Chapter 98: Chan Prefecture Welcomes Newcomers·Old Troops Unite

The tall outline of Chan Prefecture's city

It was already clearly visible on the horizon.

The southward-moving convoy from Jiao Tu Zhen, however, came to a halt at this moment.

The fatigue of the long journey was written on every face, dust-covered and weary.

But more than that was a feeling of anticipation so intense it was almost breathless.

Zhang Cheng reined in his horse.

Gazing at the distant city walls with banners flying, and then nearer.

The several dozen cavalry racing from the city direction made his heart involuntarily speed up.

"Here they are!" cried the sharp-eyed Qian Gui in a low voice.

A commotion arose at the front of the convoy, and everyone craned their necks.

Only see the several dozen cavalry drawing nearer, the leader in a light blue robe and light armor, his posture upright.

Who else could it be but Chen Wen?

He has come in person!

"It's the Chief!"

"Chief Chen!"

Suppressed cheers spread through the crowd like a tide, many even wiping away tears in excitement.

These past two months of separation and worry, the hardships and anxieties of the road,

at this moment finally found an outlet for release.

Chen Wen spurred ahead, rushed forward, and sharply pulled the reins.

His warhorse reared up, letting out a long neigh.

He leapt down from the saddle, his eyes eagerly scanning the familiar faces before him

——Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, Wang Ru, Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian……

And behind them stretched the endless ranks of fellow villagers, their clothes tattered but their eyes resolute.

"Brother Cheng! Brother Dun! Miss Wang! Brothers… you've all worked hard!"

Thousands of words choked in his chest, finally condensing into a heavy greeting.

Chen Wen's voice carried a faint hoarseness, barely noticeable.

He stepped forward quickly, grabbed Zhang Cheng and Shi Dun as they were about to salute, and firmly patted their arms.

"Chief!"

Zhang Cheng lifted his head, his eye sockets slightly red, his voice choking.

"We have not disgrace our mission!"

"Jiao Tu Zhen originally had a population of 3,728 soldiers and civilians!"

"Except… except three who fell ill and died on the way, the remaining 3,725 all arrived!"

"Most of the important supplies and artisan tools from the storehouse have been brought!"

He straightened his chest, like a soldier receiving orders, each word ringing strong and clear.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Chen Wen repeated "good" three times, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, then he clasped his fists firmly.

"Chen Wen, thank you, brothers, for your trust!"

"Thank you, fellow villagers, for not abandoning us!"

He saw his mother Liu Shi and his younger sister Chen Wan in the crowd.

Supported by Wang Ru, they gazed at him with tears in their eyes.

Chen Wen gave them a slight nod, indicating all was well; now was not the time for family talk.

Shi Dun grinned widely, wanting to say something.

But he merely thumped his chest hard; everything was understood without words.

Wang Ru looked at the noticeably thinner yet more capable Chen Wen, her eyes complex.

There was relief, there was concern, finally settling into a faint smile.

Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian, and others also eagerly gathered around.

"Chief, this is Recorder Cao sent by the Prefect's Office to assist with resettlement."

A civil-official-looking person behind Chen Wen stepped forward to introduce himself.

Recorder Cao hastily cupped his hands toward Zhang Cheng and the others:

"Mr. Zhang, you have all worked hard on the journey."

"The Prefect has ordered that a special zone be demarcated in the east of the city."

"A temporary camp has been set up, the first rations and water prepared; please follow me to the settlement."

Zhang Cheng hastily returned the salute:

"Thank you, Recorder Cao, thank you for the Prefect's grace!"

Chen Wen swung back onto his horse and called out loudly to the crowd:

"Fellow villagers! This is Chan Prefecture!"

"From now on, this is our new home!"

"Prefect Chai is benevolent, having already prepared lodgings for us!"

"Just hold on a little longer, follow Recorder Cao into the camp for settlement!"

"Thank the Prefect! Thank Chief Chen!"

The earth-shaking cheers finally burst forth unreservedly, gathering into a wave full of hope and gratitude.

People supported the elderly and carried the young, drove vehicles, and followed the guide Clerk Cao and the soldiers brought by Chen Wen, slowly heading toward the temporary camp.

The camp was set up on an open, mountains-and-water-adjacent area outside the east gate of Chan Zhou.

Although simple, it consisted only of rows of makeshift huts and tents.

But it was neatly divided, with clear zones, and had soldiers guarding to maintain order.

What's more, cartloads of grain, firewood, and clean water had already been piled in the designated area.

