Chapter 120

North of Chan Prefecture.

Peaceful Army's "Hearts-and-Minds Barrier" and military suppression working in tandem yielded remarkable results.

Meanwhile, in the forward main camp dozens of li away, the atmosphere grew tense day by day.

The frequency of scouts rushing back and forth noticeably increased, and the dust kicked up by their hooves hardly ever ceased.

Inside the commander's great tent.

On the huge map, the markers showing the troop deployments of both sides were constantly being adjusted.

The air was thick with the heavy smell of ink, sweat, and an irrepressible iron-blooded aura.

Chai Rong stood with his hand on his sword before the map, brows furrowed.

The main force of the Northern Han–Khitan allied army had clearly appeared south of Gaoping, strong in numbers.

Especially the Khitan cavalry, coming and going like the wind, placed enormous pressure on the Zhou army's forward reconnaissance.

With the great battle imminent, any instability in the rear could become the final straw that breaks the camel's back.

"Report—!"

A messenger rushed into the tent, dropped to one knee, and his voice, hoarse from haste, said:

"Sir Commander! Peaceful Army Commissioner Chen Wenzhong sends an urgent report!"

Inside the tent, the generals—Zhang Yongde, Han Tong, Wang Pu, etc. —instantly focused their gazes.

Chen Wen had been ordered to secure the rear for ten days already, and his news tugged at everyone's heart.

Chai Rong turned, his voice low: "Speak."

"Army Commissioner Chen reports: Within ten days, the Peaceful Army has been fighting back and forth north of Chan Prefecture, carrying out a thorough sweep."

"They have already eradicated seven bandit lairs, killing or capturing over two hundred bandits and Northern Han spies."

"And at the strategic Eagle's Beak Cliff, they set an ambush that wiped out a Northern Han elite sabotage squad of thirteen."

"They seized its incendiary devices and some armaments, thwarting the plot to destroy the Eagle's Beak Cliff grain and forage transfer station!"

The messenger's voice rang out loud and clear, echoing in the tent.

"Oh? Wiped out thirteen? What were your own casualties?"

Zhang Yongde couldn't help but press further.

The Northern Han elite squad was nothing like ordinary bandits or refugees.

"Replying to Commander Zhang, the Peaceful Army in this battle suffered five lightly wounded, with no fatalities!"

"What?"

Han Tong's bell-like eyes widened even more.

"They killed thirteen and suffered no loss? Is that kid Chen Wenzhong perhaps a heavenly soldier descended to earth?"

It's not that he doesn't believe it, but the battle result is truly shocking.

Even his own finest cavalry would find it no easy feat to achieve such an exchange ratio.

The messenger continued:

"Army Commissioner Chen also reports that, while conducting the sweep,"

"he promoted civil defense in the villages, organized militia, and dispatched auxiliary troops to help the people clear irrigation channels and repair homes."

"Now the hearts of the people north of Chan Prefecture are gradually settling, and many locals voluntarily provide enemy intelligence."

"Based on these leads, the Peaceful Army has recently eradicated two Northern Han hidden posts."

"Army Commissioner Chen says the main rear supply routes have basically been cleared, ensuring safety!"

The tent fell into a brief silence.

If the earlier battle report demonstrated the Peaceful Army's formidable combat strength,

then this part fully showcases Chen Wen's outstanding governance abilities and far-sighted vision.

This is no longer merely a fierce general, but an embryo of a commander who knows how to take root and how to administer a locality!

Wang Pu lightly stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming, and spoke softly:

"Eradicating bandits, eliminating spies, keeping supply routes smooth—this is 'breaking.'"

"Organizing civil defense, pacifying the people's hearts, gathering intelligence—this is 'establishing.'"

"Chen Wenzhong's move combines breaking and establishing, truly grasping the essence of pacifying the state and securing the nation."

"Commander, this youth is a great talent, certainly no mere pond-dweller!"

Chai Rong's tense face finally, like a thawing ice river,

revealed a hint of unrestrained admiration and relief.

He took the detailed battle report from the messenger's hand and quickly scanned it for combat details and captured goods.

Especially the parchment mentioning contact with the 'Black Crows,' and the records of civil defense construction.

"Good! Good, Chen Wenzhong!"

Chai Rong clapped his hands and laughed loudly, his laughter dispelling much of the heaviness in the tent.

"I placed my trust in him, and he returned it with a miracle!"

"With this secure rear, our army can focus wholeheartedly and fight Liu Chong and the Khitan to the death!"

He looked toward Han Tong, Zhang Yongde, and the others, and spoke loudly:

"How about it, Commander Han—do you still feel that entrusting the rear's heavy responsibility to Chen Wenzhong was a misplaced trust?"

Han Tong's old face flushed as he recalled his earlier doubts about Chen Wen.

He could not help but give an embarrassed salute:

"Commander, your discerning eye spotted the gem; it is I who was short-sighted!"

"Army Commissioner Chen truly has great talent; this subordinate… is utterly convinced!"

He is straightforward; once he makes up his mind, he no longer hesitates, and these words were spoken sincerely.

Zhang Yongde also nodded in agreement:

「Wenzhong is both literary and martial; he can break the enemy on the battlefield and pacify the localities—truly a blessing for our army and fortune for the commander. 」

「With him in the rear, we can face the enemy with peace of mind. 」

The generals all voiced their approval, their view of Chen Wen shifting.

