Chapter 354

() PS: Thank you all for your support. Excluding the overall ranking and new book ranking, we should be within the top six of the category monthly ticket rankings this month. Thank you all for your support! Once again, I'm asking for next month's guaranteed monthly tickets.

"First-Class Non-Commissioned Officer Guan Dadi reporting on schedule, requesting to return to Lushun with the military transport ship."

Guan Dadi handed over his military identification and the previously supplemented leave slip. The official from the Military Affairs Department flipped through them, found a troop roster, and after verifying for a long time, finally said: "Wait here. Your military registration has changed; you cannot return to Lushun."

"What? Where have I been changed to?"

"Provisional Fifth Infantry Battalion." After the officer finished speaking, he grabbed a piece of paper, scribbled on it, and handed it to Guan Dadi. "Report to the Third General Camp District of the Guards Battalion."

Guan Dadi took it blankly, his face bitter as he said: "Did you tell my commanding officer? I'm from the Long Qibing Company Headquarters. My brothers are all waiting for me to go kill Tatars..."

"So eager to kill Tatars?" The officer seemed a bit impatient. Looking up and seeing the medal on Guan Dadi's chest, he smiled slightly. "No more killing for you. You're going somewhere else."

"Where to?"

The officer put away his smile. "You'll know when you're meant to know. Report to the Third General Camp District, Mishen Shan Grand Camp."

Guan Dadi was completely baffled. Seeing the officer's stern face, he didn't dare ask further. After leaving, his stomach growled, so he headed toward the alleyway in front of the Water City. That place had completely changed from when he was there fighting last time. Shops lined both sides, with large bamboo and cloth shop signs packed tightly together. Some Dengzhou Garrison soldiers walked the streets, and occasionally a few Guard Soldiers with white paint on the sides of their helmets patrolled. The surrounding shopkeepers all loudly greeted them, some even directly going up to pull them in.

"Soldier, please come inside! We have all kinds of fried meats, noodles, cakes, steamed cakes, and fried dough. Rice too, and we never skimp on portions!" A young shop girl came up beside Guan Dadi and shouted. She saw the scar on Guan Dadi's face, which was somewhat frightening, and didn't dare to go up and pull him in.

Guan Dadi heard waves of cheers coming from inside that food shop. Even outside, people were gathered around the windows. He wasn't used to such lively places and smiled, waving his hand. The young girl, seeing his gentle attitude, immediately came over and pulled his arm. "Soldier, come on, we accept pay tickets here. Using pay tickets is even ten percent cheaper than silver. Today there's storytelling inside, about the Fuzhou hero Yuan Gusheng. He's a great hero..."

"Then take me there quickly." As soon as Guan Dadi heard Yuan Gusheng's name, he hurriedly walked into the shop. The young shop girl quickly pulled aside two people blocking the doorway and led Guan Dadi inside.

"... What are those Jianzhou Bandits called? Let me tell everyone here, there's a system to it. A village of those Jianzhou Bandits is called a Niru, all filled with hideous Tatars, just like those captives you've all seen paraded through the streets. Two or three hundred men make one Niru. They group a few Niru together, and that's called a Jalan. The leader is called a Jalan Ejen. These are the most vicious and evil among the Jianzhou Bandits. Now, the one facing our Yuan Gusheng was just such a Jianzhou Bandit leader..."

As soon as he walked in, he heard the storyteller's rhythmic and cadenced voice. The place was already packed with people. There weren't even tables. The young girl found him a small square table. One side was empty; the other three people were listening to the storytelling with rapt attention. Guan Dadi sat down and placed his pack at his feet. The young girl asked him, "Soldier, what will you eat?"

"Hmm, just bring some flatbread." Guan Dadi only wanted to listen to the storytelling and casually dismissed the young girl.

"Soldier, have a plate of meat. Our meat here is delicious, with some pepper and scallions, you're sure to like it." The young girl blocked Guan Dadi's view with the menu. Guan Dadi had no choice but to turn his head to look at her. "How much silver for a plate?"

"Three fen of silver. If you pay with a pay ticket, we'll refund you three li, and we'll also give you a bowl of meat soup."

"Fine, then move aside, I'm listening to the storytelling."

Only then did the young girl leave. Guan Dadi could finally listen properly. Turning his head to look at the central platform, the storyteller was just recounting Yuan Gusheng's early experiences...

