Chapter 97: Grand General Nian Has Rebelled

The Great Yuan underwent institutional reforms a few years ago, followed by repeated reversals, so the official system remains somewhat chaotic to this day. However, the Office of the Governor-General is still the highest local authority, and one must grasp both military-political affairs and civilian livelihood with equal firmness. If the Inspector of Jinzhou were to see this former subordinate of his, he would be filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. He Lingchuan never expected that after his father had remained in obscurity and frustration for so long, he would suddenly rise to prominence.

This leap is too great.

The plan to defeat the rebels, seize the Great Square Pot, and counter the government army was a major achievement.

Executing Sun Fuping was the second major achievement.

The position of State Preceptor has always been held by those most loyal to the monarch and possessing the most extraordinary supernatural powers; they can even influence the destiny of the state. Therefore, Sun Fuping’s rebellion was a heavy blow to the Yuan State, directly shaking the morale of the military and the hearts of the people.

Not to mention, he held countless earth-shattering secrets in his hands; leaking even one or two of them would likely shock the world.

How many unspeakable secrets surround power and governance? Based solely on the rich imagination of the common folk, one could fabricate dozens of grand dramas that could be performed daily without ever repeating.

With Sun Fuping dead, a great weight was lifted from the monarch’s heart, and he could sleep more soundly at night.

He Chunhua saw this clearly, which is why these two achievements were worth fighting for.

"It is still a long way from the heavens, but it is a great step forward!" Although he spoke with calm detachment, his flushed face betrayed the true turmoil in his heart. "Xiazhou is not considered rich, but its geographical location is critical and it is much closer to the capital—at least far closer than Jinzhou or Qiansong Commandery."

The closer one is to the heartland, the more one is valued. Being holed up in Qiansong Commandery as they were meant being in a remote frontier, while simultaneously enjoying the three distinct features of bitter cold, scorching heat, and barrenness; true dignitaries would never go near such a place.

It was precisely because of the poor local conditions that the Emperor exiled criminals there to perform hard labor, such as He Chunhua back in the day.

He Lingchuan offered his congratulations.

Regardless, Xiazhou’s geographical location is certainly better than Jinzhou’s, otherwise his father wouldn't be grinning from ear to ear. Furthermore, the Office of the Governor-General wields immense local power; it would be no exaggeration to say they can cover the sky with one hand.

The great tree behind him has become thicker and stronger, making it more comfortable and pleasant to lean on. Very good, very good.

"Also, Nian Zanli has rebelled." He Chunhua’s smile faded slightly. "He has raised an army in Xunzhou in response to the Grand Marshal."

He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow and looked at He Yue.

Well, was it predicted correctly? He Yue said, "No wonder the Royal Court urgently promoted you to Governor-General of Xiazhou; they want to urge you to hurry to the front lines to fight."

"The former Governor-General of Xiazhou died of illness in office three months ago, and the Royal Court was busy with the war, so the position remained vacant." He Chunhua nodded. "You are right. The higher-ups have determined that I have merit in eliminating border bandits, resisting foreign enemies, and encouraging agriculture and trade, so they hope I will head north to resist the enemy and quell the disaster caused by Nian Zanli."

He rubbed his hands in excitement: "Finally, I can leave Heishuicheng and display my talents in a legitimate way!"

It is hard to achieve merit in times of peace; only in chaotic times do heroes emerge.

He had grand ambitions but had previously been confined to the frontier of Qiansong Commandery. Abandoning one's post is a grave crime, but now that the Royal Court has issued a transfer order, he can finally enter the pass by imperial decree and fulfill his aspirations.

How many years had he waited for such an unparalleled opportunity! He Lingchuan asked curiously, "If Father is to head north to resist the enemy, you need troops. You have just taken office; are the local troops in Xiazhou reliable?"

One doesn't know their roots or their bottom line; one doesn't know if they are cowards or capable.

"The backbone will naturally be drawn from Heishuicheng; I will build my own core team first."

"Uh, aren't the Heishuicheng troops supposed to guard the border? If they are transferred away..."

