Chapter 146 - 123: General of the Northern Patrol

Chapter 146: Chapter 123: General of the Northern Patrol

Xiao Heng smiled when he saw Lu Yuan approach. "Let’s go to the front hall to talk."

"Yes, Marshal Xiao." The latter replied, following Xiao Heng out of the training grounds.

Several generals from the Imperial Guard also followed. With the Seventh Prince absent, they were much more relaxed.

One of the Garrison Generals smiled and said, "Captain Lu, long time no see! You should visit Jizhou more often when you have time. We can have a drink together."

"Alright, no problem," Lu Yuan replied with a chuckle.

Just then, another person said, "Why wait for the future? We should have that drink today."

Each of these Garrison Generals from the Imperial Guard commanded tens of thousands of men, and their personal strength was also immense. Lu Yuan couldn’t guess their exact level, but they were likely above the Void Manipulation realm.

Some were even more formidable than certain Border Marquises.

Even Shang Yong would have to treat such figures with caution.

The Marquis of Mucheng glanced at the Garrison Generals. "Every last one of you. When we were on the Xirong border, you all kept your distance, afraid of being associated with Lu Yuan. Now you’re all cozying up to him. A damn bunch of fair-weather friends.

You lot are treating us later."

At his first words, the Garrison Generals all looked embarrassed.

But his last sentence made them all sigh in relief. They turned to the Marquis of Mucheng and said, "Of course. Since Lu Yuan is here, it’s our treat. We’ll celebrate his victory in the tournament against the Xirong in the Imperial City."

"Hey, since you’ve all come to the Northern Border, it should be my treat," Lu Yuan said, quickly waving his hand dismissively.

"We’re stationed here for the long term, so there will be plenty of time to see each other. Today’s meal is on us, no arguments," one of them said resolutely.

At that moment, Xiao Heng, who was walking ahead, said, "Treating him is fine. You’ll have many opportunities to meet in the future, so you should all get closer."

This old marshal, with his influence and power, couldn’t care less about the Seventh Prince’s opinions, whether in the Imperial City or on the Northern Border.

He answered only to the Emperor.

As the group entered the front hall, chatting and laughing, Xiao Heng sat down and looked at Lu Yuan. "You’ve made me proud. Your performance in the Imperial Palace this time was excellent.

You didn’t make my efforts to get you this opportunity go to waste.

His Majesty has already appointed you General of the Northern Patrol, a Senior Fifth Grade official position. You are responsible for inspecting and supervising all the major fortress cities along the Northern Border. Remember, every single fortress city.

You are not subject to the authority of any government office on the Northern Border.

If anything happens, you report directly to me. Although you’re not part of the Imperial Guard, your post is one rank higher than the Border Army.

This was the best I could secure for you.

I also heard about what happened in the Imperial City. Don’t worry about it too much. There are still people in the imperial court who genuinely care for those serving under them."

As Xiao Heng spoke, he handed the Holy Decree to Lu Yuan without any intention of reading it aloud.

Seeing this, the other Garrison Generals in the front hall all broke into smiles.

They rose to their feet and said to Lu Yuan, "Congratulations, General Lu."

"Haha, now we have even more reason to drink today!"

...

They all acknowledged Lu Yuan’s strength. Besides, he was only eighteen years old—so young.

’If he’s given enough time, his future growth will be limitless.’

Lu Yuan quickly stood up and said, "Thank you, General!"

"No need for formalities. Where do you plan to set up your post?"

"Icefield Fortress. I’m used to it," Lu Yuan said softly.

"Alright, then you’ll be stationed at Icefield Pass. For the time being, remember to pay close attention to the situation in the buffer zone. It doesn’t matter what kind of ruckus they cause in there, but it absolutely must not affect the lives of the people inside the pass.

If anyone dares to do so, suppress them directly. If you can’t handle it, report it immediately, and the Imperial Guard will be dispatched."

Xiao Heng’s expression was extremely grave as he finished speaking.

"Yes, milord." Lu Yuan quickly rose to his feet.