Moreover, several military medical officers stood by, ready to treat civilians who fell ill along the way.

Seeing all this, the soldiers and civilians of Jiao Tu Zhen were completely relieved.

This was not perfunctory, but a genuine acceptance and settlement.

Chen Wen accompanied Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, and the other core members as they walked and inspected the camp.

"The Lord has considered everything carefully; here water and firewood are convenient, the terrain is high, and it is not prone to flooding."

Chen Wen introduced.

"For the time being, everyone will have to make do living in these huts."

"Once things stabilize, we will plan further, allocate fields, and build permanent dwellings."

"This is already excellent!"

Zhang Cheng sighed.

"It is stronger than our original Jiao Tu Zhen by more than a hundredfold."

"Chief, Lord Chai treats us so generously, we…"

He looked at Chen Wen, his meaning clear: such grace deserves repayment with one's life.

Chen Wen nodded slightly and said in a low voice:

"I understand. The Lord possesses great talent and ambition, aiming for the world; now is the time for us to serve him."

"Our foundation is still shallow; everything must be done with caution."

"Brother Cheng, the resettlement still requires your extra effort; please quickly let the fellow villagers settle down."

"The brothers of the Elite Soldiers Battalion will rest here temporarily, but must remain vigilant and keep their arms with them at all times."

"Understood!" Zhang Cheng responded solemnly.

Just then, a personal guard from the Military Governor's Office came riding fast and found Chen Wen:

"Assistant Officer Chen, the Lord knows your old troops have arrived, and has specially prepared a casual banquet in the office."

"To welcome you and several chiefs, washing away the dust of travel; Assistant Officer Chen, please honor us with your presence."

Chen Wen and Zhang Cheng exchanged a glance, each seeing the meaning in the other's eyes.

This is not merely a welcome feast, but also a formal introduction and recognition.

"Please report to the Lord; Chen Wen will make a brief arrangement and arrive immediately."

Chen Wen said to the guard, then immediately looked at Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, Wang Ru, and the others.

"Brother Cheng, Shi Dun, Miss Wang, Old Qian, Old Zhao, come with me."

"Change into clean clothes; do not lose propriety."

Being named to attend the feast together, Zhang Cheng and the others were all energized.

This is the first step of formally entering the high-level circles of Chan Zhou.

Shi Dun scratched his head: "Attending the feast? I'm just a rough fellow…"

Wang Ru pursed her lips and smiled:

"Big Brother Shi, just follow the chief; say less, observe more."

Night fell, and the lights inside the Chan Zhou Military Governor's Office shone brightly.

The welcome feast was not large in scale, but its standards were extremely high.

Chai Rong sat in the seat of honor; besides Chen Wen, there were Han Tong, Zhang Yongde, and other core commanders.

And Wang Pu and other important advisors.

When Chen Wen led Zhang Cheng and the five others into the flower hall, all eyes turned toward them.

Chai Rong wore a gentle smile and personally raised his cup:

"Assistant Officer Chen, are these the few who followed you in rising up from Jiao Tu Zhen, your right-hand men?"

"You have worked hard all the way; come, drink this cup fully, to welcome you all."

Chen Wen led Zhang Cheng and the others in a bow, then raised the cup and drank it all in one go:

"Thank you, Lord! These are all my brothers of life and death."

"Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, Wang Ru, Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian."

"Without their strong assistance, Chen Wen would not have today."

Chai Rong's gaze swept over the five.

Lingering on the steady Zhang Cheng, the brave Shi Dun, and the uniquely tempered Wang Ru.

He nodded in praise:

"All are loyal and brave, rare!"

"Assistant Officer Chen gaining such aid is like adding wings to a tiger."

"Hope that in the future in Chan Zhou, you will continue as before, assist Assistant Officer Chen, and jointly achieve great deeds!"

Han Tong and others also raised their cups, although their expressions varied, but at least on the surface they gave sufficient respect.

Zhang Cheng, representing the few, responded with a few polite remarks, neither humble nor arrogant.

His bearing was proper, causing a flash of appreciation in Wang Pu's eyes.

The banquet atmosphere was harmonious.

Chen Wen knew that the reunion of his old troops was only the first step.

Truly integrating into the Chan Prefecture system, under the Wise Lord's banner, he would create a greater situation.

The challenge had only just begun.

But he looked at the familiar faces around him, feeling the Fortune Momentum vortex within him growing stronger and the Growth Progress Bar already nearing 90%.

His heart was filled with unprecedented confidence.