Chapter 59

In the room, Wang Bo's expression was unpredictable. According to tradition, the top student in martial arts would be granted the first few ranks of the Hengban Deputy Envoy, and with good luck, could even be appointed as a Wu Yi Doctor.

He is now a Level 30 Yiwelang, just one rank below Chen Qing. Not only is Chen Qing highly skilled in martial arts, but he is also very courageous, daring to take down the challenge that others dare not.

Wang Bo has already realized that his biggest rival for the top spot in martial arts is not Hu Yan Tong, but this Chen Qing.

No! He must not give up the opportunity to become a Wu Yi Doctor. This time, Chen Qing is going to suppress Zhang Kui, and he must use Zhang Kui's hands to deal with Chen Qing. Even if he can't kill him, he must make him return in disgrace.

Thinking of this, he beckoned Qi Yun, who stepped forward and smiled, "What's up, brother?"

"Is your father still at the Military Council?"

"He just left, but it's fine. My father has a few confidants at the Military Council. Whatever you need, I'll arrange it!"

"Here's the thing. Isn't Chen Qing leading two thousand troops to suppress the bandits? You should use your connections to influence those two thousand troops..."

...

The next morning, Chen Qing and his two companions had a simple breakfast and hired a cart to go to the southern palace. The students who had been sitting in protest the day before had already returned, and the court had promised the students that the martial arts students would be allowed to train outside the academy in three days and would not appear inside the academy again.

This response, though not fully meeting the students' demands, was the best the court could do. The students also proposed additional conditions such as improving the food, which the court agreed to. Thousands of students then returned to the campus.

The three arrived at the Military Council. This Military Council, of course, could not compare to the one in Tokyo Bianliang. It was just a large courtyard with several small rooms, and the conditions were quite harsh.

An official in the leftmost small room received them.

He held a file and took out several documents, smiling, "The travel permits were only approved yesterday. Who among you is Chen Qing?"

Chen Qing raised his hand, "I am!"

The official glanced at him and smiled, "The document says you are the commander of this bandit suppression mission, with Hu Yan Tong and Liu Qiong as your deputies. The court will provide you with two thousand soldiers, two months of provisions, and standard military equipment. Do you have any special requests?"

"I want to ask, what is the standard military equipment?"

"Standard equipment for the Xiang Army. Squad leaders and above can be equipped with chainmail. By the way, what is your rank in the army?" the official asked again.

"I am a Commander of the Regular Army!" Chen Qing handed him his military badge.

"That's good. No need to cause trouble. This time, you will still be a Commander, and Hu Yan Tong and Liu Qiong will be Deputy Commanders."

Hu Yan Tong and Liu Qiong exchanged glances, their eyes filled with unhidden excitement. Both were preparing for promotion in the army, but they never expected to be promoted to Deputy Commanders. Although they knew it was a temporary position, it still felt great.

Chen Qing thought for a moment and said, "I want some horses and weapons. Can you provide them?"

"Write down the list, and we'll try to meet your needs."

The list was already prepared: three hundred horses, a thousand crossbows, a thousand longbows, two hundred powerful crossbows, fifty ballistae, a thousand flags, and various other supplies such as fire weapons, oil, and siege ladders.

The official took the list, glanced at it, and immediately crossed out the horses, saying coolly, "There are enough flags, and we'll try to arrange the rest!"

Chen Qing's eyes twitched. As expected, there were no horses available in the south.

...

Next, they had to go through various procedures: the Military Council for the command authorization, the Ministry of Personnel for the temporary officer appointments, the Military Equipment Supervision for the weapons, and the Imperial Treasury for the provisions and supplies. They filled out forms and got stamps, and it wasn't until noon that they finished all the tedious procedures.

Stepping out of the Military Council, the midday sun was blinding, and Chen Qing felt a bit dizzy and lightheaded from hunger.

At this moment, Hu Yan Tong, looking tense, introduced a general, "Old Chen, this is our Commander Han. He wants to meet you."

It was the middle-aged general he had seen in the competition two days ago. Chen Qing thought he was Hu Yan Tong's elder, but it turned out to be the famous Han Shizhong.

Chen Qing quickly saluted, "I am Commander Chen Qing of the Eight-Character Army. I greet Commander Han."

Han Shizhong stroked his beard and smiled, "I have heard of your reputation, General Chen. Today, I see that you are indeed a remarkable person, and you have not disappointed me."

Chen Qing was puzzled. How did Han Shizhong know about him? He didn't want to ask too much.

Han Shizhong smiled again, "It's noon. Let me treat you to a drink and discuss your mission."

Han Shizhong found a tavern nearby called Tiger Mouth Tavern. Like in the future, Song Dynasty shops liked to use sensational names to attract attention.

The tavern was full of customers, and Han Shizhong had reserved a table. The waiter led them to a window seat on the second floor. Chen Qing looked around; the place was packed, with many officials gathered together.

"Be at ease, no need to be nervous. In the military camp, we have ranks, but outside, we are all civilians. Let's treat this as a gathering of seniors and juniors."

Han Shizhong then smiled at Liu Qiong, "Speaking of which, I was once a subordinate of your grandfather and a close friend of your father and uncle. You don't need to be so formal."

Liu Qiong nodded awkwardly. Soon, two waiters brought out a full table of food and drinks.

