Chapter 426: Chapter 322: Commander with Two and a Half Years of Service! (Double-Length)_2

"I notice that most commanders haven’t killed as many demons as this deputy..."

"I remember, in the last military competition, it was him who fought Wu Feng to a draw. It was truly impressive!"

"Oh, it’s him. Now that you mention it, I recall!"

"Just now when reporting General Wu Feng’s achievements, he had only killed a bit over a hundred demons. This time, it’s General Song who won..."

"But Wu Feng has become a commander meanwhile. Why hasn’t General Song been promoted?"

"It must be because his experience is too shallow, I heard General Song has only been in the army for just over two years, and he is not from a noble family, has no background, thinking of promotion, I think it’s not that easy.

After all, merit is one thing, but the position of commander in the Cuiqi Army is limited, and other aspects must be considered..."

The discussion among the leaders below was lively, thanks to Song Changming’s impressive military achievements, which caused a stir.

"Award of 3,000 Spirit Coins, 300 low-grade Spirit Crystals, 100 low-grade Innate Pills, and selection of any martial technique below Third Grade from the armory."

In the hall, the civil servant continued to announce the awards Song Changming deserved.

It couldn’t be described as less than abundant; wealth, cultivation resources, and martial techniques were all equipped.

Except for those with family backgrounds, other leaders all eyed this reward with envy.

However, besides these material awards, regarding military positions, there was indeed no movement, which seemed a bit inexplicable to some...

After Song Changming received his awards and retired, Xing Tiexin suddenly turned and smiled.

"Changming, with such outstanding demon-slaying achievements yet no promotion, do you feel any resentment?"

Upon hearing these words, Song Changming shook his head and replied, "On the day I joined the army, the commander recruited me as a deputy, such a starting point was unprecedented, I am already content, how can I monopolize advantages, being so greedy."

"It’s rare for you to think like this, but the army doesn’t neglect those with merit." Xing Tiexin lifted his wine cup, clinked with Song Changming, and drank it all, as if knowing something.

Song Changming smiled slightly, not thinking further.

Indeed, he felt no discontent; as he said, he entered the army as a deputy general, skipping over squad leaders and centurions.

With such a high starting point and little experience, seeking further promotion is inherently more challenging than for others, especially without noble family support.

To receive such generous material rewards, he is already satisfied.

Moreover, his initial intent in actively slaying demons was merely to improve his strength, not to pursue promotion.

"There should be more to come..." Fu Yuan, who knows Xing Tiexin, felt that Song Changming’s awards were probably not limited to this.

After all commendations for general level rewards were concluded.

Grand Marshal Wang Tian then stood up, holding a cup of wine, and said slowly, "After this demon disaster, the casualties in various places are severe. Prince Cui decided to expand the army, strengthen local forces, and expand every Cui Banner Army.

The original ten thousand cavalry teams can be expanded to twelve, hence I have two more commander slots available."

The crowd heard this, all shocked.

Army expansion is not a trivial matter.

The Cuiqi Army’s system has not changed in decades.

Now this demon disaster turned into an opportunity for expansion, a surprise and a delight.

For them, expansion means more opportunities will fall on them!

Unexpectedly, the new army’s general positions will be selected from these veterans.

Only by having veterans lead the new can the army quickly form combat power, swiftly get on track, and pass through its inexperienced phase.

Especially many soldiers and generals clutching substantial achievements, each with eye-catching gaze, staring eagerly at Wang Tianshuang, hoping their wishes may come true.

Upon hearing, Fu Yuan suddenly showed a knowing look, glanced at Song Changming nearby, and smiled slightly, almost saying congratulations.

Sure enough, Wang Tianshuang immediately named the two new commanders for the new armies.

One of them was Song Changming.

"Meng Shijie, Song Changming." Wang Tianshuang voiced.

"Here we are!"

On both sides of the hall, Song Changming and another deputy immediately stood up.

"Meng Shijie, you have served my army for eighteen years, both merits and hardships are present, and now you are appointed as eleventh team commander, are you willing?" Wang Tianshuang asked.

Meng Shijie showed a fitting amount of joy, not overly ecstatic, as if he had expected this outcome, showing no surprise.

"I accept the order! Thanks to Grand Marshal’s promotion! From now on, I will not dishonor the mission!"

As a member of the city’s top noble family, the Meng, his election as commander is naturally backed by family support.

For this pre-determined result, he was able to know through the family in advance, and any joy had long been felt before the celebration banquet.

"Hmm." Wang Tianshuang showed no facial expression, merely nodded lightly and offered a few simple words of encouragement.

Then Wang Tianshuang looked at Song Changming, now with a faint smile on his face.

If Meng Shijie’s appointment as commander was largely due to the interest exchange among noble families,

Song Changming’s emergence was purely due to his exceptional performance, conquering many, including Wang Tianshuang himself.

He also favored this emerging talent in the army and was pleased to promote him.

Of course, there were other noble family members eyeing the commander position, exerting influence to intervene and obstruct.

But Song Changming also was not entirely unsupported.

Xing Tiexin’s strong recommendation, Yang Zhen above, also contributed a lot, and Wang Tianshuang himself was inclined to see Song Changming become a commander.

At the end of the day, the final decision on how to choose people was in the hands of him as this Cuiqi Army’s Grand Marshal.

Ultimately, Song Changming successfully broke through barriers and formally stepped into the commander’s ranks!

Of course, the many games and twists behind this promotion, Song Changming, as the concerned party, was still unaware at that moment.

It was only later that he learned who contributed effort and assisted him.

"Song Changming, although your time in the army is short, your repeated merits are remarkable, personally valiant above other generals, this time appointing you as the twelve team commander, are you willing?" Wang Tianshuang continued to inquire.

"I accept the order." Song Changming cupped his hands and responded.

"The recruitment for the new army is your responsibility, this time with heavy losses in the demon disaster, no team should lower our army’s combat strength due to hasty formation, understood?"

Wang Tianshuang spoke these words both to the two new commanders and also clarified to other commanders.

His army does not allow the presence of imposters, and even if recruitment is difficult, standards and requirements cannot be lowered!

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

The many commanders acknowledged, the banquet hall dispersed, as Wang Tianshuang left, other leaders stepped forward to congratulate Song Changming and the two.

Becoming a commander is equivalent to becoming part of the army’s middle-high level, possessing substantial status and authority.

Even walking in the city and revealing the identity, in most cases, others will treat him with politeness, respectfully call him General, and dare not offend easily.

By the time Song Changming finished handling, he was already in another place in the city dedicated to merriment, drinking his promotion wine by night.

Accompanying him were Xing Tiexin, Fu Yuan, and Little Flag Master Yang Zhen.

It was then that he understood the twists and turns behind his promotion and the help given by Yang Zhen and others.

"It’s fortunate to have Lord Yang and the commander." Song Changming thanked Yang Zhen and Xing Tiexin.

Yang Zhen shook his head and said, "We are all of humble origins, lacking identity and background, seeking prominence is inherently difficult, and requires mutual support. Helping you also strengthens our presence in the army, benefiting both me and Xing Tiexin."

Early on, when Song Changming entered the army and was selected by Xing Tiexin, the three of them formed a small united front.

For Yang Zhen, supporting Song Changming is like when Xing Tiexin was supported years ago; their interests align.

In the future, should an opportunity arise, he will also support Fu Yuan.

...