Chapter 72

In Zhengzhou, the temporary borrowed office of the inspector was permeated with a strange smell, a mixture of old and new blood, excrement, and other bodily fluids, fermenting and causing anyone who approached the building to avoid it at all costs.

"Again, a misfire..."

Jin Qiude, somewhat annoyed, shook off the blood and grime from his hands, and threw the unrecognizable object to the ground, leaving it for his subordinates to drag away. The dogs in the backyard barked again.

"Commander..."

A voice said,

"Should the Ear-Feeding Plan continue?"

"Of course..."

Jin Qiude glanced at his subordinates, who were holding their breath, and casually instructed,

"Even if it's an insignificant accident, it's still a gain..."

"These students can really run and hide. It seems there are quite a few people willing to shelter them..."

"Commander."

A subordinate hesitated.

"Continuing like this might cause a backlash from the locals..."

"Is that so?"

Jin Qiude suddenly reached out and smeared a clump of blood and grime on the man's face and shoulders. The poor guy didn't dare to move.

"We just need to do our job. The aftermath and negotiations are matters for the higher-ups to consider. Understand?"

Then he wiped his hand clean and removed it from the man, who was now drenched in sweat.

"Have you found out who is behind Li Beiyu and the wealthy merchant who sheltered him?"

"Just a few names..."

Another somewhat shy young man, who looked harmless among the rather fierce, gloomy, or intimidating subordinates, responded. However, those who had nails driven into their knuckles or had their eyes pierced with red-hot blades by him would not think so.

"A few names are enough. Bring them in directly..."

Jin Qiude said without hesitation.

"No matter how many circles they lead us in, as long as we can find the supporters behind these rebels, there will always be rewards in Luoyang..."

...

I slowly organized my thoughts and the intelligence in my mind, combining the fragments of "my" memory to maximize the use of this opportunity. At least the path back to the south was now open to me.

I heard a voice and, not holding on to the bucket's edge, sank down, swallowing a few mouthfuls of water. When I resurfaced, I saw a smiling face.

It was the girl with a rosy complexion and a fresh scent after bathing, who had come to find me. She still wore the male attire I had chosen for her and refused to stay too far from me, which caused the examiners quite a bit of trouble.

With her help, I put on new clothes and, after making a request to the unfamiliar maids outside, we passed through a maze of corridors and pavilions, variously styled windows and door frames, and at least three courtyards and a pond. The沿途所见颇有感叹，不愧是两浙荟萃的好地方，各种园林馆阁的精致奇巧，不过是管中窥豹而已。

Madam Chen's temporary residence was surrounded by a group of officials in purple and red robes. However, her three personal attendants smiled kindly at me and led me in.

"Is Mr. Lin resting well?"

Madam Chen, who had recovered her composure and propriety but still had a bandage on her forehead, greeted us from a soft couch.

"Please forgive me for not being able to perform the proper etiquette."

"Better than ever. I eat well, sleep well, and even have attendants to help me with my daily needs."

I smiled and said,

"Except for not being able to go out and wander around, this convalescence is really the best."

"I am truly sorry."

She showed a hint of regret and leaned forward slightly.

"Many things have happened these past few days. I have indeed neglected you all."

"It's fine."

I waved my hand.

"To be honest, I haven't slept this well in a long time. Seeing that Madam is well, I am truly relieved."

"Thank you for your kind words. It was you who provided the emergency treatment, and it just took more time to heal."

She bowed slightly and then smiled,

"To be honest, I am quite curious. You know military strategy, engineering, and can treat injuries."

She smoothed her non-existent fallen hair.

"What kind of background and environment could produce someone as versatile as Mr. Lin?"

"Even my husband, upon hearing of Mr. Lin's deeds..."

"Originally intended to come and personally thank you and form a close relationship with such a person."

"However, he is currently busy with important matters and cannot come, so I have taken the liberty to extend my hospitality on his behalf."

Although I knew this might be a formality, it still felt comfortable coming from her, a woman of high birth.

"Madam is too kind."

Then I half-jokingly mentioned one of the reasons for my visit,

"I just heard that Hangzhou is full of beautiful scenery, and my old habits have resurfaced."

Of course, the real reason is that I want to scout the area and explore the possibilities, not relying solely on others for my safety.

"That's not a problem. I have already made arrangements."

After the brief meeting, I visited my injured companions, who were not far from me.

Han Liangchen still looked worried, seemingly unable to shake off a sense of loss. Polishing his weapons was his main activity. Bo Fu, who was still unable to move much, was already teasing the maids who were changing his bandages and feeding him, showing his remarkable resilience.

In comparison, Cui Tuzi seemed to have regained his spirit and decided to serve me loyally, with the only condition being to find another woman to bear his children. Qian Shuining, due to severe exhaustion and multiple injuries, could only lie in bed, weakly expressing his gratitude. Yan Jiuer remained as taciturn as ever.

