Chapter 382 - Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Promoted Again_1 (1/2)

Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Promoted Again_1

Just when he was about to die, Marquis Xu saved him.

At that time, he was just an ordinary soldier, and the Marquis was the Chief Commander of the camp. Their statuses were vastly different.

But after knowing the reason for his punishment was disobeying orders during the operation and delaying the process, the Marquis let him go.

Not only did the Marquis save him, but he also invited him to the Chief Commander’s tent and served him wine.

That day, the Marquis said a lot to him.

He said: You held firm under the blazing sun, unyielding and firm, a model of manliness. It would be a supreme waste if a mistake popped you off. Your life should be used on the battlefield, defending our nation.

He said: There will always be evil in the military camps, everyday life, and ordinary homes. What matters is not how to avoid this evil, but how to defend the virtue in our hearts.

He said: You and I are the same. Despite our different statures currently, both of us are risking our lives to serve our nation. The reason we hold our weapons is because we all have the same belief, that the elders, women, and children of our nation lie behind us. If we were to fall, they will fall with us.

…

That day, he was taken aback by the joviality of the highly respected Marquis, from his hearty laughter to his unfamiliarity.

The Marquis was usually stern and honorable, but in private, he was free-spirited and unrestrained.

Such a heroic figure was also, like ordinary elders, humble and friendly.

That was his only intimate encounter with the Marquis. To Marquis, it may not have been a significant event, but it left a lasting impact on him.

When Zheng Zhongye was captured, Wei Mingting felt a connection with his words. Yet, he had understood them long before Zheng did, a realization made possible because of Marquis.

Later, the Marquis was defeated in war and lost three northeastern cities. He was even accused of betraying and colluding with the enemy, resulting in defeat.

He sincerely believed this was slander. Such a man would never commit such acts of betrayal.

However, the Marquis could not return to the Capital City with his dignity intact, as he died on the way home…

Subsequently, the house of Marquis Xu was obliterated, with those who had close ties with him either assassinated or demoted…

We Mingting’s memory soon wandered back to the moment when the worn-out wineskin in his hand was the same one the Marquis had served him wine with.

Wei Mingting then stood up, took a jug of thyme wine from the cabinet behind him, poured it into the wineskin, and began to drink.

After half a jug of wine, in a haze, he remembered the terrific snowy night when that man handed the infant to him.

“You must remember, once this is revealed, you will commit a grave offense punishable by death by your entire household,” the man said.

Looking at the child hesitated before taking her into his arms.

“I owe you a favor that I need to repay.” He said to the man.

Wei Mingting closed his eyes, remembering the child Jinyi…

So many years had passed… some things were bound to happen…

###

The next day, the imperial edict arrived. Wei Mingting was officially promoted to the Guard Commander of the Taizhou prefecture’s Anti-Japanese Army, decorated as the General of Martial Virtue, and recognized as the fifth-rank.

He was also conferred many treasures of gold and silver.

Upon receiving the edict, Wei Mingting did not show great joy–Now, the palace attendant who passed on the imperial decree could understand. After all, Wei was still mourning the loss of his son.

This decree was actually approved ten days ago but only delivered to Taizhou prefecture today.