I just reached the maximum level, and you want me to be a puppet emperor?

Chapter 607 This kid is definitely not simple! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Although Feng Shuo kept complaining, Li Chen quickly discovered that this fat man was extremely reliable. He introduced the various departments of the military camp, the key points of defense, and the personnel composition in a clear and meticulous manner.

He was clearly very popular; the officers and soldiers he encountered along the way greeted him with smiles, calling him "Fatty" and "Master Shuo," to which he responded with a laugh. He appeared lazy, but in reality, he handled interpersonal relationships smoothly and thoughtfully.

Feng Shuo's military rank is also Captain, which is one rank lower than the Commandant of the School, similar to Li Chen's current status.

This also shows that Feng Shuo's family background is quite good.

After listening to Feng Shuo's complaints, Li Chen smiled and said, "Isn't it good to come to the North? It's said that the Tian Ce Border Army has some friction with the Northern Da Luo Dynasty. Wouldn't it be easy for us to earn some military merits?"

Upon hearing the words "war" and "military merit," Feng Shuo's yearning for a peaceful life immediately leaped into his throat, and he shook his head vigorously.
"No, no, no! Brother Cheng, you mustn't have such thoughts! I know my own limitations very well. If I can just stay here and gain experience for three to five years, and then get transferred back to a prosperous place in the interior through family connections, I'll be lucky! War? People really die there! I'm not cut out for that, I'd rather stay away than fight!"

Li Chen gave him a meaningful look and smiled faintly: "I think your father sent you here because he saw through your 'potential'."

Feng Shuo was taken aback by these words. He scratched his head, not quite understanding what Li Chen meant. He just took it as a joke, chuckled twice, and brushed it off.

Li Chen followed Feng Shuo on a tour of the military camp and got to know several colleagues.

As they walked, Feng Shuo explained, "Brother Cheng, our duties as garrison commanders are simple in a way. We're mainly responsible for patrolling inside the pass, taking turns standing guard at the city gates, and checking suspicious individuals entering and leaving the pass."

But given the current situation, the north is not peaceful, and our Han Tie Pass is a crucial military stronghold, so this task is extremely important and cannot be taken lightly.

Li Chen nodded to indicate that he understood.

The two then arrived at the garrison of the Third Garrison Battalion.

Li Chen serves as the deputy captain here.

The captain was a man from a northern tribe named Batu. He was about thirty-five years old, with dark skin, a resolute face, and sharp eyes.

Feng Shuo was clearly familiar with Batu, greeting him from afar: "Brother Batu! I've brought you some help! This is Cheng Li, the younger brother Cheng transferred from the capital. He'll be your deputy from now on!"

At this moment, several soldiers were reporting to Batu inside the tent. Batu had a serious, even somewhat cold, expression as he handled the matter meticulously. He only nodded slightly to Feng Shuo and Li Chen, indicating that they should wait a moment, displaying a completely businesslike demeanor.

That cold attitude gave off an air of authority, making strangers feel unapproachable.

After the soldiers left with their orders, leaving only the three of them in the tent, Batu's stern expression instantly melted away, replaced by a warm, even somewhat slick, smile. He quickly stepped forward and affectionately patted Li Chen and Feng Shuo on the shoulders:

"Oh dear! We're all brothers! These two younger brothers are clearly outstanding individuals. We'll have to look out for each other in the camp! And when you two achieve great things in the future, don't forget to give your old brother Batu a hand!"

The speed at which he changed his expression made Li Chen secretly raise an eyebrow.

Captain Batu is clearly a shrewd and worldly-wise person.

He immediately offered to treat Li Chen and Feng Shuo to drinks at "Beifenglou," the best restaurant in the Guannei region, under the pretext of welcoming their new colleagues.

Li Chen thought this person was interesting; at least he knew how to assess the situation.

He understood that for a general like Batu, who came from a northern tribe and had risen to the rank of captain in the Tian Ce army, military merit alone was far from enough to advance further; he needed to cultivate connections. Li Chen and Feng Shuo, officers from the capital with connections, were precisely the people he needed to befriend.

If you maintain good relationships, you might actually be able to get help from them in the future.

To put it simply, Batu is just a captain, and I'm his deputy. I can't exactly give my deputy a hard time, can I?
If problems arise in the future and his deputy doesn't help, wouldn't that be awkward for him?

Therefore, cultivating a good relationship with someone of a slightly lower rank than yourself, such as your deputy, is a good option.

The banquet was held in a private room on the second floor of Beifeng Tower. The main hall downstairs was bustling with people, filled with merchants from all over the country, local wealthy and influential families, and some military officers on leave, which showed that business was booming there.

After a few rounds of drinks, Batu started to talk. He lowered his voice and told Li Chen and Feng Shuo, "My two younger brothers are new here. There are some things about the 'worldview' of Guannei that I need to tell you, so you don't accidentally fall into a trap."

Li Chen feigned confusion: "Oh? Besides defense, what other layout does Han Tie Guan have?"

Batu leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Our highest-ranking officer here, Colonel Zhou Meng, and the military supervisor Wang sent from above don't get along at all."

This subtly divided the military camp into several factions. Of the seven garrison battalions, the first and third battalions were considered Zhou Xiaowei's staunch supporters; the fifth, sixth, and seventh battalions were mostly Wang Jianjun's men, and those captains had very powerful backgrounds. If you encounter them, try to be polite and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Li Chen asked, "So, brother, which side are you on?"

Upon hearing this, Batu gave a bitter yet self-deprecating smile: "Me? I'm just a stray dog ​​on the roadside, I don't belong to any particular group, I'm just happy to have food to eat."

His seemingly pitiful words are actually a form of wisdom for self-preservation.

Choosing sides may offer temporary protection, but once your backer falls, you will inevitably be purged.

It's better to stay where we are now; although the rise is slow, at least it's safe.

Feng Shuo was a little tipsy and jokingly put his arm around Batu's shoulder: "Brother, don't underestimate yourself! From now on, you'll be our backer!"

Batu quickly raised his wine glass and waved his hands repeatedly: "My two younger brothers, don't make fun of your older brother! You two have strong backgrounds, so it's the right path for you to stay in Hantie Pass for a few years, get some experience, and then be transferred back to the capital in style! Don't get involved in these messy things, staying safe and sound is better than anything else!"

After a few rounds of drinks, Batu and Feng Shuo were both flushed, their tongues were slurred, and their eyes were starting to wander.

To their surprise, Li Chen, who had drunk just as much as they had, remained calm and clear-eyed, as if he had only drunk water.

"Brother Chengcheng, you have a huge capacity for alcohol!" Batu slurred, gave a thumbs up, and looked on with admiration.

Feng Shuo also slumped over the table, mumbling indistinctly, "I can't take it anymore, I really can't. Brother Cheng, you've been hiding your true strength all along."

They appeared drunk, but in reality, they were secretly sizing up Li Chen.

Ordinary playboys in the capital might have some capacity for alcohol, but none could match Li Chen's composure and unwavering aura.

This kid is definitely not simple!
That's their judgment!

(End of this chapter)