Chapter 97: The General Rebelled

The Great Kite Kingdom underwent reforms a few years ago, with many reversals, and its official system is still somewhat chaotic. However, the Governor-General's Office is the highest local authority, responsible for both military and civil affairs, requiring a firm hand in both. The Prefect of Jinzhou would surely feel envy, jealousy, and even hatred if he saw his former subordinate now.

He Lingchuan had never imagined that his father, after such a long period of obscurity and unfulfilled potential, would suddenly rise so swiftly.

The leap was enormous.

Defeating the rebels, seizing the Great Square Vessel, and countering the imperial army’s plans—these were significant accomplishments.

The execution of Sun Fuping was the second major accomplishment.

The position of Grand Tutor has always been held by the most loyal and powerful individuals, capable even of influencing the nation's destiny. Therefore, Sun Fuping's betrayal was a severe blow to the Kite Kingdom, directly shaking the morale of both the military and the populace.

Not to mention, he held countless earth-shattering secrets; even revealing one or two could have shocked the world.

How much unspeakable intrigue surrounds power and governance? The common folk, with their vivid imaginations alone, could concoct dozens of dramatic tales, enough to be performed daily without repetition.

With Sun Fuping's death, the King was instantly relieved of a major burden and could sleep more peacefully at night.

He Chunhua clearly saw that these two major accomplishments were essential to secure.

"It's still a long way to the top, but this is a significant step!" Although he spoke casually, his flushed face betrayed his inner excitement. "Xia Province isn't rich, but its geographical location is crucial, and it's much closer to the capital—certainly closer than Jin Province or Qiansong Commandery."

The closer one was to the heartland, the more importance one received. Their original post in Qiansong Commandery was a remote frontier, characterized by bitter cold, scorching heat, and barrenness—true dignitaries avoided it.

It was precisely because of these harsh local conditions that the emperor exiled criminals here for hard labor, just as He Chunhua had been in his earlier days.

He Lingchuan offered congratulations repeatedly.

Regardless, Xia Province's location was certainly better than Jin Province's, otherwise his father wouldn't be smiling so broadly. Moreover, the Governor-General's Office held immense local power; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it wielded absolute authority.

The "big tree" supporting them had grown thicker and stronger, making it much more comfortable and convenient to rely on. This was excellent.

"Also, Nian Zanli has rebelled." He Chunhua's smile faded slightly. "He raised an army in Xun Province, in response to the Grand Marshal."

He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow and looked at He Yue.

See? Was I right?

He Yue, however, said, "No wonder the Royal Court urgently appointed you as Governor-General of Xia Province. They want to rush you to the front lines to fight."

"The previous Governor-General of Xia Province died in office three months ago, and the Royal Court was busy with the war, so the position remained vacant." He Chunhua nodded. "You're right. The authorities believe I have performed meritorious service by eliminating border bandits, repelling foreign invaders, and promoting agriculture and trade. They hope I will head north to resist the enemy and quell Nian Zanli's rebellion."

He rubbed his hands excitedly. "Finally, I can leave Blackwater City and legitimately make a name for myself!"

It is difficult to achieve greatness in times of peace, but heroes emerge in times of chaos.

He had always possessed grand ambitions but had been confined to the frontier of Qiansong Commandery. Deserting one's post was a serious crime, but now with the Royal Court's transfer order, he could finally enter the pass by imperial decree and realize his aspirations.

How many years had he waited for such an unparalleled opportunity!

He Lingchuan asked, surprised, "For Father to go north to resist the enemy, he'll need troops. You've just taken office; are the local troops in Xia Province reliable?"

They were unfamiliar with the local troops, unsure if they were capable or not.

"The core personnel will naturally be drawn from Blackwater City. I will establish my own team first."

"Uh, aren't the Blackwater City troops supposed to guard the border? If they're transferred..."

"Currently, our relations with the Western kingdoms are stable, and the Wild Sands Season won't end anytime soon. With the Coiling Dragon Desert serving as a natural barrier, there will be no border troubles for at least the next three or four months. This has all been factored in by the Royal Court," He Chunhua said with a smile. "We will lead the troops north first. The affairs of Blackwater City will be temporarily managed by the Deputy Prefect, and he will also be responsible for recruiting new soldiers to fill the gaps in the city's army. There's no need for us to worry."

He paused, looking at his two sons. "The war is urgent, and I need to select people to go north. You can start preparing; we'll depart in three days."

Madam Ying smiled. "Tomorrow evening, we're hosting guests. Yue'er, please help write the invitations; they need to be delivered by tomorrow morning. Lingchuan, you can help deliver them then."

Both sons assented. He Lingchuan had finished two large bowls of lamb noodle soup and a plate of scallion-pork potstickers. He wiped his mouth and walked out of the side hall with He Yue.

Laughter and joyful voices could be heard from behind them. The He couple hadn't been so lighthearted in a long time.

After walking about ten paces, He Yue finally let out a long sigh. "Sure enough, as soon as the news of us killing Nian Songyu spread in the capital, Nian Zanli rebelled."

He Lingchuan chuckled, "Don't take the blame for this. If Nian Zanli hadn't already intended to rebel, why would he have sent Nian Songyu to retrieve the Great Square Vessel? Father merely... gave him a push."

"He has a vendetta against us for his son's death, and we'll soon face each other on the battlefield. When that happens, he'll be particularly furious."

He Lingchuan asked him, "How much do you know about the war situation in the north?"

"The Grand Marshal achieved two consecutive victories after retreating to Wu Province, and morale was high, until he was thwarted by Wei Ao twelve days ago and lost a major general. As for the Prefect of Xun Province, we only know that he strongly supports the Grand Marshal. Alas, we are too far away; the information is already outdated."

He Lingchuan smiled. "This time, you'll get to see things for yourself in the north."

"That day was bound to come. I'm ready." He Yue looked at his elder brother. "What about you?"

"Me?" He Lingchuan replied nonchalantly, "What do I need to prepare for?"

"Brother, you've practiced martial arts for many years. Don't you want to seek a military position?" He Yue said softly, "Only with military achievements can you get promoted. Look at all the influential figures in the Great Kite Kingdom today; which one doesn't have illustrious military accomplishments?"

Become an official? He Lingchuan was momentarily lost in thought. The original owner of this body had been somewhat ignorant about such matters and had no plans. But with the He family moving into the heartland of the Great Kite Kingdom, no longer confined to a remote corner, what path lay ahead for He Lingchuan?

It wasn't impossible to continue living as a pampered young master, but...

He inexplicably recalled last night's dream: a battlefield where passion and fear coexisted, where hope and despair intertwined.

If he also went to the northern front, perhaps he would experience such battles? Only this time, it would be real.

"You're right," he said after a moment of silence. "I'll consider it."

The brothers said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

He Yue watched his brother's retreating back, feeling that he was somehow different.

It was just a feeling he couldn't quite articulate.

***

During his post-dinner rest, He Lingchuan asked for a target to be set up in the training ground, along with a strong bow, a one-handed crossbow, and several arrows.

Soon, everything was ready.

In the past, he had only pursued martial arts as a hobby, largely neglecting ranged projection. However, his journey through the Coiling Dragon Desert made him realize it was best to quickly make up for his weak skills.

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

The original body had been exceptionally strong since childhood and had practiced martial arts as it grew older. With the enhancement of True Qi, he could draw a six-stone strong bow. Of course, a three-stone bow was sufficient for practice, and using True Qi would damage the target too much, making it unnecessary.