Chapter 110

Autumn deepened, the sky high and clouds thin.

Translation: "Autumn deepens, the sky high and clouds thin."

Autumn deepened, the sky high and clouds thin.

Order in Linhe County has been completely stabilized, the autumn harvest is imminent, and livelihood is gradually recovering.

Translation: "Order in Linhe County was fully secured, the autumn harvest awaited, and people's livelihood gradually recovered."

But need to keep same info: "The order of Linhe County had been completely stabilized, the autumn harvest was in sight, and people's livelihood was gradually recovering." We'll choose: "Linhe County's order was completely stabilized, the autumn harvest awaited, and people's livelihood gradually recovered."

Even the trade route passing through the region, now that banditry has been quelled and taxes are fair, has seen small caravans resume travel.

Translation: "Even the trade route crossing the border, thanks to the subsiding banditry and fair taxes, began to see sporadic caravans resume travel."

We need to keep meaning: "Even that trade route passing through the territory, because banditry was quelled and taxes reasonable, began to have sporadic caravans resume coming and going." We'll translate: "Even the trade route crossing the territory, with banditry quelled and taxes fair, began to see sporadic caravans resume travel."

Chen Wen knew that his mission of 'border patrol and pacification' on this trip had been satisfactorily completed in this stage.

Translation: "Chen Wen knew that his mission of 'border patrol and pacification' had been satisfactorily completed in this stage."

Chen Wen knew his mission of 'border patrol and pacification' had been satisfactorily completed in this stage.

It was time to return to Chan Prefecture and report to Chai Rong.

Translation: "It was time to return to Chan Prefecture and report to Commander Chai Rong."

It was time to return to Chan Prefecture and report to Chai Rong.

He temporarily entrusted county affairs to Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, and others to act as deputies.

Translation: "County affairs were temporarily entrusted to Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, and others to act as agents."

We need to keep meaning: "Hand over county affairs temporarily to Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, etc., to act as agents." We'll translate: "County affairs were temporarily handed over to Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, and others to act as agents."

He also instructed Li Yan's forces to jointly maintain defenses with the elite troops of the Jing'an Army at Shi Dun.

Translation: "And he entrusted Li Yan's unit and Shi Dun's Jing'an Army elite soldiers to jointly maintain defenses."

We need to keep meaning: "And he entrusted Li Yan's detachment and Shi Dun's Jing'an Army elite soldiers to jointly maintain defense." We'll translate: "He entrusted Li Yan's unit and Shi Dun's Jing'an Army elite soldiers to jointly maintain defense."

Chen Wen took only a few attendants like Qian Gui, traveling light, and set out on the return journey.

Translation: "Chen Wen took only Qian Gui and a few attendants, traveling light, and set out on the return route."

We need to keep meaning: "Chen Wen only brought Qian Gui and a few attendants, traveled lightly, and embarked on the return journey." We'll translate: "Chen Wen brought only Qian Gui and a few attendants, traveled light, and set out on the return journey."

The road back was a completely different scene from when he came.

Translation: "The return road presented a scene utterly different from that of the outward journey."

We'll translate: "The return road was already a completely different scene from the outward journey."

Although it was the same land, along the way he saw more figures working in the formerly barren fields.

Translation: "Although it was still the same land, along the way one saw more figures laboring in the formerly fallow fields."

We'll translate: "Although it was still the same land, along the way one saw more figures laboring in the formerly fallow fields."

In the ruined villages, occasional signs of repair appeared, and drifters had virtually disappeared.

Translation: "In the ruined villages, occasional signs of repair appeared, and drifters had virtually disappeared."

We'll translate: "In the ruined villages, occasional signs of repair appeared, and drifters had virtually disappeared."

Although the people's faces still bore the marks of hardship, the numb despair had lessened.

Translation: "Although the people's faces still bore the marks of hardship, the numbness of despair had lessened."

We'll translate: "Although the people's faces still bore the marks of hardship, the numbness of despair had lessened."

All of this silently spoke of the changes that had occurred over the past months.

Translation: "All of this silently spoke of the changes that had occurred over the past months."

We'll translate: "All of this silently spoke of the changes that had occurred over the past months."

Upon reaching Chan Prefecture City, it was already the afternoon several days later.

Translation: "Upon reaching Chan Prefecture City, it was already the afternoon several days later."

