Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter Fifty-Two: Promotion
The gates of the General Prefecture swung open, and a snowstorm swept in. Two Soldiers stood at attention before the entrance, their right hands resting on their swords, exuding an air of fierce determination.
"Who goes there?"
"Captain Lin Feng."
"Enter."
Lin Feng hurried inside. Many generals had already gathered around a bonfire, warming themselves. On ordinary days, they would exchange pleasantries and engage in casual conversation. However, today, everyone wore a serious expression.
The last invasion by the Demon Army occurred decades ago; that battle was marked by rivers of blood and countless casualties.
As the alarm bells outside gradually ceased, an eerie silence enveloped the room. When Shen Jiahe emerged, accompanied by aides, all eyes turned to him.
Shen Jiahe took his seat at the head of the table, flanked by two military officers. After surveying the gathered crowd, he announced, "From now on, Dongping County will prepare for war. The demon race has launched an attack."
Despite having anticipated this news after hearing the alarm bells, the confirmation from Captain Shen still elicited gasps of disbelief from the assembly.
"General Shen, are the demons really attacking?" one Captain asked incredulously. After decades of peace along the borders, it was hard to imagine a full-scale assault.
Shen Jiahe's expression grew grave. "Indeed. This time, the demon race is different from before; they are not crossing through the primordial forest to strike at our Dongping Jun. Instead, they have taken a long route around the primordial forest and are launching their attack from Xichuan County. Xichuan is in crisis, and ultimately, the demons will converge on Dongping County."
"The General has issued orders for all Soldiers in Dongping County to form a battalion and await further instructions. This Sima has been sent by the General to oversee our reorganization."
"Shen Jiahe turned to the person beside him and said, 'Sima, please give everyone an update.'
Next to Shen Jiahe, an imposing man stepped forward. Dressed in a flying fish uniform and wielding an Embroidered Spring Blade, he exuded an extraordinary presence.
He surveyed the crowd before speaking, 'I am Sima Shangshan, Commander of the Imperial Guard Headquarters. On the orders of General Tang, I have come to Dongping County to work with you all. Military matters are urgent, so I will issue a General's decree. If I offend anyone, I hope you will not take it to heart.'
The Imperial Guard Headquarters is a special position directly overseen by the Emperor, independent of any institution, with the authority to act without prior approval. Therefore, wherever the Imperial Guard Headquarters goes, it commands respect from all officials.
The crowd quickly clasped their hands in salute and replied, 'We dare not. Please give your orders, Sima. We will obey.'
'Very well, I will begin reading the General's orders.'
'Effective immediately, Dongping County is reorganized into the Eighth Battalion of the Third Army of Dongping County, named the "Horizontal Blade Camp," under the command of General Shen.'
Upon hearing this order, everyone felt it was only natural.
Shen Jiahe stood up and cupped his hands towards Sima Shangshan, saying, 'I will strictly follow General Tang's instructions.'
Sima Shangshan nodded in return and continued, 'Due to the large-scale invasion by the demon race and the potential for war, should anything happen to General Shen, I am establishing the position of Vice Commander to assist General Shen in managing Horizontal Blade Camp affairs.'
At this announcement, all the Captains present brightened with excitement. Today was a golden opportunity for promotion; whoever became Vice Commander would likely ascend to full command in due time.
In an instant, all eager and anxious eyes were fixed on Sima Shangshan's face. Especially among those Captains with more experience, their gazes burned with intensity as if they wished to pry open Sima Shangshan's mouth and extract that name."
Some Captains were envious, knowing that their chances of being elected were slim, but who wouldn't want to take advantage of a good opportunity?
Lin Feng was one of the few who remained calm. He had no interest in the political arena and would soon be leaving the border. Moreover, he had just been promoted, so it was unlikely he would rise any further.
"Considering that General Shen has rich combat experience and is adept at handling affairs, the General has decided to select a newcomer. This way, they can follow General Shen and learn well. Additionally, a fresh perspective can be quite useful on the battlefield."
At this point, Sima Shangshan paused and said, "Lin Feng, step forward."
Lin Feng was stunned for a moment before reacting. He took a step forward and said, "Your subordinate is here."
Sima Shangshan glanced at Lin Feng and said, "Lin Feng, the General has decided to temporarily appoint you as Vice Commander of the Uncrossed Blade Camp, elevating you to the rank of Vice Captain. Accept the order."
Upon hearing this, everyone erupted in an uproar. Especially those Captains who were filled with resentment; their eyes blazed with anger as they looked at Lin Feng, wishing they could burn him alive.
Lin Feng felt countless piercing gazes upon him. He said, "My lord, I am unworthy and lacking in strength. Such an important responsibility may be too much for me to bear; I kindly ask you to retract your order."
Was there anyone who refused a promotion? Sima Shangshan looked at Lin Feng with slight surprise and said, "Lord Lin need not be overly modest."
"I am not being overly modest; what I say is the truth. There are many individuals in Dongping County who are far more capable than I am. For such an important role, I dare to suggest that my lord choose someone more competent instead."
Lin Feng quickly explained, thinking to himself, "Tang Jiner, you little rascal, are you trying to get me killed?"