From the initial curiosity and slight contempt born of Chai Rong's extraordinary promotion, it completely transformed into genuine recognition and admiration.

In this chaotic age, capable people always gain respect the quickest.

Chen Wen, with solid and flawless achievements, truly planted his feet in the core of the Chanzhou military hierarchy.

「Pass the order! 」

Chai Rong restrained his smile, restoring the commander's dignity.

「Promote Chen Wenzhong to Acting Commander of the Chanzhou Militia, still commanding the Jing'an Army, overseeing the defense and grain supply safety of the three northern counties of Chanzhou. 」

「Bestow one hundred taels of gold, fifty bolts of silk, to reward the meritorious soldiers of the Jing'an Army! 」

「Yes! 」

This order not only affirms Chen Wen's previous achievements, but also grants him greater authority and responsibility.

The title of Acting Commander of the Militia, though an honorary post, signifies that Chen Wen's position within the Chanzhou military system has been formally elevated.

He is no longer merely a 'guest army' or 'newly attached' commander.

The news of the reward, together with the new appointment, was swiftly carried by fast horse to Chen Wen's temporary headquarters.

When the messenger finished reading the order,

The entire Jing'an Army camp fell silent for a moment, then erupted in earth‑shaking cheers!

「Commander, mighty and valiant! 」

「Jing'an Army, ten thousand victories! 」

The soldiers shared in the honor; though they had followed Chen Wen only a short time, they had personally witnessed and taken part in victory after victory.

They saw the expansion of territory and power, and felt their own status and treatment rise.

When the commander is recognized, it is the glory of the whole unit.

This reward is the best repayment for all of them who have fought blood‑soaked and laboured hard.

Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, Wang Ru, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao'nian, the core cadres, were especially overjoyed, gathering around Chen Wen.

「Commander, the lord's such generous reward shows his utmost trust and reliance on you! 」 Zhang Cheng exclaimed.

Shi Dun grinned widely: 'Hehe, gold and silk are perfect! Just right to equip the brothers with good armor!'

Chen Wen also felt a warm current surge in his heart.

He knew that Chai Rong's recognition and this promotion were not merely honor, but also a weighty expectation.

The post of Chanzhou Militia Commander means he will be more deeply bound to the local Chanzhou populace.

He received the appointment document and reward list, then solemnly told the messenger:

「Please report to the lord, Chen Wen will not fail the heavy trust—so long as I am here, the grain route is secure, the rear is safe! 」

Seeing the messenger off, Chen Wen turned around.

He looked at the jubilant subordinates, raised his hand in a calming gesture, signaling everyone to quiet down.

「Brothers, the lord's generous reward affirms our previous deeds! 」

「Yet the great battle is imminent; the Northern Han and Khitan main forces remain intact, the Iron Crow Army's shadow not dispelled—this is no time to relax! 」

His gaze swept over the excited, trusting faces, his voice solemn:

「The rewards, I will distribute according to merit, fairly to each brother! But our mission is far from over! 」

「Each return to your posts, strengthen vigilance, send scouts out another thirty li! I need to know any stir in the north! 」

「Yes, sir! 」

The fervent emotion was swiftly transformed into higher fighting spirit and stricter vigilance.

The whole camp was like a wound‑up machine, running efficiently once again.

Chen Wen returned to his own tent.

In his sea of consciousness, the pale golden Fortune Momentum vortex seemed to swell because of this formal recognition and promotion from the 'wise lord'.

And as the cohesion of his troops and people grew stronger, it expanded and solidified a bit more.

The vortex turned, faintly forming a mysterious connection with the wider Chanzhou land.

Personal Panel

Name: Chen Wen (Chen Wenzhong)

Position: Jing'an Army Commander, Acting Commander of the Chanzhou Militia, Loyal Martial Colonel, Chanzhou Field Marshal

Ability Multiplier: Lv. 4 (16×)

Growth Progress Bar: 96%

Fortune Momentum Vortex: active and solid, continually growing (recognized by the wise lord, foundations deepened)

The progress bar advanced another step.

Chen Wen could feel that the membrane separating him from a higher level was growing thinner, yet still lacking that final step.

He had a vague premonition that this ultimate breakthrough might not come in the routine suppression and construction.

But rather in the impending mountain of corpses and sea of blood that will decide the nation's fate.

He drew a deep breath, suppressing the distracting thoughts in his heart.

No matter whether ahead lies blades and fire, having set foot on this path, he can only press forward bravely.

At this moment, far away on the Gaoping front, Chai Rong, after finishing his military affairs, once again gazed toward the direction of Chanzhou.

A faint smile lingered at the corner of the mouth.

"Wenzhong, I have already set the stage for you."

"From now on, let the world see what kind of waves we, ruler and subject, can stir up in this tumultuous age of the Five Dynasties!"

And neither Chen Wen nor Chai Rong had noticed it.

In the depths of the shadows farther north, several pairs of cold, merciless eyes.

They were gazing, through layers of mist, at the variable in northern Chan Prefecture that was rapidly rising and continually deviating from the 'established trajectory'.

A net, more dangerous and deadly, aimed at Chen Wen and the Peaceful Army, was being silently woven.