Patrol Captain

The autumn night was cold and damp with heavy dew.

At the summit of the ninth peak, the clanging of armor and the sound of footsteps, accompanied by the flickering torches, lingered around the Danzhonglang Palace, dispelling the chill and darkness of late autumn.

In the backyard, a brightly lit, closed room emitted the sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful conversation.

At that moment, footsteps came from the corridor outside the door. The soldiers on guard duty all lowered their heads, straightened their chests, and stood up straight.

When my footsteps stopped in front of that house, the sounds inside also ceased.

The visitor pushed open the door, and a warm, bright firelight burst out, along with the aroma of strong liquor.

Chen Yuan, dressed in a light blue casual robe, stepped inside and scanned the area.

Upon entering, there was a round table laden with food and drinks, and the people sitting around it were all familiar faces.

Miss Qin, Sect Leader An, Taoist Priest Li, and Family Head Yun.
Upon seeing this, the others stood up, their faces showing slightly awkward smiles, and offered Chen Yuan a helping hand.

"Brother Chen!"

General Chen

"."

Chen Yuan didn't put on airs, but returned the gesture with a gentle touch, his eyes warm as he spoke softly:

"I was on official business and am late. Please forgive me!"

He put down his hand, strolled to the head of the table, lifted his robe and sat down. Then he glanced around and saw that everyone was standing, especially Ji Wuming, Qingyangzi's disciple, who was ramrod straight with obvious strain on his face. He couldn't help but laugh and looked at him, saying:
"Young Master Ji, why are you so tense? Relax."

He said, "Please sit down, don't be so formal. There are no generals here today, just a casual gathering of old friends."

"Hey, look at General Chen's magnanimity. My son is still putting on airs with his father." The current head of the Yun family, Yun Chuxiong, chimed in at the right moment, sitting down and making a joke to lighten the mood and bring them closer together.

After all, his son Yun Tiansheng worked under Chen Yuan and was highly regarded. The Yun family were staunch supporters of Chen Yuan.

"Then I, Chen, will have to tell you about Tian Sheng when the time comes," Chen Yuan joked, a stark contrast to his behavior in the main hall just now.

Then, his smile faded, and he turned his gaze to Ji Wuming, who was sitting down, and asked in a soft voice, "Young Master Ji, how is your master's injury now?"

Upon hearing the question, Ji Wuming straightened his posture, his face showing a hint of melancholy. "My master has lost all his cultivation since the last incident and is now in a weak state, recuperating in the mountains."

As he spoke, he stood up, his face solemn, and bowed deeply to Chen Yuan, extending his hands forward in a clasping motion.
"Last time I was in a hurry and didn't have time to thank General Chen. Fortunately, the general saved my master from disaster."

"I am deeply grateful for your immense kindness and virtue."

"Hey."

Chen Yuan raised his hand, "There's no need to say more. Your master and all the people here today have a deep bond of camaraderie, having entrusted our lives to each other in our early years."

As he spoke, he looked around, a hint of emotion on his face.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan Kun suffered a calamity, and Fellow Daoist Qing Yangzi was also affected. It's a pity that I, with my skills, failed to notice it in time."

Upon hearing this, Qin Rushuang and the others' expressions shifted slightly, but they remained silent.

Ji Wuming straightened up, his expression solemn, his tone tinged with excitement.
"General, you have already done more than enough, carrying a heavy responsibility. My master is always grateful for your deep affection and loyalty. Upon hearing that you have regained power, he immediately sent me here to discuss with you seniors how we can share some of your burdens."

"If I am ever ordered to serve, I will not shirk my duty!"

These words sounded like empty politeness, but they were the genuine feelings of this Shu Mountain disciple. After all, he had followed his master, Qingyangzi, in the early days, fighting alongside the Ninth Mountain in their campaigns.

Chen Yuan nodded and gestured with his hand, "I appreciate the kind offer, but we'll discuss this later. Please have a seat."

Having said that, he reached for the wine pot on the table, poured himself a cup of wine, and then raised his cup to everyone present, saying:
"Mr. Gongsun has already informed me of the purpose of your visit. I, Chen, would like to offer you all a toast first!"

"Raise a glass!"

Qin Rushuang and the others raised their wine glasses and, following Chen Yuan's lead, drank them down in one gulp.

After finishing that glass of wine, the somewhat awkward atmosphere at the table gradually dissipated.

"Snapped"

Chen Yuan put down his wine glass and began to inquire about everyone's recent situation. After all, these old friends rarely had the opportunity to get together. Things had changed, and it was nice to reminisce about the past.

"Miss Qin, where is Miss Dugu from the Marquis of Jingyuan's residence?"

