Chapter 01 Part 07 - The Past (2/2)

Luckily, the outcome was influenced by the support of ZiChuan Yuan Xing’s daughter, the help from the Far Eastern Army Commander Ge Ying Xing, and a fierce protest from the frontline soldiers. Also, his good friend Stirling, one of the three legendary young generals of House ZiChuan, delivered a heartfelt testimony at the Court Martial, declaring: “Loyalty is not a crime!” Thus, ZiChuan Xiu was absolved of the death penalty.

Yang Ming Hua wanted to imprison him for life, but Far Eastern Army Commander Ge Ying Xing took the initiative: “Why don’t we let him serve in the harsh Far Eastern Regions? We need more men over there.” Due to Ge Ying Xing’s reputation, and the undeniable strength of the Far Eastern Army, Yang Ming Hua still had to respect his wishes… That was how ZiChuan Xiu ended up in the Far Eastern Army. From slave soldier, to Warrior, Banner warrior, Red Bannerman, Deputy Banner Master and finally, Banner Master…

…

And now Yang Ming Hua wished to promote him directly to Deputy Commander!

“My memories has never been very good, I’m not sure what exactly you are referring to from seven years ago? Can you give me a hint, Sir?”

Luo Bo: “Ah Xiu, you know what they say, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer… A certain someone might want to keep someone of your skills and abilities very close indeed. If he lets you become a Red Banner Master like you are supposed to, you would have seventy thousand Far Eastern Army soldiers under your command… and that would cause certain someone many sleepless nights.”

ZiChuan Xiu: “But promoting me to Deputy Commander, won’t that certain someone have even more difficulty getting a good night sleep?”

“The problem is, the Far Eastern Army’s military structure only allows for three active Deputy Commanders at a time, we don’t have extra divisions to place under your command…Now do you understand?”

“But I heard two days ago, Deputy Commander Lei was having some irreconcilable differences with Commander Ge Ying Xing and wanted to resign… which means you do have a place for me here.”

“Well, they reconciled this morning, and Deputy Commander Lei has retracted his letter of resignation.”

“I also heard our Deputy Commander Lin Bin is getting married, and will go on a honeymoon for three months?”

“Well, her fiancé fled before the wedding, leaving only a note saying: I can’t take this anymore! So that old virgin who just had her love turn into hate is about to send a kill squad after him…”

ZiChuan Xiu sighed in defeat: “Then you are my only hope, Sir. Is there any chance for your gastrohelcosis to turn into cancer any time soon…”

Luo Bo: “…”

“As I said, now that you are promoted to Deputy Commander, your only choice is to return to the Capital and be on reserve duty till further notice. Commander Ge Ying Xing believes that to be the best course of action as well, because Lady ZiChuan Ning has almost come of age (16), and will soon reach the lawful age for her succession. It is very likely that certain someone may try to a.s.sa.s.sinate her. By going to the Capital, you can protect her.”

“But I’m terrible in a fight…”

“Drop the act… save it for the idiots like Luo Jie! The one who a.s.sa.s.sinated the Demon Commanders in Heng Chuan was you right? I understand, you don’t want that “someone” to know about your true skills and abilities, but do you really think you can fool me?”

ZiChuan Xiu looked surprised: “You…”

Luo Bo revealed a cunning smile: “I’m a servant to the House ZiChuan, not a servant to Yang Ming Hua. The one I made my vow to is named ZiChuan.”

“But Yang Ming Hua is your superior…”

“I’m a Deputy Commander in the Far Eastern Army; my direct commanding officer is Commander Ge Ying Xing.” Lu Bo spoke amiably: “Commander Ge has asked me to take good care of you!”

Thinking back over the past six years and the meticulous care and kindness Luo Bo had shown him, ZiChuan Xiu couldn’t help but feel a sudden surge of warmth in his chest. He gave the old man in front of him a deep bow: “My humble self does not deserve what you and Commander Ge Ying Xing have done for me over the years… I can never repay your kindness in this life time! But if you ever have the need of me, I will do everything I can even at the cost of my own life!”

Luo Bo stood up gracefully: “Current Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua is above the law and unmatched in power; he has already shown his unwillingness to serve! I, as an elder of the Family, am ordering you, Deputy Commander ZiChuan Xiu; keep Lady ZiChuan Ning safe, no matter what! She is the only surviving bloodline of the former Headmaster, ZiChuan Yuan Xing.”

He gave a bow to ZiChuan Xiu in return: “Ah Xiu, I’m counting on you!”

ZiChuan Xiu held his head up high: “Yes Sir! As long as I’m alive, I will not let harm come to Lady Ning! You can count on me!” Then he bowed deeply in return, feeling a sense of pride swirling in his chest.

“Oh, there is one more thing. Didn’t you just say you would repay me with your life? Well, how about my bottles…”

ZiChuan Xiu answered defiantly: “No way! I was just being polite… three hundred year old wine and royal brandy… they worth way more than my life! I won’t give them back even if I die!”

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