The fiercest soldier of the border army

Tang Shun followed the military governor's entourage on horseback through the mountains of the north, where the road was mostly covered in yellow earth, creating a desolate scene.

It wasn't until three hours later, when they entered Tingzhou territory, that the number of people gradually increased.

Before Tang Shun stood the towering city gate and the seven-zhang city wall, which stood like an iron wall, with layers upon layers of bricks, gleaming with a cold and hard color.

The moat meanders around the city, its surface reflecting the bright sunlight, like a giant serpent lying still.

Shi Hanshan reined in his horse and paused briefly, walking alongside Tang Shun, and said in a low voice:

"Tingzhou is not a border town like Datong. Here, powerful and influential people are everywhere, so you have to think twice before you speak or act."

"Moreover, we are here to pay our respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Tang Shun nodded. "I know."

He glanced at both sides of the city gate.

The guards stood in neat rows, their armor was bright, and their swords were of a uniform style, unlike the crudely made ones of the border troops.

There were three checkpoints at the city gate, and people entering and leaving had to show their documents and tokens.

A grain cart was being inspected by soldiers. The leading clerk flipped through the register and checked each item one by one, his movements unhurried and deliberate, clearly already accustomed to this routine.

It is well-organized, a stark contrast to the rough and ready approach of Datong.

When the inspecting soldiers saw the governor's carriage approaching, they hurriedly opened the main gate and knelt down to greet him.

After entering the city, we walked through the narrow streets and alleys of the common people and arrived at the city center.

The streets and alleys were wide, with high walls and green tiles on both sides, and the vermilion gates were tightly closed. Plaques hung above the gates, with inscriptions such as "Upholding Integrity for Generations" and "Passing Down Poetry and Etiquette in the Family".

Pedestrians were few and far between, and when carriages and horses occasionally passed by, they walked very slowly and dared not make a sound.

The patrolling soldiers, in groups of three, walked steadily with their eyes fixed straight ahead.

After observing the area along the way, Tang Shun had already concluded that this place was a gathering place for powerful and wealthy people.

The people remained silent not because they lived in peace and contentment, but because they were intimidated by the emperor's authority.

There's no sense of urgency here like in Datong, where war raged, but there's a different kind of invisible pressure that makes you have to be careful even when you're breathing.

Half an hour later, the group arrived at the governor's mansion.

The mansion faces south, with two stone lions standing guard in front of the gate. The lions are finely carved and exude a majestic aura.

The lobby is spacious and can accommodate dozens of people waiting in line.

After getting out of the car, Li Qing'an went straight into the mansion.

Then a middle-aged civil official who appeared to be a steward arrived and said:

"The military governor has entered the inner hall to report to His Highness the Crown Prince. His Highness is busy with official duties. Please wait in the guest room. You will be notified when you are summoned."

The two followed him into the mansion.

The guest room is located in the east wing. It is a spacious hall with more than ten tables and chairs, covered with straw mats, and equipped with tea sets.

By this time, seven or eight scholars had taken their seats, all dressed in Confucian robes, holding books or folding fans, and chatting and laughing in hushed tones.

When Tang Shun and Shi Hanshan entered, everyone's eyes swept over them, and the scene fell slightly silent.

These scholars seemed extremely surprised. Why would the Crown Prince summon such a crude and uncouth military man?

The Great Qian Dynasty has a long-standing saying: "Good men don't become soldiers, and good iron isn't used for nails," and there's also the saying: "Of all professions, only studying is noble."

Scholars and gentlemen are naturally more respectable than soldiers wielding weapons.

One of the scholars casually remarked, "Didn't His Highness summon the virtuous and learned men of Beiting to inquire about matters concerning Lingzhou? How come even military men are here in this quiet hall? Has it been turned into a drill ground?"

Another scholar covered his mouth and laughed: "I've heard that the Northern Court is a wild and unruly place, and there's never been any order in it. Perhaps it's just that the warriors think they're in charge."

Tang Shun ignored him and found a corner with Shi Hanshan to sit down.

Shi Hanshan stared intently at the scholars, his expression growing increasingly grim.

However, remembering his purpose, he did not retaliate.

A moment later, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a young man of about thirty years old strolled in, dressed in fine clothes and wearing a jade pendant at his waist, followed by two attendants.

One of the attendants glanced around, his gaze lingering on Shi Hanshan and Tang Shun, before pulling over two round stools and placing them directly in front of them.

The man then slowly sat down, looked around, and when his gaze swept over Tang Shun and Shi Hanshan, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, a smile that was not quite a smile.

The Crown Prince is very busy with official duties, and there is a specific order of precedence for audiences unless the Crown Prince summons you individually.

Shi Hanshan could no longer contain himself. He suddenly stood up, slammed his hand on the table, and demanded, "Why did you cut in line?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

The attendant glanced back and sneered, "Who told you to sit there? Where we sit is none of your business."

"I am the commander of the Northern Court Army," Shi Hanshan said calmly. "You are merely a servant; such rudeness is an attempt to break the law."

"Commander?" The attendant laughed heartily, as if he had heard a joke. "His Highness the Crown Prince summoned the virtuous officials of Beiting to govern Lingzhou."

"You two have come here for Lingzhou, haven't you?"

"If you want an official position, then just ask for it honestly!"

"My lord Cui Yuanlang is the third son of the eldest branch of the Cui family in Hedong. If he gains the favor of the Crown Prince, it will be a piece of cake for him to take up the post of governor of Lingzhou."

"Even if you go to Lingzhou, you'll still be under the governor's jurisdiction. We wouldn't even be able to kneel to welcome you properly. Letting you cut in line is already an honor."

The surrounding scholars roared in agreement.

"That's true. Although we are in a chaotic world now, governing a country ultimately depends on civil officials, while military men are just guards with swords."

"For a mere commander to have the honor of being able to form a connection with the governor before him is already an immense opportunity."

"The border troops are crude and uncouth; it's already a miracle if they can read a few words, let alone understand human relationships and social customs."

"They're already being treated exceptionally well by being allowed into the guest room; why would they dare to try and compete for a higher position?"

The sarcastic remarks rose and fell, like needles pricking the skin.

Shi Hanshan's face was ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He hesitated several times before finally suppressing his anger and sitting heavily back down on the mat.

Tang Shun looked down at his rough hands and pondered to himself.

If this meeting with the Crown Prince is merely a dry acceptance of credit and rewards, it may bring temporary joy, but in the long run, it is not a fortunate event.

There are too many obstacles in the military!

He needs to do something to make the Crown Prince remember him!

Based on his military merits, his promotion to captain is almost certain, but it's too slow!

He had personally buried his fallen brothers, cut flesh from the wounded soldiers' bodies to heal their wounds on a snowy night, and stood atop a pile of corpses to behead an enemy general.

Fighting hand-to-hand on the battlefield is far less effective than having connections in the imperial court!

These scholars and literati, each with a fierce and indifferent expression, are excellent whetstones!

Thinking of this, Tang Shun slowly stood up, his movements unhurried, and walked to the open space in the hall, facing everyone.

The sound wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the room:

"You scholars look down on warriors, claiming your talents are extraordinary. I, Tang Shun, am unworthy, but I would like to learn a thing or two from you!"

Cui Yuanlang turned his head, raised his eyebrows slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which then turned into contempt.

"What did you say?" he asked, his tone condescending and playful.

Tang Shun didn't look at him, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "I say, I am Tang Shun, a crude and uncouth warrior, and I would like to ask for your guidance, gentlemen!"

The guest room fell silent.

The scholars who had been chatting and laughing just moments before fell silent, their books hanging in mid-air, and even their breathing became lighter...