Chapter 81 The Mission

“Young man, I have heard County Officer Feng mention you more than once. Now is the time when the imperial court needs capable people. If you possess the talents he claims you do, I would gladly give him this courtesy and contribute a modest effort to Great Liang by recognizing your abilities.” The elder regarded Qi Jun solemnly, as if trying to see through his exterior to the depths of his thoughts.

“My lord, if you have any instructions, please let me know! I will devote myself wholeheartedly and will not disappoint your trust and favor.” Qi Jun knew he could not escape this unknown twist of fate, and so he stepped forward to accept it.

“Hmm…” The elder glanced at Feng Qinian, smiled faintly, and continued, “Since that’s the case, I’ll speak plainly. County Officer Feng recommended you to be his deputy, leading the county soldiers as commander. But I think, since he values you so highly, you must have some extraordinary qualities. What merit is there in being a mere commander? Why not make you the County Officer of Anqiang instead?” The elder paused, watching Qi Jun’s reaction.

“What? Make me County Officer? This… this…” Qi Jun had already prepared to accept the task of going to battle, quietly considering his path of retreat afterwards.

But the elder’s words struck him like thunder, leaving his mind in chaos, utterly speechless for a moment.

Feng Qinian’s offer to make him a commander was within his expectations, but for this prefectural officer to directly place him in the role of County Officer—what could he possibly mean by that?

“What’s wrong? Do you look down on the position, or do you think you lack the ability?” The elder’s smile faded, his voice deep and tinged with displeasure.

“The prefectural officer values you so highly, Qi Jun, what are you waiting for? Hurry and thank him for his generous recognition!” Feng Qinian, startled for a moment, quickly recovered and seized the elder’s cue.

“No… it’s not that. My lord’s favor is overwhelming; I only fear I may not live up to your trust and kindness…” Qi Jun hastily knelt on one knee, bowing his head in gratitude. What he said was true: to serve in a post is to bear its burdens, and if he were truly placed in the position, Qi Jun genuinely worried he might not be equal to the task.

“I have considered all you’ve said. Of course, I will give you a chance to prove your abilities. If you fail, I’ll admit I misjudged you, and you can return to Anqiang County with Feng Qinian.” The elder set down his chess piece, rose, and stood with his hands behind his back, watching the fish swimming in the pond.

Feng Qinian’s heart skipped a beat at the last sentence—the prefectural officer called him simply by name, omitting any title.

This meaning was clear to him: if Qi Jun, whom he had recommended, failed the test set by the prefectural officer, he himself would surely be implicated and lose his post as well.

He glanced nervously at the elder, then at Qi Jun.

“May I ask what the task is, my lord? Please speak directly, and I will give it my utmost effort.” Qi Jun understood that the elder’s assignment would not be simple, so he braced himself fully.

“It isn’t all that difficult, really. Fifty li northwest of Ding’an Prefecture lies a Qiang outpost whose scouts frequently harass us. I am thoroughly vexed by them. Take some men and wipe them out. That’s all.” The elder stood with hands behind his back, his tone as calm as if discussing how to catch fish.

“A Qiang encampment? As far as I know, Great Liang and the Qiang currently coexist peacefully. Wouldn’t such an action…” Qi Jun frowned, gazing at the elder’s back. Killing a few Qiang soldiers would not be hard for him.

What he didn’t understand was why the prefectural officer would risk provoking war by ordering him to destroy a small Qiang outpost.

If hostilities resumed, it would not only burden the people of Great Liang but also place every border town in the path of destruction.

“You understand the stakes, and that’s good. But rest assured, war doesn’t break out so easily. Just do it cleanly, leave no evidence, and the rest is none of your concern.” The elder turned slightly, casting a glance at Qi Jun, his demeanor full of confidence.

“Yes, my lord!” With the elder’s words so decisive, Qi Jun could only accept. He was a career soldier; politics was not his concern. Since his superior had entrusted him with the task, he would simply do his best to carry it out.

Feng Qinian’s face, like Qi Jun’s, was clouded with uncertainty. If war broke out between Great Liang and the Qiang, his own Anqiang County would be the first to suffer.

Should he fail to defend the town, all he had accumulated over the years would vanish into smoke.

But seeing the prefectural officer’s composed and confident demeanor, Feng Qinian knew these were not matters for him to ponder. Since the officer was willing to entrust such a task to Qi Jun, he must have considered all outcomes, whether success or failure.

“Qi Jun, this matter is of utmost importance. You must handle it with extreme caution and not allow any mistakes!” Feng Qinian thought for a moment and gave Qi Jun another warning.

“My lord, when should I depart?”

“You may set out now. Bring the heads of the Qiang before me by tomorrow.”

Qi Jun paused, realizing the elder had spoken so decisively, he must have planned this for some time and simply waited for the right candidate—himself.

“You may choose any weapons you need; I have arranged the necessary men for your operation. Once you leave, someone will meet and organize your team.” The elder grabbed a handful of fish food and scattered it in the pond. With that, he set the food down and departed.

Feng Qinian shot Qi Jun a look, urging him to prepare quickly, then followed the prefectural officer out.