The fiercest soldier of the border army

Wang Xianghong stood at the door, still wearing his armor, a smile on his face. His gaze swept over the iron chains at Tang Shun's feet and then landed on his face.

"Captain Tang, how does it feel to be a prisoner?"

Tang Shun glanced at Wang Xianghong, but remained unmoved and ignored him.

Wang Xianghong strode in, his boots making a dull thud on the muddy ground.

He stopped five steps in front of Tang Shun, his hands behind his back, and began to speak to himself:

"I am, after all, your superior. I would never do something like betraying or killing my subordinate."

"You have rendered meritorious service in defending the city. I have already informed the Commander-in-Chief. We are just waiting for the military report to be delivered before the court bestows rewards upon you."

A playful smile curled at the corner of Tang Shun's lips. "Can't make it? Haven't you made enough?"

Wang Xianghong's breath hitched.

Tang Shun sneered, "No need for nonsense. You didn't come here to talk about this."

Wang Xianghong raised an eyebrow, then sighed, "Don't be so stubborn. I came here to ask, what exactly is the method of building this city?"

"What kind of material was used for the foundation? I asked several craftsmen, but none of them could say for sure. They only knew how to follow orders, but they didn't understand the underlying principles."

"Captain Tang, for the sake of the Great Qian Dynasty, for the sake of the Northern Army, and even more so for the sake of the people here, you should not hold back your own interests."

Wang Xianghong spoke with righteous indignation, as if he were a pioneer who dared to be the first in the world.

Tang Shun stared at him for a long time before saying, "Cement is quick-formed and cannot withstand rain. Within six months, the foundation will crack and the corners of the walls will collapse first."

Wang Xianghong's expression changed slightly: "What did you say?"

"I'll say it," Tang Shun slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp as a knife, "the credit you stole is a building built on mud; it will crumble in the wind."

Wang Xianghong was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed, "What a sharp tongue."

"But right now, the higher-ups only acknowledge my role in the scheduling. Even if everyone knows it was you who did it, what difference does it make?"

"The common people dare not utter a sound. Everyone in the governor's mansion is my man. You are nothing but a prisoner, wearing handcuffs and shackles, unable to even stand up. What merit do you have to speak of?"

Wang Xianghong bent down, stared at Tang Shun, and said mockingly, "Do you know who was in charge of commanding the Northern Court during this Xiongnu army's southward invasion?"

Before Tang Shun could respond, he blurted out, "It's His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"The Crown Prince has been in Beiting for over a month, leading his troops into battle, but he has lost cities and territories, with smoke signals rising everywhere. The important officials in the court have submitted memorials requesting that the Crown Prince return to the capital."

"I've lost all my prestige and face."

"Now, in the Battle of Xiushui, we have slain a nobleman of the Hunnic Huyan clan and routed five thousand cavalry—a victory unseen in the last five years!"

"A single hair can affect the whole body."

"Having lost an arm, the Right Li King led his remaining troops back to his Qilian Mountains in disgrace!"

"The war is over!"

"Just imagine how happy the Crown Prince would be!"

"You have no idea how great your achievements are, do you?"

Having said that, Wang Xianghong laughed heartily, said no more, turned and walked away, stopping at the tent entrance without looking back.

"Tomorrow the army will return to Datong City, and the governor's mansion will prepare a feast to reward the troops."

"Don't expect anyone to save you. Shi Hanshan has taken 10,000 taels of silver and has already agreed not to interfere in this matter anymore."

"He also deserves credit; no one would turn down military achievements."

"I'm not killing you now so you can see for yourself that in this world, it's always the powerful who call the shots."

The curtain fell, and the room returned to darkness.

Tang Shun remained calm, muttering to himself, "Crown Prince..."

Just as dawn broke, two soldiers came in carrying chains and dragged Tang Shun up from the ground.

He staggered, the chains rattling, and new bloodstains appeared on his wrists, where old wounds had not yet healed.

He remained silent, letting himself be dragged out of the prison tent.

A carriage was already waiting outside.

Cheng Feng, Wei Zong, Liang Enyi, and Zhu Hang were also brought in. None of them were in shackles, but they were surrounded by soldiers and had no freedom.

