Chapter 418 - 219: I Want to Command All the Troops in the Prefecture

Chapter 418: Chapter 219: I Want to Command All the Troops in the Prefecture

Stepping into the main hall, Chen Sheng’s gaze was instantly captured by the figure in the seat of honor.

The man wore the black official robes of a third-rank Commander. The ferocious leopard on his chest, embroidered with gold thread, was strikingly lifelike.

Seated on a high-backed chair, his build was not particularly burly, yet he possessed an air of profound stillness, like a deep abyss or an unshakable mountain.

His eyes were especially striking—sharp as a falcon’s, with a brilliant light that glinted from within whenever he blinked.

What made Chen Sheng’s heart tighten most was the man’s aura. It was perfectly contained, with not a hint of it leaking out, yet it gave him an almost instinctual sense of danger, like a violent undercurrent hidden beneath a calm sea.

His identity was self-evident.

"Your subordinate, Chen Sheng, Vice Governor of the Ning’an Jingwu Bureau, pays his respects to the Commander!"

Chen Sheng quickly composed himself. With a solemn expression, he stepped forward and bowed.

"Chen Sheng..."

Chu Zhengnan’s gaze swept slowly over Chen Sheng, a scrutinizing look in his eyes. After a moment, he gave a slight nod. A faint smile appeared on his face as he pointed to a seat to the side:

"No need for formalities. Sit."

"Thank you, Commander."

Chen Sheng acknowledged and walked steadily to the chair. He sat on only half of it, his back straight and his demeanor respectful.

This man before him was a top figure who truly held power in the Yunzhou Jingwu Bureau, wielding the authority to oversee the military might of an entire province. His Cultivation and strength were unfathomable.

It was no exaggeration to say that a single stomp of his foot could make all of Yunzhou tremble.

"When you first made a name for yourself in the battle at Wushan Mountain, I was quite impressed. That’s why I made an exception and had someone grant you a Profound Mastery Pill as a form of encouragement."

Chu Zhengnan’s tone was mild:

"And you... have not disappointed me."

"Thank you for your guidance, Commander."

Chen Sheng hurriedly bowed his thanks.

"I hear... you’re about to marry the legitimate daughter of the Nie Family?"

Chu Zhengnan changed the subject, asking as if making small talk.

"It is still under negotiation and has not been finalized," Chen Sheng answered with considerable caution.

"Are you interested... in joining my Chu Family instead?"

Chu Zhengnan’s smile remained, but his gaze grew a few shades deeper:

"The Chu Family’s resources are by no means inferior to the Nie Family’s. If you are willing, I can personally arrange things for you. The support the Chu Family can offer will only be greater.

With my protection in official circles, your future in Yunzhou... will be a swift rise to the top, your prospects limitless."

Alarm bells rang softly in Chen Sheng’s mind, but his expression remained unchanged. He stood, cupped his fists, and spoke in a sincere and resolute tone:

"Thank you for your favor, Commander, but... I already have a preliminary agreement with the Nie Family. Though I am no gentleman, I understand the meaning of loyalty and honor. To change my allegiance midway and act in bad faith is something I dare not, and cannot, do."

He didn’t know if the other man’s words were a genuine offer or some kind of test.

But that didn’t matter.

He had already reached an understanding with the Nie Family. If he abandoned them for personal gain and joined the Chu Family now, not only would he completely offend the Nie Family, but he would also earn a reputation for being fickle and treacherous.

No matter what the Chu Family promised, he could not agree.

Hearing this, Chu Zhengnan’s expression remained neutral. He simply gave a slight nod, showing no hint of pleasure or anger.

His words just now did indeed carry a hint of testing, but it was mostly just an offhand remark.

Since he had already reached an agreement with Nie Tiankun, he naturally wouldn’t actually try to poach his man.

Chen Sheng’s answer gave him further insight into the young man’s character.

’Not stupid. He knows when to advance and when to retreat. At least on the surface.’

"Do you know why I summoned you here today?"

Chu Zhengnan no longer dwelled on the topic of the marriage alliance and changed the subject.

"Please enlighten me, Commander."

Chen Sheng said solemnly.

"The first matter... is, in a way, related to the marriage alliance."

Chu Zhengnan leaned back, his fingers tapping gently on the armrest:

"My original plan was indeed to set you up with a legitimate daughter from my Chu Family. A pity the Nie Family made their move first."

"However, since you already have an understanding with the Nie Family, you should finalize the matter as soon as possible to avoid any complications.

I’ve seen what you’ve done in Ning’an Prefecture. You have courage and skill.

But... it’s not enough!"

Chu Zhengnan’s voice suddenly deepened, and he leaned forward slightly:

"In recent years, certain powers in Yunzhou have grown increasingly brazen, feigning compliance while acting in defiance. They are showing a tendency to disregard the court’s laws and the Government Office’s authority. This trend... must not be allowed to continue!"

"Therefore, they must be suppressed. They must be... crushed with thunderous force!"

Chen Sheng’s heart jolted. He looked up to meet Chu Zhengnan’s unquestionable gaze, his face showing a timely mix of gravity and hesitation:

"Commander, this matter... will not be easy."

Chu Zhengnan’s intention actually coincided with some of Chen Sheng’s own thoughts.

But he had to show sufficient apprehension.

’Which of these powers doesn’t have a backer?’

’If I incite public outrage, how can a mere fifth-rank Vice Governor like me withstand the terrifying pressure that would follow?’

"What is there to be afraid of?"

Chu Zhengnan snorted, his presence suddenly soaring:

"If this matter were easy, why would I need to entrust such an important task to you?"

"Once your marriage alliance with the Nie Family is settled, they will be your most solid background and support. And I, along with the entire Yunzhou Jingwu Bureau, will also be your backing.

You just go ahead and do what you must. Don’t be timid. And certainly don’t be afraid of making a big scene. The bigger, the better!"

Chu Zhengnan leaned forward, his every word landing like the blow of a heavy hammer:

"I will give you a promise here today. Within the borders of Yunzhou, as long as you are acting under orders to purge these troublemakers for the court, then even if you poke a hole in the heavens, the court... will clean up the mess for you!"

"Furthermore, this is a huge opportunity for you. Those clan and sect powers have been entrenched for years. How rich must their resources and treasures be? After you succeed, half of the spoils can be yours.