The Empress looked at Li Rufeng, who was kneeling to express his gratitude, and a broader smile spread across her face. She said in a loud voice, "Li Rufeng, you have trained the new recruits well and displayed extraordinary strategic wit in this exercise. As a reward, I hereby promote you to Deputy General, and bestow upon you one hundred taels of gold and ten bolts of brocade. May you continue to serve our dynasty and cultivate more elite soldiers in the future."
Overjoyed and deeply moved, Li Rufeng's voice trembled slightly as he replied, "Your Majesty's boundless grace is overwhelming! This subject is willing to give his all, even to the shattering of his bones, to repay Your Majesty's profound appreciation!"
Standing to the side with satisfaction written all over his face, General Ma smiled and said to Li Rufeng, "Li Rufeng, I never thought you rascal actually had a few tricks up your sleeve and didn't shame our camp. From the jokes you used to pull to shining so brightly in the exercise today, it really makes one look at you in a new light!"
Chapter 72