Chapter 717 - 466: Year-End Selection! (Double-Length)
The snow near the year’s end fell continuously, day and night, without stopping.
The snow on the ground grew thicker, burying the plants and bending the old trees.
The great river was frozen for miles, the cold unbearable, it was unknown how many people and creatures would freeze to death.
Outside the main city, on a snowy plain, a few wild wolves lowered their heads, sniffing around for food, trying not to starve to death this winter.
Suddenly, waves of sound came from the sky, startling the wolf pack to scatter in all directions, disappearing in an instant.
At the next moment, hundreds of figures flew across the sky, swiftly passing this place and landing together on a high cliff nearby.
"It’s here, isn’t it?" asked a military general dressed in armor.
"No mistake. Back when the Demon Race invaded on a large scale, I fought with those demons here for hundreds of rounds. This cliff is very familiar," another burly warrior laughed heartily.
"Come on, I heard that time you were almost swallowed and dissolved by an Insect Demon; it was our Grand Marshal who cut you out from its belly," someone mocked with a snort.
"You talk nonsense! The Marshal and I killed the demon together. You have no idea how impressive it was..."
"..."
"Gentlemen, enough idle talk. Quickly inspect the surroundings and drive away the beasts, the Hour set by the Marshal is approaching," Rongjiang spoke, interrupting the joking generals.
As the Marshal’s Personal Guard, his words made those generals immediately stop and agree, not daring to be negligent, they flew in all directions to inspect the area.
At the same time, Talisman Masters from the Prince’s Mansion began to set up the Grand Array.
Spirit Crystals spun in the air, releasing energy into the array.
Judging by this arrangement, today’s event was clearly no trivial matter.
On the other side, at the Main City Military Department, Marshal’s Cabinet.
Song Changming sat on the Marshal’s chair, sipping tea as Lv Yuchen reported the fiscal details compiled from the Treasury over the past year.
"Well organized. Send your report to the Prince’s Mansion tomorrow," Song Changming said calmly, opening his eyes with a smile.
This feeling of not needing to worry is quite nice; this is the sense of having capable ministers.
He understood to some extent why those in high positions are often eager for talented people.
"Understood," Lv Yuchen replied respectfully in his official uniform and hat, feeling quite pleased with Song Changming’s approval of his work.
"Sir, this is the situation of the warhorses raised this year..."
After Lv Yuchen left, Wang Wenyu came forward to report.
"In general, as long as there’s no large-scale invasion by the Demon Race, there will be no issues with the warhorses supply for the next ten years. Please rest assured, Marshal," Wang Wenyu summarized.
"Not bad," Song Changming nodded, acknowledging Wang Wenyu’s recent work achievements, and then asked.
"How is the compilation of this year’s list of casualties in the Military Department going?"
"Marshal, it is almost complete and is expected to be presented tomorrow," Wang Wenyu replied.
"Hm..."
After the official matters were discussed, Su Qingqing, from behind, gave a gentle reminder.
"My Lord, the Hour is near."
Hearing this, Song Changming nodded and stood up, then suddenly glanced at the still-visible Lv Yuchen and Wang Wenyu, calling them back.
"Today is the Grand Marshal selection. You two will accompany me."
"Yes," Wang Wenyu was puzzled but hurriedly agreed.
The Grand Marshal selection was something he had heard about before.
However, he and Lv Yuchen were both civil servants in the cabinet, dealing with paperwork. They had nothing to do with the Grand Marshal selection and were unclear why Song Changming suddenly decided to take them along.
"Wear additional warm clothing inside. The place we’re going to is high in the mountains and cold; don’t catch a chill," Song Changming said.
The two hurried off to prepare after hearing this.
"Brother Lv, why do you think the Marshal suddenly took us along?" Wang Wenyu asked as they left the cabinet.
Lv Yuchen smiled slightly and said, "Brother Wang, this is a good thing."
"A good thing?" Wang Wenyu thought for a moment, then seemed to understand.
Lv Yuchen did not hold back, directly pointing out, "The Marshal clearly has high hopes for us; bringing us into the Grand Marshal selection indicates something."
It shows the Marshal expects more from us than just reviewing documents in the cabinet!"
Wang Wenyu suddenly understood, his face showing a hint of excitement.
"We have hopes of becoming the Marshal’s close ministers in the future!"
Lv Yuchen nodded.
As long as they assist by the Marshal’s side diligently, their prospects are very bright in the future.
"Let’s go, Brother Lv, let’s not keep the Marshal waiting," Wang Wenyu strode out, leaving the slender Lv Yuchen behind.
"Brother Wang, go ahead. I’ll catch my breath," Lv Yuchen said helplessly.
When it comes to quick thinking, he has no fear, but his physical stamina is his shortcoming, even worse than the average person’s, a typical weak scholar.
In contrast, Wang Wenyu is much stronger, which is related to his better family background. Being one of the city’s wealthy families, he never lacked food and drink and even studied Martial Tao for a few years at a martial arts school. Not that he’s very powerful, but paired with a sword, he could just about pass as both a scholar and a warrior.
"Let’s hurry up," Wang Wenyu, unwilling to leave Lv Yuchen behind, grabbed his arm and quickened their pace.
Soon, they hurried back to the Cabinet, still in their official uniforms, but noticeably bulkier from the thick clothing underneath.
Upon their return, Song Changming wasted no words, with a wave of his hand, enveloped them in the Master’s Power.