We'll translate: "Upon reaching Chan Prefecture City, it was already the afternoon several days later."

The garrison soldiers at the city gate spotted Chen Wen's party from afar.

Translation: "The garrison soldiers at the city gate spotted Chen Wen's party from afar."

We'll translate: "The garrison soldiers at the city gate spotted Chen Wen's party from afar."

They immediately straightened their backs, their eyes showing unreserved awe and curiosity.

Translation: "They immediately straightened their backs, their eyes filled with undisguised awe and curiosity."

We'll translate: "They immediately straightened their backs, their eyes filled with undisguised awe and curiosity."

Chen Wen's actions in Linhe County had already been conveyed through merchants, official documents, and various covert channels.

Translation: "Chen Wen's deeds in Linhe County had already been conveyed via merchants, official documents, and various covert channels."

We'll translate: "Chen Wen's deeds in Linhe County had already been conveyed via merchants, official documents, and various covert channels."

The news reached Chan Prefecture, causing quite a stir.

Translation: "The news transmitted to Chan Prefecture caused quite a stir."

We'll translate: "The news transmitted to Chan Prefecture caused quite a stir."

Without delay, Chen Wen went straight to the jiedushi's residence to request an audience.

Translation: "Without delay, Chen Wen went straight to the Military Governor's mansion to request an audience."

We'll translate: "Without delay, Chen Wen went straight to the Military Governor's mansion to request an audience."

Inside the study, Chai Rong was discussing autumn defenses and grain allocation with his strategist Wang Po.

Translation: "Inside the study, Chai Rong was discussing autumn defense and grain allocation with his strategist Wang Pu."

We'll translate: "Inside the study, Chai Rong was discussing autumn defense and grain allocation with his strategist Wang Pu."

Upon hearing that Chen Wen had returned.

Translation: "Upon hearing that Chen Wen had returned,"

Upon hearing that Chen Wen had returned.

A fleeting hint of anticipation crossed Chai Rong's eyes; he immediately set aside his affairs and said, 'Summon him quickly!'

Translation: "A flicker of anticipation flashed in Chai Rong's eyes; he immediately set aside his affairs: 'Summon him quickly!'"

We'll translate: "A flicker of anticipation flashed in Chai Rong's eyes; he immediately set aside his affairs: 'Summon him quickly!'"

Dust-covered yet steady in step, Chen Wen entered the study.

Translation: "Chen Wen, dusty from travel, entered the study with steady steps."

We'll translate: "Chen Wen, dusty from travel, entered the study with steady steps."

After months apart, his demeanor had become more restrained and profound.

Translation: "After months apart, his bearing became more restrained and deep."

We'll translate: "After months apart, his bearing became more restrained and deep."

The confidence and decisiveness forged through practical experience.

Translation: "That confidence and resolve forged through practical experience."

We'll translate: "That confidence and resolve forged through practical experience."

Even when he deliberately restrained himself, it remained clearly perceptible.

Translation: "Even when deliberately restrained, it could still be clearly felt."

We'll translate: "Even when deliberately restrained, it could still be clearly felt."

"Your subordinate Chen Wen, obeying your lord's order to patrol and pacify Linhe County, has completed the mission and returned to report!"

Translation: "\"Your humble servant Chen Wen, having carried out your lord's order to patrol and pacify Linhe County, now returns having completed the task to report! \""

We need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"Your humble servant Chen Wen, having carried out your lord's order to patrol and pacify Linhe County, now returns having completed the task to report! \""

Chen Wen bowed respectfully, his voice ringing.

Translation: "Chen Wen bowed respectfully, his voice resonant."

We'll translate: "Chen Wen bowed respectfully, his voice resonant."

"Wenzhong, you've worked hard; please rise quickly!"

Translation: "\"Wenzhong, you've worked hard; please rise quickly! \""

We'll translate: "\"Wenzhong, you've worked hard; please rise quickly! \""

Chai Rong personally stepped forward to offer a supportive hand, his gaze lingering on Chen Wen's face for a moment before he nodded approvingly.

Translation: "Chai Rong stepped forward himself, lightly supporting him, his gaze lingering on Chen Wen's face for a moment before he nodded in satisfaction."

We'll translate: "Chai Rong stepped forward himself, lightly supporting him, his gaze lingering on Chen Wen's face for a moment before he nodded in satisfaction."