However, I could feel that my standing among them had risen to a level of respect and affection.

When I returned to my own courtyard, I saw someone waiting for me. They greeted me in unison, and the leader was a burly soldier with thick eyebrows and big eyes.

He wore a half-scale armor, a symbol of a low-ranking military officer, and a soft hat with crossed wings instead of a helmet.

"I am Feng Juanqi, a subordinate of the Southeastern Circuit's Fuzhou Prefecture, sent by the General Command to serve you."

I realized this must be the guard detail assigned to me.

"Our group consists of two squads, fifteen men in total."

He continued,

"Please give us your instructions, Mr. Lin."

"Mr. Lin?"

I was taken aback.

"Indeed, the Circuit has issued an official document appointing you as a Junior Military Advisor of the Eighth Rank, under the Rear Command of the Circuit."

He explained respectfully,

"All the necessary insignia and seals are with us, awaiting your acceptance."

I thought to myself, Madam Chen is indeed quick and efficient, giving me an official position so soon, perhaps with the intention of binding me to her.

The position of Military Advisor is quite versatile, ranging from a minor role in a county's military office to a significant role in a grand headquarters, such as a marshal, general, or governor. It can be used for nominal appointments to receive a salary, or for participating in important military decisions and even attending strategic meetings.

Furthermore, the Rear Command, according to the military reforms since the Tai Xing era, typically divides the army into five units: the Central, Front, Left, Right, and Rear. Each unit has different functions and responsibilities.

The most important is the Central Command, which serves as the command center and oversees various planning and support units, as well as the reserve forces. The Front Command is the most elite, responsible for breaking through enemy lines and leading the offensive. The Left and Right Commands are the main combat units, often composed of different types of troops. The Rear Command, on the other hand, is responsible for logistics, supply, and engineering, including the construction and maintenance of military facilities.

Thus, giving me a position in the Rear Command is a thoughtful move, allowing us to be well-supported and free from risk and pressure.

"Mr. Lin, with a few dozen wounded and weak men, you defeated hundreds of bandits."

He looked at me with admiration and longing.

"I wish I could have been there to witness your heroic deeds."

Well, just a few hundred, at least they didn't exaggerate too much. I wouldn't have enough arms to kill them all.

Given the situation, the local authorities and officials had to find a way to downplay the incident and shift the blame. They exaggerated the strength of the bandits to reduce their own responsibility for the lack of action.

The Southeastern Circuit also had to publicize the event, emphasizing the bravery of those who came to the rescue, to mitigate the negative impact of Madam Chen's attack. This is understandable.

This position of Military Advisor is likely just the beginning.

I then used this as an opportunity to chat with him, and he was quite forthcoming, providing me with a lot of useful information about the outside world.

For example, although Madam Chen was safely returned, someone still had to take the blame, even if it was just for show.

For instance, a certain Governor who was about to retire, along with his subordinates, including the Chief Secretary, Vice Governor, and various other officials, were implicated in various ways. This was just on the surface; the hidden costs and compromises to appease someone and prevent them from personally leading troops to suppress the rebels were unknown.

The power and influence behind Madam Chen were truly beyond my expectations.

This incident occurred at the border between Huzhou and Hangzhou, providing many reasons for the local authorities to shirk responsibility. The most significant reason was the sudden and large-scale raid by the Lake Tai pirates, which left the local governments of several states struggling to respond. The pirates managed to break through and plunder two county seats and several towns and villages.

If it weren't for Madam Chen's attack, the Lake Tai pirates' audacity would have been a major issue. However, now they can only temporarily set aside these pressing matters and mobilize all their resources to appear as if they are diligently investigating and pursuing the bandits, to protect their positions and wealth.

To be honest, the southern coastal states and counties of Jiangnan are heavily influenced by the Southern Dynasty, which has a significant advantage in economic penetration due to its control of numerous overseas territories and resources. Although the Southern Dynasty has not directly occupied these areas, it has spent over a century gradually turning them into economic colonies and stepping stones for further penetration into the mainland. Therefore, the officials in these positions must rely on the Southern Dynasty to maintain their power and stability.

These officials are skilled at making money and doing business, but they lack in other areas. In the past, there were even cases of "merchant governors" and "wealthy military commanders" who bought their positions, leading to various absurd situations.

In contrast, the mountainous and sparsely populated Min region, with its fierce local culture, has maintained a degree of independence in the north-south confrontation. Due to its poverty and the fragmented nature of local strongmen and clans, the Southern Dynasty has focused on controlling the coastal areas of Ting, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, and Fuzhou, while leaving the interior to be indirectly influenced and controlled through trade and economic means.

...

Madam Chen's influence is truly formidable, far beyond my expectations.