Chapter 88: Identity Revealed·Ruler and Subject Status Determined

The ruined Zhang Family Village revealed an even clearer miserable state in the morning light.

But the survivors' faces were no longer purely despair.

They now had a touch of the dazed feeling of having survived a disaster, and a faint hope for the future.

Simple food and water were distributed, and the wounded also received more proper centralized care.

Chen Wen and Rongxiong's unit joined forces, after briefly tidying up this place, they decided to leave together.

Heading to the nearest border garrison still under Later Zhou control—Wuding Fort.

Along the way, the atmosphere was completely different from before.

Although they still maintained their marching formation, the boundary between the two groups became much blurred.

The guards under Rongxiong looked at Chen Wen and his elite soldiers with eyes full of undisguised admiration.

Even carrying a hint of curious inquiry.

And on Chen Wen's side.

After going through two consecutive side-by-side bloody battles.

As for this person of extraordinary bearing, whose martial courage and insight were both top-notch, Rongxiong...

He had already developed feelings of fondness and trust.

Wuding Fort was an earth-and-stone fortress built relying on the terrain, guarding a key route leading to the heart of Chen Prefecture.

The walls were not particularly high, but banners fluttered, watchtowers stood in rows, defenses were strict, far from the undefended state of Zhang Family Village.

Before even approaching, scouting cavalry came forward to intercept and interrogate.

"Halt! Who goes there?!"

The squad leader at the front shouted loudly, hand on sword hilt, his sharp gaze sweeping over this mixed troop.

Especially lingering a moment on the unfamiliar faces of Chen Wen and a few others.

Rongxiong did not dismount, merely raising his hand slightly to signal the troops behind to stop.

He sat upright on his horse, not immediately answering.

That calm dignity born of long holding high office naturally emanated from him.

Just then, a hurried hoofbeat came from the direction of the fort's gate.

Only see a detachment commander in low-ranking officer uniform, galloping forward with a few personal guards.

That detachment commander, seeing Rongxiong's silhouette from afar, suddenly changed expression.

He hurriedly dismounted, almost stumbling as he ran to the horse's front.

With a thud, he knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and lowered his head.

His voice trembled with excitement and panic:

"I, Wang Yong, detachment commander of Wuding Fort's patrol, pay… pay my respects to the Envoy!"

"I did not know the Envoy would arrive, failing to welcome you from afar; I beg the Envoy's forgiveness!"

The two words "Envoy" thundered like a startling clap in Chen Wen's ears!

Although he had suspected it earlier, when it was truly confirmed, his heart still could not help but be overturned by huge waves!

"Envoy" is an honorific for high officials such as a Military Commissioner and Inspector!

In the Chen Prefecture region, only someone whom border military commanders would fearfully address as "Envoy" could be...

Besides the Chen Prefecture Military Commissioner who strictly governs the army and treats the virtuous with courtesy—Chai Rong!

Who else could it be?!

Zhao Dayan and the five elite soldiers also trembled all over!

In disbelief, they looked at the person who had traveled with them for two days, fought side by side, and even shared roasted rabbit meat with them—Rongxiong.

He… he actually is!

The lord they had long wanted to serve—Chai Envoy?!

Chai Rong sat upright on his horse, having received that detachment commander Wang's salute, his tone calm yet inherently imposing:

"Detachment Commander Wang, please rise; I am on a covert inspection in plain clothes, and those unaware are not to blame."

"Where is the fort's chief commander?"

"Replying to the Envoy, Commander Zhang is drilling the troops inside the fort; I will go report this immediately!"

Detachment Commander Wang hurriedly rose, about to run back.

"No need."

Chai Rong waved his hand.

"I can enter on my own."

"You, restrain your subordinates and strengthen vigilance!"

"The Khitan cavalry have already infiltrated this far; the defenses of Wuding Fort cannot tolerate the slightest laxity!"

"I, the subordinate, obey your orders!"

Detachment Commander Wang bowed to receive the order, cold sweat dripping down.

He quickly cleared the road, while secretly glancing at Chen Wen and a few others with doubtful eyes.

He wondered in his heart where these people came from, that they could actually travel alongside the Envoy.

Only then did Chai Rong turn his head, his gaze falling on Chen Wen.

At this moment.

Chen Wen had already dismounted and stood by the roadside.

Seeing this, Zhao Dayan and the others also hurriedly dismounted, standing with hands at their sides in solemn posture.

