Chapter 90

The morning at the inn in Chan Prefecture City.

It lacked a bit of the fresh plant fragrance and metallic clanking sounds of Jiao Tu Town.

Instead, there came faintly the bustle of the market and the bugle of morning drills from the army camp.

Chen Wen stood by the window, his gaze sweeping over the roof, looking northward.

His identity was now clear, and his path forward had been chosen.

But in his heart, a large stone remained unsettled.

— Jiao Tu Town, and the thousands of soldiers and civilians there.

He well knew that this turn of events was, of course, a display of his personal ability.

But it also depended on the solid foundation of Jiao Tu Town as his confidence.

Without the status of a regional power leader, relying solely on personal martial prowess.

Even if he gained Chai Rongxiong's favor and initially entered his service.

His position could not possibly be so exalted.

Jiao Tu Town is his root, and also an important foothold for his future on this larger stage.

We must quickly settle matters over there!

We must smoothly and completely incorporate this force into Chai Rongxiong's system.

Having made up his mind, he summoned Zhao Dayan.

After repeated battles and journeys, Zhao Dayan's bearing grew more steady and vigorous.

"Dayan, get paper and brush ready."

Chen Wen said in a low voice.

"I want to write a letter; you personally take two of your most capable brothers, return immediately to Jiao Tu Town, and deliver it in person to Zhang Cheng."

"Yes, boss!"

Zhao Dayan's spirits lifted, and he promptly prepared brush, ink, and silk.

Chen Wen focused for a moment, lifted his brush, dipped it in ink, and his strokes flowed like dragons and snakes.

He first briefly recounted his experiences on this journey:

"How he encountered injustice on the road, how he defended a deserted village from bandits, how he again met Brother Rongxiong and together they repelled the Khitan cavalry."

"How he eventually learned that Brother Rongxiong was in fact the military governor of Chan Prefecture, Chai Rongxiong."

"And how he had resolved to pledge his allegiance, and was received by Chai Rongxiong with the honors due to an honored guest."

He emphasized describing Chai Rongxiong's character and bearing, as well as his ability to govern troops and administer affairs.

And the order and vitality evident within the territory of Chan Prefecture.

Between the lines brimmed with recognition and admiration for this enlightened lord.

He explicitly wrote:

"Lord Chai possesses great talent and strategy, is broad-minded and benevolent, and aspires to end chaos and restore peace!"

"He is exactly the enlightened lord that everyone in Jiao Tu Town has long sought to entrust their lives and fortunes to."

Next.

He issued the following core order:

"Upon receiving this letter, appoint Zhang Cheng to temporarily oversee all defense affairs, with Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian, and the heads of all departments giving their full support."

"Effective immediately, all of Jiao Tu Town must prepare troops and horses, inventory grain and supplies, strengthen defenses, and guard the gates carefully."

"Be especially vigilant of the movements of the Northern Han and the Iron Crow Army."

"At the same time, secretly prepare for the relocation of the town, awaiting my arrangements in Chan Prefecture before the messenger returns."

"That will be the day you lead the people southward to join me!"

He especially emphasized that the relocation must proceed gradually, be prepared in secret, and not be publicized.

So as not to alert and provoke forces such as the Mountain-penetrating Leopard and others in the surrounding areas.

Regarding specific matters such as safety along the way and settlement locations, he will work them out in Chan Prefecture.

Finally, he wrote:

"Inform all the brothers and sisters that Chen Wen is safe here, has found an enlightened lord, and his future looks promising."

"I hope you all maintain your foundation, forge ahead, and soon we shall reunite in Chan Prefecture to accomplish great endeavors together!"

"All the soldiers and civilians of Jiao Tu Town are like my own brothers and sisters; I will not let them down!"

Having finished writing, he stamped the silk with the small seal he carried, representing the guard of Jiao Tu Town.

After the ink dried, he carefully rolled it up, wrapped it in oilcloth, and handed it to Zhao Dayan.

"This letter is of great importance, concerning the lives and futures of thousands of people in Jiao Tu Town."

Chen Wen gazed at Zhao Dayan with a solemn tone.

"On the road, you must be careful at all costs, and personally deliver it into Zhang Cheng's hands."

"Tell him, the town, that I am entrusting it to him!"

Zhao Dayan received the oilcloth bundle with both hands and hid it close to his body.

He straightened his chest and declared firmly:

"Chief, rest assured! Dayan will not disgrace the mission! As long as the person lives, the letter lives!"

He selected two others who were equally alert and familiar with the route.

The three immediately set out lightly equipped, avoiding the main road, following the secret path they had come by, and hurried northward.

The three immediately set off lightly equipped, avoiding the main road, following the secret path they had come by, and hurried north.

After seeing Zhao Dayan off, Chen Wen felt somewhat relieved.

He knew Zhang Cheng's ability and believed he could stabilize the situation.

Next, it was to establish a foothold in Chan Zhou.

For the future relocation and settlement of the people of Jiao Tu Zhen, he sought the most favorable terms.

He did not conceal this matter from Chai Rongxiong.

In the routine meeting with Chai Rongxiong the following day.

He then frankly told him that he had already sent people back to their homeland, ordering the old troops to prepare for migration and readiness to come and pledge allegiance.

Upon hearing this, Chai Rongxiong not only did not resent Chen Wen for having another force under his command, but was overjoyed!

He had been worried about lacking a reliable, capable core team that could operate independently.

Chen Wen's move was nothing short of sending charcoal in the snow!

"Good! Great!"

Chai Rongxiong clapped his hands and laughed loudly, his eyes flashing with sharp light.

"Brother Chen truly is a man of integrity, not forgetting his old troops!"

"This is a righteous deed; I am deeply honored and impressed!"

"Under your command, they are all elite capable of establishing a foothold even in dire circumstances!"

"Such valiant troops coming to join are like giving wings to a tiger for our Chan Zhou!"

"Rest assured, brother; I will personally handle all their settlement arrangements, guaranteeing that your old troops suffer no injustice!"

"Grain, provisions, stationing, and armaments—everything needed will be allocated according to Chan Zhou's elite standards!"

Chai Rongxiong's generosity and trust dispelled Chen Wen's last lingering worry.

He rose and solemnly thanked him: "Your lordship's great kindness, I, Chen Wen, on behalf of the soldiers and civilians of Jiao Tu Zhen, offer my thanks!"

"Ah, between us, there's no need for thanks."

Chai Rongxiong personally helped him up, laughing.

"Your troops are my troops."

"Their willingness to follow you, brother, shows their trust that I, Chai Rongxiong, can bring them a better future and a more stable order."

"How could I cause brave hearts to grow cold?"

With his rear concerns resolved, the strength of Jiao Tu Zhen is about to coalesce.

Chen Wen's foundation in Chan Zhou became more solid.

He knew, next!

It was to rely on his genuine abilities, on this new stage, to truly earn everyone's respect.

For himself, and for the forthcoming soldiers and civilians of Jiao Tu Zhen, to carve out a foothold.

And the first step!

Was to face those gazes cast from within the army.

Whether curious, scrutinizing, or dissatisfied.