(Seriously ill … half of my face is swollen, I have a mild fever, and I'm dizzy all day. This chapter is a transitional chapter, so of course, there will be foreshadowing … I'm just worried that I'll forget the things I buried in the future, hehe.)
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Dongshan Road was one of the Qing Kingdom's Seven Roads. It leaned toward the northeast. Heading north from Xiao Mountain, one would plunge into the small vassal states that Dongyi secretly influenced. Passing through those cities, one would enter the border of Northern Qi. Last year, when Fan Xian went to Northern Qi as a diplomatic envoy, he had taken a different route, bypassing Cangzhou and entering via the North Sea, so he had not been to Cili.
Of course, he would not head north today. There was nothing in Northern Qi that attracted him.
Sitting on the horse and looking at the map in his hand, Fan Xian couldn't help but furrow his brows. Pointing to a corner of the map, he said, "So, Jiaozhou is still below Danzhou … what is this large blank space on it?"
Beside him was the Deputy Commander of the Black Knights, surnamed Jing. Commander Jing still wore that silver mask on his face. Listening to his superior's words, he said in a low voice, "To the north of Danzhou is a large stretch of high mountains and dense forests. Very few people dare to enter, so when the map was drawn, there was only a blank space. To the north of this blank space is Dongyi, which faces the bay."
Dongyi? Fan Xian sighed. He thought to himself that one day he would have to go and see. It was only now that he found out that Dongyi, the largest city in the world, was not far from Danzhou, where he had spent his childhood. However, Fan Xian was familiar with the mountains to the north of Danzhou. He knew that if he wanted to find a path from those places, it was basically impossible. Moreover, the geographical environment of this area was also very special. Along the coast were cliffs and precipices that stretched for hundreds of miles. Even birds would find it dangerous.
If the people of Dongyi wanted to go to the Qing Kingdom, they could only go around to the west of Xiao Mountain or go by sea.
Thinking of Dongyi's powerful sea navigation abilities, a glimmer of worry flashed through Fan Xian's eyes. Although the navy in this world could not affect the bigger picture, it still had the ability to carry out some harassment. What if Dongyi forcefully landed in Danzhou?
Only now did Fan Xian finally understand why the Emperor cared so much about this matter and wanted him to personally act. He also understood why, after the Quanzhou First Navy was disbanded, the court persisted in maintaining such a navy in the remote Jiaozhou.
Jiaozhou was to the south of Danzhou. A powerful navy was stationed there to intimidate Dongyi's power on the sea.
A cold smile rose involuntarily to the corners of Fan Xian's lips. Now, he knew that the Quanzhou Navy, from a certain perspective, was like his mother's private army. The court's work was indeed watertight.
"Old Jing, why don't you take off your mask?" He smiled at the Black Knight commander beside him, doing his best to make his tone gentler and not reveal the chill in the depths of his heart.
Following Chen Pingping's strict orders, these 400 Black Knights had become Fan Xian's subordinates ever since he left for Northern Qi. The 400 black-clothed, black-horned, black-faced riders had actually helped Fan Xian a lot, such as Shang Shanhu's rescue of Xiao En and the Junshang Conference in Jiangnan.
However, the greatest benefit the Black Knights brought Fan Xian was not just these. Due to various reasons, Fan Xian had never been able to extend his hand into the military. The existence of the Black Knights was equivalent to his most powerful martial power. It could increase his power and also give him a bit more confidence when negotiating with others.
In a situation where he had no military power, having the Black Knights under his command was a comforting thing.
However, Fan Xian was not very close to this group of subordinates because the Black Knights could not enter a province or even go near a province. Fan Xian was also a person who loved to enjoy life, so he did not want to live in a military camp. Thus, there was not much time for conversation between his superiors and subordinates. This kind of unfamiliarity was impossible to get rid of in a short period of time.
Fan Xian understood that if he truly wanted to do something in the future, he had to control this most powerful martial power under his command. He could not rely on Chen Pingping to control it. He could only rely on himself to have these 400 riders follow him wholeheartedly and subdue them from the depths of their hearts.
Ever since he met up with the Black Knights at the crossroads, he had been trying to use the method he had used to subdue Wang Qinian and Deng Zi Yue, as well as the strange Deputy Commander of the Black Knights who always wore a silver mask.
Fan Xian smiled warmly and spoke candidly. He chatted and talked about trivial matters of the day, creating a warm and open atmosphere. Of course, he did not forget to reveal the steadiness and confidence that a person in a high position should have.
However, the Deputy Commander Jing remained indifferent and was not moved at all. He replied straightforwardly, "I'm used to it."
Thus, Fan Xian was a bit angry. He suddenly smiled slightly and said, "There are only two types of people who wear masks."
Riding beside him on the horse, Commander Jing's body did not have any reaction. However, Fan Xian noticed that his hand holding the reins had tightened slightly. It looked like he was interested in this topic.
He was probably curious to see how the famous Sir Fan junior would comment on the mask.
Fan Xian said, "Either the face under the mask is too ugly, or it has been heavily injured and is unbearable to see people. Or … this face is too handsome, so handsome that it's like a girl's … "
"Of course, I am not mocking myself with these words."
"The Black Knights go into battle to kill the enemy. The more savage the face, the easier it is to scare the enemy. Thus, the first reason does not exist." Fan Xian smiled and gazed at the silver mask flashing with a faint light. "Looks like Commander Jing must be a rarely seen handsome man."
Commander Jing paused and said a moment later, "The commissioner is indeed … impressive."