"... Everyone in the village was dead. Seeing the Han people in Liaodong dying and scattering to the brink of extinction, how could Yuan Gusheng stay and wait for death? He led his wife and children and fled. Two daughters and two children! Just as they were about to reach Grand Commander Mao's Pi Island, those heaven-cursed Jianzhou Bandits caught up. His wife and two daughters couldn't escape and were violated and killed by those Jianzhou Bandits. After untold hardships, they reached Pi Island, only to face a food shortage. One son starved to death, and another who fled to Kuandian was beaten to death by the Tatars. Only this Yuan Gusheng remained. Alone and wretched, he was about to end his own life."

The storyteller slammed his gavel, raised his eyebrows, and said: "But heaven never seals off all paths. At that very moment, Yuan Gusheng met our Dengzhou Garrison's Grand Commander Chen, a figure who is the Martial Star of the North descended to the mortal world. That day, Grand Commander Chen saw Yuan Gusheng's Pear Blossom Spear technique and was astonished by his extraordinary talent. He ordered Yuan Gusheng to await orders before his command tent and brought him to the walls of Fuzhou. The Jianzhou Bandit rode over on horseback, and Yuan Gusheng raised his spear to meet him. He and the Jianzhou Bandits had a blood feud as vast as the heavens, a hatred that the waters of all the lakes and seas could not wash away. No matter how fierce that Jianzhou Bandit leader was, Yuan Gusheng's courage did not diminish. He wielded his Pear Blossom Spear so skillfully that wind couldn't penetrate and water couldn't splash through. Eyes wide with fury, he bellowed: 'Dog Tatar, return the lives of my wife and daughters!!' With a flick of his spear tip, he sent the Jianzhou Bandit leader's retainer flying over ten zhang away. Yuan Gusheng laughed heartily, 'My wife's life is avenged!'..."

"Bravo!!" The audience applauded and cheered loudly, the hall filled with enthusiastic clapping.

"Huh?" Guan Dadi scratched his head. "Brother Yuan Gusheng was that formidable? Wasn't he a musket soldier? How did he end up with a Pear Blossom Spear?"

As his mind wandered, his pack below was bumped by his leg, tipping over and pressing onto the foot of the person next to him. That person looked like a craftsman and was listening intently. Disturbed, he looked down, then turned his face to curse, "Your mother..." He immediately saw the long scar on Guan Dadi's face, which made Guan Dadi look somewhat frightening, and quickly shut his mouth.

"Big brother, my apologies." Guan Dadi bowed slightly and said in a low voice.

"Hmm, hmm, it's nothing." The man pursed his lips, then noticed the military uniform on Guan Dadi, recognizing him as a soldier of the Dengzhou Garrison. His expression immediately softened. He sized up Guan Dadi again, saw the medal on his chest, nodded, and turned back. After a while, he turned his head again to look at Guan Dadi's medal, making Guan Dadi feel quite uncomfortable.

The storyteller on stage spoke with spittle flying everywhere, describing how Yuan Gusheng and that Jianzhou Bandit Assistant Regional Commander fought until the sky darkened and the earth dimmed. The more Guan Dadi listened, the more he felt something was off, but everyone around him was listening with great relish.

Fortunately, the food arrived quickly. Guan Dadi ate while listening, and three flatbreads were soon devoured. The storyteller had basically filled the lunch hour; everyone who was going to come and eat had come in. Only then did he speed up, saying that the Jianzhou Bandit seized an opening and charged to kill Grand Commander Chen. Yuan Gusheng fought him to the death, sustaining severe injuries and dying from them.

"Yuan Gusheng was a man of unyielding integrity. Grand Commander Chen, having lost a fierce general, was overcome with grief, looked up to the heavens, and wailed in sorrow. This hero Yuan Gusheng's tomb is in the Martyrs' Shrine at the foot of Mishen Shan. If any of you patrons wish to seek it out, enter the Martyrs' Shrine and turn left; that is the Dengzhou Left Associate's section. Find the shrine of the Dragon Tiger Cavalry there, and you will see this hero Yuan Gusheng. I hear this hero also had an adopted son, currently being raised in a place in Laiyang. Lord Chen is the Martial Star, and also a great benefactor. All the families of fallen soldiers are supported by the Dengzhou Garrison..."

Only then did Guan Dadi feel it really was that Yuan Gusheng. He didn't frequent these places much, so he didn't know there were many storytelling versions of Yuan Gusheng in Dengzhou. They all drew material from the military gazette's Hero Records. The processes were wildly exaggerated, but the final outcomes were mostly consistent with the military gazette. Including Guan Dadi's own Great Battle at Zhenhai Gate, which was also one of the most popular entries. He had heard it once at Wendeng Third Fort. He had listened with his face burning red and had fled after just a short while.

