Several days later, the current president sent his trusted men to Karadi Province and Montoli Province to take office as the senior officials and commanders of the government forces in the two provinces.
Both men were built like buffaloes and still wore their military uniforms. It was said that they had once been personal guards in the current president's escort unit.
At the handover ceremony, Zabol formally met the two men.
"General Zabol, thank you for your contributions to the stability of the two provinces. On behalf of President Romon, I present you with the Gangge Golden Olive Medal." The senior official dispatched to Karadi Province smiled. "From now on, we will officially take over the government forces of both provinces."
After speaking, both men looked at Zabol. Deep in their eyes lay concealed wariness and unease as they waited for his reaction.
Zabol stepped forward and stared at the two of them for a long while without saying anything.
"General Zabol, what do you mean by this?" Both men's faces had gone slightly pale.
"Nothing." Zabol suddenly smiled, accepted the medal from the other man's hand, and casually draped an arm around both their shoulders. "Please tell President Romon that I appreciate his kindness. I accept."
Their bodies stiffened as they forced out smiles even uglier than crying.
Later that evening, the two men could not wait to leave the general's residence by car.
At the gates of the general's residence.
Zhang Yang emerged from around the corner and stood at the entrance, watching the two men's car drive away.
Behind him, Zabol walked out, with another medal now pinned to his chest.
"Mr. Zhang, everything has been arranged."
"Alright, go handle it." Zhang Yang nodded and said casually.
Later that evening, Karadi Province and Montoli Province welcomed