zhi and Chen Shaobei.’

Vice General Zhang, however, frowned, looking at his General with unease.

’I think I acted too rashly.’

Just then, a voice came from the doorway. "Pardon me for being late."

Everyone turned to look. Shen Ningning had already walked over and was linking arms with the newcomer.

"You’re not late, Aunt Qingdai. You’ve arrived at the perfect time."

No one had expected the arrival of Fang Qingdai, the renowned female general whose prowess was said to rival any man’s.

Fang Qingdai first paid her respects to Crown Prince Mo Lingwei, then went to greet the hostess, Lady Shu.

Afterward, she turned to Chen Shaobei and asked with a smile, "General Chen, I hear you have someone in your barracks named Jiang Zhi, a young woman with incredible fist techniques. Why don’t you transfer her records to me? I’m in need of capable people!"

Everyone present, aside from Shen Ningning, was stunned.

Even Jiang Zhi herself was taken aback.

She looked toward Shen Ningning, only to see the young girl give her a knowing raise of her eyebrows.

’So Shen Ningning had already planned an escape route for me.’

Shen Ningning had considered the worst-case scenario: Jiang Zhi would no longer be able to stay in the Chen Family Army.

But what did that matter?

Cangyun Country just so happened to have a decorated female general—Fang Qingdai!

If she wanted Jiang Zhi, who would dare to spread any more slander?

Shen Ningning beckoned. "Sister Jiang, come quickly and greet Aunt Qingdai."

Jiang Zhi snapped back to reality, stepped forward, and offered a cupped-fist salute. "General Fang."

Fang Qingdai nodded with a smile. "Ningning has already told me all about you. She said your Unstoppable Fist is excellent and that you excel at close-quarters combat—precisely the kind of talent I’m looking for."

Jiang Zhi didn’t answer right away, looking hesitantly toward Chen Shaobei.

Fang Qingdai understood her hesitation and asked Chen Shaobei with a smile, "General Chen, surely you’re not reluctant to let her go?"

’Under the circumstances, going to Fang Qingdai’s camp would be better for her.’

He was silent for a moment before replying, "I’m not reluctant at all. Jiang Zhi is a talented individual. I trust she will excel wherever she goes."

Fang Qingdai took Jiang Zhi’s hand. "My Qingyun Camp needs a Deputy General. As of today, you are the new Qingyun Deputy General."

Jiang Zhi was nearly overwhelmed by the immense surprise.

Her eyes went wide with disbelief.

Shen Ningning was the first to cheer. "The Qingyun Camp sees real combat! Sister Jiang, your dream is about to come true!"

Jiang Zhi still couldn’t process what was happening.

She looked at Fang Qingdai, then at Chen Shaobei.

He gave her a slight nod and a gentle, reassuring smile.

Chen Shaobei knew that under Fang Qingdai, Jiang Zhi could achieve even greater things.

Everyone else chimed in with their congratulations.

Mo Lingwei smiled. "I’ve heard Jiang Zhi’s research on gunpowder in the Fire Soldier Camp has also shown promising results. Since she’s so capable, and assuming my Imperial Father has no objections, why not have her serve in both positions?"

She could serve with the Qingyun Camp and, in her spare time, continue her artillery research with the Chen Family Army.

Naturally, Jiang Zhi had no objection.

Chen Shaobei and Fang Qingdai readily agreed.

While everyone else was smiling and offering congratulations, Su Zhirou, standing to the side, was completely dumbstruck.

’Didn’t I just get Jiang Zhi forced out of the army?’

’How could Fang Qingdai show up and completely turn the tables for Jiang Zhi?’

Su Zhirou’s stiff expression froze entirely when her gaze met Shen Ningning’s subtle, knowing smile.

In a flash, she understood.

’Shen Ningning thinks three steps ahead. She knew what I was planning all along.’

’So, she brought Fang Qingdai here as a lifeline for Jiang Zhi!’

’It was also a reminder to everyone: so what if there’s a woman in the army?’

’They have a female general, after all!’

Fang Qingdai’s illustrious military record was an unshakeable foundation of support.

Just then, Chen Shaobei asked Vice General Zhang, "You said someone told you that Jiang Zhi was a woman. Who was it that originally told you that?"

Vice General Zhang turned and looked behind him.

Not far away, Qi Xiuwei was standing with her family, smiling as she watched the events unfold.

However, when all eyes turned to her, Qi Xiuwei froze.

Shen Ningning’s brows slowly furrowed.

’Xiao Wei revealed Jiang Zhi’s identity? How is that possible?’