Chapter Seventy-Eight: Promotion to General, Dramatic Changes in Qiongzhou

In the rear courtyard of the provincial command, when the assembled captains saw Han Chong return, their expressions were peculiar, tinged with both awe and a certain unease.

Captain Ning, noticing Han Chong, drew him aside and said, “Captain Han, you’re back.”

“What’s happened?” Han Chong observed that Ning’s face, too, was strangely conflicted—there was both joy and worry in his eyes.

“I heard from General Guo that the Chief Command has sent a transfer order: you’ve been promoted to General of the Vanguard.”

“Oh? And what of it?”

“It’s said that in Qiong Prefecture, a series of bizarre and dreadful cases have occurred over the past month, likely the work of a great demon. The entire local Demon-Slaying Command was annihilated in a single night—no survivors. Your new post is to take you to Qiong Prefecture; whether this is fortune or disaster, none can say.”

Han Chong’s lips twitched slightly as he glanced down at Little Ash, who looked up at him in return. Only yesterday had he been warned that something might be amiss in Qiong Prefecture; he had not expected that upheaval had already brewed there for a month or more.

“Captain Han, General Guo instructed that as soon as you returned, you should seek him out to receive the official insignia and armor.”

“Very well.” Han Chong’s heart grew heavy as he led Little Ash through several guarded passages to the study of the Bronze-Armored General.

“Ha! Captain Han, you’re finally back. Well? Did your journey yield any results?”

“Greetings, General. I was fortunate this time—I managed to eliminate the other three Wraith Commanders as well.”

“Excellent, Captain Han. You truly are a remarkable man; now I can rest at ease. Some days ago, I reported your accomplishments in solving major cases and slaying fierce demons to the Chief Command. Just yesterday, I received their reply: you are officially appointed as General of the Vanguard and transferred to Qiong Prefecture.”

“This should be a cause for celebration, but instead I am deeply troubled. Qiong Prefecture has just been shaken by several cases that have stunned the court, and the entire Demon-Slaying Command there was wiped out overnight. I truly fear for your life should you go—but then, considering your abilities, which surpass even the peak of my own career, perhaps this is fate’s design.”

“General Guo, I know nothing of Qiong Prefecture yet. Do you have any details about these cases?” Han Chong asked, his expression unchanging, hands clasped in a formal salute.

“Good, I was not mistaken about you, Han. You hear of such dire events and remain calm—a true leader indeed. As for the specifics, I myself know little. But one thing is certain: the case in Qiong Prefecture is extraordinary. That prefecture is unlike ours—it is the wealthiest in the empire, bar none. Situated in the southeast, it is famed as the Land of Brocade, the Region of Fish and Rice, and the hub of the imperial grain transport. It produces over seventy percent of the empire’s silk, more than forty percent of its rice, and guards the great Longqu Canal, the artery of salt, iron, silk, and grain.

“It is vast—three times the size of our Yun Prefecture. Its Demon-Slaying Command is equally large, with three Generals of the Vanguard and one Cavalry General stationed there. Yet now, during these times of rivalry among the Seven States, the Cavalry General has been recalled to the capital, leaving the region vulnerable to demonic chaos.”

“I see. Thank you, General Guo. I shall depart to assume my post without delay.”

“The reply stated that you may freely select officers from among the Zhaowu and Yihui captains here to accompany you to Qiong Prefecture; all chosen will be promoted one rank. Alas, who knows when we’ll meet again? Take care of yourself, Han—I hope we’ll see each other once more.”

General Guo handed Han Chong the official insignia and armor, sighing with emotion.

“We will meet again. Take care, Brother Guo.” Han Chong exhaled deeply, saluted, and took his leave.

In the front courtyard, Captain Ning, Leng Yue, and the others awaited anxiously.

“All hail General Han!”

The one most moved among them was Leng Yue; she could scarcely believe that the unsophisticated young constable from a few months ago had now become a composed, formidable General of the Vanguard.

“General Han, we are at your command. Wherever you lead, we will follow, even unto death!” The group’s eyes shone with emotion as Captain Ning spoke on their behalf.

This scene, witnessed by other captains from the eight county commands and the provincial command, left them astonished. Who would have thought that such a prodigy would arise from humble Peijun Command—a man who, once silent, now soared to the heavens. Not only was he himself brave beyond compare, but even his subordinates were willing to die for him. In contrast, they felt deeply ashamed, having failed to detect the demonic crimes, being driven from their posts, and accomplishing nothing upon retreating to the provincial command.

Han Chong nodded solemnly. He had not wished to lead these men to their deaths. Yet when lips are gone, teeth are cold; most Demon-Slaying captains were themselves victims of demon attacks—how cruel to deny them vengeance for their families and nation. That would be the greatest suffering of all.

Inspired by this spirit, nearly twenty other county captains broke away from their superiors, rushing forward.

“We are willing to follow General Han to distant Qiong Prefecture. We beg you to accept us!”

Han Chong’s gaze swept over the crowd—each man was a true iron-boned warrior, eager to risk everything.

“Very well! By imperial command, all Zhaowu and Yihui officers willing to serve in Qiong Prefecture will receive a promotion. You trust me, Han Chong; I trust you as well. Prepare your belongings—we depart at the hour of the dragon tomorrow.”

“Thank you, General Han! We pledge our lives to follow you.”

...

At dawn the next day, as the sun rose in the east, Han Chong rode at the head of the column, clad in a copper-armored helmet and vermilion robe, gleaming in the morning light, leading his men toward their destiny.

According to the map, Qiong Prefecture lay three thousand li northeast of Yun Prefecture. Han Chong’s retinue traveled in grand procession, bearing witness to ever-greater prosperity as they advanced. Even he, with all his experience, could not help but marvel at the wealth of the Grand Feng Empire—its vast lands were more than ten times that of his past life, and its population was staggering.

Qiong Prefecture was not only traversed by more than a dozen branches of the Silver River, but also by the Longqu Canal, and the empire’s other great waterway, the Daliang River, which fed a hundred lakes. No wonder it was called the Land of Fish and Rice.

At its far eastern edge, three jagged promontories jutted into the sea, with four deep sea channels each stretching hundreds of li—natural harbors, rich in marine resources.

After ten days’ hard riding, they reached the border counties of Qiong Prefecture. Owing to the abundance of lakes and rivers, the cavalry had to wind their way carefully, observing the lives of the common folk, which proved a pleasant diversion.

Every household in Qiong Prefecture cultivated mulberry trees; every home was built of green-tiled brick. Water buffalo, chickens, and ducks wandered the fields, and the roads crisscrossed the countryside—a glimpse of the whole through a narrow view. Han Chong and his men nodded in quiet approval.

As dusk fell, they arrived at a small village and found lodging at several farmhouses on the village’s edge.

In one of the larger homes, a family of five was eating supper. When they saw the officials arrive, especially Han Chong in his general’s armor, they rushed out in alarm to kneel at the gate.

“Honored officials, have mercy! We truly have no more silver to pay, and not a grain of rice or a bolt of silk left. We beg you to be merciful and grant us a few more days.”

The farmer wept as he pleaded, and his wife and daughters knelt and sobbed beside him.