Chapter 505

Under the Commander of the Daofeng Province, there are two Deputy Commanders. (For some reason, those Deputy Commanders look like they could stand up at any moment.)

If we were to speak in Qing’s hometown way, they’d probably be around the rank of Vice Division Leader.

Additionally, underneath the Commander of the Daofeng Province, there are separately four Commanding Staff Officers.

Strictly speaking, they are operational staff.

The Commander of the Daofeng Province ultimately approves all the tasks of the City Commander, meaning they just stamp the paper.

The working-level Deputy Commanders and Staff Officers each have different responsibilities.

The Deputy Commanders oversee the training of the soldiers and the farming.

The Commanding Staff Officers take care of patrols, weapons, supplies, cooperation, and once again, farming.

Farming is the duty of all six working-level personnel.

This is because farming is the primary task of the soldiers.

It’s that important.

So, can you imagine the looks the six working-level personnel give the approver?

It’s like they’re staring at a madman.

“Are you serious? What kind of operation are we talking about during the harvest season?”

“That’s right, Great General. Sending troops during harvest time, you say?”

“Not to mention the escorting of Martial World individuals. Of course, if it weren’t harvest season, we could think about training once.”

But the issue with escorting Martial World individuals is just a secondary concern.

Even if they weren’t Martial World individuals, you could bet that a decent sum of money would have gotten the army moving, yet they’re asking to be fed during prime farming season.

“What’s the problem? Can’t we just gather two hundred from the North, South, East, and West, and then the Suhe Army goes to make the thousand? Just a little effort from five people is all it takes, right?”

What he just said ignited outrage among the four listening.

Especially if anyone has ever participated in group projects at university, they might get a glimpse of that anger.

Working together to reap the same outcomes, yet they can’t even uphold this simple childlike fairness.

If the bearded, red-faced Red Dagger King had tried a group project, he’d have understood just how ludicrous the dream of Communism is and would have opened a pork belly shop instead of writing books.

“It’s not a matter of what’s possible, is it? Why on earth should we head to Hangzhou at this time?”

“Also, to suggest we leave tomorrow in haste—how does military work function that way? You can’t just pack everything you need to eat and step out on the road. It’s definitely not about stopping somewhere to buy a meal when you get hungry.”

It’s absurd.

Don’t they know it’s harvest time?

They are all about protecting the harvest, swearing to defend the agriculture at all costs.

At that point, Wang Sang-ryong replied.

“Really? Then we’ll just proceed with the Suhe Army?”

The Suhe Army is a unit of twelve hundred that the Commander of the Daofeng Province directly oversees.

In response, Deputy Commander Seong Wang-cheong and Deputy Commander Yo-rang share furtive glances.

These days, there’s a rumor that even the two assistants are stamping paperwork together, so the two working-level personnel exchange looks as if they’re both thinking.

‘What’s got this guy so fired up? He’s not usually this enthusiastic.’

‘There’s definitely something up here. Look at that twitching mouth corner. He’s putting effort into suppressing a smile.’

‘He’s doing this on purpose, enjoying the situation. Feels fishy. Very fishy.’

The serious problem at the current government office is the significant backlog of personnel.

Backlog means completely clogged up and unable to function, and since governmental positions are basically lifelong with no retirement age, the longer the nation endures, the worse the phenomenon becomes.

So, two people who have been stuck in ambiguous high-ranking positions for over fifteen years find themselves perfectly in sync.

Then, the meeting goes off the rails, and the two slyly make their way into the Great General’s office.

“Sir. Let’s be honest. Is there something going on here?”

“I’ve dedicated all my efforts, but you know the saying among the younger generation—‘When the master is in trouble, the hound gets cooked.’ Have you heard the tale of the hound that used to catch rabbits without a meal and ends up eating its master?”

It sounds disrespectful, but they’re close enough that it’s just banter.

After all, the high-level positions in the Central Plain are mostly just the main beneficiaries of connections.

“Ahem. You guys, I’ve remained silent due to the mighty order I received, but what do you think happens if you keep opposing me?”

So there is something going on.

Gradually, both of their expressions brighten.

“Just as I thought!” “I believed in you!”

“Ehem. That Martial World individual, um, ahem, is very, very, very closely related to our esteemed lady of the Western Palace.”

