Chapter 965: The Game of Authority

After three rounds of drinks, Yuan Tiangang still had not mentioned assigning Ling Feng any military position. Instead, he spent the entire time showering Ling Feng with empty praise. Had it been some naive young fool sitting there, they might have been completely taken in by the commander-in-chief's enthusiasm, feeling nothing but gratitude for his so-called "appreciation."

Take Jiang Xiaofan, for example. The moment he sat down, he started stuffing his face without a care in the world. Hearing Yuan Tiangang's flattery, he nodded eagerly, convinced that this commander-in-chief was a decent fellow.

But Ling Feng saw through the old fox's game. He wasn't willing to grant Ling Feng even a sliver of military authority. In other words, he didn't trust him.

Unbeknownst to Ling Feng, Yuan Tiangang had also been observing him closely, searching for any flicker of emotion in his expression. Unfortunately, Ling Feng remained composed throughout, wearing nothing but a faint smile that gave nothing away.

The other generals, well aware of their commander's intentions, kept the atmosphere light with jokes and endless toasts. Hours passed without a single meaningful word being spoken.

"

Hehe.

This kid's got some nerve, neither pledging loyalty nor showing dissatisfaction with his treatment."

Yuan Tiangang stroked his chin, reassessing Ling Feng with newfound interest. After a moment, he feigned casualness and asked, "General Ling, now that you've arrived at Tianmang Fortress, what are your thoughts? Feel free to share them with this old commander.

Ha!

Perhaps I can find a suitable position for you to fill immediately."

"This junior has no opinions worth mentioning," Ling Feng replied with a fist-and-palm salute. "I'll leave everything to the commander-in-chief's arrangement."

Yuan Tiangang narrowed his eyes slightly. "

Oh?

But I've heard that General Ling is rather... close with Jingwang!"

Jingwang, refers to the Ninth Prince, Mo Feng.

Since the Tianbai King had sent him to oversee the Southern Army, he needed an official title. While a prince represented the imperial family, it carried no real authority. But the title of Jingwang was different. By granting Mo Feng this rank, the Tianbai King had effectively given him partial command over the Southern Army.

Unfortunately, it seemed the Ninth Prince had been thoroughly sidelined. Mo Feng was no fool, but against a seasoned fox like Yuan Tiangang, he was still outmatched.

"Jingwang?"

Ling Feng arched an eyebrow, recognizing the true test. He laughed lightly. "We were classmates at Tianwei Academy, so naturally, there's some friendship between us. But now that you mention it, I do find it strange. His Majesty sent Jingwang to oversee the army, yet he's absent from today's gathering. Isn't it... unusual?"

The moment these words left his mouth, the murderous aura in the command tent grew so thick even the air turned cold. Jiang Xiaofan, who had been wolfing down food moments ago, shuddered involuntarily.

Something wasn't right here.

Li Bufan, meanwhile, calmly sipped from his wine cup. It seemed Ling Feng had made his choice.

But this was the Ling Feng he knew.

A man who would never abandon his comrades, no matter the circumstances.

Sure enough, Yuan Tiangang's expression flickered briefly before settling back into a smile. "Jingwang has returned to his mansion. With the border conflicts escalating, I couldn't possibly risk keeping him at the fortress. He agreed to recuperate at Jingwang Mansion until we've repelled the demon tribes. Then, of course, he'll return."

Though his tone remained pleasant, a frosty edge had crept into his voice. He rose from his seat. "General Ling, we've drunk enough for today. I have pressing military matters to attend to. As for your assignment... I'll take it under consideration. You may leave now."

"Then this junior will await your decision. Farewell!"

Ling Feng suppressed a smirk. The old fox had clearly lumped him together with the Ninth Prince. It seemed he wouldn't be entrusted with any real authority in Tianmang Fortress.

But Ling Feng couldn't care less.

He had come to Nanjiang for two reasons: to kill the Silver Wolf Demon Emperor and to help his sworn brother, the Ninth Prince.

If Mo Feng himself had no ambition, why should Ling Feng waste effort serving Yuan Tiangang?

(Now, if it were Han Li making the demands, that might be a different story.)

Once Ling Feng and his group had left, the one-eyed general Li Qing slammed the table. "That brat doesn't know his place! Commander-in-Chief, just stick him in the beast stables to tend our warhorses!"

"Hah! Perfect! Let him play the stable master, see how high and mighty he acts then!" The scar-faced general Wang Meng nodded vigorously. "Trying to scheme with us? I was slaughtering enemies on the battlefield when he was still in diapers!"

"Enough!" Yuan Tiangang shot them a glare. "He's a general personally appointed by His Majesty. If word got out we made him a horsekeeper, what would the Emperor think?"

"

Tch,

who cares? Our Tianmang Fortress is far from the capital!" Wang Meng scoffed.

"Foolish shortsightedness!" Yuan Tiangang turned to the middle-aged strategist beside him. "Adviser Sun, your thoughts?"

"Nothing so grand." The adviser waved his feathered fan lazily. "Li Bufan is Grand Commandant Li's grandson. Assign him as a chief commandant in the Frontline Camp. That should suffice."

"Excellent. You read my mind." Yuan Tiangang smiled. Separating Li Bufan from Ling Feng would make things much easier.

"And what of Ling Feng?"

The commander-in-chief's eyes gleamed with amusement as he watched Sun Boce.

"A young hero like General Ling cannot be left idle... yet, with no vacancies among the generals, where could we place him?" The adviser sighed theatrically.

"

Ah,

what a pity! Truly a pity!" Yuan Tiangang feigned regret. "I suppose he'll have to remain a general... in the new recruits' camp."

"The Commander-in-Chief is wise!"

"The Commander-in-Chief is wise!"

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

The generals burst into laughter. If even the Ninth Prince was nothing but a pawn in their hands, what could a mere Ling Feng possibly do? Revolt against the heavens?

Yuan Tiangang drained his cup in one gulp before slamming it onto the table.

Here in Nanjiang, he was the law. Before loyalty to the empire came loyalty to Yuan Tiangang. And if anyone dared defy him?

Let them try. A dragon who wouldn't bow would learn to coil!