Chapter 536: General, Do You Still Remember the Subordinate General?

The afternoon sun shed the crisp chill of the morning, turning into warm golden light that poured over the Left Martial Guard office stationed on the left side of Huangcheng.

The office's gate rose majestically, its vermilion lacquer bright, and before it two stone lions stared with angry, wide eyes, fangs exposed, exuding a mighty aura.

Three gilt characters reading "Left Martial Guard" hung on the lintel, glittering in the sun, radiating solemnity and authority.

Not far away at the street corner, Chen Yan had shed his Purple Robe and was dressed in a set of Xuanse Jinshen.

The fabric was tight and sturdy, a wide jade belt cinched at his waist; in the martial attire he appeared even more heroic and upright, his brows bearing a few more notes of decisive, chilling resolve.

Four people stood behind him.

Zhu Yi wore Xuanse Jinshen that complemented Chen Yan's martial garb, his fists clasped, holding a Long Sword whose scabbard pressed against his chest.

Hongye was in a red outfit.

Wen Run wore the same style of martial attire.

The most eye‑catching was Lu Ming, standing nearly two meters tall like an iron tower, his massive frame almost matching that of two ordinary soldiers.

He wore a specially made, oversized martial coat; broad shoulders, thick back, faint muscle lines on his arms, like a moving mountain, exuding intimidation.

Chen Yan stopped and gazed into the distance, his eyes landing on the gate of the Left Martial Guard office; a hint of admiration flashed, and he slowly spoke, his tone full of emotion: "Is this the Left Martial Guard office?"

"The fortifications are imposing, the scene grand, truly awe‑inspiring!"

At that moment, from the direction of the distant gate, a rapid and respectful shout pierced the afternoon calm: "General! General!"

Chen Yan followed the voice, his brows slightly raised, and let out a light "Hmm?"

A man in armor was seen briskly walking toward here.

The newcomer's steps were steady, his build hulking, his face brimming with barely contained excitement, and within moments he stood before Chen Yan.

He abruptly halted, clasped his fists, knelt on his right knee, performed the standard military salute, his voice resonant as a bell: "Subordinate General has seen the General!"

Chen Yan's face broke into a warm smile, and he raised his hand: "No need for the salute."

Peng Chong obeyed, straightening up, a hint of simple smile on his face, his eyes burning as he looked at Chen Yan, his tone full of respect: "May I ask, General, do you still remember Subordinate General?"

Chen Yan surveyed him from head to toe, his posture upright, brows lifted, and with a teasing tone retorted: "Is this Duke's memory really that poor?"

The words just fell, and he stepped forward, raised his hand and gave Peng Chong's shoulder a firm pat, full of force, smiling as he called his name: "Peng Chong!"

Hearing his own name called by the General, Peng Chong's simple smile widened instantly, he nodded repeatedly, his voice growing louder with excitement: "Indeed! Indeed, Subordinate General Peng Chong!"

There was an uncontainable joy in his eyes, as if stars were hidden within, his gaze at Chen Yan full of reverence and delight, he loudly praised: "Since we last met, General, not only does your bearing remain, it has become even more heroic, your aura truly imposing!"

"Your divine might in the army back then remains vivid in my memory!"

Every word came from the heart, bearing deep admiration.

Chen Yan laughed aloud, raised his hand and lightly pounded Peng Chong's chest with his fist, the force moderate, conveying a familiar, casual camaraderie, and in a bright tone praised: "You've become even more vigorous and mighty!"

Then, as if recalling something, his brows lifted slightly, and with curious tone he asked: "By the way, Old Peng, why are you also here?"

Peng Chong instantly wore a broad smile, his back straight, bearing lofty yet unable to hide gratitude, and replied loudly: "Subordinate General followed you in quelling the rebellion in Qinzhou, suppressing bandits in Jingzhou, then stabilizing the frontier in Hezhou; in every battle Subordinate General never dared to slack, and by luck amassed many achievements…"

"The Court awarded merit and promotion, so Subordinate General was elevated to Middle Colonel of the Left Martial Guard!"

Speaking of past campaigns, his eyes glittered, his tone full of gratitude toward General Chen.

He is truly a benefactor in my life!

Had I not followed the General into battle, how could I have risen so swiftly within just two years!

As his words ended, his smile grew more reverent, and he bowed slightly, saying: "I heard, General, that today you will go to the Left Martial Guard to oversee affairs and command the troops. Subordinate General is overjoyed, having arrived early to wait outside the office's gate, hoping to meet you at once!"

To await this meeting, Peng Chong had been on guard here since before dawn, bearing the morning frost that dampened his armor without complaint.

Hearing this, Chen Yan felt a warm glow, delighted to see his loyal Old Troops remembering him so, and with a smile pointed: "You're indeed thoughtful!"

Peng Chong stared at Chen Yan, his eyes blazing, excitement and agitation nearly spilling over, his tone plain and earnest, his voice resonant as a bell: "Old Peng never dreamed that in my lifetime I would still have the chance to serve under you, General. It's as if smoke were rising from the Pang family ancestral tomb!"

Do you know what continuing to follow General Chen means?

It means you can keep accumulating battle merits, rise in rank, perhaps even be granted a purple robe and ennobled as a marquis!