At that moment, both pairs of eyes sparkled!

And then, like two friends switching the topic in this military meeting.

“I’ve been thinking, no matter how urgent the farming matters are, the essence of the military is to be strong, naturally leading to our duty to conduct mobilization training to show our loyalty.”

“Great General must have everything in mind. Thanks to your esteemed grace, I’ve risen to my station, so how dare I oppose your words?”

This fellow casually brags about having gotten his position through the Great General.

But in the sense of the Central Plain, getting into a position via a powerful connection isn’t something to be ashamed of at all; in fact, it’s a matter of great pride to be flaunted all around.

This is similarly true among the people of Qing’s hometown—it’s a unique custom of the Central Plain.

Thus, the preparation for the so-called precious lady’s escort operation proceeds.

The Commander of the Daofeng Province governs five thousand-man units, so first, they select two hundred soldiers from each unit to participate in the march to Hangzhou.

One has to wonder how the soldiers feel about this sudden order to march.

In the evening, Baekho (the Hundred Units Commander) rushes over to gather the troops, beaming with a bright smile, shouting,

“We’re marching! We’re set to march! I personally secured the marching position!”

Baekho is roughly equivalent to a company commander in Qing’s hometown team.

Gathering all the company members around, he brags about having secured a march he didn’t even need to lead, putting all his effort just so they could finally go.

So what’s the response from the company members?

“Wow! Truly our Baekho!” “You’re the best!” “We love you, Baekho!” “We respect you!”

That little Baekho rises to the rank of Baekho-nim.

Starting today, this Baekho is indeed the sole authority figure, and anyone opposing him is the same as opposing me. (That’s how it’s supposed to be.)

People from Han might find it bewildering.

Why on earth are these crazy folks cheering and jumping with joy over the fact that they’re going to march?

Is it really the right time to be bouncing around excitedly?

But.

Right now is harvest time, during the harvest operations.

They’re spent all day hunched over cutting rice, one side lifting and dropping their upper body with vigorous motions, doing hard labor comparable to constructing a temporary shelter.

And generally, people from the Central Plain are known to walk quite well.

Unlike frail civilized folks, the primitive beings of this age still assume they should walk everywhere on two feet as if it were a savage idea.

So, harvest or shall we gear up for the march?

No, who’s the fool that would prefer to cut rice over this?

Thus, the Baekhos fought to see who would march, causing quite the riot, begging, and even exchanging some money.

Even more, they’ve been told it’s an operation to escort a fairy!

The most beautiful lady in the world, Cheonhwa-geom Seomun Qing.

Many soldiers hear such rumors, but not everyone believes them.

However, now each soldier is armed with an unshakeable conviction: if anyone dares to insult the imposing beauty of the Most Beautiful in the World, the army is poised to strike back with their fists.

But is it really possible to stroll around admiring the fairy’s precious eyes instead of dealing with the annoying rice grains?

Can such a luxury really exist in reality? Or is it just a dream?

This was a piece of valuable news that made them afraid—happiness not meant for soldiers.

So, frantically, they prepared for the march.

Indeed, those heading off on the march had no real rush.

Only the remaining staff like the Daoists and other military officers felt pained, while those marching just had to pack their bags and leave the barracks, cooking the supplies that came their way.

Thus, the one thousand soldiers finish their preparation and line up neatly, ready to set off.

Above them on the high platform, Qing, serving as the guest, feels terribly sorry.

Am I making them march against their fortune?

Am I being too much of a burden, doing something for my own enjoyment?

But then, one curious thing.

Everyone’s faces are unusually bright, their eyes sharp and inflamed with enthusiasm.

Marching, they have these kinds of expressions?

Not like cattle going to the butcher?

Is the military of this nation really that strong?

Qing suddenly realizes why the Martial World doesn’t freely mess with the government. (Or do they?)

From the Commander of Jiao Zhu to Yubang District, the path is a flat plain without any obstacles.

Originally, the military camps of the Central Plain were built amidst plains, surrounded by walls, stationed there.

This is because the soldiers’ primary duty is farming.

In defense, they may be significantly disadvantaged compared to mountainous areas, but they can quickly deploy in all directions.

Moreover, if they ignore it and just pass by, the self-sufficient soldiers will pop out and hit them hard from behind, creating a sort of barrier that must be dealt with afterward.

