Chapter 54

Zhang Jun was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner of Sichuan and Shaanxi, and his temporary office was currently in Xingzhou's Nanzheng County, soon to be moved to Chengdu.

Although the disastrous defeat at Fuping led to Zhang Jun being impeached by the Censorate, Chancellor Fan Zongyin firmly demanded that Zhang Jun be held accountable for losing Guanzhong and Longyou, the emperor was greatly pleased by the head of Wanyan Lou Shi, and rejected the Censorate's impeachment on the grounds that victory and defeat were common in military affairs, thus sparing Zhang Jun from punishment.

After the great victory at Heshangyuan, Zhang Jun immediately sent a message to Lin'an to report the good news and soon received a reply, the emperor requested that he return to the capital to report.

On this morning, Chen Qing had just arrived in Nanzheng County and had not yet settled down when he was summoned by the Pacification Commissioner, Zhang Jun, at the office.

"Your subordinate pays respects to the Pacification Commissioner!" Chen Qing knelt on one knee to pay his respects.

Zhang Jun smiled and said, "General Chen, we meet again, please rise quickly!"

"Thank you, Pacification Commissioner!"

Chen Qing stood up and noticed a middle-aged man standing beside him, who looked gentle and refined, likely one of Zhang Jun's advisors.

Zhang Jun introduced Chen Qing, "This is my advisor, Wang Mu, who has just arrived from Lin'an. Mr. Wang, please give General Chen a brief introduction to the new official positions in the Song Dynasty."

The three of them sat down. Chen Qing sat up straight, his expression serious and resolute, and Wang Mu secretly praised him, thinking this was the image of a true soldier, and he was so young, no wonder he was favored by the high officials.

Wang Mu smiled gently and said, "General Chen, you should know that Song officials generally have two positions: one is called the 'salary rank' and the other is called the 'assignment rank.' The salary rank, also known as the 'grade rank,' determines your rank and salary benefits, while the assignment rank specifies your actual duties.

For example, your position as the commander of a battalion is an assignment rank. The Pacification Commissioner has the authority to appoint assignment ranks but not grade ranks, which must be appointed by the Ministry of Personnel. The problem now is that you have an assignment rank but no grade rank. I specifically went to the Ministry of Personnel to find your records, but I couldn't find any record of you in the Huaiqing Army."

Chen Qing knew this was to be expected and quickly explained, "I joined the military during the Jianyan period and haven't had the chance to register my name with the Ministry of Personnel yet."

"I thought as much. Moreover, the records at the Ministry of Personnel are currently quite chaotic, still using the old records from the third year of Xuanhe, so it's normal not to find you. Fortunately, the Pacification Commissioner has connections at the Ministry of Personnel and has arranged a new grade rank for you."

With that, Wang Mu handed Chen Qing a copper plaque. On the front, it read 'Deputy of the Horizontal Class,' and on the back, it was engraved with 'Zhongwei Lang,' followed by the words 'Seventh Rank Junior.'

Chen Qing took the plaque and looked at it, puzzled, and asked, "What does 'Deputy of the Horizontal Class' mean?"

Wang Mu smiled and explained, "The military grade ranks in the Song Dynasty are divided into eight levels and sixty ranks. The Deputy of the Horizontal Class belongs to the fourth level, which includes ranks from twenty-three to thirty-four. You are at the twenty-ninth rank, Seventh Rank Junior Zhongwei Lang, which is generally the rank of a battalion commander."

"Is this my latest salary rank?" Chen Qing asked.

"No! No! No!"

Wang Mu shook his head quickly, "This is just your grade rank before the Heshangyuan campaign."

After a pause, Wang Mu continued, "In January this year, the court reopened the Military Academy, admitting one hundred students for a one-year program. The armies in Sichuan and Shaanxi received three recommendation slots, and the Pacification Commissioner decided to give one of them to you."

Chen Qing quickly stood up and bowed to Zhang Jun, "Thank you, Pacification Commissioner, for your cultivation!"

Zhang Jun smiled and said, "The opportunity is one you have earned yourself. Without your achievements at Jianque Pass, you wouldn't have this chance. In the battle at Jianque Pass, you made one of the most significant contributions, and I plan to recommend you to the Ministry of War for the position of commander.

However, the court has strict regulations: a commander must have at least ten years of military service or be a graduate of the Imperial Military Academy, and local military schools do not qualify. Alternatively, the emperor can make an exceptional appointment.

Fortunately, the reopening of the Military Academy is your opportunity. Strive to graduate successfully by next spring, and I will formally recommend you to the Ministry of Personnel for the position of commander."

Chen Qing paused for a moment and said, "I don't really care about whether I become a commander or not. What I care about is whether the fallen soldiers will receive proper compensation and the surviving soldiers will be honored."

This was what made Chen Qing different from other generals. He didn't want to bear the reputation of climbing the ranks by stepping on the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers, even though it was a common practice, he couldn't get over this mental hurdle.

Zhang Jun was slightly displeased but still solemnly told Chen Qing, "Whether it's you or your subordinates, as your commander, I will ensure that you receive everything you deserve."

Leaving the office, Chen Qing's head was still spinning. He didn't remember any of the official positions Wang Mu had explained, but one thing was clear: he was going to study in the capital.

......

