Patrol Captain

Inside the main hall, whispers arose, and the officials and staff of the governor's office were abuzz with discussion.

The officials cast strange glances at Fang La, the Imperial Censor, who was sitting in the main seat!
With a censor sitting in this position, who wouldn't have some reservations?

"Why is Lord Fang sitting in this position? Where is Lord Helian?" A commander of the Dragon Guard, dressed in gleaming silver armor, walked to the front of the hall, his gaze piercing, his tone carrying a hint of questioning.

Their Dragon Guard was transferred from Guanzhong to aid Shu and was responsible for the southern defense line. Now, the rebel army from Guanzhong has broken in, and the demons of the Ten Thousand Mountains have reappeared, forcing them to stay. The entire army is very angry.

Currently, the Dragon Guard General is stationed at Chuanzhong Pass on the orders of the Grand Preceptor Helian, keeping a close eye on the movements of the White Bone City and the demons of the Ten Thousand Mountains. Now, news of changes has come from the front, and the General is constantly urging him to meet with the Grand Preceptor and request his personal advice. However, the Grand Preceptor has refused to see him for the past two days. He only just received the news and rushed over, thinking he would be able to see the Grand Preceptor. Instead, he found a censor sitting in the commander's seat, which naturally angered him.

With this person taking the lead, everyone's gaze fell on Fang La, who was seated on the main seat.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Fang La sharpened his eyes and adopted an authoritative demeanor.

"Grand Preceptor Helian is currently planning important matters and is unable to leave his post. I have been granted the authority by imperial decree and will temporarily assume the responsibility of overseeing the Pacification Commission."

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and a large black seal appeared in his hand. Then, he leaned slightly forward, opened his eyes, and surveyed the crowd.

"Does anyone have any objections?"

The somber tone, coupled with the imperial edict and the imperial seal in his hand, slightly quieted the noisy atmosphere in the hall, and everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

But the commander of the Dragon Guard, Jin Shi, didn't take it seriously at all. He was full of hostility, flicked his cloak, and his face was full of anger.

"I don't care, I want to see Grand Preceptor Helian. The rebel king has entered the pass, and the demons in the south are playing tricks. We need to devise a countermeasure. My Dragon Guard Army is now stuck between advancing and retreating. At this time, Lord Fang is telling me that we need to change commanders on the spot. This is a battlefield, not a game."

He showed no respect whatsoever, which made the military officers behind him restless, their faces showing complaints, and they echoed him from behind.

"Yes."

“People are dying everywhere, and we are short of manpower. How can the soldiers feel at ease if Grand Preceptor Helian doesn’t step in?”

"."

The hall immediately became noisy again, filled with complaints.

Seeing the strong reaction from so many people, the officials from the capital who had already taken their seats with Fang La changed their expressions and became restless in their chairs.

They had only thought about the benefits of having power in their hands, but they hadn't considered the dire situation they were in, and the intense reactions from everyone, who showed no mercy whatsoever.

It seems that Fang La's position is not easy to hold; even those who follow him are sitting on pins and needles!
On the main seat, Fang La's eyes narrowed, and he glared at the troublemaker, Commander Jin, with a sinister look. He slammed his hand on the armrest and said in a cold voice:
"Xu Jinshi, what are you trying to do? This is His Majesty's decree. Do you intend to disobey it?"

"Besides, I am not incapable of solving any problems, so why are you shouting?"

Commander Jin was not afraid at all. He glared at him and retorted, "Don't try to intimidate me with the charge of disobeying the imperial order. My brothers and I are already feeling incredibly frustrated. Do you, a civil official, even know what fighting is?"

This is utterly devastating!
To put it bluntly, they're just not convinced!

Fang La, a mere censor, sitting in the commander-in-chief's seat, trying to command a group of military generals? That's a joke. As mentioned before, his Dragon Guard Army is currently in dire straits, and everyone is angry. The current situation in Shu is so bad that even the Grand Preceptor Helian is exhausted. Who does Fang La think he is?
He couldn't control the situation at all!
Xu Jinshi didn't bother to be polite with him.

These words were tantamount to publicly slapping Fang La in the face, and even the civil officials from the capital present looked displeased.

Fang La's expression darkened instantly after being openly insulted. His cheeks rolled as he tried his best to suppress his anger, and a sinister glint appeared in his eyes. However, he did not lash out at anyone. Instead, he stared intently at Jin Shi, the commander of the Fulong Army, and the surrounding air seemed to grow colder.

"As I said, this is the will of His Majesty and the Imperial Advisor. Xu Jinshi, you have repeatedly provoked me with your words. Are you dissatisfied with His Majesty? Even though I am a civil official, I am loyal to the emperor and serve the country. It is not your place to interfere!"

"Commander Wu!"

"Take this man away and lock him up in the prison to sober up."

He knew he needed to establish his authority, otherwise he wouldn't be able to control those in the main hall who didn't submit to him.