This is an opportunity that countless people can never obtain!

Who knows how many former comrades will be envious!

Can Old Peng possibly not be exhilarated?

Chen Yan listened to Peng Chong's sincere words, smiled calmly, and slowly said: "This Duke, newly in charge of the Left Martial Guard, is not yet fully familiar with the army's personnel; there are few I can rely on…"

"You must shoulder the heavy responsibilities as my left and right arms!"

"General, rest assured!" Peng Chong heard this, his heart stirred, and he nodded heavily, his head bobbing like crushing garlic, the simple smile fading, replaced by utmost solemnity.

He straightened abruptly, fists clasped, bowed deeply to Chen Yan, his voice ringing powerfully, resolute: "Subordinate General will give my liver and brain to the ground, swearing to die loyal to the General; from now on, only the General's command will be obeyed, with no hint of a second thought!"

Chen Yan nodded with satisfaction, about to speak further, when from the distant gate of the Left Martial Guard office two more rapid, respectful shouts rang out, one after the other, clear to the ear: "General! General!"

The words barely left his mouth when two armored figures hurried toward here, their armor clanking.

In an instant, the two arrived close.

They saw Chen Yan already there, with the smug Peng Chong beside him; their faces immediately showed a hint of apology and respect, they quickly clasped fists, bowed, and together said: "Subordinate General is late in greeting, we hope the General will forgive us!"

Feng Muyi's eyes flicked quickly at Peng Chong standing beside Chen Yan; seeing his armor tidy and clearly having waited long, he couldn't help a silent snort: "Peng Chong really knows how to slip into the camp!"

"Knowing the General would come, yet arriving early to welcome, without even a word…"

Chen Yan gave the two a casual glance, then turned to Peng Chong beside him, his tone slightly inquisitive: "What is this…?"

Peng Chong instantly understood, stepped forward, raised his hand to point at the two in turn, and loudly introduced to Chen Yan: "General, these two are generals of the Left Martial Guard, Feng Muyi, Dong Xuqing!"

Feng Muyi and Dong Xuqing dared not delay a moment, immediately stepped forward together, clasped fists at their chests, knelt on the right knee, performed the standard respectful military salute, their voices loud and orderly, full of awe: "Subordinate General Feng Muyi (Dong Xuqing), we have seen the General!"

Chen Yan, seeing this, extended both hands, gently supporting the two's arms, his tone calm and generous: "General Feng, General Dong, no need for formalities, please rise quickly!"

Feng Muyi straightened up, his eyes shining at Chen Yan, his gaze full of unabashed admiration, looking exactly like a devoted fan.

He leaned forward half a step, his tone eager, with a hint of uncontrollable excitement: "General, your fame resounds like thunder to Subordinate General!"

As he spoke, a flattering smile spread on his face, his tone growing more earnest: "Today I finally get to see the real person!"

"The General truly has an extraordinary bearing, indeed heroic and magnificent!"

"Yes, yes!" Dong Xuqing beside him immediately echoed, nodding repeatedly, his eyes also full of reverence, not at all inferior to Feng Muye's "fangirl" demeanor, and then praised: "The Grand General commands troops like a deity, repeatedly achieving marvelous feats; truly worthy of being the military immortal of our Great Zhou!"

"To serve under the Grand General is truly the honor of us Subordinate Generals!"

Between the lines, it is full of admiration.

No wonder the two illustrious generals have such bearing…

The one before us is literally a walking war‑achievement dispenser!

Not only a hundred battles, a hundred victories, those who have followed and served have all risen, and the rewards and punishments are fair…

That phrase "Surely you'll fill both the basin and the bowl," has long been admired and envied.

Especially that kid Peng Chong, after each drink with them, would brag about having once followed Grand General Chen.

Moreover, the army truly respects ability and prestige above all!

Chen Yan listened to their successive praises, his face still calm, raised his hand and lightly pressed, in a modest tone: "It's all just an empty title! On the battlefield, victory or defeat is the result of the soldiers' blood‑soaked struggle; I, the Duke, have merely fulfilled my duty, nothing worth mentioning!"

Feng Muye, seeing Chen Yan's modest demeanor, became even more determined to perform well; he stepped forward a pace, and, seizing the moment, subtly nudged his hip to the side.

Peng Chong, standing at Chen Yan's side, was caught off guard by the shove, stumbled, could only grudgingly retreat to the side, and couldn't help rolling his eyes.

Feng Muye paid no heed to Peng Chong's expression, his face beaming with a smile as bright as a blooming chrysanthemum, respectfully and attentively asked: "Grand General, you are new to the Left Martial Guard; you must still be unfamiliar with the army's layout and the camp regulations…"

"How about I, the Subordinate General, take you around the camp, give you a detailed introduction, so you can become familiar with the situation quickly?"

Chen Yan heard this, slightly bowed his head: "Very well, then I trouble you."

"No trouble, no trouble!"

Feng Muye quickly waved his hand, his smile even more attentive, repeatedly said: "To serve the Grand General is the Subordinate General's blessing! Grand General, you are too kind!"

Dong Xuqing immediately complied, turning his body in sync, extending his right hand toward the Damen of the Left Martial Guard headquarters, making a standard respectful "please" gesture, his voice steady and courteous: "Grand General, this way, please!"