Chapter 111

The few days after Chen Wen returned to Chen Prefecture to report his mission.

Inside the jiedushi's residence, things seemed calm on the surface, but undercurrents were surging.

Regarding the detailed achievements of his mission to Linhe, especially the part that uncovered clues about the Iron Crow Army.

It circulated only among a very small core circle of people like Chai Rong and Wang Pu.

But the rumor that "Chen Wenjun quelled Linhe with thunderous methods, his administration outstanding" spread.

Yet it had already spread like a spring breeze throughout both the military and civil circles of Chen Prefecture.

Envy, admiration, apprehension…

All kinds of gazes focused on that young assistant officer who temporarily stayed at the inn, keeping a low profile.

That day, the bell and drum sounds for the jiedushi's hall assembly resonated leisurely.

Civil and military officials filed in, forming two rows.

Compared to usual, the atmosphere in the hall today seemed especially solemn and reverent.

Chen Wen wore the uniform of an assistant officer and stood in a forward position among the military officials' ranks.

He could feel gazes upon him from all directions, both open and hidden.

Chai Rong sat upright in the chief seat, his expression calm, exuding authority without anger.

His gaze swept over the crowd below, finally settling on Chen Wen.

He gave a slight nod, then cleared his throat and spoke loudly:

"Everyone, the primary purpose of today's gathering is to discuss the rewards and punishments for the previous turmoil in Linhe County."

His voice was sonorous, echoing throughout the hall.

"Inspector and Pacifier of the Border, Assistant Officer Chen Wen, bearing the imperial seal by order, went to Linhe."

"During his time in Linhe, he captured the corrupt official Zhou Tao and cleared out the entrenched malpractices of the county office;"

"He exterminated the vicious bandits known as the 'Black Mountain Wolves,' intimidating evildoers in all directions;"

"Furthermore, with the excellent policy of 'relief through labor,' he repaired the Lin River dikes, dredged the waterways, restored livelihoods, welcomed back refugees, rectified official conduct, surveyed fields, and reduced taxes…"

"In just a few months, he turned Linhe from a land of death into a place of joy, where governance and harmony prevailed and all undertakings flourished!"

"Such great achievements—how could they go unrewarded?"

With each item Chai Rong mentioned, a low murmur of astonishment rose from the audience.

Although rumors had already been heard, hearing them listed one by one from the jiedushi himself in a formal setting still carried full impact.

Many civil officials secretly clicked their tongues, such comprehensive governance talent actually coming from a young military officer;

while the military officers were enamored with the record of 'eleven men defeating eighty fierce bandits.'

"In view of this!"

Chai Rong's voice suddenly rose, carrying an unquestionable resolve.

"I have already formally submitted a petition to the imperial court, requesting that Chen Wen, styled Chen Wenjun, be granted the honorary title of Loyal Martial Colonel!"

"Promote him to Chen Prefecture Chief of Staff, still retaining his assistant officer post, participating in military planning, and assisting in prefectural affairs!"

The Loyal Martial Colonel is a senior sixth-rank military honorary post, while the Chief of Staff is an important aide under the jiedushi, bearing considerable authority.

Such ennoblement, for someone who only a few months ago was merely a commander of a rookie training camp, can be called an extraordinary promotion beyond the norm!

The hall fell silent at once, then burst into congratulations, whether sincere or not, and no one dared to object at this moment.

"This subordinate thanks the commander for his cultivation! I will devote myself wholeheartedly to serve and repay your grace!"

Chen Wen stepped forward, knelt on one knee, his voice calm, without any arrogance.

Chai Rong nodded in satisfaction, gestured for him to rise, but his speech did not cease:

"This is the court's grace."

"Yet Linhe has just been pacified and borders the northern frontier; it cannot be left without someone to oversee it."

"For the sake of long-term stability, I have decided—"

He swept his gaze over the entire assembly, speaking each word clearly.

"We will designate Linhe County, together with the neighboring Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping and Luo Chuan counties, as the 'Jing'an Defense Zone.'"

"We will specially establish the 'Jing'an Army,' responsible for the defense of these three counties, bandit suppression, and assisting in maintaining local peace!"

These words spoken, the entire hall was astonished!

To carve out three counties into a defense zone and set up a dedicated army—this is substantive territory and military authority!

It is far weightier than an honorary Chief of Staff position!

