Martial Cultivator

Chapter 404.1: The Youngsters in the Northern Frontier - Part 1

After spring came, the winter snow in various parts of Great Liang naturally began to melt, especially since it was now nearing the time when hibernation was ending. However, in the Northern Frontier, although the snow had lessened in recent days, it still presented a scene of deep winter. On this day, the General's Office welcomed the first important meeting of the fifteenth year of Tianjian.

Almost all the main generals from various passes along the Great Wall gathered within the General's Office, silently waiting for the newly appointed Great General to appear.

Actually, regarding the decision for the Lord Warden Commander to assume the role of the new Great General, the doubts among the Northern Frontier Army's generals were not unfounded, echoing the concerns in Great Liang. There were two main reasons for this skepticism:

The first reason was that historically, the Great General had always been elected from within the Northern Frontier Army, making it very rare for outsiders to assume the role. Moreover, this new Great General was not selected from elsewhere but from the warden faction, a faction that could be considered at odds with the Northern Frontier Army. As for the second reason, it was much simpler. It stemmed from the well-known close relationship between the former Lord Warden Commander, now the Great General, and His Majesty. With him now assuming the position of Great General of the Northern Frontier, there were concerns that the Northern Frontier Army might become the personal army of His Majesty. If any issues arose within the territory of Great Liang in the future, would this new Great General lead the frontier army southward, and disregard the northern demon race? It was precisely because of these two concerns that the commanding generals from various passes who had gathered here were filled with anxiety.

Of course, what made them most uneasy was not knowing whether the new Great General would be the same as the previous one; prioritizing the overall situation in the Northern Frontier. If, from the outset, he were to start a few senseless battles in order to showcase his authority, the Northern Frontier would undoubtedly suffer numerous casualties. Moreover, it would be hard to predict what the situation in the Northern Frontier would be like in the future.

Among the crowd of generals stood a middle-aged confucian scholar, appearing somewhat out of place. However, despite the visible signs of aging over the past few days, there was no trace of worry in his eyes. He merely glanced at the light snow outside the door for a moment before turning his gaze to the empty seat, perhaps reminiscing about his old friend, that Great General who had already left this world.

Over the years, the Great General had naturally decided the military matters in the Northern Frontier with one word. However, before making decisions, he naturally played a significant role in strategizing, with many plans against the demon race originating from his hands. If not for that he had not been willing to hold an official position in the Northern Frontier Army, he would likely have been a high-ranking general by now.

"Mister Yaochang."

In the midst of the middle-aged scholar's reverie, a voice suddenly sounded out. An armored general turned towards this middle-aged Confucian scholar who held no official position in the Northern Frontier Army, and consulted, "Sir, in your opinion, how will the Northern Frontier fare in the future?"

The middle-aged confucian scholar smiled and replied indifferently, "General Wan is worrying too much. How can a figure like the Lord Warden Commander behave as they imagine? Recklessly starting wars for personal gain?"

Wan Shi's expression became complicated, as if he had something to say but did not know how to express it. After some thought, he finally said, "What I'm worried about is whether there will be another Great General from the Northern Frontier in the future."

The middle-aged confucian scholar frowned when he heard that, but quickly responded, "Based on my understanding of the Great General, unless it became absolutely necessary, he wouldn't choose to let the Lord Warden Commander take over the defense of the Northern Frontier. Throughout the entire Great Liang Dynasty, the Lord Warden Commander is actually the only suitable candidate. As for what happens next, I believe General Wan need not worry. If there are suitable candidates in the Northern Frontier in the future, the position of Great General will naturally return to the Northern Frontier."

Wan Shi sighed and said softly, "It's not that I can't tolerate such a thing, but I think most people share the same concern as me. Fighting and sacrificing in the Northern Frontier, only to be replaced by someone who has never set foot in the Northern Frontier..."

The middle-aged confucian scholar shook his head. "All for the sake of the Great Liang. Moreover, these are extraordinary times, and extraordinary measures must be taken. We shouldn't dwell on such matters. As for the Lord Warden Commander, I believe in his magnanimity. What General should worry about is whether, after the Lord Warden Commander leaves the Northern Frontier, will there be someone among these generals who can take on the role of Great General."

Wan Shi suddenly realized, "Yes, if it weren't for the fact that we couldn't find a suitable candidate from the Northern Frontier to take over as Great General, it wouldn't be like this..."

