Chapter 73: First Arrival of the Foreign Envoy · Rumors Spread Across the World

The news of Jiao Tu Zhen becoming the regional overlord spread as if it had grown wings.

Finally it flew out of this hilly region, reaching the ears of some concerned people in a wider world.

That day, a small but well-ordered troop came to the town from outside.

About twenty or more, they flew the banner of the Later Han Imperial Court.

The leader was a middle-aged civil official in a green official robe, his face sharp and capable.

"Report to the chief, an envoy from the Later Han Imperial Court outside the town requests an audience!"

An Inspection Bureau member arrived on a fast horse to report, his voice tinged with tension and excitement.

Imperial Court envoy!

For this remote region long detached from central control, such a person is a rare sight.

Chen Wen heard the report, his eyes narrowing slightly.

What was bound to come, finally came.

He knew well that Jiao Tu Zhen's rise could not forever escape the notice of greater powers.

Although the Later Han Imperial Court's authority is now weak and fragmented,

but in name it remains the legitimate dynasty of Zhongyuan, and its attitude cannot be taken lightly.

"Open the central gate and receive them with courtesy."

Chen Wen gave the order, and at the same time instructed Aunt Wang to prepare the reception.

He himself tidied his attire.

Accompanied by Zhang Cheng, Qian Gui and other core members, he personally went to the town gate to meet them.

Both sides took their seats as host and guest in the garrison hall.

The envoy bore the surname Wang, calling himself a Pacification Envoy sent from Bian Liang.

His words carried a hint of imperial official reserve, yet his attitude was still courteous and not overbearing.

He first read out the edict of the Imperial Court—actually the Imperial Court under the control of a certain power broker.

The commendation order for Chen Wen, praising his achievements in securing the region and suppressing bandits.

The content was empty, nothing but words of encouragement.

And symbolically granted some silk.

"……Chen chief, rising from humble origins in these troubled times……"

"He has comforted the refugees, strengthened the military, and revived this Jiao Tu land—truly a rare talent."

Envoy Wang lowered the imperial decree, then shifted the conversation.

The genuine probing began.

"Now the realm is in turmoil, the sovereign is young, and we urgently need a loyal and brave man like Chief Chen to serve the state."

Chen Wen understood clearly that this was an attempt to recruit him.

He remained calm, clasped his hands and said:

"Envoy Wang, you overpraise me."

"I, Chen, am merely a rustic who happened upon the occasion, gathering villagers just to make a living."

"Securing the region and pacifying the people is my duty; I dare not claim credit."

"If the Imperial Court has any orders, as long as I am able, I will do my utmost."

His answer was flawless, leaving no opening.

He neither refused nor clearly pledged allegiance.

He retained great flexibility.

Envoy Wang seemed not surprised by Chen Wen's caution.

He smiled, and did not dwell further on the matter.

He turned to discuss the state of the world.

In his words he expressed much feeling about the situation of regional fiefdoms divided and fighting each other.

He was especially worried about the Khitan's repeated border raids.

"……Speaking of which, truly capable ministers in times of peace and good generals in times of chaos are few nowadays."

Envoy Wang seemed to sigh unintentionally.

"For example, that Envoy Chai of Chan Prefecture……"

(Note: At this time, Chai Rong's office should be that of Chan Prefecture prefect or a related military post; here the honorific 'Envoy' is used.)

"Though young in age, he governs the army with strict discipline and treats the worthy with humility."

"Under his rule, livelihood gradually revived, military bearing became orderly, and he can be called a model of the northern frontier fiefdoms."

"If the world had a few more figures like Envoy Chai, what would there be to worry about in an age of chaos?"

Chai Rong!

That name flashed like lightning across Chen Wen's heart.

Although he was in a remote place, he had also vaguely heard of the reputation of this Later Han general.

He knew that this was a rare wise ruler.

Now, spoken by the Imperial Court envoy, its weight is naturally different.

Chen Wen's face remained unchanged, he continued to maintain a listening posture.

But his heart had already been stirred.

He carefully chewed over Envoy Wang's words.

——"strict military discipline," "treating the worthy with humility," "a model of the northern frontier fiefdoms."

This brief comment.

It sketches an image starkly different from that of the currently predominant greedy and brutal warlords.

"Envoy Chai is truly a dragon among men; I, Chen, have long heard his name and feel drawn to him."

Chen Wen followed the other's words and expressed appropriate respect.

At the same time, he cleverly asked:

"I just don't know what someone like Envoy Chai could do amid the present turmoil in Zhongyuan."

Envoy Wang stroked his short beard, lowered his voice, and said:

"Envoy Chai harbors great ambitions; he is no mere pond-dweller."

"Now stationed at Chan Prefecture, he guards against the Khitan to the north and comforts the refugees within, his foundations growing deeper each day."

"But... alas, the Imperial Court these days... there are some matters that are not convenient to speak of."

He trailed off mid-sentence.

He revealed a subtle "you know" expression.

This clearly hinted at fierce internal power struggles within the Later Han Imperial Court, with the central authority's control over the localities greatly weakened.

These words carried a huge amount of information.

They both affirmed Chai Rong's abilities and reputation and pointed out the current central government's weakness.

Furthermore, they suggested that someone of Chai Rong's caliber was likely to undertake greater actions in the future.

This undoubtedly opened a window for Chen Wen to glimpse the grand situation of the world.

The ensuing conversation consisted mostly of trivial pleasantries.

Envoy Wang did not insist that Jiao Tu Zhen immediately declare allegiance; it seemed the purpose of this trip was more observation and groundwork.

Before departing, he again expressed the hope that Chief Chen would soon serve the Imperial Court, then took his retinue and left.

Seeing the envoy off, the garrison fell into a brief silence.

Qian Gui spoke first:

"Chief, this Imperial Court envoy likely has an ulterior motive."

"The praise is false; the real purpose is to sound out our strengths and weaknesses, even to win us over."

Zhang Cheng snorted:

"The Imperial Court can't even manage itself; how could it control us? In my view, we need not pay it any heed!"

Chen Wen slowly shook his head, his eyes deep:

"No, this trip is not entirely meaningless."

"At least we have heard the name of Chai Rong."

He walked over to the rough map and pointed his finger toward the direction of Chan Prefecture.

"What Envoy Wang said is likely not false."

"In this chaotic age, if a truly enlightened ruler were to arise, perhaps..."

"Then the common people of the world might still have a sliver of hope."

He did not naively believe that aligning with anyone would guarantee peace and security.

Rather, he keenly discerned from Envoy Wang's words a possible path leading to a broader stage.

Clinging to Jiao Tu Zhen alone would ultimately be unable to oppose the vast shadow behind the Iron Crow Army.

If one truly wishes to end the chaos, perhaps one needs to harness a greater force and encounter a true enlightened ruler.

This contact with the Imperial Court envoy, although it yielded no substantive result,

yet it was like a stone dropped into the heart's lake, stirring Chen Wen to deeper contemplation of the world's situation.

His vision was no longer limited to the land beneath his feet, but began to reach toward the farther reaches of Zhongyuan.

【Growth Progress Bar: 69%】

The progress bar in his mind, due to the information shock from this contact and his thoughts on the future path,

twitched slightly again, moving forward a small step.

The Fortune Momentum vortex continued to turn slowly, as if also silently recording the subtle changes in the mindset of the land's master.

The road ahead now seemed to have yet another possibility.