The various Captains had already been racking their brains for a chance at promotion; now that there was a fool unwilling to accept it, they certainly wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
"Sir, when assigning duties, one should also consider the individual's willingness. Otherwise, even if appointed, it would be impossible to carry out the tasks effectively."
"That is a valid point. Since Lord Lin is unwilling, there is no need to force him. How about this: I am willing to take on Lord Lin's heavy responsibilities and will surely not disappoint the General."
At that moment, Shen Jiahe looked around for Kuang Yun but found no trace of him. Frustrated, he cursed inwardly, "Where has Kuang Yun gone? He’s missing at such a critical time."
Shen Jiahe had intended to push his junior brother Kuang Yun forward, but unfortunately, he was absent. However, this position could not fall into the hands of Solitary Moon City. He said, "Sima, Lord Lin is indeed a talented individual with both virtue and ability. However, he is still young and has not been in the military for long; suddenly promoting him by two ranks might be difficult for others to accept. Since Lord Lin himself knows he cannot handle it, should the General reconsider?"
After all, as Captain, he commanded a county of soldiers. Sima Shangshan treated Shen Jiahe with courtesy and replied, "General Shen, this is the General's decision. It is not something I can decide."
With that, Sima Shangshan turned to Lin Feng and said, "This is a military order; refusal will result in punishment under Military Law. Lin Feng, do you intend to defy orders?"
Sima Shangshan then looked at the crowd, who fell silent immediately. He added, "If anyone has objections, you may speak with the General. Anyone who continues to make noise will face military discipline."
At this point, what could Lin Feng do? He had no choice but to accept it. He inwardly cursed Tang Jiner once again.
Everyone turned their gaze toward Lin Feng, showing disdain and contempt. Rumors had already circulated in Dongping County about a White Face who was skilled at flattery and had won the General's favor.
Now, everyone unanimously believed that Captain Shen had obtained his position through sycophancy. Otherwise, how could he have been promoted so rapidly?
As Lin Feng felt the weight of their gazes upon him, people instinctively moved aside as he approached, as if they were unwilling to associate with him. Lin Feng gritted his teeth in anger and thought bitterly, "Becoming a target for everyone; on the battlefield, it can only lead to death. Does this girl not think things through? Or is her head filled with nothing but water?"
Amidst the murmurs of discussion among the crowd, a commotion erupted from outside.
Sima Shangshan paused his planning and asked, "Who is making a racket outside?"
"Reporting to you, my lord, Captain Kuang is causing a commotion outside."
Sima Shangshan glanced at Shen Jiahe and said, "There are still people who are late. Bring him in."
Kuang Yun was brought in by the soldier, shouting, "What kind of nonsense is this? Who dares to stop me from entering? So what if I'm a little late? I live far away; is that a crime? Don't you know I'm a disciple of Captain Shen? You must be tired of living if you think you can block me."
Once inside, Kuang Yun noticed the unusual atmosphere and caught sight of Shen Jiahe's piercing gaze, which made him feel uneasy. When he saw Sima Shangshan in his official attire, his legs suddenly felt weak, and he almost lost his balance.
Kuang Yun quickly composed himself and said, "I am but a humble Vice General, Commander."
"Captain Kuang," Sima Shangshan said sternly, "the battle alarm has sounded. What should be done with those who are late?"
That was a serious offense that could lead to execution. Kuang Yun felt a chill run down his spine and pleaded, "My lord, please forgive me. I was handling official business and that's why I arrived late."
As Kuang Yun's senior brother, Shen Jiahe would not stand idly by. He interjected, "Sima, the alarm was sounded unexpectedly today; it hasn't been heard in decades. Can't we consider leniency in this matter?"
Sima Shangshan snorted coldly and replied, "On the battlefield, the alarm is military law. If the demon clan were to attack Dongping County again and we ignore the alarm, would we not be inviting disaster?"
Seeing that Shen Jiahe would not protect his subordinate any further, Sima Shangshan turned to Kuang Yun with a cold expression and asked, "You were handling official business? Very well. What business was it? Is there any evidence? Time and place?"
Kuang Yun immediately panicked and responded, "Reporting to you, my lord, I was investigating a murder case. The witness has been sent out by me to gather information. The time was just now."
Sima Shangshan had seen countless people and knew that Kuang Yun was lying. He pressed on, step by step, "What is the name of the witness? Where does he live?"
"This person is named Li Erniu, and he lives at the end of East-West Street."
"How old is he? How many people are in his household? When was he sent out? Did he walk or ride a horse?"
"This person is in his twenties, and there are no others in his family..."
Kuang Yun's forehead broke out in beads of sweat, growing increasingly anxious as he fabricated more lies. He even blurted out nonsensical details about being in his twenties. Unable to continue, he couldn't help but look around for assistance, his desperate gaze finally landing on Shen Jiahe.
The crowd ignored him, while Shen Jiahe looked at Kuang Yun with a face full of disappointment.
"Captain Kuang, continue and explain yourself properly to me," Sima Shangshan said, revealing a chilling smile that sent shivers down the spine.
Comment 0 Comment Count