"Looking at your appearance, the Linhe affair must have gone smoothly, right?"

Translation: "\"Looking at your appearance, the Linhe affair must have gone smoothly? \""

We'll translate: "\"Looking at your appearance, the Linhe affair must have gone smoothly? \""

"Thanks to your lord's blessings and the soldiers' devotion, the turmoil in Linhe has been quelled, livelihood is beginning to recover; this is the detailed report of my mission."

Translation: "\"Thanks to your lord's blessings and the soldiers' devotion, the Linhe turmoil has been quelled, people's livelihood preliminarily restored; this is my humble servant's detailed report of this mission. \""

We'll translate: "\"Thanks to your lord's blessings and the soldiers' devotion, the Linhe turmoil has been quelled, people's livelihood preliminarily restored; this is my humble servant's detailed report of this mission. \""

Chen Wen produced a thick document from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

Translation: "Chen Wen took out a thick document from his bosom and presented it with both hands."

We'll translate: "Chen Wen took out a thick document from his bosom and presented it with both hands."

This document was compiled with the assistance of Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, and others.

Translation: "This document was compiled with the assistance of Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, and others."

We'll translate: "This document was compiled with the assistance of Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, and others."

It detailed, since his arrival in Linhe, the capture of Zhou Tuo and the eradication of the Black Mountain Wolves.

Translation: "It detailed how, since his arrival in Linhe, he captured Zhou Tao and wiped out the Black Mountain Wolf."

We'll translate: "It detailed how, since his arrival in Linhe, he captured Zhou Tao and wiped out the Black Mountain Wolf."

It recorded relief through labor, repairing river works, rectifying administration, selecting talent, surveying fields, and reducing taxes.

Translation: "It recorded relief-through-work projects repairing river works, rectifying administration, selecting talent, surveying fields to reduce taxes."

We'll translate: "It recorded relief-through-work projects repairing river works, rectifying administration, selecting talent, surveying fields to reduce taxes."

It covered the restoration of commerce and other measures, expenditures of grain and funds, achievements obtained, and existing problems.

Translation: "It listed the restoration of commerce and other measures, expenditures of grain and funds, results achieved, and existing problems."

We'll translate: "It listed the restoration of commerce and other measures, expenditures of grain and funds, results achieved, and existing problems."

Chai Rong received the document but did not immediately open it.

Translation: "Chai Rong received the document but did not immediately open it."

We'll translate: "Chai Rong received the document but did not immediately open it."

Instead, he gestured for Chen Wen to sit, had an attendant serve tea, and then slowly unfolded the document.

Translation: "Instead, he first gestured for Chen Wen to sit, had an attendant serve tea, and then slowly unfolded it."

We'll translate: "Instead, he first gestured for Chen Wen to sit, had an attendant serve tea, and then slowly unfolded it."

At first, his expression remained relatively calm.

At first, his expression remained relatively calm.

We'll translate: "At first, his expression remained relatively calm."

But as he read deeper, his brows would at times furrow, at times relax.

Translation: "But as he read deeper, his brows alternately furrowed and relaxed."

We'll translate: "But as he read deeper, his brows alternately furrowed and relaxed."

The astonishment and admiration in his eyes grew ever stronger.

Translation: "The astonishment and admiration in his eyes grew ever stronger."

We'll translate: "The astonishment and admiration in his eyes grew ever stronger."

Especially when he saw that Chen Wen, with eleven elite soldiers, launched a night raid on Black Wind Stronghold, suffering no casualties while capturing the bandit chief 'Black Mountain Wolf'.

Translation: "Especially when he saw that Chen Wen, with eleven elite soldiers, launched a night raid on Blackwind Stronghold, suffering no casualties while capturing the bandit chief 'Black Mountain Wolf'."

We'll translate: "Especially when he saw that Chen Wen, with eleven elite soldiers, launched a night raid on Blackwind Stronghold, suffering no casualties while capturing the bandit chief 'Black Mountain Wolf'."

He could not help but slam the table in exclamation:

Translation: "He could not help but slam the table in acclaim:"

We'll translate: "He could not help but slam the table in acclaim:"

"Excellent! Splendid capture of the bandit leader, defeating the many with the few!"