"Currently, our relations with the western states are easing, and the Crazy Sand Season will not end anytime soon. With the Panlong Desert as a natural barrier, there will be no border threats for at least the next three or four months; the Royal Court has calculated this as well." He Chunhua laughed. "We will lead the team north first, and the Commandery Magistrate will temporarily act as the head of Heishuicheng affairs. As for the city troops, he will also recruit new ones to fill the vacancies; there is no need for you or me to worry."

He paused and looked at his two sons: "The war is urgent, and I must select men to head north. You two can make some preparations; we will set off in three days."

Lady He smiled and said, "We are hosting guests tomorrow night. Yue'er, come help write the invitations; they must all be delivered by tomorrow morning. Lingchuan, you help deliver the invitations when the time comes."

Both sons agreed. He Lingchuan had already finished two large bowls of mutton soup with thin noodles and polished off a plate of scallion meat potstickers, so he wiped his mouth and walked out of the side hall with He Yue.

Laughter and joy drifted from behind; the He couple hadn't been this happy in a long time.

After walking about ten paces, He Yue let out a long sigh: "Sure enough, the news of us killing Nian Songyu had just spread in the capital when Nian Zanli rebelled."

He Lingchuan laughed: "Don't take the problem upon ourselves. If Nian Zanli had no intention of rebelling, why would he send Nian Songyu to take the Great Square Pot? Father just... gave him a push."

"He has the blood feud of a son's death with us, and we will soon meet on the battlefield again, where we will be extra hostile."

He Lingchuan asked him: "How much do you know about the war in the north?"

"The Grand Marshal won two consecutive victories after retreating to Wuzhou, and morale was high until he was thwarted by Wei Ao twelve days ago, losing a great general. As for the Governor of Xunzhou, I only know that he strongly supports the Grand Marshal. Sigh, we are too far away; the intelligence is no longer fresh."

He Lingchuan laughed: "This time, I'll let you go north to broaden your horizons."

"Sooner or later, this day would come. I am ready." He Yue looked at his brother. "What about you?"

"Me?" He Lingchuan said nonchalantly, "What do I have to prepare?"

"Brother, you have practiced martial arts for many years; don't you want to seek a position in the military?" He Yue said softly. "Only with military merit can one be promoted. Look at the prominent figures on the map of the Great Yuan today; which one of them does not have illustrious military achievements?"

Become an official? He Lingchuan was momentarily lost. The original owner was somewhat ignorant about this aspect and had no plans. But the He family is about to enter the heartland of the Great Yuan and no longer remain in a corner; where does his, He Lingchuan's, path lie in the future? It’s not that he can’t continue being a second-generation heir, but it’s just...

He inexplicably recalled last night's dream, that battlefield where blood and fear coexisted, and hope and despair were intertwined.

If he also rushed to the northern front, perhaps he would experience such a battle? Only this time, it would be for real.

"You're right." He was silent for a moment. "I will consider it."

The brothers parted ways, each to their own tasks.

He Yue looked at his brother's back, always feeling that he was a little different.

It was just a feeling, hard to put into words.

Taking advantage of the rest after the meal, He Lingchuan had someone find a target and nail it to the practice field, and also requested a powerful bow, a one-handed crossbow, and several arrows.

Soon, these were all prepared.

He used to treat martial arts only as a hobby, and long-range projection was basically ignored. However, the trip to the Panlong Desert made him realize that it is better to fill in his skill gaps as soon as possible.

He grabbed the large bow, aimed, and fired.

The original owner had possessed extraordinary strength since childhood and had practiced martial arts as he grew older; once infused with true qi, he could draw a six-stone powerful bow. Of course, for martial arts practice, a three-stone bow is sufficient; using true qi is too damaging to the target, so it is unnecessary.

"The Immortal" begins its third round of PK today, lasting for one week. I hope for good results to roll into the fourth round, and then soar high and dive deep.

The method is very simple: everyone just needs to follow the updates; no need to hoard.

By the way, I didn't even see where the second round of PK was; how did it suddenly become the third round?

(End of chapter)