At this moment, the commander of the Skywalking Army, clad in golden armor, moved swiftly to the front, but instead of making a move, he simply reached up to support the armrest.

"Lord Fang, please do not be angry. Xu Jinshi is only worried about military matters. There is no need for him to be so angry. Moreover, as the inspector of the rear camp on the southern front, Jinshi cannot be absent from his post."

As a fellow military officer, he knew he couldn't act rashly at this moment, so he spoke up for the other side.

But then Xu Jinshi, with his stubborn temper, started pointing at Fang La and cursing.

"When the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king. Fang La, you don't need to tell me, I won't submit to you. Let whoever wants to hold this meeting come, I'm not going to serve you."

As he spoke, he took off his helmet and headgear, then turned and walked away.

Upon seeing this, the other officials also turned around and followed.

This commotion instantly tensed the atmosphere in the entire hall. Fang La, who was sitting at the head of the table, turned ashen-faced and his eyes turned sinister. Then, with a bang, the air exploded, and his body shot out like a cannonball, striking the back of the commander Jin Shi.

A gasp arose from inside the hall. Xu Jinshi, noticing this, turned abruptly, his face contorted with rage. He began to curse, and with lightning speed, he raised his fist to meet the attack.

"Fang La, you despicable little devil!"

Before he could finish speaking, a punch and a palm strike collided, producing a muffled sonic boom, and the violent energy between Musashi's body reverberated.

The next moment, with a loud bang, Xu Jinshi's face turned red, and then his body was blasted away, crashing directly into the painted pillar by the gate.

"woo"

The man coughed up blood, his hair was disheveled and covered in a layer of paint ash.

"General!"

Several generals cried out in alarm and rushed over to help them up, but several strands of true energy flew out and wrapped around them with lightning speed, making it impossible for them to break free.

It was several officials from the capital who intervened in the main hall. As a community of shared interests, helping Fang La was helping themselves.

Fang La landed where his opponent had just stood, withdrew his palm, put his hands behind his back, and his eyes were gloomy.

"Xu Jinshi disregarded the imperial edict and disrupted the morale of the army. His crime is unforgivable. He shall be immediately imprisoned in the imperial prison."

After speaking, he turned to look at the Skywalker Army commander standing to the side, leaning on his arm, his gaze indifferent.
"Commander Wu, do you have anything else to say?"

The other party's expression changed. He was not afraid of Fang La, but the other party was carrying out a holy decree and was now trying to establish his authority. It really proved the saying that when the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king.

He turned around, silently raised his hand, and the golden-armored attendants standing in the hall subdued several officers. He then strode forward to the commander in charge of the affairs of state, and moved his lips a few times...
"Excuse me!" He took the man away and walked out.

Then came a chaotic commotion. Inside the hall, as people watched the man being taken away, some shook their heads, wondering what kind of mess this was, taking away a general like that, wouldn't that cause trouble in the Imperial Guard? Others dared not speak out, fearing they would become the first to stick their necks out.

Once the hall had quieted down a bit, Fang La looked at the crowd still standing there and asked, "Do any of you have any objections to my decision?"

The crowd remained silent, and some even lowered their heads, wary of getting themselves into trouble.

Fang La stepped back, returning to his seat. His red official robes drooped, and he regained his imposing demeanor, speaking in a different tone.
"I know that the current situation is tense and that you all do not trust me, the temporary governor of the province. But please do not say that civil officials are only good at writing. Now that the country is in crisis, they can write proclamations on their desks and also make decisions in the command tent."

"Speak your mind. I am acting on the orders of Heaven, and I may be able to resolve this!"

As soon as he said this, someone immediately stood up and said:
"Alright, since Lord Fang puts it that way, I'll speak first."

"I am the supervisor of the western front reserve patrol camp. The battle on the front is more brutal than we imagined. Our troops, who are building the defense line, are constantly being transferred to the front. In addition, the Northern Liang Pacification Commissioner has participated in the rebellion. At present, we are short of manpower and the gap is huge. If there is no more troop support, the rear defense line will collapse at the first touch!"

"I also have something to report. The demon race has begun to appear in large numbers on the southern front. The surveillance area is too vast, and with several undead cities blocking the way, we are short-handed."

"."

One by one, people stepped forward to report on the situation. There were only two things they needed: military supplies and manpower. The atmosphere in the entire hall became heavy, and everyone's faces were grim. Clearly, everyone was worried about the war.

Fang La frowned deeply upon hearing this, but his mind was racing; he was just waiting for these people to speak.

Doesn't he know that the entire Daofu Division is now out of troops? Even if the imperial court has troops, they are busy fighting the iron cavalry in Guanzhong and Beiliang, and can't take care of Shu at all. Even the Grand Preceptor can't do anything about it, so what can he do?

All we need are these people to hand us a "knife"!

