Chapter 912: Arrangements

On the fifth day after departing from Jiangyuan City, Wang Chen made his way back to the county capital.

Upon his return, his first task was to visit Iron Furnace Camp to return the horse to his master, Wang Hui.

As soon as they met, Wang Hui inquired, “Have you settled all your affairs?”

“Everything is settled,” Wang Chen nodded, presenting a carefully prepared gift. “This is a small token of my gratitude. Please accept it.”

Previously, when he had become an apprentice, he had not offered any tribute. This gift was his way of making amends for that oversight.

“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated,” Wang Hui responded with a pleased smile.

He had taken Wang Chen as his disciple to pass on his legacy, and understanding Wang Chen’s circumstances, he had not been concerned about the lack of an offering initially.

Head Instructor Wang was not in need of such gifts.

Nevertheless, he was genuinely touched that Wang Chen remembered the debt of gratitude owed to a master.

Upon opening the wooden box presented by Wang Chen, Wang Hui was taken aback.

Inside lay a ginseng root, complete with all its roots, its texture and appearance suggesting it was over two hundred, nearly three hundred years old!

It was crucial to note that, unlike in centuries past, a hundred-year-old mountain ginseng was now considered a rarity. A two to three-hundred-year-old old mountain ginseng could rightfully be termed a “treasure ginseng.”

Its value was naturally exorbitant, and even wealth might not secure such a find.

This potent item could save lives, cure illnesses, and was in immense demand.

Wang Hui, advanced in years and having previously suffered serious wounds, found the prospect of a natural lifespan nearly impossible.

Yet, this old mountain ginseng could restore significant Potential, potentially extending his life by several years!

Wang Hui had not anticipated such a generous gift from Wang Chen.

While indifferent to gold, silver, and jewels, he found it hard to refuse a treasure ginseng.

Closing the lid, the Blood Guard head instructor couldn’t help but ask, “Did you bring something back from home?”

“I brought back a portion,” Wang Chen replied. “My adversaries and family estate remain there; I will reclaim them in due time.”

Wang Hui was filled with a mix of emotions.

His greatest fear was that Wang Chen, in youthful impetuosity, would disregard the disparity in strength and rush to Anyang for vengeance, risking his life needlessly.

However, Wang Chen displayed a maturity far beyond his fifteen or sixteen years, his composure almost intimidating!

This young man was destined for greatness!

“Given the thoughtfulness of your gift, your master will accept it with gratitude,” Wang Hui declared, stowing the box away. He then added, “As you are about to take up a position in the county, it would be inconvenient without a mount. Keep the yellow horse outside; there’s no need to return it.”

In truth, the horse wasn’t his, but purchasing it would pose no problem.

Compared to the treasure ginseng Wang Chen had gifted, the value of the yellow horse was insignificant!

Wang Chen clasped his fists and said, “Thank you, Master.”

He was not being polite, for the mount was indeed exceptional, capable of traveling a thousand miles in a single day and night, making it an ideal means of transportation.

“There’s no need for formalities between master and disciple,” Wang Hui replied with a wave of his hand. He then pulled out a thick book from his robe. “This secret record contains my experiences and insights from serving in the Blood Guard for ten years. Take it with you and read it when you have time; you might find it enlightening.”

Wang Chen accepted it with both hands, saying, “Thank you, Master!”

Wang Hui chuckled and said, “Go now. Lord Baihu Wei Zhengxiong is waiting for you in the city. He has already arranged your assignment, so I won’t accompany you further.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t wish to spend more time with his disciple Wang Chen, but time was pressing. If Wang Chen returned even a day later, complications might arise.

Though surprised, Wang Chen complied with his master’s instructions, leaving Iron Furnace Camp and making his way back to Jiangyuan City.

This time, clad in his flying fish uniform, Wang Chen strode confidently into the Da Wei Yamen.

“You’ve arrived just in time,” Wei Zhengxiong, the Blood Guard Lord Baihu, remarked as soon as he saw him. He led Wang Chen to his office and handed him a badge and an appointment letter.

“The lower ranks are currently short-staffed, and all the new recruits from your batch are being assigned to the counties,” Wei Zhengxiong explained.

“I had initially planned to place you in the prefectural city, but that smiling tiger interfered, and I couldn’t secure a position there. So, you’ll be sent to a county instead.”

Wang Chen knew whom Wei Zhengxiong was referring to as the “smiling tiger,” but he didn’t mind. “The county is fine,” he said.

In the administrative divisions of Daliang, the hierarchy was county, prefecture, and city. As a newly appointed Blood Guard, unless he had a very solid background, Wang Chen had little chance of remaining in Jiangyuan City.

The next best option would naturally be the prefectural city.

However, Wang Chen was content with working in the county, as starting at a lower level was not an issue.

Wei Zhengxiong sighed and said, “The times are chaotic now. In the past, new Blood Guards were at most assigned to the prefectural city; there was no reason to send them to the counties.”

Lowering his voice, he added, “Ling Zhiyuan, once you’re there, follow the experienced members closely and learn as much as you can. Don’t be too eager to stand out. Protecting yourself is the most important thing, understand?”

Wang Chen nodded. “I’ll remember that!”

“As long as you make some contributions, I can arrange to promote you, and returning to Jiangyuan City won’t be out of the question,” Wei Zhengxiong assured him.

After a moment of thought, he continued, “I’m assigning you to Linjiang County. Recently, there have been disturbances caused by heretics there, so there should be plenty of opportunities to earn merit. Seize those opportunities when they arise.”

The promotion system within the Blood Guard was well-structured. Advancement required the accumulation of merits.

From Xiaoqi to Zongqi, Lord Baihu, Qiandu, and up to Commander of the Da Wei…

Though the system had its complexities, it was undoubtedly fairer than the civil official system.

Those without strength and merits could not rely on flattery to rise; even if they did, they would be unable to shoulder the responsibilities of their positions.

After all, the Blood Guard faced the most formidable enemies!

Wei Zhengxiong also shared extensive details about Linjiang County with Wang Chen.

Linjiang County, under Donglu Prefecture, was the largest county, classified as a superior county with a population of several hundred thousand.

Though not as bustling as the prefectural city, the county was densely populated.

Originally, Linjiang County had been relatively peaceful, but over the past two years, strange occurrences had emerged, suspected to be the work of demonic beings. Local heretics had resurfaced, even establishing evil altars and temples for worship.

To eradicate the demonic beings and their followers, the Blood Guard in Linjiang County had suffered significant losses and was in urgent need of new recruits.

Under normal circumstances, Wei Zhengxiong would not have assigned Wang Chen to such a volatile situation.

However, Linjiang County was his hometown, and the Wei family there held considerable influence. Wang Chen would not be without support.

Moreover, finding a peaceful posting was increasingly difficult, and compared to other options, Linjiang County was a reasonable choice.

Most importantly, if Wang Chen earned merits in Linjiang County, Wei Zhengxiong could advocate for his promotion back in Jiangyuan City.

Wang Chen had no objections to this arrangement.

Given the urgency in Linjiang County and with Wang Chen’s appointment already confirmed, he didn’t even spend a night in Jiangyuan City before hurrying off to the county.