The First Sage of Military Strategists

Chapter 72 Master Han
yamen.

Qi Yan's arrival stirred up a storm in Baiyun County, putting everyone in the government office on edge. Walking through the area, one could clearly feel a chilling atmosphere.

Soap Factory Courtyard.

Ma Er and a large group of people were also discussing the major events that had recently occurred.

"The destruction of the Luo family is a foregone conclusion. I've heard that several stewards have revealed the inside story," one person said.

“This will inevitably implicate many people. Lord Cao has already been imprisoned, and many members of the constables have deep ties to the Luo family, so they will likely be implicated as well,” another person said.

"Fortunately, our soap-making team is quite clean, so we don't need to worry about this," Ma Er said with a smile.

"Besides the Luo family, I've heard that members of the Chai Gang, the Yu Gang, and other factions have also been arrested. General Qi Yan's actions are truly admirable. Baiyun County has really changed!" an old constable said with a smile.

Just then, a loud shout came from not far away.

"Ma Er, it's your turn to patrol today. Get to the jail right now!"

Yang Wu walked over from a distance; his voice drifted over before he arrived.

Ma Er shuddered and wailed, "Squad leader, why is it me again?"

“There have been many major events in Baiyun County recently, and the government is short-staffed. One person can do the work of two. You are the most relaxed here. If you don’t go, who will?” Yang Wu glared.

"Well, this is really bad. I have to patrol three times a week. My back is about to break," Ma Er said with a long face.

Just then, a boy's clear voice drifted in from the gate.

"Master, I'll go."

Everyone turned around and saw that the person who had come was Han Qing, and they all showed awe on their faces.

"Han Qing? Uh, no, Master Han, let me go. Your status and position are different now than before, it's not appropriate for you to go," Ma Er said with a smile.

Han Qing glanced around and could feel the awe the constables held for him, as if there was a barrier between them, and they were no longer as close as before.

Han Qing shook his head: "Brother Ma, just call me Han Qing. I am not such a snobbish person. As long as I am in the yamen, I am still Han Qing, the executioner. Call me what you used to call me now."

As he spoke, Han Qing stepped forward to Yang Wu and said respectfully, "Master, I'll go on the patrol. Brother Ma has been on the patrol several times and isn't feeling well. It would be good for him to rest."

A hint of admiration flashed in Yang Wu's eyes. He thought to himself that he hadn't misjudged him. Many people become indifferent and neglectful of those around them once they become successful, and they become arrogant and conceited. Such people lack vision, are cold-hearted and ungrateful. They may be strong, but they are not worthy of trust.

Even though Han Qing became a top-ranking bodyguard and gained a powerful backer, he remained respectful and humble towards those around him, which naturally earned him higher regard.

"Han Qing, you're about to leave Baiyun County and follow General Qi Yan to Hengshan City. I won't trouble you with these trivial matters at the yamen. You should focus on preparing for your departure. Time is short, and many people need a farewell," Yang Wu said in a deep voice.

Ma Er also came over and said with a smile, "Han Qing, let me go. I was just saying something casually, don't take it seriously."

After Ma Er finished speaking, he didn't care whether Han Qing agreed or not, and ran towards the prison cell alone.

The surrounding constables all stepped forward to congratulate Han Qing.

"Han Qing, from now on, you and we are not on the same level."

“Indeed, from the first day you stepped into the Zaoban compound, I felt that you were no ordinary person.”

"Haha, Han Qing, with your talent, once you go to Hengshan City and have General Qi's full support, your growth will surely be rapid. I have a feeling that when we meet again, you will become a famous figure in Shu!"

...

Surrounded by numerous compliments, Han Qing felt a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex emotion encompassing both admiration and awe). In less than nine months, he had gone from a servant whom everyone looked down upon to a great figure whom everyone respected. This was the impermanence of life.

However, he felt no arrogance whatsoever. With the Seven Killings Stele by his side, he was filled with anticipation for the future. "Being a dominant figure in Baiyun County is nothing. To be a dominant figure in Shu, or even in the whole world, that's what it means to be a truly illustrious person!" Han Qing thought to himself, his mind calm.

"Master, since there's nothing for me to do here, I'll head back now," Han Qing said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"it is good!"

Han Qing turned and left. As he walked along the road, the constables who encountered him, whether they knew him or not, would respectfully call him Brother Han, or even Master Han.

Han Qing returned to Master Fang's courtyard amidst a chorus of compliments, and many of the young men cast a look of awe, envy, and admiration upon him.

Grandpa Fang was lying in a chair, puffing on his cigarette. When he saw Han Qing coming over, he stood up and said, "Han Qing, you're leaving in seven days. I never expected that such a hero like you could be born in my little courtyard."

Han Qing respectfully said, "Master Fang, all of this is thanks to your initial appreciation. I will always remember this kindness."

"You're a loyal and grateful young man, that's a good thing. But you cured my headache, so you don't owe me anything anymore," said Master Fang, glancing around at me.

"The rest of you, train hard! Don't be discouraged just because you've been servants for three years. Look at Han Qing. As long as you study diligently and practice hard, and strive for self-improvement, one of you might just become the next Han Qing!"

Fang Ye's words made many teenagers clench their fists silently.

Others may not know, but they've all witnessed Han Qing's daily life. From a withdrawn, mute person to the respected Master Han, he possesses extraordinary talent and genuine hard work.
Master Fang shouted again, "Don't be discouraged just because you don't have the talent to be mute! So what if you don't have talent? Does that mean you shouldn't practice? You all need to practice hard! Study hard!"

"Yes!" the boys shouted in unison.

...

Return to the room.

Han Qing suddenly found himself with nothing to do. Due to his change in status, Yang Wu no longer assigned him any work. As for the various matters concerning leaving the city, they would have to wait for Qi Yan to return before making any arrangements.

"Since there's nothing to do, let's practice martial arts! Every bit of practice counts!" Han Qingxin thought to himself.

Although he had the Seven Killings Stele, he didn't want to become too lax. This was a kind of energy; if he got used to being lazy, once that energy dissipated, it would be difficult to rekindle it.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, visualizing the third image in his mind.

In just a few breaths, Han Qing got into the zone.

The black-armored warrior wielding a large hammer leaped into the air and landed in Han Qing's mind, wildly swinging the heavy hammer with murderous intent.

Han Qing then fell into an illusion, his mind filled with all sorts of thoughts, which soared upwards, transforming into various illusions, which then shattered one by one.

...

Da da da!
The sound of hooves was rapid as a tall, chestnut-colored horse galloped swiftly down the long street. Passersby, seeing it from afar, quickly made way for it, their eyes filled with fear.

"Step aside!"

The rider was Qi Yan, and her appearance at that moment was truly terrifying. Her body was covered in blood, and small pieces of flesh hung from the thick wolf-tooth club. A rope was tied to the tail of the chestnut horse, and heads were being pulled along the rope.

When Qi Yan rode by on horseback, he would often bring with him a whistling, foul wind.

Some of the bolder villagers took a closer look at the head bobbing on the horse's tail and suddenly discovered that one of the heads looked remarkably like the head of the Black Cloud Mountain chief depicted on the proclamation. They were immediately shaken.

Many pedestrians looked at each other in bewilderment as they watched Qi Yan's figure disappear into the distance at high speed.

"Could it be that Black Cloud Stronghold has been wiped out?"

(End of this chapter)