After the Immortal Disappeared

Chapter 97: Chapter 98: Grand General Nian Has Rebelled

Da Yuan’s government was reformed a few years ago, but after many reversals, the official system is still somewhat chaotic. The General Manager’s Mansion, however, is the seat of the highest local official, who must firmly grasp both military and civil affairs. If the Governor of Jinzhou saw his old subordinate now, he’d be eaten up with envy and jealousy.

Hee Lingchuan never expected that after being stuck in obscurity for so long, his father would suddenly have such a meteoric rise.

The leap was too great.

Defeating the rebels to seize the Grand Square Pot and countering the Official Army’s plan—that was the first major accomplishment.

Executing Sunx Fuping was the second.

The position of National Preceptor had always been held by the person most loyal to the monarch and most skilled in Divine Techniques, someone who could even influence the nation’s destiny. Thus, Sunx Fuping’s betrayal was a heavy blow to the Yuan Kingdom, directly shaking the morale of the army and the faith of the people.

Not to mention, who knew how many earth-shattering secrets he held? The leak of even one or two could shake the world.

How many sordid secrets revolve around power and rule? The vivid imagination of the common folk alone could cook up dozens of grand dramas, enough for a different show every day.

With Sunx Fuping dead, a great weight was lifted from the Monarch’s mind. He could finally sleep a little more soundly at night.

Hee Chunhua had seen this clearly, which was why he had to fight for credit for these two great achievements.

”It’s still a long way from the top, but it’s a huge step forward!” Though his tone was light and breezy, the flush on his face betrayed his true excitement. ”Xiazhou isn’t rich, but its location is critical. It’s closer to the Capital City—much closer than Jinzhou or Qiansong County, at least.”

The closer one was to the heartland, the more valued one was. Back in Qiansong County, they had been stuck in a remote border region that boasted the triple threats of bitter cold, scorching heat, and barren lands. The truly powerful and prestigious wouldn’t go anywhere near it.

It was because of these poor local conditions that the Emperor exiled criminals there for hard labor—like Hee Chunhua, years ago.

Hee Lingchuan offered his congratulations again and again.

No matter how you looked at it, Xiazhou’s location had to be better than Jinzhou’s; otherwise, his old man wouldn’t be grinning from ear to ear. Besides, the General Manager’s Mansion held immense power locally; it wasn’t an exaggeration to say it could blot out the sky with one hand.

’This big tree I’m leaning on has grown thicker and stronger,’ he thought. ’That makes it more comfortable and pleasant for me. Very good, very good.’

”Also, Nian Zanli has rebelled.” Hee Chunhua’s smile faded slightly. ”He raised troops in Xunzhou in support of the Grand Commandant.”

Hee Lingchuan raised an eyebrow and looked at Hee Yue.

’See? Told you so.’

But Hee Yue said, ”No wonder the Royal Court urgently promoted you to Governor of Xiazhou. They want to rush you to the front lines.”

”The previous Governor of Xiazhou died in office from illness three months ago. The Royal Court was busy with the war, so the position remained vacant.” Hee Chunhua nodded. ”You’re right. The higher-ups believe I have merit in eliminating border bandits, repelling foreign enemies, and encouraging agriculture and trade. They want me to head north to resist the enemy and quell the disaster that is Nian Zanli.”

He rubbed his hands together in excitement. ”Finally, I can leave Black Water City and properly stretch my wings with full justification!”

It’s hard to achieve greatness in times of peace; only in chaotic times do heroes emerge.

He was full of ambition, but until now he had been confined to the remote border region of Qiansong County. Abandoning one’s post was a grave crime, but now, with a single transfer order from the Royal Court, he could finally pass through the gates under imperial command and realize his aspirations.

How many years had he waited for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this!

Hee Lingchuan asked, puzzled, ”If they’re sending you north to fight, Dad, you’ll need troops. You’ve just been appointed. Are the local soldiers in Xiazhou any good?”

He didn’t know their roots or their loyalties, whether they were incompetent or capable.

”The core of the force will naturally be drawn from Black Water City. I’ll build my own foundation first.”