The five people looked at each other from a distance, but no one spoke.

The convoy traveled south along the official road, heading straight for Datong City.

Yellow sand lashed our faces as the sun rose higher.

Tang Shun sat at the back of the carriage, his gaze sweeping over the receding city wall—the defensive line he had personally led the people to build, where people now lived in peace and the city was bustling with life.

Half a day later, we arrived in Datong City.

A high platform has been erected in the open space in front of the governor's mansion, with red silk hanging from the pillars and colorful banners fluttering in the wind.

The common people were driven to the outskirts, and thousands of soldiers lined up below, creating a festive atmosphere.

Several veterans stood at the edge of the crowd, whispering among themselves.

The soldiers pushed Tang Shun and his three companions into the shadows, forbidding them from approaching within ten paces.

On stage, drums and music resounded.

The prefect of Datong was a middle-aged man with a square face named Chen Sili.

Chen Sili wore an official hat and had a ruddy complexion.

Xiushui Town was under the jurisdiction of Datong. Upon hearing of this great victory in his territory, he exclaimed "good" more than a dozen times, feeling honored.

At this moment, as the bells and drums resounded, Chen Sili stepped onto the stage to read out the decree of honor, his voice loud and clear, echoing throughout the entire venue.

"Now, Wang Xianghong, the Commandant of the Left and Right Mountain Battalion of the Beiting Military Governor's Office, has been appointed to a critical mission. He has taken charge of the city's construction, protected the people, charged into battle, and turned the tide!"

"He beheaded the chief of the Huyan clan and killed the ringleader to boost the morale of the army, bravely protected the people of the city, and secured the territory and the border."

"When they are promoted in rank and given more land, their stipends will be increased and they will be granted land; their achievements will be commemorated in gold and displayed to all the armies."

"All soldiers under my command and civilians who assisted in the battle were treated with the same care and were given rewards."

"May the entire army take heed, emulate this loyal and virtuous man, and together defend our land, forever eradicating the barbarian hordes!"

The soldiers below cheered and applauded thunderously.

Because the specific rank and reward still needed to be appointed and issued by the Jiedushi's office, there were no specific rewards.

The list continued to be read aloud, and rewards were given to officers of all ranks who participated in the war; everyone received a share.

The only missing characters are Tang Shun, Cheng Feng, Wei Zong, Liang Enyi, and Zhu Hang.

It was as if those who fought and bled to defend the city had never existed.

After the bestowal of titles and rewards was read out, Chen Sili, the prefect of Datong, invited Wang Xianghong to the stage with a smile.

Wang Xianghong, adorned with red ribbons and flowers, declared with fervor, "This victory is entirely due to the unity of the ranks and the valiant efforts of the soldiers!"

"Especially those brothers who work silently behind the scenes, they are the true backbone!"

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the dark alley, intentionally or unintentionally, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"grass--"

Cheng Feng's face turned red. He yelled angrily, pulled on the iron chain with all his might, clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, and gritted his teeth.

Wei Zong stood beside him, his eyes cold. Even the usually composed Wei Zong gritted his teeth.

Liang Enyi looked down at his hands, which were covered in mud and grime, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

Zhu Hang was in tears, as if he was filled with resentment for why he had been loyal to such a superior.

Tang Shun gazed quietly at the high platform, as if watching a play that had nothing to do with him.

On stage, Wang Xianghong, beaming with pride, delivered a passionate speech before abruptly changing the subject:

"In this battle, countless brothers were buried on the battlefield, and their wives, children, and elderly mothers at home lost their support."

"Even more brothers are physically disabled, making it difficult for them to walk in the future!"

"Indeed!"

"At this time when everyone is united and the entire army is engaged in a major battle, someone has falsely conveyed military orders and harmed their colleagues!"

"When the Xiongnu cavalry launched a massive attack, they kept the city gates tightly shut and watched their comrades-in-arms being slaughtered!"

A chorus of curses erupted from the audience: "Who?"

"Get him out here!"

"Get out here!"

Wang Xianghong waved his hand dismissively, "Bring him up!"

Splash...

In the alley, soldiers escorted Tang Shun and his entourage as they slowly made their entrance...