Fan Xian chuckled. He thought that he had heard too many stories about the Prince of Lanling and Di Qing, so he could make a random guess.
However, Commander Jing still did not take off his mask. It made Fan Xian very curious as to whether or not he had guessed correctly.
"I still don't know your name," Fan Xian said lightly. He couldn't be bothered to do this kind of political work anymore.
Commander Jing's gaze became serious. He held the reins in his hand and said seriously, "My surname is Jing, and my name is Wuming."
"Jing Wuming?" How could Fan Xian not know the name of the most powerful martial commander under his command? He purposely pretended to be shocked and thought of the strange association he had when he first learned this person's name last year.
"If you are Jing Wuming, then wouldn't I be Shangguan demoness's father?"
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Hundreds of riders formed into a thin line and headed northeast in the quiet valley. Scouts had been sent out at a certain distance in all directions, so they shouldn't be able to reveal their whereabouts.
Fan Xian and Commander Jing were in the middle and were slowly moving through the valley. At this moment, Fan Xian was smiling again because of the association he had made in the past. Commander Jing glanced at him curiously and then said, "My surname is Jing. I don't have a name. I'm not called Wuming."
A major figure of the Fifth Bureau without a name? A Black Knight general without a name?
Fan Xian opened his mouth slightly and couldn't resist sighing. He thought to himself, No wonder people feared the Overwatch Council like it was a demon. Under the influence of Chen Pingping, that old cripple, the entire structure of the Overwatch Council, the way the officials did things, and their backgrounds all carried a strange air.
He knew this general would not lie to him and quietly said, "It's better to have a name."
Commander Jing was silent for a moment and then nodded. "Sir, please bestow a name."
Bestowing a name, for the person bestowing a name, was a very high honor. Fan Xian was shocked and didn't dare to believe his ears. Turning his head back to look at the sincerity in the general's calm gaze, he knew he was not joking.
He slowly lowered his head and thought seriously for a long time before smiling slightly and saying, "A single name, one Ge, with the courtesy name Zhiwu. How about that?"
Commander Jing had once been a hero in the military. It was only because he had offended the nobility that Chen Pingping had fished him out and placed him in the Black Knights. He was someone with some knowledge. Hearing this name, he immediately understood Commissioner Fan's meaning and was very satisfied. He smiled and nodded his head.
A beautiful curve rose to the corner of his lips under the silver mask.
Thus, the man who had provoked his superior in the military, been sentenced to death, mysteriously disappeared, and remained nameless, using a silver mask to hide his face, finally had his own name many years after cutting off the first half of his life. He had also begun another part of his life.
"Jing Ge." Fan Xian smiled slightly amidst the clatter of the horse's hooves. "Who exactly did you offend back then?"
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Jing Ge didn't know if it was because he was not used to his new name or because he was shocked by the commissioner's sensitivity, but he didn't speak for a moment.
After a long silence, he quietly said, "The Qin family."
Fan Xian sucked in a cold breath. He knew what kind of power the Qin family had in the military. Old Qin had always dominated the position of Head of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Little Qin had now become the Commander of the Jingdou Garrison. Even when his father-in-law was in court, he had to be wary of the Qin family. So, this subordinate of his had offended the Qin family back then.
Thinking of this, Fan Xian couldn't help but feel the greatest admiration and shock toward Chen Pingping. That old cripple was indeed daring enough to use an enemy of the Qin family. Furthermore, he had used him for so many years and allowed Jing Ge to reach the position of Deputy Commander of the Black Knights.
"My relationship with the Qin family is not bad," he said probingly. He thought to himself that as long as Jing Ge was willing to ask him for help, he could try to make up for the enmity of the past after he returned to the capital.
Jing Ge smiled. The lips that were exposed outside the silver mask smiled happily.
"Thank you, sir." Jing Ge said these words sincerely. "There's no need."
Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and looked at him. It was as if he wanted to see what this silent and valiant subordinate was thinking. After a long time, he asked, "What exactly is the enmity between you and the Qin family?"
Jing Ge was silent for a moment and then said in a heavy voice, "In the camp, I killed the eldest son of the Qin family."
The eldest son of the Qin family? Qin Heng's elder brother? Fan Xian's expression did not change, but his heart grew cold. If the person Jing Ge had killed had lived until now, he would probably have long been one of the top generals in court. Such enmity, what exactly was Chen Pingping thinking? Why did he keep a ticking time bomb in the Overwatch Council?
A few bird cries came from ahead.
The silent Black Knights stopped in unison. It was not people, it was horses. This kind of riding skill was truly one of the best in the world. Probably only the Western Hu King's army had this ability.
Dusk gradually approached.
Fan Xian and Jing Ge rode forward and passed through the valley. Halfway up the mountain, they looked down at the city at the foot of the mountain.
The city was not large. Inside, there were already lanterns lit like stars.
This was Jiaozhou.
Looking to the right, a stretch of ocean was turning from blue to pitch-black in the dusky sky. Faintly, one could see a heavily guarded dock and dozens of warships, as well as eye-catching camps.
That was the Jiaozhou Navy.
"Do as you please. Kill anyone who dares to enter the city."
Fan Xian had already thrown Jing Ge's question to the back of his mind. Coldly and straightforwardly giving the order, he pulled on the reins and broke away from the main group of Black Knights. Without a single guard, he rode alone up the narrow mountain path toward Jiaozhou at the foot of the mountain.
(To be continued, if you want to know what happened afterwards, please log on to WWW. CMFU. com. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!)
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