”Uh, isn’t the Black Water City Army supposed to be guarding the border? If you transfer them away...”

”Our relations with the western kingdoms are currently relaxed, and the Sandstorm Season won’t be ending anytime soon. With the Panlong Desert as a natural barrier, there will be no border troubles for at least the next three or four months. The Royal Court has calculated this as well,” Hee Chunhua said with a smile. ”We will lead a contingent north first. The affairs of Black Water City will be temporarily handled by the County Governor. As for the City Army, he will also be responsible for recruiting new soldiers to fill the ranks. There’s no need for you or me to worry.”

He paused, looking at his two sons. ”The war is urgent. I need to select people to go north. You two can make some preparations. We leave in three days.”

Madam Ying smiled. ”We’re hosting a banquet for guests tomorrow night. Yue’Er, you can help write the invitations; they need to be sent out by tomorrow morning. Lingchuan, you can help deliver them.”

Both sons agreed. Hee Lingchuan had already finished two large bowls of lamb soup with thin noodles and polished off a plate of scallion and pork potstickers. He wiped his mouth and walked out of the side hall with Hee Yue.

Joyful laughter echoed from behind them. It had been a long time since Mr. and Mrs. Hee had been so happy.

Only after walking about forty feet did Hee Yue let out a long sigh. ”Just as we thought. As soon as the news that we killed Nian Songyu spread in the Capital City, Nian Zanli rebelled.”

Hee Lingchuan laughed. ”Don’t take all the blame. If Nian Zanli didn’t already intend to rebel, why would he have sent Nian Songyu to get the Grand Square Pot? Dad just... gave him a little push.”

”He has a blood feud with us for the death of his son. We’ll soon face him on the battlefield, and then he’ll be seeing red.”

Hee Lingchuan asked him, ”How much do you know about the war in the north?”

”After retreating to Wuzhou, the Grand Commandant won two consecutive victories, and his morale was high. It wasn’t until twelve days ago that he was thwarted by Wei Ao and lost a Grand General. As for the Xunzhou Governor, all I know is that he strongly supports the Grand Commandant. Sigh, we’re too far away. Our intelligence is already stale.”

Hee Lingchuan smiled. ”This time you can go north and see it for yourself.”

”It was bound to happen sooner or later. I’m ready.” Hee Yue looked at his older brother. ”What about you?”

”Me?” Hee Lingchuan said thoughtlessly. ”What do I have to prepare for?”

”Brother, you’ve practiced the Martial Dao for years. Don’t you want a position in the army?” Hee Yue said softly. ”You can only get promoted with military achievements. Look at the influential figures on Da Yuan’s stage right now—which one of them doesn’t have a glorious military record?”

’Become an official?’ Hee Lingchuan felt a moment of confusion. ’The original owner of this body was clueless about this and had no plans. But now the Hee Family is entering the heartland of Da Yuan, no longer content with their corner of the world. What path lies ahead for me, Hee Lingchuan?’

’It’s not like I can’t just keep being a rich heir... but...’

For some reason, he recalled last night’s dream—that battlefield where hot blood and fear coexisted, where hope and despair intertwined.

’If I also rush to the northern front, will I have to experience a battle like that? Except this time, it would be real.’

”You’re right,” he said after a moment of silence. ”I’ll think about it.”

The brothers parted ways, each to his own tasks.

Watching his brother’s retreating back, Hee Yue couldn’t help but feel that he was a little different now.

It was just a feeling, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

...

Taking advantage of the post-meal break, Hee Lingchuan had someone fetch a target and set it up in the training grounds. He also asked for a Strong Bow, a One-Handed Crossbow, and a number of arrows.

Soon, everything was ready.

He had previously treated martial arts as just a hobby, mostly ignoring ranged projectiles. However, his trip to the Panlong Desert made him realize it was best to shore up his shortcomings as soon as possible.

He picked up the large bow, aimed, and fired.

The body’s original owner had possessed extraordinary strength since childhood. After growing up and practicing the Martial Dao, he could draw a six-dan Strong Bow when empowered by True Qi. Of course, a three-dan bow was sufficient for practice; using True Qi would be too damaging to the target and was unnecessary.