Qin Rushuang remained quiet and composed during the meal, simply listening to Chen Yuan speak. She was a far cry from her appearance on the battlefield back then; she had changed a lot.

“The situation is constantly changing. Sister Dugu was taken back to the capital by her father, the Marquis. He only has one daughter, Sister Dugu, and he dotes on her. He sent someone to invite her back,” Qin Rushuang replied softly.

"Does Grand Tutor Qin really feel comfortable leaving his granddaughter in what is now Shu?" Chen Yuan thought of the old man who threw his shoe at Fang La in the court back then, and couldn't help but laugh.

“My family did send a message urging me to return, but given the current situation in Jiannan Road, although we don’t need another woman, perhaps because of my previous experience in battle, I’m thinking about whether I can do something more.”

"After that, the master tacitly agreed and didn't urge Ru Shuang to go back anymore." As she said this, the young lady Qin's eyes were very bright.

Chen Yuan nodded upon hearing this.
"Women are just as capable as men, Miss Qin, I, Chen, would like to offer you a toast."

After the two toasted each other, they began to talk more openly.

"General Chen, ever since we heard the news that you have taken back control of the governor's office, a few of us have gathered together, all eager to get started. I would like to do my part to help you."

"Now that you've returned to the mountain, may I ask what your plans are?" Yun Chuxiong, the head of the Yun family, asked.

Chen Yuan didn't hide anything. Facing the gazes of his friends, he said, "I won't hide it either. I was just discussing this very topic with the generals of the Governor's Office."

"This time, we are prepared to take the initiative and attack the aliens. We are currently making preparations."

"OK!"

Yun Chuxiong was somewhat excited and thumped his palms.

"Is there anything the Yun family can do to help? The Yun family will do its utmost to provide manpower and resources. At the same time, I will also call on all the major families in Jin Guan City to contribute manpower, resources, money and food. As long as you give the word, I will do it immediately."

Because of the backing of the Ninth Mountain and the strong bond between the father and son, the Yun family's development in Jin Guan City over the past few years has been phenomenal, earning them considerable respect from local families. Of course, they don't even need to ask; if Chen Yuan simply gives the word, given his prestige, they'll all rush to offer gifts. After all, the local families who were initially disobedient had witnessed the ruthless methods of this Ninth Mountain general.

Although his last sentence was superfluous, it was meant to express his sincere feelings.

"The Su Nu Sword Sect will also provide full assistance at that time."

"I will also invite many friends to come and help me."

"."

Chen Yuan felt a warmth in his heart as he listened to each person's statement.

So much time has passed, yet these people haven't changed.

Perhaps these people's current cultivation level is not high enough to change anything, but rivers, lakes and seas are all streams that converge and sand accumulates into piles.

He didn't refuse, "Then I thank you all very much!"

He then raised his glass, saying, "I toast to everyone!" "Cheers!"

As night fell and the evening deepened, the banquet ended, and in a quiet room in the backyard, a bronze lamp flickered.

Chen Yuan sat cross-legged inside, his eyes closed, and the room was utterly quiet.

Before long, light footsteps were heard outside, followed by the silhouettes of two figures projected onto the oil paper pasted on the door.

Inside the room, Chen Yuan slowly opened his eyes, golden light flickering within them before fading away.

"General, Lei Shan requests an audience!" came Gongsun Yang's soft voice from outside the door.

"Let him in." Chen Yuan's expression remained unchanged, his voice as calm as still water.

As soon as he finished speaking, the door to the quiet room slowly opened, and the dew outside surged in, but it was blocked by an invisible force and could not enter.

A burly figure emerged from the mist, with a face like that of a thunder god and lightning wings on his back, which were then concealed.

The door slammed shut, and Lei Shan stepped out of the darkness outside into the circle of candlelight, stood still, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed slightly.

"General Chen!"

"You've come to see me? Did Helian Shan send a message?" Chen Yuan raised his eyelids and said calmly.

Lei Shan's eyelids twitched slightly; his prediction was spot on.

"Yes, in accordance with the instructions given by General Chen this afternoon, after the meeting, I sent a message to Lord Helian, and the Grand Preceptor also sent a message over."

He kept his head down, his voice low.

"explain!"

Lei Shan's brow furrowed as he lowered his head. He felt Chen Yuan's piercing gaze and hesitated, finally speaking in a strained voice:

"The Imperial Advisor said that late last night, the court sent a secret envoy with an imperial edict, and His Majesty urgently summoned him back to the capital!"

The sound, though intermittent, was melodious and resonant, shattering the tranquility of the quiet room.

Upon hearing this, a slight ripple finally appeared on Chen Yuan's usually impassive face. That ripple spread across his face, transforming into a mocking smile at the corners of his mouth.
"Send a secret envoy? Urgently summon Helian Shan back to the capital?"

