Chapter 303: Self‑Recommendation

Although Guan Zhen says so.

But everyone present, except Gu Han, has known Guan Zhen for at least twenty to thirty years.

How could they not know that Guan Zhen's words are completely insincere?

If it were possible, Guan Zhen would probably choose to stay at the border pass forever!

"General, you have a brighter future; we sincerely wish you well."

After a moment of silence, Zhou Kuan was the first to speak,

"But after you leave, who will govern Mu Shan Cheng?"

"Exactly; if the Imperial Court sends a top‑tier Wu Zong elite to parachute in, everyone will probably only outwardly accept it while inwardly dissenting!"

"What we fear is those great families shamelessly inserting their own people into the military, letting an unproven individual ride over our heads!"

The Bijang were filled with righteous indignation.

Ben Lang Guo, though, places very strict requirements on the general's position.

But there are policies above and countermeasures below.

Those great families in the capital only need to share a bit of credit during anti‑bandit campaigns, or when their already high‑ranking kin reap some reward.

That is enough to let a family member take the border‑pass general's post.

People like that come to the border pass just to soak up credit!

They know nothing of marching or formations, and in battle they only know how to fill ranks with lives!

They attack one or two cities, and after earning merit they can be transferred back to the capital to enjoy a comfortable life.

The ones who suffer are the ordinary soldiers!

"Moreover, we have now taken Dan Ren Cheng, and the court will probably confer a Dan Ren General title!"

Two titular general positions are, for those families, definitely worth maneuvering for!

"Rest assured, how could the court and I not know your thoughts?"

Guan Zhen waited until everyone finished venting before speaking,

"The Prime Minister has, over these years, been implementing a separation of civil and military affairs, preventing those unfamiliar with the ranks from directly meddling in military matters."

"The Grand General also strives to isolate the great families' influence over the military, refusing to let an unknowledgeable person handle border‑pass affairs!"

Even so, Guan Zhen knows the people's concerns are not unfounded.

At that moment, Guan Zhen's gaze suddenly fell on Gu Han.

He seemed thoughtful, then his eyes flicked,

"Why not have everyone nominate a successor to my general's post; I will report it to the Emperor, and we can spare the Emperor from parachuting a general in."

Upon hearing this, the crowd became excited.

All the Bijang present are strong members of the Wu Zong.

And they have reached Wu Zong status for many years.

Except for the two newly promoted Bijang like Gu Han, the other seven have already attained mid‑stage Wu Zong or higher.

Since they joined the army, who doesn't hope to climb upward?

Earlier Guan Zhen hadn't mentioned it, so they couldn't readily volunteer.

Now that Guan Zhen proactively suggests selecting one among them to report to the Imperial Court as the next Mu Shan General,

they instantly became restless, each itching to act.

But just as they were about to volunteer, they thought of their own abilities.

Although mid‑stage Wu Zong is no longer weak, it is still far from enough to become Mu Shan General and succeed Guan Zhen.

Even if they did sit in that position, they likely couldn't command the troops!

This post, perhaps only Zhou Kuan and Guan Shan have a chance to compete.

"We are all comrades, so I won't pretend to be courteous."

Zhou Kuan clearly understood this, stepped forward and bowed his hands to the crowd,

"If the general truly intends to leave the frontier, I, Zhou Kuan, consider myself capable and responsible to assume the Mu Shan General's duties."

As a Bijang of the First Camp, Zhou Kuan is naturally the strongest in the Mu Shan forces aside from Guan Zhen.

If we discuss who is most capable of the next Mu Shan General, it is probably none other than Zhou Kuan.

But the Bijang did not immediately side with Zhou Kuan; instead their eyes fell on Guan Shan.

Guan Shan, a Bijang of the Second Camp, is second only to Zhou Kuan among the Bijang.

Moreover, Guan Shan has one great advantage: his deep roots in Mu Shan Cheng!

The Guan family, from Guan Zhen and Guan Shan's father onward, has continuously held the Mu Shan General title.

And unlike those great families who, after long‑term control of a city, treat it as private property and plunder it,

they instead treat it as a second home.

They wholeheartedly care for Mu Shan Cheng's populace.

Their father, as well as their elder brother, fell in the battle that defended Mu Shan Cheng.

Thus Guan Shan does not need to rely on his father's or brother's lingering shadow for personal gain.

Rather, the citizens of Mu Shan Cheng willingly live prosperously under the Guan brothers' leadership!

Guan Shan did not speak, but everyone knows that Guan Zhen's greatest hope is for Guan Shan to inherit his position.

However, Guan Zhen looked at Gu Han, seemingly waiting for Gu Han to speak.

But Gu Han shook his head, clearly expressing his stance.

He has no interest in taking over Mu Shan Cheng or Dan Ren Cheng.

This not only cannot bring him any benefit, but would instead lock him within these two cities.

He could, out of his own affection for the comrades of Mu Shan Cheng, help Mu Shan Cheng defeat Dan Ren Cheng.

But he cannot stay here forever.

Guan Zhen could only sigh helplessly.

His best option, indeed, is to have Gu Han take over the position of General of Mu Shan.

Only in this way can the safety of Mu Shan Cheng be guaranteed!

Then he can leave without worry.

Otherwise, although Guan Shan is his younger brother, handing the affairs of Mu Shan Cheng over to him would truly be hard to trust.

After all, now only the two brothers rely on each other for survival.

No one knows Guan Shan's background better than he does.

Guan Shan is more than qualified as a Bijang; after a few more years of experience, serving as a general would not be impossible.

However, Guan Shan's biggest flaw is that he is prone to impulsiveness.

Guan Shan can hold a high position, but there must be someone above him who can keep him in check!

In Mu Shan Cheng and the newly captured Dan Ren Cheng, the highest rank is the general.

If Guan Shan were to command a city alone, a careless move could cause a disaster of epic proportions!

Only, although Guan Zhen thought so, Guan Shan still stepped out from the crowd,

"General, although General Zhou Kuan's rank is above mine, I consider myself capable of governing a city!"

Seeing Guan Shan's overconfident demeanor, Guan Zhen felt a headache.

He glared at Guan Shan, but Guan Shan remained unmoved, still resolute.

Guan Zhen could only let out a long sigh,

"Since no one has other opinions, I will report today's resolution to the court, and let the court decide the generals of the two cities."

After speaking, Guan Zhen sat in the general's seat,

"After battling for several hours, I suppose everyone is tired; let's all return to rest."

The generals exchanged glances, clasped fists, and turned to leave.

However, at that moment, Gu Han suddenly stepped forward.