Chapter 05: General Flag

The key to all of this lies in the fact that Zhou Kefeng and Long Chen are both in rapid motion. The use of a long sword requires power generated from the waist, but when in quick movement, Zhou Kefeng's dantian cannot connect with the ground, and naturally, the sword can only rely on the strength of the shoulders and wrists. However, the best weapon for generating power from the shoulders and wrists is a short sword. Long Chen seized this opportunity to deflect Zhou Kefeng's long sword, thereby securing victory.

In the face of Long Chen, Hu Meng always maintained a proper attitude and would never say no. For this reason, he felt quite helpless, having to serve as a subordinate to his own subordinates. However, if he had known that Long Chen had suddenly been promoted to the position of Chief Flag Officer, his mindset would certainly not have been so conflicted

"Then this matter is settled?" Liu Dezhong needed to confirm once more, after all, he was going to report to Mao Youjun shortly. Even a hundred households could not decide the appointment or dismissal of the chief banner officer; only Mao Youjun possessed such capability in the entire Tieshan.

What a coincidence, I ran into Hu Meng at the door. It's somewhat amusing; originally, this house belonged to Hu Meng, yet now it has been taken over by Long Chen. The fact that Hu Meng appeared here and had to use the phrase "what a coincidence" is quite ironic

However, the expressions of Hu Meng and the others did not show much excitement; in fact, there was even a hint of a bitter smile on their faces. It was clear that they had come here tonight just to enjoy the cold breeze. It is important to understand that fishing is a skilled activity; trying to catch fish with a fishing rod in flowing stream water is obviously unrealistic, and there are no fishing nets available in the mountains, making fishing extremely difficult. Therefore, if Liu Dezhong wanted to treat everyone to a fish meal, it would take him more than ten days to prepare.

Congratulations to Brother Long on your promotion; it seems that in the future, we brothers will have to rely on you, Brother Long. Lu Han and Zhou Kefeng congratulated Long Chen together

"That sounds good, that sounds good indeed." Hetushu.com. Long Chen naturally nodded. In the Ming Dynasty military system, one hundred households were overseen by two chief flag officers, each of whom managed five small flags, with each small flag commanding ten soldiers. If Long Chen and Liu Dezhong were under the same hundred households, that hundred households would undoubtedly be rendered completely ineffective. Moreover, both chief flag officers under him were people of little capability, leaving you with no place to express your grievances, only able to watch helplessly as you became a mere figurehead.

Taking advantage of the moment when his shoulder blocked the opponent's line of sight, Long Chen swiftly flipped his originally knife-holding right hand outward, using a deft motion to deflect the opponent's long knife. He then thrust his single knife forward, the blade pressing against Zhou Kefeng's chest.

Long Chen still returned to his residence; he was not so impatient as to rush over to see the General Ran Yi and his subordinates at this moment. He was well aware of which matters required urgency and which did not.

"The swordsmanship of Brother Long is truly remarkable, I, Zhou, concede." Zhou Kefeng could only smile in defeat

It seems that none of those who can rise to power are simple individuals

Indeed, let's get some fish for everyone to improve the meals

Since Long Chen is new here and not very familiar with the matters in the camp, and the general has said that it is up to you to decide, then please take charge of it.

"Long Chen expresses his gratitude to the general, and in the future, he will certainly do his utmost to repay the general's kindness in supporting him." However, he secretly admires Mao Youjun's tactics, as he not only promoted him but also fulfilled Liu Dezhong's recommendation. It is important to understand that allowing Liu Dezhong to select a general to replace him is essentially giving Liu Dezhong an opportunity to eliminate a rival. In the future, when Liu Dezhong seeks to be promoted to a hundred households, won't the competitive pressure be significantly reduced?

Hehe, come find me the day after tomorrow, and we will go together to meet Lord Ma Baihu. Then I will accompany you to take over the position of the chief banner. You must not forget this.

That was my oversight; I failed to notice such a talented individual in the army. Haha, very well, today I shall appoint Brother Long as the chief flag officer. As for which chief flag's troops he will take over, De Zong, I leave that decision to you.

Did you bring the fishing net

"Not at all, we are both chief officers, and in the future, we must support each other and not disappoint the general's expectations of us." Liu Dezhong changed the subject, "Brother Long, which department are you planning to take over?"

Ah, as it is said, a treasured blade is given to a hero. This blade was personally bestowed upon me by the great commander in years past, yet it has been wasted in my possession. Today, I shall present this blade to Brother Long, and I hope that Brother Long will not decline.

If we push it any further, it would seem somewhat pretentious. Long Chen had no choice but to accept the knife, saying, "In that case, I shall not be polite."

Sigh, what is it? Originally, Hu Meng planned to slip away without noticing that scourge.

"Brother Long, you called us out on such a cold day just to wait for you to catch fish to eat?" asked Niu Er.

After a round of cordial greetings, Mao Youjun casually mentioned military affairs and took his guards to bid farewell

Hehe, it's just in the stream behind the mountain. Unfortunately, I don't have a fishing net, so I can only rely on luck to catch fish. It's not easy to get a fish. That bowl of fish took me a lot of effort to catch, one by one over several days. I kept them in the basin until I had enough to cook together to treat my brothers. If you find it delicious, next time I make fish, I will definitely remember you!