"Ah!"

He stood up. "The Emperor Wu sitting on the dragon throne in the capital has never disappointed me."

"This is an attempt to undermine the situation, as if they're afraid that things won't get chaotic in Sichuan."

His face turned cold, and the temperature in the air dropped.

Lei Shan, with his head bowed, felt a chill run down his spine and dared not utter a sound.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Chen Yuan walking towards him, pacing around him. The immense pressure caused fine beads of sweat to appear on his forehead.

"However, I find it strange that Helian Shan would have you tell me such a private matter."

"Aren't you afraid I'll overturn this tyrant's table?"

"Isn't he afraid of arousing suspicion from the court and himself?"

Chen Yuan's voice rang in Lei Shan's ears like an explosion. Such treasonous words filled him with fear, making him feel as if he had thorns in his back.

"My lord said that this matter cannot be kept secret. Rather than letting General Chen hear rumors and overthink, causing internal strife and suspicion, it is better to tell him the truth so that we can be at peace with ourselves. He also told the general to rest assured that he will keep Ding'an Prefecture in check," Lei Shan said in a low voice.

These words made Chen Yuan stop in his tracks, and his expression became serious.

He underestimated this Grand Preceptor of the Great Qian Dynasty, a veteran of three reigns!
This guy has quite a broad mind.

"It seems that the old Grand Preceptor has refused His Majesty's urgent summons."

"Yes, this morning, after Lord Helian arranged for the other party to rest, he sent someone to escort this imperial envoy out of Anding Prefecture," Lei Shan replied in a muffled voice.

Chen Yuan sighed, "My mind is not as broad as yours."

"In that case, our Emperor will likely become suspicious, and there will certainly be much criticism in the court."

Lei Shan then raised his head, daring to look Chen Yuan in the eye for the first time since entering, his face filled with sorrow. "I am also worried that no one can understand Lord Helian's good intentions."

"My lord has great ambitions, and I understand his painstaking efforts."

Chen Yuan strode over, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a deep voice, "I understand, and the people of Shu will understand in the future."

After saying that, he turned his back and said as he walked away, "Moreover, this matter was originally intended to be covered up so as not to put Grand Preceptor Helian in a difficult position."

Upon hearing this, Lei Shan hurriedly asked for guidance, "Please enlighten me, General Chen!"

Chen Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes darting around. "This time, Helian Shan refused Emperor Wu's urgent summons. The court will definitely not let this go unpunished. There will surely be other reasons to summon him back."

"If you don't mind, you can send my men to intercept the people sent by the court before they meet Grand Preceptor Helian. Afterwards, you can pin the blame on me. My reputation in the court is bad anyway, so it doesn't matter. You can pin accusations of treason and usurpation on me. One more or one less won't make a difference." He chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned.

"Of course, this requires the cooperation of Grand Preceptor Helian."

Lei Shan was somewhat taken aback when he heard Chen Yuan's plan. "This..."

He then lowered his head, took a grip on the armrest, and said seriously:
"I will explain to Lord Helian. Thank you, General Chen, for your consideration."

He came out with Grand Preceptor Helian, and this matter was not just about Grand Preceptor Helian alone; it also involved their lives and fortunes.

"It's alright. As long as people don't betray me, I will never betray them. You may leave now," Chen Yuan said calmly.

"Yes!"

"I take my leave!" Lei Shan bowed and took a few steps back, stepping out of the candlelight's glow. He then turned around, and the door opened by itself without any wind. He walked out and left the place.

After he left, Gongsun Yang, who had been waiting outside, quickly walked in, bowed to Chen Yuan's retreating figure, and whispered...

"General, does this member of the Lei clan have something important to discuss?"

"Yes, in Ding'an Prefecture, that Emperor Wu directly sent a secret envoy there to issue an edict summoning Helian Shan back to the capital!"

"What? What is the emperor thinking? Isn't this a fatal blow?" Gongsun Yang's face darkened. "What will the Grand Preceptor do?"

"Hmph, I also want to know what this dog emperor is thinking." Chen Yuan snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "I have already lost patience with them."

However, he changed the subject, his tone softening somewhat.
Helian Shan did not agree.

"This imperial advisor has already defied the imperial decree twice; he is a clear-headed person."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yang pondered for a moment, then affirmed, "General's foresight is correct. I will expedite the process and complete the task assigned by the General as soon as possible, gathering all the resources of Jiannan Road and placing them entirely in the General's hands."

"Go ahead and do it!" Chen Yuan's voice was filled with immense authority.

"Yes, sir!" (End of Chapter)