“I know your difficulties, but you are all aware of the current situation in the Fusi. Apart from the thousands of troops guarding Yunding Mountain, there are no more troops to be mobilized. All other troops have been dispatched to various fronts.”

He frowned, speaking with a tone of concern for the country and its people.

Just then, a voice rang out in the hall.
"Sir, have you forgotten that there is another army on Cloud Peak Mountain, with more than 20,000 soldiers and strong horses!"

It was a Beijing official who coordinated the attack.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone in the hall turned strange, and they suddenly looked at the official from the capital who had spoken.

Everyone knows that the Ninth Mountain still has tens of thousands of troops, strong and well-equipped, but the key question is, who dares to move against them?

The official from the capital looked somewhat stiff when the crowd saw him, but he still forced himself to bow and greet them.
"Now, Shu is in trouble, and all the troops have suffered casualties and are in urgent need of support. With the greater good at our side, and since the Ninth Mountain is also a force of the imperial court, we should help each other. Why don't we invite each other here to discuss this matter? Perhaps we can reach an agreement after a discussion!"

After saying this, the man lowered his hand and deliberately glanced at the military officers. Seeing their somewhat tempted expressions, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Fang La's expression on the main seat was also perfectly timed.

"I have naturally invited the Ninth Mountain to discuss matters!"

Then, his gaze swept across the main hall, his eyes gleaming, his tone seemingly self-deprecating, yet tinged with a coldness.

"However, it seems they don't want to give me that much face!"

After saying that, he made a move to get up.

"Fine, even if I have to lose face, I'll invite people over to discuss this. If we all pool our wisdom and efforts, we'll surely find a solution."

This means that he/she intends to personally invite him/her.

The official from the capital who had spoken earlier seized the opportunity to speak up, "Sir, you are currently in charge and it is inconvenient for you. I am willing to do my part to invite the person in charge of the Ninth Mountain to come over."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master!"

At this point, the official from the capital left his seat and exited the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the crowd watched the two performers with varying expressions; some were curious, some frowned, and some genuinely held a sense of anticipation.

In particular, the military officers from other regions were already dissatisfied with the "privileges" of the Ninth Mountain.

After all, the Ninth Mountain's privileges are fine under normal circumstances, and no one says much. But now, with people dying and being transferred to the front lines from all sides, the Ninth Mountain is peacefully on Cloud Peak Mountain, not obeying orders or proclamations. It is truly a "mountain within a mountain." Anyone would feel resentful in this situation. If this Lord Fang can really succeed, they would be happy to see it happen.

Everyone had their own thoughts, and they were all waiting to see a good show!
After a short while, the official from the capital strode into the main hall and smiled at the armrests above Fang La's statue:

"Fortunately, I live up to my fate!"

"Your humble servant has arrived!"

As he spoke, he stepped aside, and the setting sun cast golden rays outside the hall.

Several resounding footsteps echoed outside the door, followed by a figure that, while not particularly tall, exuded an imposing aura as he stepped into the hall—the main figure had arrived.

Clad in blue armor with gilded finish, his white beard swaying slightly in the wind, he exuded an aura of composure as firm as a mountain, clearly a seasoned veteran of many battles!

In the Ninth Mountain, this man held no official position, but throughout the entire Daofu Division, no one dared to ignore him. Even the Grand Preceptor Helian had to respectfully address him as "Master Gongsun."

Because this person represents that general at Yunding Mountain!

The crowd made way for him, and Fang La, sitting in the main seat, narrowed his eyes slightly, slowly rose, a faint smile playing on his lips, and spoke as he walked down the steps.

"It seems that Mr. Gongsun is willing to give me some face since he has come in person. This is my honor."

"The Imperial Advisor is currently discussing important matters in secret. I have been appointed by Heaven to temporarily take charge of the Pacification Office to appease the people and the army. I have been holding meetings without stopping, but after listening to the opinions of various parties and hearing urgent reports from all sides, I am truly worried. There are currently no troops available to be mobilized from Yunding Mountain. The Imperial Advisor is also exhausted by this matter. I have specially invited you here, and I ask you to lend a helping hand to help my comrades out of their predicament and to resolve the crisis for the people of Shu. I will be eternally grateful!"

Fang La descended the steps and held the handrail, speaking earnestly and with a proper attitude, demonstrating impeccable manners and leaving no room for criticism.

After saying this, the Imperial Censor, seeing that Gongsun Yang remained expressionless, stepped aside, turned his gaze to the expectant group of people, and continued speaking.
"Sir, you seem to be a man of great passion. Your comrades are imprisoned, and my request is not excessive. I only need to send a few people to help. Surely you will agree?"

He stood to one side of Gongsun Yang, his eyes fixed to the side, his tone seemingly pleading, but in reality, he wasn't speaking to Gongsun Yang, but to everyone else present.

If even this small request isn't granted, then Ninth Mountain will be resented and will have no chance of gaining support. (End of Chapter)