Xiao Heng nodded. "Alright, there’s nothing else. You all can go and have fun. This is your Garrison Seal. There’s a Border Army unit stationed outside the city, a decent one. Take them with you when you leave; they’ll be your subordinates from now on.

Remember what I said."

"Thank you, milord," Lu Yuan said joyfully upon hearing that Xiao Heng had assigned him men.

He was truly in need of a capable unit under his command.

Xiao Heng waved his hand, signaling him not to stand on ceremony.

Then, Xiao Ze came over, put an arm around Lu Yuan’s shoulders, and said, "Say no more. Let’s go drink."

As soon as he finished speaking, the group headed outside.

Seeing that the Marquis of Mucheng hadn’t moved, Xiao Heng looked at him and asked, "Aren’t you going?"

"I probably shouldn’t. It’s a gathering for the young folk."

"Go. Lu Yuan will be inspecting the border in the future, and he’ll be dealing with many Border Marquises. Although he has significant military achievements, he’s too young and has no one backing him. If you have this drink with him today, those other Border Marquises will be more cooperative later on.

It’ll prevent them from holding him back at a critical moment."

Xiao Heng said softly.

The Marquis of Mucheng nodded. "Alright, I’ll go then."

With that, he got up and walked outside, shouting, "Hey, wait for me! What’s the rush?"

Seeing that the Marquis of Mucheng was also coming along, Lu Yuan was momentarily stunned. Then, seeming to understand the Marquis’s intentions, he quickly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your support, Marquis."

"I’m just here for the drinks. You should thank Marshal Xiao," the Marquis of Mucheng said with a chuckle.

Meanwhile, outside, Zhou Hongling was waiting for Lu Yuan to come out of the Imperial Guard’s Government Office.

As for the others, they had already gone to the restaurant across the street.

Outside the Imperial Guard’s Government Office stood the largest restaurant in all of Jizhou City, the Tianshun Restaurant, which could accommodate several hundred diners.

The men who came from the Border Army this time were all Captains at the very least, so it was only natural for them to eat here. It wasn’t like they were short on money.

Zhou Ren had already booked a private room inside and was just waiting for Lu Yuan to arrive before starting the meal.

Zhou Hongling was worried, so she waited outside the Government Office.

Just then, however, she saw a group of people walk out with Lu Yuan. Every one of them was clad in golden armor with a jade belt around their waist—they were all Imperial Guard Garrison Generals.

The man in the lead had a particularly imposing air. Hanging from a Warm Jade Belt at his waist was a golden plaque—he was a Marquis of the Imperial Guard.

Seeing such a group emerge with Lu Yuan, Zhou Hongling couldn’t care about anything else and quickly said, "Greetings, sirs. Greetings, Marquis."

Her appearance took the group by surprise.

Lu Yuan was the first to react. "This is Zhou Hongling, the Sai City Garrison General. She was my superior, and is also my best friend. She must have been waiting for me."

At that moment, the few generals who had just been looking on coolly instantly shot Lu Yuan a suggestive glance.

Xiao Ze grinned even wider. "Your friend is our friend! Come with us, come with us!"

Then, Lu Yuan pulled Zhou Hongling along toward the restaurant.

Somewhat bewildered, she followed beside Lu Yuan. It was the first time she had ever been in such a situation.

After all, on the Northern Border, she had her family’s protection. Besides Lu Yuan, no one had ever dared to invite her for a drink like this.

However, everyone around her was of a higher rank, and they all seemed to be Lu Yuan’s friends.

Because of this, Zhou Hongling wasn’t displeased. Instead, for some unknown reason, the corners of her mouth curled up into an unconscious smile.

Just as they were about to enter the restaurant, she remembered something and said, "My father and second uncle have already booked a private room and are waiting. Why don’t we all go together? A lot of people came to the restaurant today; I’m afraid there are no other tables left."

The group looked to the Marquis of Mucheng, who nodded and said, "Then let’s go together."

The moment they stepped inside, they became the focus of the entire restaurant. After all, most of the patrons here today were Border Army officers.