"Grand Commander Chen awarded Yuan Gusheng two medals. One is called the Second-Class White Blade Assault Medal, and the other is called the Martyr's Medal. The Martyr's Medal was left for his adopted son, and the Assault Medal was buried with Yuan Gusheng. Such a valiant warrior only received a Second-Class Assault Medal. This evening, we will tell of an even braver hero. When quelling Li Jiucheng's rebellion, he earned a First-Class White Blade Assault Medal. This medal is not easily obtained. From Wendeng Battalion to the Dengzhou Garrison, Lord Chen has only awarded this First-Class Assault Medal to two heroes. On that medal, a blade and spear are crossed, and above them is a majestic, fierce tiger's head..."

The listener from before turned his head again to look at Guan Dadi, staring at the medal on his chest, then looking at Guan Dadi's face with a strange expression.

Guan Dadi felt a chill in his heart. He figured they were probably about to talk about him, because when the rebellion was quelled, he was the only one in the entire army to receive the First-Class White Blade Assault Medal. He himself hadn't even figured out how he got it. Initially, they were talking about punishing him, but later he somehow became a combat hero, only fined one month's pay as punishment for his unintentional departure from his unit.

He hurriedly picked up his pack, ready to leave, but then he saw there was still quite a bit of meat left on the plate. Feeling somewhat reluctant to waste it, he lifted the plate and poured it into his mouth.

Finally, that listener pointed at Guan Dadi and whispered to the person next to him. Several people around were turning their heads to look at Guan Dadi. Guan Dadi, his mouth full of meat and vegetables, juices and grease dripping from the corner of his mouth, saw this scene. Not caring to finish that plate of meat, he covered the medal on his chest and prepared to leave.

"This soldier here has the First-Class Assault Medal!" That listener shouted loudly. "Everyone, come look! He's about to run!"

The hall instantly erupted like a disturbed nest. Most of them had already heard the Great Battle at Zhenhai Gate. Suddenly hearing that the main character was right before their eyes was like a movie superstar leaping out of the silver screen. No one paid any more attention to the storyteller. Tables and chairs screeched and clattered chaotically in the hall. People all around surged toward him, tightly surrounding Guan Dadi in the middle.

"Soldier, let us have a look!" "Yeah, move your hand, let us see. We won't touch."

Everyone spoke at once, all reaching out to pull Guan Dadi's hand away. Guan Dadi, not even caring about his pack, blocked those hands one by one, anxiously saying: "I, this, I'm not."

Suddenly, a rough, bold voice rang out: "All of you, make way for me! What, are you trying to rob someone?"

A few onlookers on the outside were pulled aside by a pair of large hands. The others quickly parted to make a path. Guan Dadi stared dumbfounded as Zhong Lao Si, dressed in military uniform, appeared before him, followed by Zhou Shaoer and Liu Yue, whom he had met before.

Zhong Lao Si stopped in front of him and laughed heartily at the surrounding audience: "That's right, this dog of a thing is Guan Dadi, the one who drove back a thousand men alone at Zhenhai Gate. Our Dengzhou Garrison's very first First-Class White Blade Assault Medal is his. Guan family's big fool, put your hand down and let these righteous civilians see this rare item. Whoever dares to reach out and touch, I'll chop their hand off."

By now, even the storyteller had crowded over. Guan Dadi smiled foolishly and let his hand drop. The crowd fell silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into cheers, all talking at once, asking about the stories they had heard, posing all sorts of bizarre questions. Guan Dadi stood in the middle, smiling sheepishly, not knowing how to answer.

Zhong Lao Si pulled Guan Dadi out of the crowd and cupped his hands in salute to those listeners. "Dear righteous civilians, this Guan Dadi, and that Yuan Gusheng, are both soldiers under my command. I am called Long Qibing, not Dragon Tiger Cavalry."

Zhong Lao Si pointed at the storyteller. "Don't get it wrong next time."

"Fierce generals! So both heroes were under his command." The audience sighed and discussed animatedly, their gazes toward the two men full of reverence. The young girl at the doorway shouted shrilly into the street, "Come quickly! Guan Dadi of the Great Battle at Zhenhai Gate is right here in Laixian Tavern! And Yuan Gusheng's commanding officer is here too! Order a dish and you can see the real person! Ten percent off with pay tickets..."