So, the march to Yubang District spans three hundred li.

Since they’re escorting an esteemed person, there’s no rush, and they plan to walk precisely one hundred li each day.

For the people of the Central Plain, walking a hundred li in a day is just about average, and from the soldiers’ perspective, it’s like they’ve stumbled upon something sweet, truly too good to be true!

The morale of the soldiers is sky-high, and they’re busy scanning the surroundings with their vigilant eyes.

In reality, they’re not on guard; they’re hoping for that fairy to walk by, straining their necks.

Qing, who is unaware of this situation, can only marvel.

Could this great general be some kind of legendary commander who pops up in searches when looking into his hometown, or rather, a figure cited from a marvelous past?

Here’s a handy tip.

It concerns the treacherous hearts of people.

Showing a bad attitude when someone does work for you is at the bottom tier.

Instead, if you’re in their shoes and get mad at the one who works you, that’s really embarrassing.

Making it seem difficult is a medium-tier tactic.

It makes the other party feel sorry for you.

The top-tier method is to show enthusiasm.

That’s when they finally start to feel thankful!

So Qing is truly grateful.

They must be having such a hard time because of me…

By the way, there’s even a top-tier of top-tiers.

Work hard but pretend to mess it up real bad.

Because when you do well, you’re just exploited again.

Qing rides his beautiful white horse, trotting away.

It’s a tall, sleek stallion with clear and defined muscles, incredibly attractive.

Is this… a real horse?

Then what about Wang-gung Dong, the horse that’s been loafing around the Seolga Merchant Association, getting fat?

That one doesn’t look like a horse at all, does it?

No matter how you look at it, it seems to be the personal horse of the Great General.

I wonder if I can ride this?

‘What do you mean, my lady! A riding horse is a heavenly treasure; how could I claim it as my own! And look at those beautiful eyes. Doesn’t even an ordinary beast want to serve the lady? That’s how much respect is owed to your noble demeanor!’

Could these really be words matching the owner?

The white cavalry horse, named Baekro, gazes at Qing with that unique sad expression that only horses have.

Aren’t you going to ride me?

Horses are remarkably intelligent creatures, and especially, military horses are trained to be sensitive to power.

That’s how the subordinate horses rush into enemy lines alongside their leaders.

Thus, the horse that carried the Great General, upon observing how Qing treats their owner, instantly decided to switch loyalties.

‘Ah! My lady! Please use this saddle! It’s a new product from the Black Heaven Stable, designed to absorb shocks for your esteemed self!’

By the way, the Black Heaven Stable is the top of the line in crafting horse gear.

Rumor has it they supply the imperial family too.

And it’s also a front company for the Heavenly Demon Sect, which is focused on crossing deserts and wildlands, thus laboring day and night on ride quality.

‘Look at you, Deputy Commander! Where have you been running around at night? Buying instant meals, huh? Don’t keep it to yourself and share it with me!’

‘Heh, you seize the opportunity when it knocks on your door.’

This is the situation where the three commanders eagerly advance to curry favor with the lady.

Feeling immensely pressured, Qing slows down the horse’s pace, and after a moment, the burdensome advances come rushing back again.

So while the soldiers in the march go back and forth to catch a glimpse of the fairy, they’re reveling in bliss.

Baekro, strutting with confidence, finds the gazes directed at him exhilarating.

And so, they advance further and further.

While on horseback, Qing is showered with snacks and drinks, and whenever distancing herself from the three commanders, soldiers crying out for the fairy present their offerings.

No, you’ve got to be reasonable with the treats; who eats snacks all day?

Yeah, I might not know, but I sure could eat all day.

Mmm, this is delicious.

Meanwhile, during brief rests, tents are set up, and they offer makeshift bedding—a massive, burdensome situation indeed.

What’s this? Is this to chase me away?

Moreover, every meal time, where the heck do they get their food from in this wide-open land?

Wow. But it tastes good…

Somehow, this seems very reminiscent of being at the Seolga Merchant Association or Taecheong Sect.

Hmm. I miss Grandpa.

I also miss our lovely Seolga-ryun. I need her to make me a fake chest.

And so, three days pass.

Finally, Yubang! At last, Yubang!

The city with an embarrassing name appears right before my eyes.

---