Just as the middle-aged confucian scholar was about to speak, footsteps echoed, and a figure slowly appeared in everyone's line of sight.

It was Ning Ping, the former Lord Warden Commander of the Great Liang Dynasty and the new Great General.

However, upon seeing this current Great General, everyone furrowed their brows unanimously, feeling rather dissatisfied.

Not for any other reason, simply because the current Great General was still in civilian attire, and not in armor.

The Lord Warden Commander stood in front of the crowd and did not immediately take a seat. The generals did not offer him any salutations either. This could be considered a subtle display of an opening gambit. The middle-aged confucian scholar opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated to do so.

As a result, the atmosphere became somewhat strange and quiet for a moment.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the Lord Warden Commander took the initiative to say, "This official came here to assume the position of Great General at the behest of the Great General."

Just this statement alone caused some murmurs in the previously quiet hall.

"This official also knows that some of you may harbor some discontentment with this official's assumption of the position of Great General. The reasons for this may vary, and this official understands them all. However, both you and I serve as officials and generals in the Great Liang Dynasty. We all must understand one thing: whether it's an official position or a military rank, it's all for the sake of the countless civilians of the Great Liang. Defending against the demon race in the Northern Frontier is also for the sake of the people of Great Liang. It is for the parents, children, and loved ones of all of you within the borders of the Great Liang. Therefore, the reasons why this official came here aren't important. What's important for all of you to understand is that this official has absolutely no selfish motives. This official also doesn't covet this position of Great General. This matter will become clear to you all in the future. That is also why this official isn't wearing armor today."

The Lord Warden Commander slowly said, "Ultimately, this official's current position as the Great General is temporary. If you're willing to address me as such, this official will accept it. If not, you may call me 'Sir,' and I won't be offended. However, this official wants to make one thing clear in advance: in military matters concerning the Northern Frontier Army in the future, this official's word will still be final. If anyone appears outwardly compliant, but inwardly opposed, this official can still punish them under military law."

These words from the Lord Warden Commander were considered heartfelt words. Therefore, after this was said, the expressions of every general present became a lot better. One of them spoke up, "May I ask, Great General, if there will be any changes in the war strategy for the Northern Frontier going forward compared to when the Great General was in charge previously?"

The Lord Warden Commander smiled and replied, "Our strategy in dealing with the demon race depends on their intentions. While the Great General's strategies are good, if they are not suitable for the current situation in the Northern Frontier, we cannot adhere to them blindly. Of course, many of you have spent a long time in the Northern Frontier, you all naturally know more than this official, especially Mister Yaochang. The Great General previously mentioned to this official that I can consult you regarding matters of the Northern Frontier."

The middle-aged confucian scholar clasped his hands and said, "How I assisted the Great General is how I will assist you in the future, Great General."

Two Great Generals, but they were naturally referring to different people.

The Lord Warden Commander smiled and said, "Since that's the case, I'll thank you in advance."

The middle-aged confucian scholar shook his head, "Great General put it very nicely just now. We, in the Northern Frontier, do not fight for ourselves, not for career advancement, nor military achievements. We fight for the people of Great Liang and for our homeland. Therefore, whoever is in charge of the Northern Frontier, I will do my utmost."

As soon as these words were spoken, the generals present all clasped their hands and echoed in unison, "We are willing to follow Great General and fight for Great Liang, for the people of Great Liang!"

The Lord Warden Commander waved his hand and then slowly sat down before saying, "There's something you all must be curious about, but are perhaps hesitant to ask. This official can tell you clearly here: the candidate for the next Northern Frontier Great General will be entrusted to a certain general from the Northern Frontier Army after this official leaves. However, the final decision on the candidate will depend on His Majesty's decree. If there's still no suitable candidate by the time this official leaves the Northern Frontier, then don't blame this official."

With the biggest question in everyone's minds now answered, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The middle-aged confucian scholar knelt down first and proclaimed loudly, "I pay my respects to Great General! I'm willing to fight alongside the Great General for Great Liang, without regret even if it costs my life!"

Following the lead of the middle-aged confucian scholar, all the generals, whether willing or unwilling, also spoke up in unison, "We pay our respects to Great General! We're willing to fight alongside the Great General for Great Liang, without regret even if it costs our lives!"

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