Chapter Seven: The Turning Point

  The next morning, Wang Chang and Sun De led the soldiers back to Wei Suo. This expedition was originally thought to be a matter of one or two days, but unexpectedly it took five whole days. Everyone was worried about their families at home, and now that they could finally return, they naturally hastened their pace. In less than a moment, everything was packed up, and with a single order from the two hundred officials, the soldiers formed a sparse column, carrying the wounded and the bodies of the dead, and slowly made their way back to Wei Suo.

  Xuzhou Garrison is actually not too far from here, otherwise the surrounding villages would not have been supplying food to the government troops. In short, they are afraid that these soldiers will come over and cause trouble. Adding to this, the military households are eager to return home, so their speed is naturally faster. After walking for almost three hours, the garrison can already be seen in the distance.

  For this Xuzhou Wei, Song Qing was still quite unfamiliar with it. Although there were some fragments in the inherited memory, the predecessor was originally a house man and couldn't say much about being familiar with him. Therefore, he was still a little curious, often pulling Ding Kui to ask questions from time to time. Fortunately, Ding Kui was also an acquaintance who knew what Song Qing used to be like, so there wasn't much suspicion. He told the things in the Wei's house one by one, which made Song Qing more down-to-earth and at least not worried that he would say something after going back, making people think that he was possessed by a monster.

  Back at the Wei camp, Wang Chang and Sun De parted ways. Song Qing and his son naturally followed Wang Chang. Wang Baihu didn't rush to reward them, but instead let everyone return home first. He sent someone to invite the families of those who died this time, probably to offer some consolation. Song Qing wasn't concerned about it and lazily followed his father back home. As soon as they walked into the courtyard, he saw his mother, Song Li, come out to greet them. Just as he was about to call out "Mother", he heard a loud wail in his ear. Song Li had already rushed over, tears streaming down her face: "My son, where are you hurt?"

  Song Qing knew that his blood-stained clothes had startled Song Li, so he hastily explained. At first, Song Li didn't believe him, but after taking a closer look, she finally believed that Song Qing was indeed unharmed. However, the resentment in her heart couldn't be dispelled no matter what. She turned around and shouted at Song Hu, who had a self-satisfied expression on his face: "Song Laohu, this is your idea! If anything happens to my son, the Song family will become extinct!"

  This sounds familiar, and it seems that Song Hu was saying the same thing to himself three days ago. However, times have changed, and now that he has seen his son's abilities, Song Hu is very proud and says with a big smile: "My son is excellent in martial arts and has a big heart, this time he killed seven or eight bandits, what's the big deal? It's you who kept him at home all day in the past, and now he's lost all his edge. From now on, he'll be training in the army, and sooner or later, he'll become someone like me!"

  "Think you're some kind of big shot now?!" Song Li's words cut like a knife, with no courtesy at all. She turned her head to look at Song Qing again, and this time there was a hint of affection in her eyes as she wiped away tears and smiled: "My son has really made something of himself! Your father didn't have your abilities back then... but from now on, it's best if you don't get involved in such things. This isn't child's play, the battlefield is no place for kids, what if you got hurt? The old Song family is counting on you as their only descendant!"

  "Don't worry, mom, I've saved it!"

  At the door, they had already spoken, and the three of them returned home. Song Li was busy going to the kitchen to clean up the dishes, while Song Hu called Song Qing over and said seriously: "My son, this time you have achieved great merit, and according to reason, you should be promoted. However, the only small flag that is currently vacant in the Wei camp is under Xue Ping's command. If you really get assigned there, he will likely find fault with you on purpose. As your father, I have never gotten along with him, so naturally, I am worried. Let me ask you, what do you think? If you don't want to go, I'll go talk to Wang Baihu and get more reward money for you. In any case, I won't let you be treated unfairly!"

  "Let's go!" Song Qing said without hesitation: "Our family is a military household, and our achievements are on the battlefield. Although Xue Ping has a bad relationship with Father, he can't bully me just because of his power. Besides, isn't there still Father? As long as I do things right and behave properly, I'm not afraid of Xue Ping causing trouble! As for asking for more reward money, even if we ask for more, it's just a few more taels, and besides, in this era, once you become an official, won't you have plenty of money in the future? If we give up this opportunity now, who knows when we'll get another chance, but the silver will be spent and gone. It's really not worth it!"

  The matter of promotion, Song Hu had previously only asked casually, without expecting Song Qing to have any ideas. But now, seeing him talk eloquently, even mentioning that being an official is still not enough to make a living, he was stunned for a moment, and after a while, he sighed and said: "You've grown up, this time you've really grown up! Alright, as your father, I'll put aside my old face and fight for this small flag position for you. If Xue Ping dares to bully you in the future, I'll fight him to the death!"

  Song Hu was a man of impatient temperament, and since he had made up his mind, he immediately wanted to take action. After lunch, he went out alone, taking some silver coins with him as he left. Needless to say, he must have gone to find Baihu Wang Chang to help him retrieve the small flag.

  Although Xiao Qi is only the smallest official position in the military household, he is in charge of only ten people. However, in the eyes of low-ranking military officers, it is still a business deal, and there are benefits to be gained from doing business. Although he has made achievements, if he doesn't understand the situation well and isn't willing to offer any benefits, why would Wang Chang give this position to him?

  Moreover, this small flag is under Xue Ping's command. Given that his own father has an extremely poor relationship with Xue Ping, if he were to truly take over, it would be equivalent to driving a nail into the people under Xue Ping's command. If something were to happen on both sides, one-fifth of Xue Ping's men wouldn't listen to him and would instead oppose him. Unless he can deliver benefits to Wang Chang, he fears that he won't let go of this matter. No matter how well he takes care of himself, as a superior officer, he must balance the work between his two deputy flags and will not easily favor one side over the other.

  Song Hu went this time, and it was indeed not a short while. He didn't know how to reason and argue, spending money until almost evening before returning home. Guo's face was full of smiles, and he shouted as soon as he entered the door: "My son, things have been settled! Tomorrow, Wang Baihu will announce his appointment, and in two days, I'll go to take office. I want to see Xue Ping's expression!"

  It's said that the matter has been settled, and Song Qing also let out a sigh of relief. He hurriedly said: "Thank you, Father, for your efforts. I'll go to Wang Baiguan's house tomorrow evening and have a chat with Wang Jian brothers at the same time."

  "You've really grown up!" Song Hu repeated his sigh of relief: "Originally, I was going to say that if you couldn't think of this, after the appointment tomorrow, I would take you to the Wang's house again in the evening. But you're thinking ahead, which is good. Tomorrow night, you can go yourself. As a younger generation, there are some things that are better said by you. In short, we must let Wang Baihu know that the father and son of the Song family are all following him with one heart!"

  New book is launched, everything is sought after, hoping for everyone's support, gratitude is endless!!!!!