The main hall was filled with Captains.

They stared at the arriving group, their eyes wide with surprise.

They naturally recognized Lu Yuan, and they knew the people with him even better. Just a short while ago, those men had been standing right beside Marshal Xiao.

Their status needed no further explanation.

’And they’re from the Imperial Guard! How is Lu Yuan so familiar with them?’

Next, Zhou Hongling led the group up to the second floor and directly into the private room.

As soon as she pushed the door open, Zhou Ren and Zhou Ming were startled by the sight. They quickly stood up and came down from the head of the table.

After paying their respects, they invited everyone to take a seat.

The Marquis of Mucheng waved his hand and said, "Everyone, please relax. We are friends of Lu Yuan, and since you are too, it’s fate that we’ve met today.

Right now, there are no superiors or subordinates, just friends sharing a meal."

At this, Zhou Ren, who was next to his daughter, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, he glanced discreetly at his daughter, but she shook her head, signaling him not to ask any questions.

But Xiao Ze said, "The Marquis is right. Today we’re celebrating Lu Yuan’s promotion. Come, let’s toast him first."

As his words fell, everyone raised their glasses, and even the Marquis of Mucheng had a smile on his face.

Zhou Hongling and her father raised their glasses, their faces full of confusion.

Lu Yuan smiled at her and said, "Marshal Xiao just told me that His Majesty has issued a decree appointing me as the General of the Northern Patrol. From now on, I’ll be in charge of inspecting and reviewing the various fortress cities.

I’ll be under Marshal Xiao’s command."

After speaking, he drained his cup in one go.

Hearing his words, both Zhou Hongling’s and Zhou Ren’s eyes lit up. This meant Lu Yuan would no longer have to bow to the whims of Shang Yong, the Marquis of Zhenbian.

They now had a powerful ally on the Northern Border.

’To think that the young man they’d taken a chance on had grown to such heights in just two short years.’

After a few drinks, Zhou Ren was no longer so reserved. He began to draw on his years of experience in official circles, schmoozing with everyone present.

After all, this was an opportunity he would never have dared to dream of in the past. He was only able to sit here today thanks to Lu Yuan.

He was very tactful, however, appearing enthusiastic without being too forward.

And the Imperial Guard generals, out of respect for Lu Yuan, didn’t put on any airs—especially since they all assumed the relationship between Zhou Hongling and Lu Yuan was something special.

As her father, Zhou Ren would also be Lu Yuan’s elder in the future.

Therefore, they all graciously accepted Zhou Ren’s friendly overtures.

Even the Marquis of Mucheng shared a drink with him, causing an excited Zhou Ren’s face to flush red.

After all, this was a Marquis of the Imperial Guard, whose prestige was on a completely different level from that of a Border Marquis.

Meanwhile, in another private room not far away, Shang Yong, the Marquis of Zhenbian, was still shaken by the fact that Xiao Heng had met with Lu Yuan privately.

’Who was Xiao Heng? He was a first-rank Duke of Dayong! His family had produced several City Marquises. Even the noble Shang Yong was trying to curry favor with was several rungs below Xiao Heng.’

’That man actually knows Lu Yuan, and I just reprimanded Lu Yuan this morning.’

’How could I possibly sit still?’

After a few simple bites, he turned to the Vice General beside him and said, "The Zhou Family should be with Lu Yuan, right? Do you know which private room they’re in?"

"I do, Marquis. I came up with Zhou Ren. Their room is just two doors down from ours," the Vice General replied quickly.

"Good. Go and get Lu Yuan. Tell him I have something to discuss with him. Be polite about it," Shang Yong said.

’I’ll wait for Lu Yuan to come over and resolve this conflict first,’ he thought.

’After all, I’ll have to work under Xiao Heng’s watch from now on.’

’If this Lu Yuan says a few bad things about me to him, I’ll be in big trouble.’

The Vice General didn’t hesitate. He immediately stood up and said, "I’ll go right away."

Then, he left the room and headed toward the one where Lu Yuan and the others were.