Chapter Fifty-Six: Recruitment

Under the respectful gaze of the villagers, Zhang Miao, brimming with heroic spirit, wrote five bold characters on a plaque: "Model Village in Resisting Invaders," and personally stamped his official seal upon it.

"Sir, your brushwork is as vigorous and majestic as a dragon in flight—truly worthy of a literary giant!" Qin Zhen praised without reservation, cradling the plaque as if it were a priceless treasure.

This plaque was far more than a title—it was an endorsement from the county office! From now on, whether it be mountain bandits or marauding pirates, anyone seeking trouble with the fishing village would have to think twice.

Moreover, this recognition would attract surrounding villagers to settle in the fishing village, swelling Qin Zhen’s population.

In a time when bandits roamed and pirates attacked, what could offer the common folk greater comfort and security than a Model Village for Resisting Invaders?

Most importantly, with Zhang Miao’s approval, he could now openly use iron tools and train the militia!

The significance of this was self-evident.

"It’s just a small matter; this humble official hardly deserves the title of literary giant," Zhang Miao replied, though he could not suppress a smile.

By now, the accompanying soldiers had already dragged away the bodies of the pirates, and Zhang Miao, accompanied by Qin Zhen, entered the fishing village.

Beholding the bustling, vibrant settlement, Zhang Miao could not help but feel a sense of wonder.

He had never seen a village so full of life.

Chief Constable Chen followed behind, embellishing his account of the battle with vivid detail.

Naturally, in his telling, the protagonist shifted subtly from Qin Zhen to himself.

Everyone tacitly understood.

"Listening to you, you don’t sound like an ordinary man. Have you studied before?" Zhang Miao suddenly asked.

"I’ve read a few books and can barely recognize some characters," Qin Zhen replied.

"If that’s so, how did you learn the art of military formations?" Zhang Miao’s tone grew subtly probing. "Not to mention anything else, but even the watchtowers and walls—those are certainly not something an average person could design."

He had already noticed that the layout of this village was unlike any other.

"With respect, sir, I know nothing of military formations. All the watchtowers in the village were set up by Uncle Chen," Qin Zhen answered steadily. "He’s a veteran who retired from the front lines, once served as a scout, and is highly skilled. He’s also the one who drills the villagers; we all follow his lead."

Chief Constable Chen chimed in support, "To report to the county magistrate, this Chen Shu is indeed extraordinary, and fought with great courage against the pirates!"

"Oh?" Zhang Miao cast a meaningful glance at the two of them. "In that case, I must meet this veteran myself."

"Where is Chen Shu?" the scribe asked.

"Unfortunately, Chen Shu has taken a group up the mountain on patrol. He’s not expected back till nightfall. I’ll send someone to fetch him at once," Qin Zhen said, signaling to Liu Quan. "Brother Liu, could you please go call Chen Shu back, and tell him the county magistrate wishes to meet our hero?"

Liu Quan hesitated for a moment but, catching Qin Zhen’s look, set off thoughtfully toward the mountains.

Soon after, a bewildered Chen Shu was brought back by Liu Quan.

"Humble villager Chen Shu, at your service, my lord."

At that moment, Zhang Miao was admiring the pond at the center of the village.

The teeming, lively fish leaping in the water astounded him, filling him with confidence in his future business dealings with Qin Zhen.

Upon meeting Chen Shu, Zhang Miao felt a jolt of surprise.

Although Chen Shu appeared rather thin, the martial aura in his bearing was unmistakable.

On his back he carried a confiscated pirate’s saber—such a man was either a seasoned warrior or a fearsome bandit!

"Have you served in the military?" Zhang Miao asked, inwardly startled.

"Yes, sir. I once served as a scout in the Flying Fish Battalion. After the Battle of Quechuan, the battalion was reorganized, and due to my injuries, I retired," Chen Shu replied.

"So, the Flying Fish Battalion," Zhang Miao said with understanding.

He had initially believed that Chief Constable Chen’s ability to lead the villagers in defeating the pirates was due to Qin Zhen’s leadership.

Now it seemed the credit belonged to the veteran before him.

It made sense—Qin Zhen was but a youth from the countryside, barely literate, hardly someone versed in military tactics. Clearly, it was Chen Shu who had lent his expertise.

"What sort of unit is the Flying Fish Battalion?" Qin Zhen whispered to Huang Jue, pulling him aside.

He truly was curious.

"The Flying Fish Battalion is the most elite force under the Marquis Who Guards the Nation," Huang Jue replied with pride and longing. "As the saying goes, 'When the Flying Fish number less than ten thousand, none can defeat them.'"

Qin Zhen stared wide-eyed at the disheveled, rustic-looking Chen Shu. Who would have thought this hunter, who could barely manage to hunt, had such an extraordinary past!

"So, you were also responsible for the watchtowers and low walls in the village?" Zhang Miao’s words caught Chen Shu off guard.

He glanced at Qin Zhen, who was looking away, recalled Liu Quan’s instructions, and though puzzled, nodded in acknowledgement. "Just some minor adjustments, nothing worth mentioning."

"I have a question for you," Zhang Miao’s tone suddenly grew solemn. "Would you be willing to serve under me?"

Who would willingly overlook such a talented man, both brave and wise?

Since his arrival in this coastal county, Zhang Miao had struggled at every turn. Why? Because he lacked capable subordinates.

The scribe Huang Jue, though deferential, was in truth loyal to his own family; a landlord’s son could never be truly trusted.

As for Chief Constable Chen Kuai, he had no respect for him—a mere wastrel who chased after women, of no real use.

But this veteran of the Flying Fish Battalion truly sparked Zhang Miao’s desire to recruit him.

Qin Zhen had not expected Zhang Miao to try and poach his man right before his eyes! If Chen Shu left, who would lead the village defense team? Who would stand against pirates and bandits? Curse that Zhang Miao!

Nor was Qin Zhen alone; everyone present, including Chen Shu, was caught off guard.

"Thank you for your kind offer, sir, but I am accustomed to a life of leisure, hunting and fishing as I please. I must decline," Chen Shu replied firmly.

If he had sought rank and fortune, he would never have left the Flying Fish Battalion in the first place.

What could a small county office offer compared to the grand path of the Flying Fish Battalion?

Hearing this, Zhang Miao was somewhat disappointed but did not press the matter.

It was true he lacked able men, but as an official, he would never stoop to beg a commoner.

Yet on reflection, as long as Chen Shu remained in the fishing village, he would inevitably help Qin Zhen train the militia. In that sense, was he not still serving Zhang Miao’s interests?

At this thought, his frustration vanished.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhang Miao took his leave, citing official duties.

Before departing, he turned to Qin Zhen and advised, "Work hard, and you will not go unrewarded."

Only after Zhang Miao had gone did Chen Shu, who had held his tongue all this while, finally speak.

"Why did you put it all on me? Weren’t you the one who set up the watchtowers in the village?"

In his view, this had been a rare chance to earn honor and reward before the county magistrate. Many would have begged for such an opportunity, but Qin Zhen had not only declined it—he’d pushed it away.

Qin Zhen’s reply was simple, tinged with helplessness.

"I’d rather not draw too much attention."