Chai Rong looked at Chen Wen, his face showing the brightest, most sincere smile he had ever had since they met.

That smile carried a hint of apology for a successful prank.

But more than that, it was unreserved appreciation and esteem.

He also dismounted and walked a few steps to face Chen Wen.

Chen Wen drew a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.

According to etiquette, he should bow deeply:

"Commoner Chen Wen, I did not expect your esteemed presence, my lord; previously I have often offended and been rude, I hope your lordship will be forgiving."

Before he finished speaking, his arms were already being steadily held up by Chai Rong.

"Brother Chen, why so much ceremony?"

Chai Rong's voice was loud and full, carrying undisguised sincerity.

"What offense and breach of etiquette?"

"Night talks in the desolate village are where we laid bare our hearts to each other;"

"The bloody battle at Zhang Family Market was where we stood shoulder to shoulder to repel the invaders!"

"If not for Brother Chen and the brave warriors, I, Chai Rong, would likely have met more misfortune than fortune this time, let alone saving those civilians!"

"Between us, there is only the bond of comrades and the righteousness of kindred spirits; where could there be any distinction of superiority and inferiority?"

His words were sincere and heartfelt, ringing true!

Not only did Chen Wen feel a warm current surge in his heart,

Even Captain Wang and Chai Rong's guards beside him all showed moved expressions.

"What exalted status the lord holds, yet he treats this person with such openness and sincerity, bestowing even greater courtesy!"

Chai Rong firmly grasped Chen Wen's arm, his gaze burning as he stared into his eyes.

Finally he uttered those words that had been long brewing:

"Brother Chen! Your talent, courage, benevolence, and ambition—I, Chai Rong, have seen them all with my own eyes and am deeply convinced!"

"I, of Chan Prefecture, desperately need someone of your caliber as a pillar!"

"The world's masses desperately need someone like you, a pillar that holds up the heavens!"

"I, Chai Rong, am unworthy; I wish to ask Brother Chen to stay and lend me a helping hand!"

"Together we will plan a great undertaking, restore these shattered mountains and rivers, and return to the world a bright and orderly universe!"

"I do not know, Brother Chen, are you willing to accept this appointment?"

The formal invitation took place before the gate of the military fort.

Amid the gaze of many soldiers, it was proclaimed personally by a regional military commissioner!

The words were earnest, the posture extremely humble, granting Chen Wen the utmost respect and courtesy!

Chen Wen looked at the like-minded "Rongxiong" before him.

Feeling the strength transmitted from his hand and the unreserved trust and anticipation in his eyes, Chen Wen harbored no hesitation whatsoever.

He stepped back half a step, broke free from Chai Rong's support, then tidied his robe.

Facing Chai Rong, he performed a deep, solemn bow:

"My lord's grace in recognizing me, his deep trust—Chen Wen is moved to tears!"

"The lord's ambition is for the world, his heart set on the people—he is exactly the enlightened ruler Chen Wen seeks!"

"Chen Wen, I wish to devote myself to your command, to be at your disposal, to exert my utmost, to assist the lord, to quell the chaotic age, and to restore peace!"

His voice was clear and firm, echoing in the morning wind of Wuding Fort.

Upon hearing this, Chai Rong looked up to the sky and laughed loudly.

His laughter was filled with boundless joy and delight!

He stepped forward again and personally helped Chen Wen to his feet:

"Good! Good! Good!"

"To gain Brother Chen is like Gaozu gaining Zifang, like Guangwu gaining Deng Yu!"

"This is the fortune of Chai Rong, the fortune of Chan Prefecture, and indeed the fortune of the world!"

He took Chen Wen's hand, turned to Captain Wang and all the soldiers present, and loudly declared:

"From today onward, Mr. Chen Wen is my honored guest and a distinguished visitor in the army!"

"To see Mr. Chen is to see me; no negligence is permitted!"

"I will dutifully obey the lord's command!"

All responded in unison; their gazes toward Chen Wen were now filled with awe and curiosity.

Thus the ruler-subject distinction was established here.

Chen Wen's journey through the tumultuous age has turned over a new page.

And in his sea of consciousness, that pale golden vortex of Fortune Momentum, at this moment.

It seemed to be pulled by some invisible force, suddenly accelerating its spin.

Its size also grew by a noticeable ring at visible speed, its inner radiance enriched, its aspect renewed.

The hidden dragon has now met the wind and clouds.