The fiercest soldier of the border army

Is it too late?

What does it mean to be late?

Tang Shun's gaze was unusually anxious.

Li Qingan smiled faintly and explained softly:

"Do you know that Miss Su's father is Prime Minister Su?"

"And Prime Minister Su is His Highness the Crown Prince's tutor."

"Your Highness and Miss Su have known each other for a long time."

"Miss Su, you are being escorted by armored soldiers to Tingzhou."

Tang Shun then understood.

For some reason, he always felt that emotions were a luxury and always controlled himself not to take them too seriously.

But I still couldn't hide my disappointment.

"Alright, that's enough." Li Qing'an dismissed him, "Go back and wait for news."

"Come with me to Tingzhou early tomorrow morning."

"Hanshan, see him off."

Tang Shun and Shi Hanshan bowed in unison, "As you command."

The governor's mansion remained quiet, as if nothing had happened.

But Tang Shun knew in his heart that some things had changed.

Only after leaving the main hall did Tang Shun turn around, face Shi Hanshan, and kneel on one knee. "Tang Shun, thank you for saving my life three times, Commander!"

This voice came from the bottom of my heart, without the slightest falsehood.

"Captain Tang, you're too kind."

Shi Hanshan laughed loudly and casually helped Tang Shun up, saying, "Helping you was just a favor."

"Furthermore, helping you is helping myself."

Tang Shun stood up and said sincerely, "Tang Shun is just a lowly soldier. I am fortunate to have been appointed as a squad leader by the Commander's kindness."

"If it weren't for the commander's help and guidance along the way, Tang Shun would probably have died at Wang Xianghong's hands long ago, let alone be where he is today!"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

"You surprised me too."

"If it weren't for you, how could we have achieved such a great victory? And how could we have been summoned by the Crown Prince?"

"It was just a small favor; the key lies with you."

Shi Hanshan laughed loudly, "Let's talk as we walk. I'll take you to your camp."

The two walked together, with Tang Shun deliberately lagging behind by half a step.

"This time, you've truly caught the eye of the military governor," Shi Hanshan exclaimed.

Tang Shun asked humbly, "I answered truthfully, though perhaps a bit far-fetched."

Shi Hanshan smiled and shook his head, "That's not the case."

"The military governor does not praise people easily. If it were anyone else, your words would have been dismissed as arrogance."

"But when he heard this, he was not angry at all. Instead, he personally summoned you to a private room for a detailed discussion. I have never seen such courtesy before."

Tang Shun glanced at him sideways and said, "I'll say it again: if the commander hadn't rushed to Tingzhou overnight, I wouldn't even have had the chance to stand before the military governor."

"No need for polite words."

Shi Hanshan waved his hand, "Wang Jinda and his ilk have been in power for too long. They only know how to amass wealth, suppress troops, and flatter superiors. What do they care about the lives of those on the border?"

"The Xiongnu invade our borders every year, causing our people to be displaced, yet they are still fighting for power and profit. With your actions, it won't be long before the Datong army needs a complete overhaul."

Tang Shun remained silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Commander, will we still be able to see Su Shu tomorrow?"

Shi Hanshan glanced at him, his tone softening: "The military governor just told you, didn't he? She has already gone to Tingzhou ahead of us."

Tang Shun's eyes flickered slightly. "She saved me. Without her, I might have become a victim of her blade first."

"It's more than just a life-saving favor."

Shi Hanshan chuckled lightly, saying nothing more, only saying, "The military governor wants you to accompany him to Tingzhou tomorrow morning to pay respects to the Crown Prince. Do you know why it's you?"

Tang Shun frowned slightly.

"not understand?"

"The military governor initially planned for me to pay my respects to the crown prince."

Shi Hanshan stared at him. "If you hadn't known Su Shu, someone of your lowly status, a mere squad leader, how could you possibly have met someone of such noble birth?"

"This time, it's out of personal relationships that you've been thrust into the spotlight."

Tang Shun didn't speak, only feeling a heavy tightness in his chest.

No wonder! No wonder!

Being able to see the Crown Prince was not due to any great achievement, but rather because of Su Shu's influence!

The military governor only needs to mention that this man not only made great contributions, but also protected the daughter of Prime Minister Su.

Unbeknownst to him, Su Shu's name had become an indelible mark on him, both a help and a burden.

The girl he casually chased away on the battlefield has unexpectedly brought him an incredible opportunity.

As the two walked, Shi Hanshan spoke again:

"Wang Xianghong is dead, but that doesn't mean it's over. You should know the consequences."

His expression turned serious. "He is Wang Jinda's only nephew."

"He was beheaded in public today, and he was forced to do it himself."

"The military governor is establishing his authority by doing this in front of all the generals."

"With this strike, the military governor's authority was established, but a blood feud was also forged!"

"Wang Jinda dares not hate the military governor, but he will hate you to death."

"I know," Tang Shun said.

Shi Hanshan nodded. "He won't let this go easily. You're in the open, and he's in the shadows. Be more careful in the future."

"I will."

The two stopped, having arrived at the entrance of School C's camp.

Shi Hanshan nodded, then suddenly patted him on the shoulder: "Go back. We'll set off tomorrow. The journey is long. Get a good night's sleep and don't go to see the Crown Prince looking tired."

Tang Shun cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your guidance, Commander."

Shi Hanshan turned and left.

It was already getting dark.

Tang Shun stood there, gazing at the sloping road leading to School C, and finally took a step.

The military camp gate was ajar, and there were no guards left.

The barracks along the way were silent; after the great battle, School C was almost completely wiped out.

When they arrived in Linhe County, there were more than 100 students from the Bing School, but only thirteen riders, including Wang Xianghong, escaped.

To this day, all thirteen riders have perished.

Tang Shun walked towards the team dormitory of Team 3 of School C.

The further I went in, the more uneasy I felt.

Where are Wei Zong and his men? Where are the soldiers guarding the city? Where have they all gone?

When the wooden door of the team's quarters was pushed open, a strong smell of alcohol hit us.

The room was brightly lit, with oil lamps hanging high, and the table was covered with coarse porcelain bowls and plates filled with various oily and sticky dishes.

Dozens of wine jars were neatly arranged on the ground.

More than twenty men sat in a circle, some sitting cross-legged, some leaning against the wall, all wearing old military uniforms, their faces weathered and scarred.

Hearing the commotion, everyone turned their heads in unison and saw Tang Shun standing at the door. They immediately burst into a roar.

They all rose to their feet, then knelt on one knee in unison, their voices booming, "Greetings, Captain!"

Cheng Feng grinned, revealing a set of yellow teeth, and said, "Squad Leader! You're finally back!"

Liang Enyi stood up to greet Tang Shun and hugged him tightly. "It's good that you're alright. The military governor summoned you for questioning himself. We didn't know what to do."

Wei Zong simply smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Brothers, you've kept us waiting! What day is it? So much good wine and food!"

Tang Shun laughed heartily, his gaze sweeping over everyone, feigning ignorance.

"Of course!" Cheng Feng said nonchalantly.

"Of course, it's a celebration!"

"School C is gone!"

"On the contrary, those of us who were initially abandoned and sent to defend Xiushui Town are all the ones who survived!"

Tang Shun looked around, his gaze sweeping over every face.

Cheng Feng, Wei Zong, Liang Enyi, Zhu Hang, Zhao Si, Lao Liu Tou, Sun Er Gou... including Li Lang, all twenty-nine people were present.

Tang Shun smiled.

The difficulties Wang Xianghong caused back then are still fresh in everyone's memory. Now, things have changed, but they are still here...