Late Ming Dynasty: From the Defeated Soldiers at Daling River to Ascending the Throne

Chen Feng and his group were settled by Zhang Lan in a courtyard inside the city gate.

The courtyard is not large, with two sections, front and back, made of blue bricks and gray tiles, and kept clean and tidy.

The east wing was piled with firewood and charcoal, the west wing had a stove, and the main house had three rooms, enough to house more than a dozen of them.

Zhang Lan patted Chen Feng on the shoulder, "You've been traveling a long way, get some rest today, we can talk about it tomorrow."

Chen Feng had many questions he wanted to ask about the original owner's background, the handling of military merits, and the next steps.

But before he could open his mouth, Zhang Lan had already walked out of the courtyard gate.

As evening fell, Zhang Lan sent someone to deliver a pot of steaming hot mutton and several jars of fine wine.

Hao Dadao's eyes lit up. "Wow, Mr. Zhang is really kind!"

He busied himself arranging the benches and setting out the bowls and chopsticks, then called out to the five night scouts, "Come, come, sit down! Tonight is a farewell dinner for you!"

The five night scouts exchanged glances, and the man with a scar on his face spoke up: "Brother Hao, how could we possibly accept this..."

"What's there to be embarrassed about?" Hao Dadao slapped open the seal on the wine jar, releasing the aroma of wine. "We fought the Tartars together, that makes us brothers. Shouldn't we have a drink before a brother leaves?"

Chen Feng was taken aback. "A farewell dinner?"

Zhao Sheng walked up to Chen Feng and told him about his plan to return to Jinzhou with the scouts.

The Ming Dynasty imposed severe penalties on deserters. While generals might not care about ordinary soldiers like Meng Changgeng leaving the ranks, as it would make it easier for them to collect salaries without actually serving, night scouts were the officers' prized possessions. If a night scout dared not return, military law was no joke.

Zhao Sheng placed the wine bowl in front of Chen Feng. "Boss, don't worry, I'll be back after I report back! I have a few close brothers under my command; I'll find a way to bring them along!"

Chen Feng took the bowl of wine and drank it all in one gulp. "When are you leaving?"

Zhao Sheng wiped the wine from the corner of his mouth. "We'll leave tomorrow morning. The earlier we go, the earlier we meet."

Chen Feng nodded, still harboring doubts about his identity.

If the original owner was indeed Song Wei's personal guard, even if he was completely bound to Song Wei's ship, it would be difficult for him to get away.

Moreover, if one is a servant, the credit that falls on oneself will be much less.

It's good that Wu Xiang found out about my situation sooner; it gives him more options and more possibilities.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Hao Dadao pulled Zhao Sheng and a few night thugs into a drinking game. The loser had to be forced to drink, and the winner also had to be forced to drink.

Sun Ergou and Aji huddled together gnawing on lamb bones, their mouths glistening with oil.

Old Pu leaned against the wall, slowly drinking from his bowl, his eyes half-closed, it was hard to tell whether he was drunk or sleepy.

Chen Feng withdrew from the crowd and sat down in the courtyard.

The moon rises, like a sickle hanging in the sky.

Chen Feng looked at the moon in the sky, his mind in turmoil.

He can't afford to offend any of the various forces, including the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the eunuchs, and Zhang Lan.

He only knows that Dalinghe was defeated, but he has no idea about the details of the defeat.

There's still too little intelligence; we can't find a way to break the deadlock.

Meng Changgeng walked over with a bowl in his hand, squatted down next to him, and also looked up at the moon.

After watching for a while, he suddenly said, "Boss, is something on your mind?"

Chen Feng did not answer.

Meng Changgeng took a sip of wine and smacked his lips: "We're back in Shanhaiguan, what's there to worry about? Just wait for our military merits and promotions!"

Chen Feng still didn't respond.

Meng Changgeng continued, "Boss, that's not fair."

Chen Feng turned to look at him.

Meng Changgeng placed the bowl on his lap. "You claimed to be a fake commander, scaring us the whole way. And what happened? You have such powerful connections, and it turns out we were the only ones being fooled the whole time. Is that really meaningful?"

