Shi Jian and Wang Er led two hundred flintlock riflemen into Pingyang Prefecture.
The Puppet Dao Xuan Tianzun, nestled against Wang Er's chest, followed along as well.
In later generations, this place would be known as Linfen, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, steeped in ancient glory and cultural heritage. The moment Li Daoxuan entered the city, excitement surged.
"A tourist destination!" he thought eagerly. "This time it must be a real historical city, not another fake scenic spot, right?"
Pffft!
If he had possessed a physical body, he would have spat blood on the spot.
Pingyang Prefecture had no "historical charm" to speak of. No ancient splendor, no grand monuments—only rows of collapsing houses, cracked walls, and muddy streets. Refugees crowded every corner, shoving and stumbling past one another, while nearly all the shops along the streets sat shuttered and abandoned.
Fear hung over the city like a shroud.
The Prefect of Pingyang, escorted by a large entourage of constables, clerks, militia, and assorted hangers-on, stood guard at the city gates. His face was pale with anxiety. The moment he saw Li Huai return, he hurried forward.
"General Li, what is the situation of the ban—"
The words died in his throat.
Li Huai stood before him in utter disarray, helmet missing, armor half gone. Behind him, most of the soldiers had also abandoned their gear, looking stripped, ragged, and humiliated.
The Prefect's heart sank.
It's over. Completely over.
Pingyang Prefecture is finished.
This official will die with the city.
Just as despair overwhelmed him, Li Huai suddenly pointed at Shi Jian.
"This is Centurion Shi Jian," he announced. "A valiant commander under Regional Commander Wang Cheng'en of Shaanxi. It was entirely thanks to Centurion Shi that the bandit army was repelled."
The Prefect blurted out, "What? A centurion?"
To a prefect, a centurion was practically invisible—an officer smaller than a sesame seed. His first thought was disbelief.
A mere centurion defeated ten thousand bandits? Is Li Huai trying to fool me?
But immediately, he realized something was off.
That's not right.
He knew Li Huai well enough. Military officers were notorious for stealing credit from subordinates. If Li Huai could take the glory, he absolutely would.
Yet here he was, openly attributing the achievement to a junior officer.
That means this centurion must be terrifyingly capable—so capable that Li Huai dares not claim his merit.
The Prefect's expression changed at once.
He clasped his hands toward Shi Jian. "This official, Dou Wenda, thanks General Shi for coming to Pingyang's aid. Though the bandits have retreated for now, they may return at any time. Our prefecture will still have to rely on General Shi."
Shi Jian replied modestly, "I am but an insignificant centurion, merely transporting troops for a colleague while passing through."
Li Huai leaned closer to Dou Wenda and whispered, "Centurion Shi commands two hundred flintlock riflemen—but they aren't his. They're the private guards of a battalion commander. He's only escorting them and plans to leave soon."
Dou Wenda's eyes widened.
Two hundred flintlock soldiers?
A battalion commander's private guards are this well-equipped?
This was no ordinary backer.
Leave? Absolutely not.
Pingyang Prefecture had no real defensive force. Li Huai was useless. If these men left, the city would be helpless.
But private guards were not imperial troops—there was no lawful way to detain them.
Dou Wenda's mind raced.
Keeping the guards is impossible… but luring their master here? That can be done.
He whispered urgently, "What is this battalion commander's name? Where does he serve?"
Li Huai replied, "He serves under Regional Commander Wang Cheng'en of Shaanxi. His name is Wang Xiaohua."
Dou Wenda's eyes lit up. "Then this matter is simple."
He turned sharply. "Quick! Bring paper and brush!"
Moments later, he began writing a tear-stained memorial, painting Pingyang Prefecture as a city on the brink of annihilation—besieged by bandits, soldiers dying daily, the people facing extinction. He praised Centurion Shi and Battalion Commander Wang for their timely assistance, claiming the city had barely survived thanks to them.
He emphasized that Pingyang dared not ask for many troops, understanding the court's difficulties.
All it requested was one battalion commander.
That alone would suffice.
He sealed the letter and handed it to a trusted confidant. "Deliver this to Supreme Commander Yang at once!"
The messenger rode off at full speed.
Dou Wenda then turned back, smiling warmly. "General Shi, escorting troops must be exhausting. Since you're already here, why not rest in Pingyang for two or three days before continuing?"
Shi Jian replied evenly, "The military situation is urgent. I must deliver these soldiers to Battalion Commander Wang without delay."
Dou Wenda countered smoothly, "Battalion Commander Wang is deep within the main army. These two hundred men are hardly vital to him. Leaving a few days later will make no difference."
As the two continued their polite back-and-forth, Dao Xuan Tianzun watched with quiet amusement.
"Leaving these two hundred here isn't a bad move," he mused. "Pingyang connects north and south—it's a strategic node. Keeping a foothold here will be useful. Besides, the imperial encirclement against Wang Jiayin is nearly over. Bai Mao won't gain much staying with Wang Cheng'en."
He whispered a few instructions.
Wang Er listened, then leaned toward Shi Jian and murmured, "The Dao Xuan Tianzun commands…"
Shi Jian's expression changed immediately.
He smiled. "In that case, I shall impose upon Pingyang for a few days."
Dou Wenda's heart finally settled.
A banquet was arranged at once, lavish and enthusiastic, lest these precious soldiers change their minds and leave.
Not long after, the messenger reached Supreme Commander Yang He.
Upon reading the memorial, Yang He was alarmed. Pingyang Prefecture was indeed in grave danger—and the request was modest.
Without hesitation, he issued an order: Battalion Commander Wang Xiaohua was to proceed to Pingyang with his men.
Several days later, Bai Mao arrived, leading two hundred and forty guards. He met with Shi Jian, who formally transferred the two hundred flintlock riflemen.
In reality, command rested with Wang Er—but Bai Mao held the official title.
They garrisoned Pingyang Prefecture.
Before long, Dou Wenda noticed something astonishing.
Battalion Commander Wang's troops were exceptionally disciplined.
The two hundred private guards never oppressed civilians and often helped common folk with labor and repairs. The remaining two hundred and forty were rougher—occasionally trying to take goods without payment—but Bai Mao punished them harshly, forcing apologies and compensation.
Watching this, Dou Wenda grew thoughtful.
Who knows how long this rebellion will last?
If only I could keep this force here permanently…
He smiled faintly.
"This official will slowly devise a plan."