Translation: "\"Excellent! An excellent capture of the bandit chief, defeating the many with the few! \""

We'll translate: "\"Excellent! An excellent capture of the bandit chief, defeating the many with the few! \""

"Wenzhong, your use of troops this time can be called bold yet meticulous, decisive and courageous!"

Translation: "\"Wenzhong, your use of troops this time can be called bold yet meticulous, decisive and valiant! \""

We'll translate: "\"Wenzhong, your use of troops this time can be called bold yet meticulous, decisive and valiant! \""

He naturally had no knowledge of the existence of 'ability bestowal,' attributing the merit solely to Chen Wen's strategy and the prowess of his elite troops.

Translation: "He naturally did not know of the existence of 'Ability Granting', attributing the merit solely to Chen Wen's stratagems and the prowess of his elite troops."

We'll translate: "He naturally did not know of the existence of 'Ability Granting', attributing the merit solely to Chen Wen's stratagems and the prowess of his elite troops."

Next, he saw the repair of the Lin River dikes through labor-for-relief efforts.

Translation: "Next, he saw the relief-through-work repair of the Lin River dikes."

We'll translate: "Next, he saw the relief-through-work repair of the Lin River dikes."

It not only quickly stabilized popular sentiment but also, in an extremely short time, completed what seemed an impossible massive project, allowing tens of thousands of hectares of farmland to be returned to cultivation.

Translation: "It not only quickly stabilized public sentiment but also, in an extremely short time, completed a seemingly impossible massive project, enabling ten thousand hectares of fertile fields to be returned to cultivation."

We'll translate: "It not only quickly stabilized public sentiment but also, in an extremely short time, completed a seemingly impossible massive project, enabling ten thousand hectares of fertile fields to be returned to cultivation."

Chai Rong nodded repeatedly, saying, "Marvelous! Using labor for relief achieves multiple gains at once! This method is excellent; it should be promoted throughout all prefectures."

Translation: "Chai Rong nodded repeatedly: \"Excellent! Relief-through-work achieves multiple benefits at once! This method is superb; it should be promoted throughout all prefectures! \""

We'll translate: "Chai Rong nodded repeatedly: \"Excellent! Relief-through-work achieves multiple benefits at once! This method is superb; it should be promoted throughout all prefectures! \""

And when he saw that Chen Wen, without rigid conventions, selected officials and swiftly rebuilt the administrative system,

Translation: "And when he saw that Chen Wen, without restriction, selected officials and swiftly rebuilt the administrative system,"

We'll translate: "And when he saw that Chen Wen, without restriction, selected officials and swiftly rebuilt the administrative system,"

and it operated effectively, making orders flow smoothly and winning the people's allegiance,

Translation: "and it operated effectively, making orders flow smoothly and winning the people's allegiance."

We'll translate: "and it operated effectively, making orders flow smoothly and winning the people's allegiance."

Chai Rong's gaze toward Chen Wen was no longer mere admiration; it now carried the delight of discovering a treasure.

Translation: "Chai Rong's gaze toward Chen Wen was no longer merely admiring; it now carried the joy of discovering a treasure."

We'll translate: "Chai Rong's gaze toward Chen Wen was no longer merely admiring; it now carried the joy of discovering a treasure."

Versed in both civil and military affairs, capable in governance and war—such talent is truly a heavenly gift!

Translation: "Versatile in both civil and military affairs, capable in governance and war, such talent is truly a heavenly gift!"

We'll translate: "Versatile in both civil and military affairs, capable in governance and war, such talent is truly a heavenly gift!"

However.

Translation: "However."

We'll translate: "However."

When his gaze fell upon the final attachment of the document, concerning the clues to the Iron Crow Army and the fragments of the 'Yuan Energy Crystal Ore',

Translation: "When his gaze fell upon the document's final attachment, concerning the clues to the Iron Crow Army and the fragments of 'Nether Energy Crystal Ore',"

We'll translate: "When his gaze fell upon the document's final attachment, concerning the clues to the Iron Crow Army and the fragments of 'Nether Energy Crystal Ore',"

the smile on Chai Rong's face gradually faded, replaced by a solemn gravity.

Translation: "The smile on Chai Rong's face gradually faded, replaced by a solemn heaviness."

We'll translate: "The smile on Chai Rong's face gradually faded, replaced by a solemn heaviness."

He repeatedly read that brief description, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table as he fell into contemplation.

