Chapter 936 - 422: The Bird Behind, Flawless Scheme, Attaining the Rank of Jinzhang, Status Rises Again!

Chapter 936: Chapter 422: The Bird Behind, Flawless Scheme, Attaining the Rank of Jinzhang, Status Rises Again!

Place it inside the bamboo tube and send it back to the shore.

Soon after, they could see pedestrians on the lakeshore and pavilions in the distance. It was exactly noon. Li Xian, with keen eyesight, noticed Xu Shaoqian, Lei Chong, and others already waiting by the shore.

Lei Chong had just received the letter. Though it was ambiguously written, without clearly stating that Li Xian was dead, he was certain the plan was flawless, and since the boat was destroyed, the plan must have succeeded. Feeling secretly pleased, he stood proudly on the lakeshore, waiting for the definite news, feigning solemnity on his face.

With the death of a Gold Appraisal Guard, Xu Shaoqian naturally had to be present. Therefore, he was also by the lakeshore. After a moment, the boat slowly approached. Lei Chong was taken aback, seeing Li Xian unharmed on the boat, he couldn’t stop rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

Li Xian, using his Lightweight Skill, leaped onto the lakeshore, saluted Xu Shaoqian, and then said to Lei Chong, "General Lei, all is well!"

Lei Chong’s face twitched, cold light flashing in his eyes, glaring angrily at Li Xian, filled with much confusion, but could only give a slight nod in return. The injured and soldiers on the boat disembarked one after another. Zhang Qiusheng descended the ladder with weak steps, standing beside Li Xian, and greeted Xu Shaoqian and Lei Chong.

Xu Shaoqian nodded slightly and asked in a loud voice, "Li Xian, I heard in the message that a Gold Appraisal Guard has died?" Li Xian replied, "To say they’ve died is rather inappropriate, it should be considered missing. Jin Wei Wang Jue and Hong Dexin fought to the last moment against the fierce enemies, showcasing the heroic spirit of our Gold Appraisal Guard. General Xu, I bravely ask for rewards on their behalf!"

Xu Shaoqian said earnestly, "What happened? Explain in detail." Li Xian then repeated what was previously said, vividly and passionately. As Lei Chong listened, his expression grew darker and he clenched his fists, rage swelling in his chest.

Lei Chong shouted fiercely, "How dare you! You dare to lie!"

Xu Shaoqian frowned and looked at Lei Chong. Realizing he misspoke, Lei Chong stubbornly looked at Li Xian. Li Xian said with curiosity, "General Lei does not like Li Xian, I’m well aware of this, but such a significant matter is evident to all. How could I lie? Moreover, General Lei did not witness it first-hand, why are you so eager to call me a liar?"

Lei Chong angrily said, "You..."

Extremely displeased, Xu Shaoqian turned to ask, "Zhang Qiusheng, is what Li Xian said true?" Zhang Qiusheng said, "I...I didn’t witness it myself, so I don’t know the truth."

Impatient, Xu Shaoqian said, "Then tell what you know in detail, and this general will determine it."

Zhang Qiusheng then recounted everything, which corresponded with what Li Xian said. Xu Shaoqian turned his head to Lei Chong and asked, "Lei Chong, if you have any doubts, speak up now. With this general here, they dare not lie."

Lei Chong turned red with frustration, unable to find fault after a long pause, saying, "The destruction of the boat was most improper! It cost the lives of many soldiers in vain."

Extremely displeased, Xu Shaoqian declared in a booming voice, "For our Gold Appraisal Guard to exhibit such valor in the face of life and death, how glorious it is. Casualties are unavoidable. Such dedication cannot be disparaged. General Lei, do you not believe that the Gold Appraisal Guard under Xu Shaoqian has such valor, or have you found some other clues, or... is it just pure jealousy?"

Lei Chong said, "This...this..." Xu Shaoqian said, "Enough! No need to say more, I understand. Today’s matter, Zhang Qiusheng, Li Xian, Wang Jue, and Hong Dexin all have great merits. Since Wang Jue and Hong Dexin have died, they shall be awarded with ’clay-body statues’, stored in the clay-body specifications, and placed by the lake. Their descendants and families will receive five thousand taels of silver and can inherit half a clay-body. Zhang Qiusheng, for his contributions in saving people, will be awarded a military merit of ’three hundred’."

As for Li Xian..."

Xu Shaoqian said, "You deserve the highest merit! The position of Gold Chief has been vacant for too long, and it shall fall to you. Additionally, you are awarded a military merit of ’five hundred’, one hundred taels of silver, and one invitation to the Ding Pavilion to ’request a casting’."