Chapter 1 The Dragon City Garrison

One day later, 10 a.m., the Dragon City garrison's military airport.

Zhang Xunchen, accompanied by several senior generals in neat and crisp military uniforms, waited beside the tarmac.

One of the generals, a hint of doubt on his face, couldn't help but whisper, "Chief of Staff, who is this Lü Zhen? Why haven't I ever heard of him before?"

Zhang Xunchen turned his head and glanced at him, reminding him, "Since he's someone sent from above, he's definitely not simple. When we meet him, be polite and don't speak carelessly."

"I know that," the general said in a low voice. "I'm just curious… do you think he can convince Commander Tan?"

Zhang Xunchen frowned. "I'm not sure, but..."

"Buzz…"

Just as they were speaking, the sound of helicopter propellers filled the air.

Everyone looked up and saw a military helicopter bearing the insignia of the First Zone slowly descending. Zhang Xunchen and the others exchanged glances and immediately moved closer.

Soon, the helicopter landed steadily on the tarmac. Lü Zhen, with six or seven accompanying personnel, stepped off the plane.

Lü Zhen, wearing a warm smile, strode forward, vigorously shook Zhang Xunchen's hand, and said politely, "Chief of Staff Zhang, I'm truly flattered that you came to meet me in person."

"It's our duty. Secretary Lü, welcome to Dragon City." Zhang Xunchen extended his hand while secretly sizing up Lü Zhen.

Although the other man was not old, Zhang Xunchen did not underestimate him in the slightest. To be able to reach the position of secretary to the commander-in-chief at this age and be entrusted with such an important task in this incident, being sent to Dragon City, was enough to demonstrate his abilities.

While exchanging pleasantries with Lü Zhen, Zhang Xunchen introduced the generals he had brought with him. Everyone was polite and exchanged brief greetings.

After everyone had met, Zhang Xunchen asked, "Secretary Lü, you've just arrived in Dragon City and must be tired from your journey. Would you like to rest for a while?"

Lü Zhen said with a smile, "Heh, resting can wait. I'm here primarily on official business, so shall we go directly to the command headquarters?"

"Very well." Zhang Xunchen nodded. "This way, please."

The group boarded the military vehicles parked nearby and soon left the airport, heading towards the command headquarters building.

...

At the same time, in the An Faction's military garden.

An Zecheng, holding a watering can, was watering the flowers in the garden.

"Pa pa pa!"

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from his ear. An Zecheng turned his head and saw his adjutant crossing the flowerbeds and quickly approaching him. "Commander, people from the First Zone have indeed arrived."

An Zecheng put down the watering can, wiped his hands, and asked, "Who came?"

"Lü Zhen," the adjutant reported. "He's around thirty years old and is said to be the secretary to the commander-in-chief of the Chinese Legion."

"Oh?" An Zecheng recalled. "From the legion? Why haven't I heard of him?"

The adjutant also shook his head slightly. "I haven't heard of him either. I don't recall such a person."

An Zecheng thought for a moment and instructed, "In that case, investigate and see what this person's true identity is."

"Yes, sir!" The adjutant saluted and hurried away.

An Zecheng picked up the watering can again and continued to tend to his delicate flowers.

...

Half an hour later, a line of military vehicles arrived at the Dragon City garrison command headquarters.

Under the guidance of Zhang Xunchen, Lü Zhen entered the command headquarters building and met Tan Hengqiang in a spacious conference room.

At this time, Tan Hengqiang was wearing a general's uniform, his hair combed meticulously, looking very presentable.

"Commander, this is Lü Zhen from the First Zone, Secretary Lü," Zhang Xunchen said, introducing him to Tan Hengqiang.

"Hello." Tan Hengqiang stood up slightly and extended his hand towards Lü Zhen.

"Commander Tan!" Lü Zhen walked over very enthusiastically and grasped Tan Hengqiang's hand. "I've long admired you, and I'm finally meeting you today! You're just as I imagined, with extraordinary bearing!"

Tan Hengqiang's expression was calm, and he was not moved by a few flattering words. He simply said politely, "You've come from afar, you must be tired. Please, sit."

Lü Zhen did not rush to sit down but clapped his hands gently. One of his accompanying personnel immediately stepped forward and handed him a beautifully packaged gift box.

"Commander Tan, I came in a hurry and didn't prepare anything too extravagant." Lü Zhen smiled and placed the gift on the table. "I heard you like to smoke, so I asked someone to find a sea willow pipe, a small token of my appreciation."

As the saying goes, one shouldn't strike a smiling face, especially since this Lü Zhen was quite sensible. Especially in this day and age, a sea willow pipe was indeed a rare item.

A smile appeared on Tan Hengqiang's face, and he nodded. "You're too kind. Please, have a seat."

"I can't be too polite, I'm here to play the bad guy." Lü Zhen finally took a seat, adding with emotion, "Commander Tan, to be honest, I really didn't want to come. But what can I do? I'm young, so I have to do these unpleasant things."

Tan Hengqiang chuckled and sat there with his hands clasped, watching him without saying a word.

Zhang Xunchen and the others also sat on the side, remaining silent and not interrupting their conversation.

"I'm here for one thing, which is to pave the way for subsequent negotiations." Lü Zhen sat up straight, looking sincere. "Uncle Tan, I respect you, and you're also my idol. You've been stationed in Dragon City for so long, and it's always been stable, without any major incidents. That achievement alone makes me admire you! I'm a junior, and to show my sincerity, I won't bother with official jargon or platitudes. I'll be frank with you…"

Lü Zhen paused and said, "Jiang Yuanzhen… must be released!"

Hearing this, Tan Hengqiang didn't seem surprised. He remained calm and silent.

Lü Zhen studied his expression and continued, "There are two reasons why we must release him: First, Jiang Yuanzhen has clearly stated to the First Zone that he supports stability in Dragon City and firmly stands on the side of the Yidang faction. Second, if everyone who supports the First Zone and steadfastly stands on this side of the battle has problems, and the First Zone has no ability to help, who will work for them in the future? Therefore, handing over Jiang Yuanzhen is a matter of principle and a matter of face. Let me put it this way: he cannot die, and he cannot even be tried here."

Tan Hengqiang smiled and said, "You are indeed very frank."

Lü Zhen sighed. "Alas, my meager strategies are nothing compared to yours. It's better to speak openly."

Tan Hengqiang didn't respond directly, saying blandly, "You've come from afar and must be tired. Stay for a meal. Old Zhang, have the arrangements been made?"

"They have been made." Zhang Xunchen stood up and nodded.

"Then take Secretary Lü to get something to eat and rest."

"Understood."

Seeing this, Lü Zhen didn't decline, and followed Zhang Xunchen away with a smile.

...

A moment later, Tan Hengqiang left the reception room and walked alone towards his office. The smile that had been on his face earlier had long since disappeared.

At this time, a dozen officers were standing in the corridor, each with an anxious expression on their faces.

"Commander Tan is here!"

Seeing Tan Hengqiang, these people turned their heads, their eyes falling on him.

One of the veteran generals, who had followed Tan Hengqiang for more than twenty years, stepped forward and pleaded, "Commander Tan, please release Old Jiang and spare his life…"