Translation: "He repeatedly read that brief description, his fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop as he fell into contemplation."

We'll translate: "He repeatedly read that brief description, his fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop as he fell into contemplation."

Wang Po beside him observed this and softly asked, 'My lord, is there something amiss?'

Translation: "Wang Pu beside him observed this and asked softly: 'My lord, is there something amiss?'"

We'll translate: "Wang Pu beside him observed this and asked softly: 'My lord, is there something amiss?'"

Chai Rong handed the document to Wang Pu, speaking in a low voice:

Mr. Wang, you take a look too.

Wen Zhong, in Linhe, not only quelled the unrest, but also got hold of something… extraordinary.

Wang Pu took it and quickly skimmed through.

When he saw the words 'Iron Crow Army', 'Nether Energy Crystal Ore', 'goods coming from the north', 'secret passage', and so on.

His usually calm face also showed a look of shock.

He was well read, versed in ancient and modern affairs, and had also heard of the recent strange attacks and disappearances on the frontier.

He faintly sensed a mysterious force at work behind the scenes, yet could never get to the bottom of it.

Chen Wen's report undoubtedly provided them with a crucial clue to lift this veil of mist.

Iron Crow Army… so that's how it is.

Wang Pu lowered the document, looked at Chen Wen, his eyes full of amazement and scrutiny.

Assistant Military Officer Chen not only excels at managing troops and governance, his keen eye for detail and ability to follow clues is beyond ordinary men; this clue is worth a fortune!

Chai Rong took a deep breath and looked at Chen Wen.

His tone was utterly solemn:

Wen Zhong, your mission to Linhe has been remarkably meritorious, far exceeding my expectations!

Pacifying the turmoil and securing the people is merely one's duty;

but this Iron Crow Army matter has dragged out a venomous snake lurking in my heartland!

Do you know that in recent years, many capable officers and officials on the frontier have died under mysterious circumstances?

or small elite units have mysteriously vanished; despite the Imperial Court's investigations, they found nothing, and I suspect all this is linked to that wretch!

He rose to his feet, paced in the study, his voice tinged with coldness:

Northern Han and Khitan harbor wolfish ambitions!

If such a strange force were to become their claws and fangs, adding wings to a tiger, it would truly be a grave threat to the heart of our Great Zhou!

Wen Zhong, you have rendered great service this time!

Chen Wen hastily rose to his feet:

This is merely my duty; I dare not claim credit.

But the Iron Crow Army is mysterious and unfathomable, its strength formidable.

Its purpose seems not to be ordinary military sabotage, but rather to carry out some kind of… 'purge'.

Now that we have cut off one of its vital supply lines, we must guard against its retaliation.

Hmm, what you say is quite right.

Chai Rong stopped pacing, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.

This matter is of great importance; I will immediately submit a memorial to the Imperial Court and strengthen frontier surveillance.

Those crystal ore fragments you brought back also need to be kept safe, or we could have skilled artisans examine their properties.

He looked at Chen Wen again, a smile returning to his face.

He patted Chen Wen on the shoulder:

However, Wen Zhong, you need not worry overly.

Your display of military and administrative talent in Linhe has amazed me greatly.

Training troops, suppressing bandits, pacifying the populace, civil administration, even covert intelligence warfare—you excel in all, you are versed in all!

You are truly the pillar of Chen Prefecture!

My lord, you overpraise me; I feel unworthy of such acclaim.

Chen Wen said modestly.

No need for excessive modesty!

Chai Rong waved his hand grandly, his mood obviously excellent.

Go rest for a few days first; for this great achievement, I will surely petition the Imperial Court for your ennoblement!

After I make a few arrangements, there are still more important matters to entrust to you!

Leaving the military governor's residence, Chen Wen could feel

the gazes of the civil and military officials of Chen Prefecture he encountered along the way were different from before.

Before, perhaps it was the awe born from inspections and competitions.

Now, however, there is added a sincere recognition and esteem from the heart.

His pacification of Linhe, and possibly uncovering a major secret, has evidently spread among the upper echelons.

He knows, after this campaign,

he has truly found his footing in Chen Prefecture under this enlightened lord.

With his indisputable ability and achievements, he has won the highest trust and position.

Chen Prefecture has been shaken because of him, and he will stride onto an even broader stage amid this upheaval.