"Understood, Commander!"
Qing Chen replied, then shifted the conversation to the matter at hand.
"Army Commander, I have been entrusted with a great responsibility, yet my forces are still twenty thousand men short. With the deadline pressing, I am truly uneasy.
"I came specifically to ask whether you could transfer some capable men from the Central Army to me. I will certainly remember your kindness, Army Commander!"
The stone hall fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of flowing Buddhist light.
Chan Master Wuxiang spoke slowly, his voice steady but weighty.
"Qing Chen, you are a general who came out of our Central Army. This expedition deep into Miaochong Prefecture in Qiongzhou will be exceptionally dangerous, and it concerns our Central Army's reputation as well. You are also a friend of our Vajra Zen Sect.
"Whether for public duty or private ties, I ought to help you."
He paused, then continued, "The First Division, Fierce-Eyed Vajra's unit, actually came to respect you quite a bit after their defeat at your hands last time.
"The ten thousand men under him are all brave and skilled fighters. They can be transferred to you, but I cannot give you Fierce-Eyed Vajra.
"The position of Gentleman of the Palace in the Seventh Division happens to be vacant. I will speak with Dharma Master Wuxin and transfer him to that post.
"He has a mild temperament and is already acquainted with you. The ten thousand men of the Seventh Division under his command can also join your forces.
"Together with your Second Division, that will make exactly thirty thousand. What do you think?"
Qing Chen was instantly overjoyed!
This was truly delivering charcoal in the snow!
What a generous move!
These were thirty thousand of the Central Army's very formidable troops! Both