Chapter 30: Entering the Ghost Mountain Pass

After finishing the simple affairs at Baichuan Post, Chen An left a dozen men behind to assist Wu Ergou with the restaurant’s operations before leading his main force back to Huyang Pass.

However, just as Chen An was brimming with enthusiasm to report back to Qiao Dafang, he was blocked outside the governor’s office.

"Battalion Commander Chen, you cannot go in right now. It’s practically exploding in there," the young servant guarding the gate whispered in explanation.

Chen An’s status was no longer what it used to be. Although he was stopped, the servant’s tone remained respectful.

"What’s going on? Why the rush? What happened?" Chen An asked.

"You don't know yet?" The servant’s eyes widened, his expression one of disbelief. "What else could it be? It’s because of you!"

The servant’s words left Chen An baffled. "My business? What business could I possibly have?"

"Prefect Cheng Qian arrived this morning, furious. He claimed that the Pass Commander is indulging his subordinates in wicked behavior." As he spoke, the servant lowered his head, clearly implying that the "subordinate" in question was Chen An.

Chen An had a sudden epiphany. It seemed Zhou Papi had filed his complaint quickly! Knowing full well that Cheng Qian was there specifically to find fault, Chen An could not restrain his impatience and barged inside.

The atmosphere in the room was suffocating. Qiao Dafang was busy sipping tea, while Cheng Qian looked like an overinflated balloon, ready to burst.

"Subordinate Chen An has returned from Hulao Pass and is here to report to the Pass Commander."

Chen An’s words acted like a spark in a powder keg.

"Chen An! You actually have the audacity to return!" Cheng Qian exploded, turning his glare toward Qiao Dafang. "Pass Commander Qiao, I demand you punish Chen An at once! Otherwise, I shall take this evidence directly to Chancellor Wei at the Lin-tai Bureau!"

Qiao Dafang feigned ignorance and coughed twice. Knowing he had to take a stance, he tried to muddle through it: "Chen An, do you know your crime?"

"Crime?" Chen An shook his head. "I am unaware of what crime I have committed."

Chen An’s feigned ignorance only served to make Cheng Qian’s face turn beet-red with rage.

Cheng Qian, no longer caring about his dignity or official decorum, ranted like a shrew, embellishing the story with every detail. He described the beating of Zhou Papi with such vivid, exaggerated language, clearly intended to goad Qiao Dafang into action.

Compared to Qiao Dafang’s deep, silent contemplation, Chen An’s nonchalant expression was remarkably striking. After rambling on for some time, Cheng Qian drained his teacup and declared, "Pass Commander Qiao, deal with this as you see fit."

Qiao Dafang frowned slightly. Having worked with Chen An for some time, he held the man’s abilities in high regard. Moreover, given his own humble background, Qiao did not see anything inherently wrong with what Chen An had done. Reason and sentiment alike dictated that he should support his capable protégé. However, with Chancellor Wei backing Cheng Qian, failing to maintain a semblance of fairness could lead to unnecessary trouble.

A thought slowly took shape in Qiao Dafang’s mind.

"Chen An, you have committed such an offense that I cannot easily forgive you," Qiao Dafang said, clicking his tongue. "The Jiuli Tribe, one of the eighteen tribes of the grasslands, has been repeatedly violating our borders. I order you to atone for your crimes through service! Lead your battalion to garrison the Youshan Pass!"

"Youshan Pass?!"

As a Prefect, Cheng Qian was well aware of the location. "Pass Commander, Youshan Pass is a place of beautiful scenery and abundant resources! Sending Chen An there to guard it? That is a promotion disguised as a demotion! How can this satisfy anyone?" Cheng Qian insisted, "If you insist on this, I shall report this matter impartially to my superiors!"

"While Youshan Pass is resource-rich, its terrain is flat. My scouts have informed me that the Jiuli Tribe is planning a major offensive there."

"But!" Cheng Qian tried to argue further, but Qiao Dafang cut him off with a wave of his hand.

"Prefect Cheng, I am showing you respect by hearing you out. If you interfere with my military affairs, I fear the consequences will be unpleasant."

Stung by the blunt dismissal, Cheng Qian could only snort and storm off, though not before casting a venomous glare at Chen An. Chen An remained entirely indifferent. The stark contrast in their demeanor left Qiao Dafang in a difficult position.

"Chen An, oh Chen An, what am I to do with you?" Qiao Dafang sighed. "Cheng Qian is notoriously petty. Usually, even I avoid offending him, and you went and seized his territory."

Seeing Chen An’s grin, Qiao Dafang waved him off. "Youshan Pass is strategically critical. You will garrison there for now. Once I submit my report detailing your contributions, it won't be so easy for Cheng Qian to trouble you."

"Thank you, Pass Commander." As Chen An turned to leave, Qiao Dafang stopped him.

"Wait." Qiao Dafang paced over to Chen An. "You are a reckless one. Sending you to garrison Youshan Pass isn't entirely to protect you."

"Do you know why Cheng Qian stopped pressing the issue once he heard you were being sent there?"

"It is because the four great families are the 'local emperors' of Youshan Pass."

"The Feng, Chu, Han, and Wei families settled there after the old military land-allotment system was abolished. When I passed through the region years ago, I was ambushed by grassland cavalry, and the head of the Chu family, Chu Xiong, saved my life."

"The Han family has always remained independent, while the others are Cheng Qian’s cronies."

"Pass Commander, surely your orders are about more than just garrisoning the pass," Chen An noted, catching the hidden intent.

"You rascal, it seems nothing gets past you," Qiao Dafang said in a low voice. "The truth is, I’ve long despised that old man Cheng Qian. Furthermore, I’ll let you in on a secret: General Fan is organizing a northern expedition to completely subdue the eighteen grassland tribes."

"Youshan Pass is a crucial gateway. I am sending you to the front line to prepare for the struggle." Qiao Dafang looked at him. "Don't tell me you're getting cold feet."

Chen An scoffed. "Why would I be afraid? Same as always: give me the military merit, and I’ll fight until the emperor is exhausted."

"Hahaha!" Qiao Dafang chuckled. "You truly have no filter. Very well, it is getting late. Depart tomorrow."

The sun hung high in the sky. Over a hundred cavalrymen stood motionless outside Youshan Pass; the men were silent, the horses quiet, with only the banner of the Hu Battalion snapping in the wind.

Chen An reined in his horse and looked out, momentarily feeling as though the world had frozen in time.