"Yes, it can't be wrong; it was just under three years ago that he was taken in."
An elderly man leaning on a walking stick said, "When I was young, Supervisor Sun fought several major battles to the north, earning Beiliang over twenty years of peace. Now, it's his disciple who has saved us, truly a continuation of his legacy!"
"I heard Supervisor Sun is advanced in age and did not accompany the troops this time. Do you think General Chen will be the one to inherit his mantle?"
"Is that even a question?"
"Eh, but doesn't Supervisor Sun have a senior disciple, General Lu? Even though he hasn't spent much time in Beiliang, I've often heard the storytellers recount his tales."
"That still doesn't compare to General Chen, though."
"Every battle General Chen fights is earth-shattering, isn't it?"
"Moreover, Supervisor Sun clearly has no intention of passing on the mantle to his senior disciple; otherwise, why take on a closed-door disciple like he did?"
"You make a good point."
"Regardless, I think it would be best if General Chen stayed on as our Supervisor."
"General Chen once helped the people cross the river. If Liangzhou were to face difficulties again one day, he would surely not forsake us."
"They're back, everyone look!"
Under the watchful eyes of an entire community,
On the wilderness's official road,
A cloud of dust arose,
The ground beneath their feet began to tremble.
The first thing to come into sight was Dasheng's banner, followed swiftly by the gilt "Chen" on the General's Banner.
A White Robe atop a White Horse led the procession.
"General Chen is our lifesaver!"
"We must express our gratitude properly!"
Without further prompting the villagers had already prepared various offerings, kneeling together on the ground.
"General Chen above!"
"Please accept our bow."
Chen Sansi, riding atop Qian Xun, seeing this scene had no choice but to dismount and walk: "Fellow villagers, it is my duty. My own family is also within the city walls; it's only right that I do my utmost, no need for such fuss."
"These are not the words of a just General."
"Yours is a great virtue."
"If possible, temples of merit should be built for General Chen."
"We mustn't speak of such things,"
Chen Sansi quickly responded, "How could someone like Chen receive such a tribute?"
"General Chen and his subordinates, all of you are our benefactors!"
"Hey, Old Zhang, you only recently moved to Liangzhou, didn't you? Isn't your son in Hongze Camp?"
Many soldiers from Hongze Camp were transferred from Capital City or other places. After being stationed, their families gradually relocated to live within the walls of Liangzhou City.
"Indeed, when I was leaving Capital City I wondered why leave the comfort of the city for these wild hills, but who could have imagined, such great merit would come of it."
"Surely he'll be promoted and make a fortune this time."
"Shared joy, shared joy."
"Eh, Old Zhang, your son carried water for me once. I recognize him, how come I haven't seen him?"
The old man's heart sank. Already kneeling, he collapsed completely to the ground.
The mood among the villagers,
gradually became solemn.
Seven thousand soldiers killed in battle, by the measure of five family members each, that's over thirty thousand family dependents.
The world of these thirty thousand plus people had still collapsed.
"Fellow villagers, please all stand up."
Chen Sansi helped each person up one by one, finally managing to get everyone to stand on their own.
He looked at the men and women, young and elderly, staring at him with blank expressions and finally said, "Your sons, your husbands who followed me into battle and did not return, it is my fault for being incapable.
"But, their deaths will exchange for decades of peace in Liangzhou and the entire Northern Territory!"
"I promise you, every single one of their names will be reported to the court, and the court will not treat you unfairly!
"I, Chen Sansi, will not forget you either."
After consoling the families of the fallen soldiers.
Other civilians crowded around to bring gifts, eggs, white flour, vegetables, and those better off even brought salted duck eggs and cured meat.
"My lord, what should we do with this?"
Zhao Kang spoke in distress, "According to military discipline, Supervisor does not allow us to accept gifts from civilians, saying it could lead to extortion, but they insist on giving, and it's impossible to refuse."
Chen Sansi called over his subordinate, "When you take the things, make a note of the names, and how much those things are worth, then exchange them later for an equal value of rice and grain."
"Understood, I'll take care of it."
Wang Li left after bowing with clasped hands.
The road into the city.
It took more than half an hour to finish the journey.
Sister Lan was not there, nor could Sun Li be met.
The ones coming to meet him this time.
Were only Sun Buqi and Chen Yunxi.
Chen Yunxi held out a stick of candied hawthorns, "Yunxi earned money by writing, and bought this for you."
"Oh, you're already making money at your young age."
Chen Sansi lifted her onto the horse's back, "But what made you think of buying candied hawthorns?"
"Didn't Daddy really enjoy them last time?"
Chen Yunxi said earnestly.
"Yes, I really do enjoy them."
Chen Sansi ate the candied hawthorns, and looking at Sun Buqi beside him asked, "What, you have something to say?"
Sun Buqi said, "He told me that as soon as you return, you should immediately come to the Mansion to see him."
Chen Sansi nodded slightly.
It was right to see the old man first.
"Alright, I understand."
With that, Chen Sansi hastened his horse toward the Governor Mansion.
Inside the pavilion by the lake in the back mountain, he found Sun Xiangzong fishing.
The old man's fish basket was brimming with fish this time.
He was in high spirits as he removed a large catfish from the hook, "Heh, finally, finally, I have reached the pinnacle of my fishing skills!"
Chen Sansi approached, clasping his hands in a bow, "Your disciple has returned."
"You've done well, this time even I did not expect it," Sun Xiangzong changed the topic abruptly, "But I didn't call you here to praise you, I want to ask what you're planning next."
Chen Sansi inquired, "Master, are you referring to..."
"You have two paths ahead of you," Sun Xiangzong cast his fishing rod again, explaining, "The first is to take your senior sister and others, leave this place, and find somewhere to live in seclusion. I have some friends outside who can set you up, but you're quite well-known now, and how long you can hide is uncertain.
"The second, is to stay in Liangzhou, lead your troops, train your martial skills, and inevitably you will encounter more troublesome matters."
"I'll introduce you to some people."
"Which do you choose?"