"Effective immediately, promote Chen Wen to Commander of the Jing'an Army, overseeing all military and civil affairs of the Jing'an Defense Zone!"

"The original training camp and the southern relocation forces from Jiao Tu Zhen shall all be incorporated into the Jing'an Army establishment, with a tentative strength of fifteen hundred men; all provisions and equipment shall be allocated by the prefecture!"

"His former subordinates Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Lao Nian Zhao, etc."

"Each shall be granted military or civil posts; the specific roster shall be drafted by Commander Chen and then filed for record!"

This is not merely heavy reliance; it is practically an entrustment of an entire region!

To hand over full authority for the defense and governance of the three border counties to Chen Wen?

And to allow him to build a force wholly obedient to himself, employing his own cadre.

The trust and expectation therein are as weighty as mountains!

Chen Wen's heart also surged with waves; he bowed again.

His voice carried an unprecedented solemnity:

"This subordinate receives the order!"

"I will not betray the commander's heavy trust; I will make the three Jing'an counties an iron wall and copper bulwark of northern Chen Prefecture, a peaceful home for the people!"

"Good!"

Chai Rong clapped his hands and laughed loudly?

"With Wen Zhong's words, I have no worries!"

The ennoblement and rewards are not yet over.

Chai Rong looked at Wang Pu among the civil officials and gestured slightly.

Wang Pu stepped forward, holding a document, and spoke in a loud voice:

"By the lord's order, the soldiers and civilians who relocated south from Jiao Tu Zhen are loyal and brave, diligent in serving the state!"

"Thus, they are formally registered as households of Chan Zhou; all able-bodied men will receive land according to law, and the granted land will be exempt from taxes for three years!"

"Their original leaders and artisan households will be appointed according to ability and incorporated into the prefecture government or the Peaceful Army system."

This order completely settled the identity issue of the soldiers and civilians of Jiao Tu Zhen.

It turned them from drifting refugees into people with land and household registration, protected by the government as good citizens.

They truly merged into the Later Zhou system, and their foundations became permanent.

The news spread; the Jiao Tu Zhen people temporarily residing in the resettlement area outside Chan Zhou city.

They will surely rejoice; their loyalty to Chen Wen and Chai Rong will be raised to the highest possible level.

The hall discussion ended amid a complex atmosphere.

Chen Wen instantly became the most prominent new elite in Chan Zhou, and many officials immediately gathered around to congratulate him.

He responded calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.

After the crowd thinned somewhat, Chai Rong alone detained Chen Wen and led him to the rear hall.

"Wen Zhong, do you feel today's reward is too heavy?"

Chai Rong dismissed the attendants, looked at Chen Wen, his eyes deep.

Chen Wen pondered for a moment, then spoke frankly:

"The lord places great trust in me; I, Wen, feel grateful to tears."

"However, suddenly attaining a high position, commanding the army and governing the people, I fear my experience is insufficient, making it hard to convince the crowd, and I also fear inviting criticism."

Chai Rong smiled, waved his hand, and said:

"In extraordinary times, one must employ extraordinary people to undertake extraordinary deeds."

"I have seen your ability, your achievements, and your loyalty."

"Experience? Those who merely occupy positions without merit may have deep seniority, but can they pacify the state? Can they clear the realm?"

His tone turned solemn.

"Now the Northern Han and Khitan stare like tigers, and even the Bian Liang side... is seething with undercurrents."

"What I need are capable people who can get things done, and strong assistants who can stand on their own!"

"Wen Zhong, do not underestimate yourself; this Peaceful Defense Zone is your testing ground, and also the foundation for your future achievements!"

"Manage it well, for me and for all the people under heaven; guard the Northern Gate well!"

Chen Wen's heart suddenly opened wide, all distracting thoughts vanished.

Only a weighty responsibility and a surging fighting spirit remained.

He bowed deeply: "Lord, your painstaking efforts, I, Wen, understand! I will not disappoint your trust!"

As he stepped out of the Military Governor's Office, the seal at his waist felt weighty—it was power, and even more, responsibility.

He lifted his gaze northward; that was his Peaceful Defense Zone, the new stage where he would soon display his talents.

The Fortune Momentum vortex spun slowly in his Sea of Consciousness, more solid and mighty than ever before.

It seemed as if a mysterious connection had formed between the land beneath his feet and the territory of the three counties to the north.

Foundations, deeply planted here.