After the Jingkang Incident, Emperor Gaozong (Zhao Gou) fled southeast, first ascending the throne in Ying天府, changing the era name to Jianyan, and then spending two years moving south. It wasn't until the third year of Jianyan that he crossed the Yangtze River to Jiangning, officially renaming Jiangning Prefecture to Jiankang Prefecture and designating it as the eastern capital. This means that after the southern migration of the court during the Jianyan period, the initial plan was to set the capital in Jiankang.

Unfortunately, less than half a year later, Wanyan Wuzhu led a ten-thousand-strong army to search and inspect the mountains and seas, forcing the court to continue fleeing south. They established a temporary palace in Hangzhou and upgraded it to Lin'an Prefecture, known as the "temporary residence," meaning they would stay there temporarily and return to the Central Plains after reclaiming it.

However, they never left. In the eighth year of Shaoxing, the peace treaty between the Song and Jin dynasties was successfully concluded, and Zhao Gou lost his desire to reclaim the north, officially designating Lin'an as the capital.

At this time, it was the first year of Shaoxing, and Lin'an Prefecture, which included Qiantang County and Renhe County, was still just a temporary residence of the court. Emperor Gaozong was determined to resist the Jin and planned to reclaim the north, but ordinary people already regarded Lin'an as the capital.

In April, Lin'an was in the most beautiful season of the year, with warm weather and lush greenery around West Lake, making the scenery pleasant.

On this morning, a passenger boat was slowly docking at the outer wharf of Yuhang Gate in Lin'an.

Standing on the bow of the boat was a young scholar, Chen Qing. He wore a black silk headband, a fine linen blue robe, a leather belt, and a sword, making him look tall and imposing, with a distinguished appearance.

For this trip to Lin'an, he had left his long spear and warhorse with Wang Yan, bringing only his bow, which was placed in a willow basket, along with some silver coins and a few changes of clothes, which were all his personal belongings.

Behind him were the fat black man, Chief Zheng Ping, and Deputy Chief Zhao Xiaoyi, who had taken leave to visit their families in Lin'an and would return in two months.

Zheng Ping looked around the city and said, "I thought Lin'an was a small county, but it looks quite large!"

Chen Qing replied indifferently, "Lin'an has Qiantang County to the south and Renhe County to the north. It was originally the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and has always been prosperous. It was damaged by Fang La's rebellion and looted by the Jin army, but it has recovered quickly due to the influx of wealthy families from the north."

"Zheng, do you know where your parents live?" Zhao Xiaoyi asked.

Zhao Xiaoyi also wanted to dress like a scholar, but his lack of temperament and small stature made him look more like a servant. Zheng Ping, on the other hand, with his large belly and flashy clothing, looked like a nouveau riche merchant.

Zheng Ping scratched his head, "The address is in the letter, it seems to be in Baohetang, let's ask around!"

Fortunately, the Baohetang they were looking for was not far from Yuhang Gate.

"Are those human heads hanging on the city gate?"

Zhao Xiaoyi noticed a row of wooden cages hanging on the top of the city gate. On closer inspection, the cages contained human heads, each with a terrifying expression, which was quite frightening.

Chen Qing glanced at them and smiled, "They are probably notorious bandits, beheaded and displayed to reassure the people!"

The three of them entered the city, which was bustling with activity. A large number of wealthy merchants and officials from the north had fled to Lin'an, causing the population to exceed one million, leading to a sharp rise in land prices.

Various businesses flourished, with newly constructed taverns and shops becoming increasingly luxurious and ornate, and signs and banners covering the streets.

After asking for directions, they soon arrived at Baohetang. Zheng Ping stood in front of a large mansion, staring at it in a daze. The address his father had given him was here, and the sign on the gate clearly read: "Zheng Residence."

Above the main gate, a plaque read: "Residence of the Lord of Hejian County."

"Zheng, is your family a noble family?"

Zheng Ping shook his head in confusion, "I don't know! My father is just a medicinal merchant in Hejian Prefecture. When did he become the Lord of Hejian County? I'm completely baffled!"

At that moment, an old steward came out, and Zheng Ping immediately recognized him, shouting, "Uncle Wang!"

"Oh! Third Master has returned."

The old steward hugged Zheng Ping, "Five years, you've finally returned!"

"Uncle Wang, what's going on?" Zheng Ping pointed to the plaque.

"It's a long story, come inside and I'll explain. Your parents are worried about you!"

Zheng Ping then introduced Chen Qing and Zhao Xiaoyi. The old steward, upon learning that they were his master's superiors, immediately showed respect and bowed, "General Chen, please come in!"

Chen Qing smiled at Zheng Ping, "I need to report in, Xiaoyi will stay with you. We'll meet up later!"

Zheng Ping nodded, "Alright, I'll settle in first and then bring Xiaoyi to find you!"

The three of them parted ways, and Chen Qing, carrying his willow basket, soon arrived at the Imperial Academy. The Imperial Academy was established last year, covering about eighty acres, and the Military Academy, which was founded a few months ago, was located in a corner of the Imperial Academy.

Chen Qing asked for directions and found that the Military Academy was at the east gate. He walked around to the east gate and saw a notice on the door, which read: "Military Academy Registration Office, walk straight thirty steps into the Qingyang Hall. Please bring your own bow and horse, and only those who pass the examination can register."

Chen Qing was taken aback, "There's still an examination?"