Brother, I have Ma Baihu above me, who is quite straightforward. You will certainly not be bullied or mistreated while working under him. Additionally, there is another chief officer under Ma Baihu named Ran Yi, a genuine man from Liaodong, who is skilled with a spear. The soldiers under him are also quite capable in battle, and once you join, these soldiers will naturally become your subordinates.

Being dragged out late at night to the back mountain to feel the cold wind is certainly not a pleasant experience. At this time, the best thing to do would be for a few people to huddle together for warmth, with one of them telling some risqué jokes to lighten the mood. However, it was Long Ge who spoke up, leaving everyone no choice but to follow. Hu Meng even thought to himself that if he were to give the order for these little rascals to come out at this moment, it would be uncertain whether they would obey. But upon hearing it was Long Chen's command, the little rascals dared not delay in the slightest. Alas, in this day and age, it is indeed the one with the strongest fist who is the leader.

Since it is a gift from the great commander to the general, how could Long Chen accept it lightly? This is absolutely not permissible. Long Chen still refused to accept it

Hu Meng. Long Chen was just about to look for him

Long Chen was not pretentious either; he retracted his short blade and nodded, saying: "I concede."

Long Chen understood that today's matter was largely thanks to the recommendation of his elder brother; otherwise, he, Long Chen, would not have had the opportunity for promotion. In the future, he hopes that his elder brother will take care of him more, as there are still many things that Long Chen does not understand

The night is cool as water, and the cold winter wind, having been tempered by the peaks, becomes even more piercing, like a knife, seemingly capable of cutting through exposed skin. Amidst this cold wind, Long Chen and Hu Meng, along with others, walk along the small path behind the mountain, stepping over the ground strewn with stones and pits, and arrive at the small stream beside the back mountain.

"Look at what you are saying; in the future, on the battlefield, Brother Long will use this sword to kill enemies effectively, serving the great commander and the court well." Mao Youjun insisted on gifting the sword

No fishing net

Taking advantage of Hu Meng's moment to call for help, Long Chen found a wooden stick in the room, unsure of which spear it had been retired from. He crouched down, took out the short knife that Mao Youjun had just given him, and carefully began to whittle it. He shaped one end of the stick to a point, then turned it over and sharpened the other end in the same manner. Standing up, he twirled the double-pointed stick around and nodded in satisfaction.

Is there a small stream in the back mountain? Do you know it?

Such matters are certainly a collective effort, as they are both trusted bodyguards of Mao Youjun, holding a status not inferior to that of the hundred households. If they were to be demoted, they would undoubtedly be in a position similar to Liu Dezhong, at the very least as a chief flag officer

Yes, I know. What are you going there for

"Clap, clap, clap." Mao Youjun applauded, "Haha, Brother Long is not only proficient in martial arts, but I never expected him to have such expertise in blades and swords. It truly opens my eyes."

Strangely enough, the temperature on the mountain should be considered relatively cold, and some of the rivers below have already begun to freeze, yet the stream on this mountain is still flowing joyfully. As the ancients said, "Flowing water does not rot," it could also be expressed as "Flowing water does not freeze."

Zhou Kefeng was surprised that Long Chen's pace was even faster than his own. At that moment, the opponent's shoulder was already pressed against his chest, forcing him to retreat even more desperately to prevent the opponent's shoulder from generating any impact against him. However, Zhou Kefeng was mistaken; Long Chen's path to victory did not rely on his shoulder.

Thank you very much, my friend. Alright, you go ahead with your work; I will take my leave now. Long Chen was preparing to bid farewell to the book.

Hehe, you need not ask about that. Quickly call your brothers over, and let us go there together

How to fish

That is truly exquisite

Emperor Dezong was determined to devote his utmost effort to handle this matter well Liu Dezhong understood in his heart that Mao Youjun was giving him a sweet deal

In that case, let me help you choose one. Actually, I have a suggestion, since both of us brothers have gained the general's favor and share such a compatible temperament, why not serve under the same hundred-household officer together? Wouldn't that be splendid

Haha, Brother Long, today you have made an appearance before the general, haven't you? Liu Dezhong was quite pleased at this moment

"General, this is your sword." Long Chen sheathed the sword and presented it to Mao Youjun

"Wherever it may be, I will have to rely on both of you brothers more in the future." Long Chen also replied respectfully.

Standing on a stone in front of the creek, Long Chen smiled and said to everyone, "In this cold winter month, everyone is still gnawing on fried noodles that seem to be mixed with sand, which is truly hard to endure. Today, let's catch a few fish from this creek to treat everyone to a feast."

"As you say, brother, it is settled then." Long Chen smiled and nodded, then asked, "I am just curious, where did you get the fish from, old brother?"

"There is no position." Liu Dezong replied.

"That is only natural." Mao Youjun patted Long Chen on the shoulder, then turned to Liu Dezong and asked, "What position does Brother Long hold now?"

Understood. Long Chen replied and turned to leave

"Use it then," Long Chen pointed to his two sharp sticks

Long Chen secretly laughed to himself: I don't believe you don't have any calculations in your heart now, however, if you are going to do it, make sure to fulfill the obligations on the surface.