On this day, a figure clad in red rode straight into the Ninth Mountain, drawing many glances.
Shortly afterward, the side hall of the Ninth Mountain Colonel Hall reverberated with the sounds of armor clashing with footsteps outside.
Then a voice reported, "General, Military Officer Lian has arrived from Qingshan County!"
"Let her co in!" Chen Yuan’s gentle voice was heard from inside the door.
"Yes!"
Next, the sound of the door turning was heard, the side hall door opened,
"Military Officer Lian, please!"
Soon, as the door opened, Lian Nichang, garbed in red and wearing waistband armor, stepped inside.
Upon entering, she saw Chen Yuan standing with one hand behind his back, a large sand table in the center of the side hall, a small blue flag twirling between his fingers.
"Brother!"
Lian Nichang hurriedly stepped forward, saluting quietly.
Chen Yuan casually placed the small flag onto the sand table, turned around to look at Lian Nichang, his eyes gentle, "Ni Chang has arrived."
"You must be tired from the journey."
"Co, sit."
Saying this, he walked forward and sat down on a chair by the side of the hall, moving with ease.
Lian Nichang followed suit and sat down beside him. Ordinarily, being in such a solemn place as the Colonel Hall would be sowhat restraining, since this was not the familiar green bamboo courtyard of Qingshan County, which would ease her mind slightly. However, her brother’s few words greatly dispelled this sense of constraint.
Summoned by her brother’s letter, she had hurried day and night and still didn’t know what had happened, so she collected herself and got straight to the point,
"Brother, what happened that made you summon Ni Chang?"
At this mont, Chen Yuan was lowering his head, pouring tea from the pot on the table. Hearing this, he chuckled and shook his head, "You still have that fiery spirit."
"Have a cup of tea first." Saying this, he pushed the teacup towards Lian Nichang with two fingers.
Lian Nichang bowed her head with a light laugh, took the teacup with both hands, and thanked quietly, "Thank you, Brother."
Saying this, she sipped the tea lightly.
During this intermission, Chen Yuan revealed the purpose of his summon, "Currently, the Twelve Mountain Assault Armies are recruiting new troops. Six of the destroyed Mountain-cutting Armies are being rebuilt, the position of colonel is yet to be decided, and the role for the Fifth Mountain colonel has not been filled yet."
At this, Chen Yuan’s gaze fell on Lian Nichang, smiling,
"I intend to appoint you as the Fifth Mountain Colonel!"
Lian Nichang was listening attentively, but upon hearing this last remark, she choked on the tea with excitent, coughing twice.
She placed the teacup aside, turned aside on the chair, opened her mouth to speak, but the coughing sensation in her throat rendered her speechless.
Chen Yuan smiled, "I know what you intend to say. I am planning to lead the troops south and hope to be surrounded by trustworthy people. I have always seen you capable, able to fulfill this role."
Lian Nichang caught her breath, surprise glinting in her eyes, she stood up, saluting, "Ni Chang is not worthy nor capable enough to assu the role of colonel. The affairs of war are vast and complex. I haven’t led troops before and fear I may not gain the populace’s respect. I implore my brother to withdraw this decision."
Chen Yuan discerned Lian Nichang’s concerns regarding the populace’s respect, fearing criticism for this move, yet he was nonchalant:
"Who can say you have not led troops? Two years ago, you led twenty thousand governnt soldiers to aid Zhen Nan Prefecture, the red tassels of a thousand cavalry assisting out of peril. I still rember, and many are clear of this."
"With capability and experience, if not you, then who?"
"Do not decline; declining further will anger !"
"If anyone challenges you, make them submit." Chen Yuan couldn’t help but laugh at this,
"The Twelve Mountains will have a female general; it will be lively. Do not let down."
Faced with Chen Yuan’s words, Lian Nichang, unprepared, wavered briefly, but she was never one for indecision. Confronted with her brother’s trust, her determination solidified, she bowed deeply, resolute,
"Ni Chang will not fail to et my brother’s expectations!"
"That’s the spirit. Now, relax and sit down to talk." Chen Yuan was pleased, gesturing her to sit.
"Brother, what about things back in Qingshan County?" Lian Nichang sat back down, still concerned about matters there. Although Beiliang’s spies had ceased after the defeat of the hundred thousand iron cavalry, there’s no telling if they would resurge or lie dormant, waiting to cause chaos. She was truly concerned.
"Rest assured, brother summoned you to take command of the Fifth Mountain. Arrangents have naturally been made for Qingshan County, with Elder Dong overseeing there; security is ensured." Chen Yuan advised her not to worry, as arrangents had been made.
Lian Nichang nodded, collecting her thoughts, then took a deep breath, her expression serious, "Brother, when shall I assu duty?"
Chen Yuan’s eyes sparkled, "You can start imdiately!"
"Today is the day the Overseers issue armor to the first batch of new recruits. Besides the Ninth Mountain, all others are getting two thousand sets. Considering you have no base at the Governnt Administrative Office, I’ve decided to allocate an extra thousand sets for your Fifth Mountain, to win over the hearts of those under your command. As for the rest, it depends on your skill to show the troops your abilities, Lian Nichang."
This extra thousand sets were indeed for Lian Nichang’s consideration. She, unlike the other colonels, had no foundation at the Overseers, and naturally, her brother wanted to support her. As for Lian Nichang’s ability to manage her recruits, that was beyond his help. She needed to build her own prestige.
"Ni Chang thanks brother!" Lian Nichang understood the thoughtful gesture within, feeling grateful.
"Later, I will send soone to accompany you to the Fifth Mountain to assu command. Soone will hand over the reins to you..."
Just as Lian Nichang was about to take command of the Fifth Mountain, far away at the West Guanxi Daisan Pass, a secret report was hurriedly presented to King of Beiliang Xiao Zhongtian, stationed here overseeing frontline operations.
Changshi Yan Sun, responsible for receiving and forwarding the secret report, quickly entered a chamber in the Military Affairs Hall.
When Yan Sun entered, Xiao Zhongtian was discussing the frontline situation with his generals, engaged in strategic talks.
"Your Highness, I have a secret report to present."
Yan Sun bowed and spoke quietly.
Xiao Zhongtian furrowed his eyebrows, lowered his hand, and then gestured. The attending military officers, understanding the cue, left temporarily.
"What’s the matter?" With the room cleared, Xiao Zhongtian’s sharp eyes fixed on Yan Sun.
Stepping forward, Yan Sun produced a folded docunt from his sleeve, handing it to King Liang.
Xiao Zhongtian took the docunt, opened it, and imdiately his eyes lit up sharply.
"Where did this information co from?" His gaze turned to Yan Sun, the air tense.
"In response to Your Highness, it was delivered by our people in the palace." Yan Sun bowed low, his gaze lifting slightly to et Xiao Zhongtian’s eyes, speaking softly.
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