Chen Feng stared at Meng Changgeng's face, which showed no suspicion, only the relaxation and complaints that came with drinking.

Ever since he left the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) Hundred-Household Office, he has had one question on his mind—who am I?

The stack of files flashed through his mind. If the files were fake, how could Li Ruolian, as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, not be able to tell?

However, the possibility that the forgery technique is highly sophisticated cannot be ruled out.

But Zhang Lan's performance was so natural that there was no flaw to be found.

Is there really such a coincidence in the world? How can a name, military rank, and unit that one made up on the spot match up perfectly?

Chen Feng was skeptical; too many coincidences must be suspicious.

But he didn't want to spoil Meng Changgeng's fun. He clinked wine bowls with Meng Changgeng and drank the wine in his bowl in one gulp.

He couldn't share his doubts with others because his identity as a time traveler was unclear. He could only wait until the situation became clearer before discussing a solution.

The next day, Zhang Lan arrived early at daybreak.

He was still wearing that blue robe, still had that warm smile. As soon as he entered, he asked Chen Feng how he had rested, whether the food was to his liking, and whether he was cold at night and if he needed an extra blanket.

Chen Feng answered them one by one. Seeing that Zhang Lan did not mention military merits, Chen Feng took the initiative to ask about them.

Zhang Lan simply said that there was no need to rush for military merits, as they had already been reported to the Ministry of War, and officials from above would come down to verify them in a few days.

Chen Feng nodded, then thought for a moment and said, "Uncle Zhang... there's something I'd like to ask you for help with."

"explain."

"Those scouts are men under General Wu of Jinzhou; they want to go back and report."

Zhang Lan waved his hand and said, "Of course, no problem. I'll have someone arrange it right away, and I'll also have someone get a few more fine horses for them."

Chen Feng clasped his hands in thanks, "Thank you, Uncle Zhang."

Zhang Lan waved her hand, "We're family, let's not talk about these things. I've been busy with official duties these past few days, so I won't be able to spend much more time with you."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "If you want to see them off at the city gate, feel free to go. You can also wander around the city, just don't leave the main gate or the eastern and western Luo cities."

Chen Feng was taken aback. "Can we go out?"

Zhang Lan laughed: "What are you talking about? This is your home, you think we'd lock you up here?"

He took out a silver ingot from his sleeve, placed it in Chen Feng's hand, and pointed to the two guards he had brought, "They're with you. Tell them what to do if you need anything."

After saying that, he stepped out the door and left.

At 3:45 AM, Chen Feng escorted Zhao Sheng and his party to the gate of Dongluo City.

Six fine horses, fully equipped with saddles and tack, with food and water bags hanging on the saddles.

Zhao Sheng mounted his horse, pulled on the reins, and looked at Chen Feng. "Boss, I'll be back."

Chen Feng nodded. "I know."

Zhao Sheng glanced at him again, said nothing more, spurred his horse on, and galloped eastward.

Five horses galloped out of the city gate, their hooves fading into the distance. Chen Feng stood at the city gate, watching their figures disappear at the end of the official road.

He stood at the city gate for a long time, the morning light shining on his face, somewhat dazzling.

Over the next two days, Chen Feng strolled around the city.

The fighting is still raging in Ningyuan, and merchants are constantly crossing the border to transport grain and fodder.

Chen Feng overheard their casual conversation at a tea stall and tavern. Some said Zu Dashou had broken through the encirclement, while others said Zhang Jianjun had died in battle…

There are all sorts of rumors, some true and some false, it's hard to tell.

There was only one thing he was certain of: he had indeed changed history, and he had a premonition that this change would have a profound impact.

The two guards who were following him were Song Wei's servants. Chen Feng chatted with them without any restraint and told them everything.

Everything was so natural, so natural that there was nothing wrong with it.

Whenever Chen Feng went out, he could feel someone secretly watching him. He guessed it might be Li Ruolian or that eunuch Gao's people.

But neither side made contact with him, as if they were waiting for something.

A few days later, Chen Feng sat in the courtyard, basking in the sun.

The courtyard gate was kicked open, and the servants guarding the gate flew in from outside.

Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat; they had finally arrived.