Many passersby, upon hearing this, surged inside. Guan Dadi felt both nervous and somewhat enjoyed such admiration. After a moment, nervousness won out. He tugged at Zhong Lao Si's sleeve, signaling that they should leave quickly.

Zhong Lao Si cheerfully cupped his hands. "Brothers, I still have military duties. Everyone, enjoy your meal. Make a path for us."

Guan Dadi looked amiable, but Zhong Lao Si had the appearance of a rough man. Those listeners didn't dare provoke him. The crowd slowly parted to make a path. Zhong Lao Si led the way, swaggering out. At the doorway, Guan Dadi wanted to pay the Shopkeeper silver, but the Shopkeeper firmly refused to accept it. Guan Dadi, remembering military discipline, and having seen Guard Soldiers patrolling the street earlier, begged the proprietor to take it.

After the four of them left the tavern, some people still followed behind to watch the excitement. It was only after walking a long stretch that things quieted down.

After turning a corner, Guan Dadi finally remembered to greet Zhou Shaoer and the others. Then, patting his chest, he said, "Finally got out. I'm never going back there again."

Zhong Lao Si suddenly slapped Guan Dadi on the head. "You dog of a thing. Gave you two months' leave, and you played so much you didn't come back."

"I, no, it's just that the harbor froze over..."

"Knowing it would freeze over, you should have known to leave earlier." Zhong Lao Si finished his unreasonable scolding and looked at Guan Dadi's leg. "Is that dog leg all healed up?"

Guan Dadi grinned foolishly. "All healed. It's, it's a human leg."

Zhong Lao Si didn't scold him further, just chuckled. "Then follow me to war."

"Alright."

Zhong Lao Si smiled as he sized up Guan Dadi. "You're not even asking where we're going to fight?"

"I'll follow you wherever you go." Guan Dadi scratched his head. "But, Squad Commander, why did you come back to Dengzhou?"

"I'm a Company Commander now, and also the deputy battalion commander." Zhong Laosi pointed at himself smugly. "Let me tell you, we're called the Militia Battalion, temporarily designated as the Fifth Battalion within the garrison. The battalion commander is Zhu Daichun. They drew one company from the Third Battalion, one company from the First Battalion, and are forming two new Company Commander divisions. But this deputy battalion commander post of mine isn't damn solid — in reality I'm just a Company Commander. Lord Chen only authorized the transfer of fifty sergeants and officers. The Military Affairs Bureau is still wrangling over it. The rest are all mobilized troops. I happened to remember you were here, so I went to Zhu Daichun and got you transferred out."

Zhou Shao'er cut in and asked, "Why are you so happy? You were clearly a Long Qibing Company Commander, and whoosh, now you're an infantry Company Commander."

Zhong Laosi snorted. "What damn choice did I have? The moment I got to Dengzhou I went to see Lord Chen. Lord Chen didn't say a word, just one sentence: 'Cavalry instructor at the Military Academy, or deputy battalion commander of the Fifth Battalion — pick one. I'll give you half a cigarette's worth of time. Just say which one, no reasons, and no conditions allowed.' What could I say?"

Zhou Shao'er burst out laughing and shook her head. "Lord Chen just didn't want to talk to you."

Zhong Laosi pursed his lips. "Either way it's killing people. I figured, it's still better than being a schoolteacher."

Guan Dadi was overjoyed. "So we're going to fight the Tatars?"

"Tatars my ass. We're going to fight roving bandits. Damn roving bandits, they dare to ravage my home region."

Zhong Laosi finished with a chuckle. Guan Dadi said in surprise, "Company Commander, you're still laughing? Zhao Xuan said your home province of Shanxi has been devastated by the roving bandits. Don't you hate those roving bandits?"

"Why would I hate them? What I hate most are the profiteering merchants and gentry back home. The roving bandits are killing them well." Zhong Laosi snapped his fingers and waved his hand grandly. "It'll be even better when I go and kill the roving bandits myself. Come on, let's go have a proper drink."

Zhou Shao'er grabbed him. "Watch out for the Garrison Provost soldiers."

"No fear. I know a hidden tavern, run just for us battalion soldiers. Guarantee the Provost won't find it. Call Chen Ying over, let's brothers have a good drink. Once we leave this time, we might get done in by the roving bandits, haha."

Zhong Laosi, brooking no argument, swaggered off ahead. Guan Dadi hitched his pack up higher and chased after him with a silly grin. "Wait for me." (To be continued.)