The God of War Who Protects the Nation: Starting with Saving a Mother and Daughter in Distress

Dust billowed along the official road in Xingye County.

Five hundred cavalrymen stood in neat rows, their hooves pounding on the bluestone pavement with a dull, rhythmic sound, like thunder rolling across the earth.

Sunlight shone on the cavalrymen's armor, reflecting a cold light, making them look like a moving steel dragon from afar.

Qin An, clad in fine armor, rode a magnificent black horse at the head of the procession.

He stood tall and straight, with a stern face and sharp eyes like an eagle. More than a year of military service had made his fierce and courageous spirit even stronger.

Several miles from the county seat, the spectacle had already alarmed the people along the way.

"My goodness! What kind of troop is this? It's so impressive!" An old farmer carrying a load on his shoulders was so frightened that he quickly hid by the roadside, staring wide-eyed at the cavalry troop, muttering to himself.

"Look at those flags, it's our Daxing army! But the equipment and the imposing presence, only the elite border troops could possibly have such a sight, right?" A woman selling vegetables nearby stood on tiptoe, peering over with a look of awe on her face.

The news spread like wildfire to Xingye County.

The soldiers guarding the city became tense when they saw the dust and smoke in the distance and the "Qin" banner fluttering in the wind. They immediately informed the county magistrate.

He Qiang, the magistrate of Xingye County, was leisurely enjoying tea in the back hall when he heard that a large cavalry force was approaching from outside the city. He was so frightened that he almost dropped his teacup.

"What? Cavalry? How many? Where did they come from?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, judging from the banners, they seem to be border troops, about five hundred cavalry, and the leader seems to be... surnamed Qin?" The yamen runner who reported this also looked flustered.

He Qiang frowned, his mind racing.

A border general surnamed Qin?

He served as the magistrate of Xingye County for five years and believed that he had not offended any important figures, let alone border generals.

"Quickly, prepare the sedan chair! Come with me to the city gate!" He Qiang dared not delay and hurriedly got up to straighten his official robes, his heart pounding with anxiety.

When He Qiang arrived at the city gate with a group of yamen runners, the cavalry had already reached the city walls.

When he saw the familiar yet unfamiliar figure at the very front of the line, he froze.

Isn't that... Qin An?

Qin An, who was just a lowly constable under his command a little over a year ago, was conscripted into the army.

He Qiang rubbed his eyes hard to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

Before me stood Qin An, clad in fine armor, riding a tall horse, his expression solemn, radiating an aura of seasoned warriors.

Where is there even a trace of that inconspicuous constable from back then?

Especially when He Qiang saw the five hundred well-equipped and imposing cavalrymen behind Qin An, his heart couldn't help but pound wildly.

The person who can command so many cavalry must hold a very high position.

At the very least, he was a centurion, or even higher.

Although he already knew that Qin An had become a centurion in the army when Qin An returned last time.

At that time, although he was optimistic about the other party's future, he didn't pay too much attention to it.

A centurion is nothing to a county magistrate.

But judging from Qin An's current situation, he has been promoted again.

His idea was quickly proven true.

The person who went to hand over the official documents quickly brought back news that Qin An had become a border army captain commanding three thousand cavalry.

This time, under the guise of a training exercise, he led five hundred cavalrymen through this area.

When He Qiang learned that Qin An had become a captain, he was indescribably shocked.

"If I remember correctly, Qin An has only just turned eighteen. He's only been in the army for a little over a year, yet he's already reached this level. This speed of promotion is simply unbelievable!"

But he was worthy of being a county magistrate; he instantly put away all his doubts and anxieties, his face filled with a warm smile, and he quickly stepped forward, bowing to Qin An.

"Greetings, Commandant Qin! I was unaware of your arrival in Xingye County. Please forgive my failure to greet you properly!"

His attitude was so respectful that it couldn't be more respectful, even carrying a hint of ingratiation.

He knew in his heart that Qin An's current status was already on par with his, and even showed signs of surpassing him.

The border general, wielding military power, carries far more weight than a civil official like him, a county magistrate.

Qin An nodded slightly from his horse, his voice calm: "Magistrate He, there's no need for such formalities. I'm only back to visit relatives and give the brothers a break."

"Of course, of course!" He Qiang quickly replied. "Captain Qin has done great service in defending the frontier for us, and it is a wonderful thing for him to return home to visit his family! I have prepared a simple banquet, and I would be honored if you would do me the honor of joining me as your host!"

Qin An glanced at He Qiang, and seeing his sincere attitude, he couldn't refuse, so he nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Magistrate He."

"No trouble at all, no trouble at all!" He Qiang's smile widened, and he quickly stepped aside to lead the way. "Captain, please come in!"

The news that Qin An led his cavalry into the city caused an uproar in Xingye County.

"Isn't that Qin An? Has he really become a high-ranking official?"

"He's more than just a high-ranking official! Look at those cavalrymen, how spirited they are! I heard he's a captain now, commanding several thousand cavalrymen!"

"My God, I really didn't expect this. Back when he was just a constable, who would have thought he'd be where he is today?"

"Yes, yes, this is truly a triumphant return home!"

"..."

The people lined both sides of the street, discussing the scene with envy and awe as they looked at Qin An and his cavalry.

Han Quan followed behind Qin An, watching He Qiang's obsequious manner, feeling incredibly pleased. Back when he was a constable under He Qiang, he had been robbed of a considerable amount of money by He Qiang in an attempt to avoid being conscripted, and he had always harbored resentment towards him.

Seeing this usually domineering magistrate so humble in front of Qin An, he felt a sense of satisfaction.

"Captain, this Magistrate He certainly knows how to handle people," Han Quan whispered with a smile as he approached Qin An.

Qin An smiled faintly and remained silent.

He knew He Qiang all too well; he was a typical corrupt official who would change his stance depending on the wind.

But now, he doesn't need to break ties with the other party.

The banquet arranged by He Qiang was extremely lavish, with delicacies from land and sea, fine wines and dishes filling the entire table. During the meal, He Qiang frequently toasted Qin An, uttering all sorts of flattering and ingratiating words, praising Qin An to the skies.

"Commander Qin is young and promising; it is truly a blessing for Daxing! Back when you were a constable in our county, you already displayed extraordinary talent. I knew then that you would achieve great things in the future!"

"Your return to your hometown, Commandant, truly brings honor to Xingye County! If there is anything I can do for you in the future, please don't hesitate to ask, Commandant, and I will never refuse!"

Qin An responded only half-heartedly, maintaining a faint smile on his face, neither humble nor arrogant.

He knew He Qiang's intentions; he simply wanted to curry favor and build a good relationship.

Qin An disliked such social interactions from the bottom of his heart, but he also knew that if he wanted to make a name for himself in officialdom, he had to be adept at navigating interpersonal relationships.

His choice was to blend in with the crowd and feign compliance.

Halfway through the banquet, He Qiang seemed to suddenly remember something and patted his forehead.

"Oh dear, look at my memory! Commander Qin, I heard your family still lives in Baishan Village? That place is remote and life must be quite inconvenient."

"I have a vacant house in the county town. Although it is not large, it is quite elegant and safe. I will give it to you, Commandant, as a token of my appreciation. It will also make it easier for your family to settle down in the county town."

As he spoke, he took out a bunch of keys and handed them to Qin An.