Shaanxi, Governor's Yamen.
A eunuch stood at the entrance, swaying his head as if reciting poetry rather than an imperial decree. His voice rose and fell dramatically.
"Governor of Shaanxi, Sun Chuanting, you are to enter the capital immediately, assume the post of Minister of War, and take charge of bandit suppression affairs in Shandong…"
Sun Chuanting lowered his head.
"This minister accepts the decree."
The moment the eunuch finished reading, his solemn face flipped like a theatrical mask. In a blink, it became all smiles and flattery.
"Lord Minister, please take care of this humble servant in the future."
Sun Chuanting gave a soft grunt. No extra nonsense. He handed over a congratulatory silver ingot, clean and efficient, and dismissed the man.
Only after the eunuch's figure disappeared beyond the gate did Sun's expression harden.
He lowered his head and spoke quietly to the golden-thread Dao Xuan Tianzun embroidered over his chest.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun, His Majesty orders this official to enter the capital. What should I do? The administration of Shaanxi is manageable. Frankly speaking, the junior high graduates from Gao Family Village can handle it better than I can now. But I am still the principal of the Huangpu Military Academy. If I go to the capital, my students…"
The golden-thread Dao Xuan Tianzun grinned.
"Leave the academy for now. Let the other instructors manage it. What awaits you in the capital is far more important."
Sun Chuanting bowed his head further.
"After I enter the capital, what direction should I take? I ask Dao Xuan Tianzun to illuminate the path."
Dao Xuan Tianzun let out a light sigh.
"First matter. Chuang Wang."
Sun's eyes sharpened.
"He has reemerged. That much I expected. The moment he shouted, 'When Chuang Wang arrives, no grain tax is collected,' I already knew he had gained a new strategist. His name is Li Yan. A capable man. Chuang Wang regained popular support with his help."
Sun Chuanting paused.
"Then… since he has changed, perhaps we should reassess him? A prodigal who returns is worth more than gold?"
Dao Xuan Tianzun shook his head gently.
"True transformation comes from learning. A man studies, refines himself, elevates his spirit. Only then can he turn back for real. Chuang Wang is not a man who loves learning. His change now is merely a strong dose of medicine administered by Li Yan. It is not self-elevation. When the medicine wears off, he will relapse into his old ways."
Sun Chuanting's scalp tingled.
Dao Xuan Tianzun continued.
"Li Yan is talented. He is also a good man. But when Chuang Wang inevitably returns to his old nature, Li Yan will be killed. A pity. Handle it as you see fit."
Understanding dawned instantly.
Chuang Wang was beyond saving.
Li Yan was not.
"Second matter," Dao Xuan Tianzun said. "The capital is a crucial defensive line against the Jian slaves. They suffered heavily at Pi Island. They may not dare invade again soon. But once you enter the capital, our militia can slip in under the name of your household guards. You will become a key piece in advancing toward Liaodong."
Sun Chuanting nodded slowly.
"In the past, we were too far from the Jian slaves. Even if we wanted to strike, it was inconvenient. But once I am in the capital, we can move militia into the city, then pass the frontier to attack them. That will be much easier."
"Third matter."
Dao Xuan Tianzun smiled.
"It is time to educate the capital officials. Bring new thought, new concepts, new productive forces into Beijing. Wash their brains a little. Those who can keep up with the era, absorb them. Those who drag behind the era, topple them. Let them understand this. When the era discards you, it shows no mercy."
This time, Sun Chuanting fully understood.
"I understand."
"Next," Dao Xuan Tianzun said, "you must select some militia to accompany you. Choose carefully."
…
Choosing who would follow Sun Chuanting to the capital was no small headache.
The core Gao Family Village militia would not do. They had never mixed within the imperial bureaucracy. They were raised entirely under Gao Family Village rules. Send them to Beijing and they would stick out like chili peppers in a bowl of plain porridge. Trouble would follow within days.
As for those who had once served within the system, such as Old Southern Wind, Shi Jian, and White Cat, they now held official posts granted by the court. They could not disguise themselves as household guards.
In the end, Sun selected six hundred of Old Southern Wind's former subordinates.
These six hundred men had once been border troops. They had served in the imperial establishment and understood court regulations. At the same time, they were small officers and rank-and-file soldiers. The court would not remember their faces. Disguised as Sun family guards, they would pass unnoticed.
One day later, Puzhou City.
Sun Chuanting stood before six hundred veteran border soldiers.
Old Southern Wind stood beside him and sighed.
"Principal Sun, it's a pity I hold the post of Puzhou Garrison Commander. I cannot accompany you. My men will follow you instead."
He turned to his old subordinates and shouted,
"You all know what kind of man Principal Sun is. After entering the capital, protect him well. Understood?"
"Understood! We swear to protect the Principal to the death!"
Among the crowd, one voice was particularly loud.
Chen Qianhu.
The moment Sun Chuanting saw his face, he deliberately unfocused his eyes, turning Chen into a blur to avoid injury.
"Chen Qianhu. A celebrity like you is also coming to the capital?"
Chen Qianhu puffed his chest.
"I'm only famous in the Liberated Zone. In the capital, no one will recognize me. I will take Southern Wind Brother's place and manage the men for you. Back when Southern Wind Brother was released early from the Huanglong Mountain Reform Camp, I was the one leading them."
Sun nodded.
"I see. That works. But… do be careful. Try not to frighten the children of the capital."
Chen Qianhu froze.
The soldiers froze.
Chen's voice turned tragic.
"Frighten children? These days I'm the one bullied by children! Every time I walk the streets, I get blasted with bamboo water guns until I'm soaked head to toe."
The soldiers burst out laughing.
Chen roared, "What are you laughing at?"
These old comrades feared neither his rank nor his face.
"Hahahahaha!"
Old Southern Wind barked, "We're sending troops out. Be serious, damn it. No laughing."
Silence snapped into place instantly.
They did not fear Chen Qianhu.
They feared Old Southern Wind.
Thus, six hundred fierce border veterans disguised themselves as Sun family guards. Chen Qianhu took command. Gao Family Village's signature weapons were carefully concealed. And they followed Sun Chuanting toward the capital.
Meanwhile, the various units that had surrounded Dabie Mountain and annihilated the Eight Great Kings, after resting at home for a time, began to stir again.
"Vacation's over!"
"Gao Family Village First Regiment, return to formation!"
At the same time…
On the northern frontier line, the commander of the Gao Family Village Armored Cavalry Battalion, Zao Ying, gently set down her well-fed child, Zheng Xiaoniu.
Then she silently put on her uniform.
"The child's grown enough," she muttered.
"It's time for this old lady to return to the ranks."
Storm Number One had begun to gather over the capital.