Three Commanders Cowed by the Imperial Envoy, One Minister Ventured Deep into the Marsh Stockade

The three military governors gathered at Qiu Yan's residence were Chen Shouxin of the Yongping Army, Fan Yiyuan of Wutai Commandery, and Zhang Kaiyong, the newly appointed military governor of Wuxin Commandery.

The three commanded three military strongholds, all bordering the Five Marshes, positioned respectively in the east, center, and west, guarding vital Throat Gates. All had been promoted and transferred there only recently.

Two and a half years earlier, Wuxin City had fallen. The military governor at the time, along with those of several surrounding strongholds, had all been dismissed and placed under investigation by the imperial court for their inadequate response and tardy support.

Now, anyone with even the slightest connections had gone to the Northern Frontier to supervise the war. Especially after the Rouluo army had been annihilated half a year ago and Great Rui had secured victory, going there now meant nothing but reaping military merit and benefits. Whether civil or military official, who would not covet that?

At such a time, being transferred to the Southern Border as a military governor spoke volumes about one's connections. After all, Marshfolk were unlike the Rouluo. Killing them might not earn one merit, but provoking a large-scale rebellion would certainly be a crime. On top of that, Qiu Yan was reforming the military system here. No matter how one looked at it, this was not a desirable post.

Still, since they had come, they naturally wished to accomplish something.

"What do you think Qiu Yan will do about the present situation? The Marshfolk are advancing fiercely and will not let this go easily. In the past, when such matters arose, fists did the talking. But merely driving the Marshfolk back now will not be a lasting solution." Chen Shouxin, military governor of the Yongping Army, had regular features