Han Shizhong filled Chen Qing's cup and smiled, "Does it feel sudden? You came here to study martial arts, but now you're going to war?"

Chen Qing nodded, "It is a bit sudden."

Han Shizhong smiled, "Actually, there was no bandit suppression mission. How could martial arts students lead troops into battle? At most, they would do training, garrisoning, and escorting. I specifically suggested adding the bandit suppression mission to the official. This mission is tailor-made for you, General Chen!"

Chen Qing was stunned. Han Shizhong raised his cup and smiled, "Come, come, let's drink to your departure."

Everyone drank, and Liu Qiong quickly refilled their cups. Chen Qing asked, puzzled, "Commander Han, how is this mission tailor-made for me? If I don't take it, won't it fall to someone else?"

Han Shizhong smiled faintly, "I have my reasons. This mission is very dangerous. No one else would dare to take it, including your two deputies. They wouldn't step forward to take on this responsibility, right?"

Chen Qing smiled bitterly, "I didn't know who Zhang Kui was or the danger of the mission. I was ignorant and fearless."

Han Shizhong looked at Chen Qing, "General Chen, you knew the danger of Jingzhao City but still led five hundred troops bravely. I knew you would take on this challenge."

Chen Qing felt like his cards had been seen through at a poker table. He didn't want to talk about Jingzhao and changed the subject, "Commander Han, can you give me any advice on how to suppress the bandits?"

Han Shizhong shook his head, "Although this mission was originally assigned to me, I know nothing about it and can't give you any advice. But I must warn you, Prefect He has already requested help from the court. You must set out as soon as possible!"

...

Chen Qing and his two companions returned to the academy to pack their things. As they arrived at the side gate of the academy, Chen Qing saw Zheng Ping and Zhao Xiaoyi, who were peering in but dared not enter.

"You two!"

Chen Qing called out, and they turned around, jumping with joy when they saw him.

Zheng Ping laughed, "I was worried about how to find the Commander. Xiaoyi is useless, more timid than a chicken."

Zheng Xiaoyi retorted, "You're no better. You didn't dare to enter either."

Seeing his old subordinates after a few days, Chen Qing felt a sense of familiarity. He introduced them to Hu Yan Tong and Liu Qiong, and everyone, being soldiers, didn't feel awkward. Zheng Ping smiled, "I'll treat you to dinner tonight. Let's have a good time."

Chen Qing smiled, "It seems you've really made it. You're so confident now. I'd love to cut you down, but the opportunity isn't right."

"What's wrong? Busy tonight? Tomorrow is fine!"

Chen Qing pondered for a moment, "Zheng, it's not that I don't want to give you face, but I have to lead troops to suppress the bandits and might set out tonight."

Zheng Ping's eyes widened, "Commander, you're not... going back?"

"Not! It's just a temporary mission."

"Then... can we come with you?" Zheng Ping subtly kicked Zhao Xiaoyi.

Zhao Xiaoyi also pleaded, "Commander, we've been in battles before. We have experience."

Chen Qing smiled, "Of course, I can take you, but Zheng, is your outfit convenient?"

Zheng Ping was wearing a fine moon-white silk robe, a double-winged hat, a jade pendant, and a folding fan, a typical rich young master.

"To hell with this fancy clothes!"

Zheng Ping tore off his hat and started to take off his robe, muttering, "Wearing this is so uncomfortable."

Chen Qing stopped him, "Don't take it off yet. Let's go inside first."

Everyone returned to the room, and Hu Yan Tong and Liu Qiong started packing. Chen Qing let Zheng Ping and Zhao Xiaoyi sit down, poured them some water, and asked, "Zheng, what's going on with your family?"

"Don't ask. Something strange happened. My father, a medicine merchant in Hejian, went to Liaodong to buy ginseng two years ago. He happened to encounter an auction of Han slaves, all captured from Bianliang. He saw a mother and daughter who were pitiful and shared the same surname. He couldn't bear to see them sold to a brothel, so he bought them and brought them back to Hejian. Do you know who they are?"

"Could they be from the imperial family?" Chen Qing joked.

"Exactly. They turned out to be the late Emperor's Empress Zheng and Princess Chengde, Zhao Shan'er."

"Ah!" Everyone in the room was stunned.

Zheng Ping continued, "My father, fearing someone would report him, recognized Empress Zheng as his elder sister. He then rented a ship and sent them to Lin'an by sea. The Emperor was overjoyed, granted my father the title of County Duke of Hejian, and gave him a mansion. My father then moved the whole family to Lin'an, opened a large tavern and a pharmacy, and now supplies medicine to the palace. My older brothers also became officials. It's very prestigious."

Chen Qing was amazed. This seemed different from history, but it didn't concern him. What's going on? Could Zheng Ping's father also be from the future?

"Since your family is doing well, and you're likely to become an official soon, why take the risk with me?"

"Risk?"

Zheng Ping's eyes widened, and his face flushed with anger, "I follow you to fight the Jin, not for adventure! My father was a wealthy man in Hejian and knew Wanyan Aguda, but I despise his connection with the Jin. I would rather abandon my wealth and join the Eight-Character Army to fight the Jin. I, Zheng Ping, am a man of honor. I will earn my own future, and even dying on the battlefield is my glory!"

Chen Qing laughed and shooed him away, "Alright, alright! No more talk. Go back and pack your things. Come find me in an hour."