201: It's never going to end.

The atmosphere inside the command post of the 122nd Division, which had retreated to Chuansha, was subtle.

Core personnel including Feng Tiankui, Lu Fan, Luo Jialie, Li Zhenshan, Bai Jinbiao, and Feng Hanqing gathered again.

Feng Tiankui looked around and spoke first: “Gentlemen, Commander Zhang Zhizhong came personally last night.”

His tone carried three parts solemnity, three parts relief, and four parts pride.

Everyone's expression turned serious, and they listened attentively.

“The Commander affirmed our achievements, saying we fought with military prestige, stabilized the northern front, and our contribution is undeniable.”

Feng Tiankui paused, then changed the subject: “However, the Commander also repeatedly warned that this matter must be handled discreetly and not publicized.

He will find a way to record the merits, but there will likely be no public commendations or publicity.

He instructed us to continue our efforts and keep fighting the devils.”

Feng Hanqing mused, “The Commander is being thoughtful. Given the current scrutiny, being too ostentatious is indeed not a good thing.”

Li Zhenshan let out a long breath, slapped his thigh, and said carelessly, “As long as there are no penalties, it’s fine.

We fight to kill devils, not for a few medals. Commander Zhang is a good man, we can work with him.”

“Commander Zhang has been generous, and we shouldn’t cause him trouble!” Feng Tiankui picked up the thread: “Pass down my order.

Every regiment, battalion, and company had better keep their mouths shut tight.

Anyone who goes out bragging and leaks even a whisper will face military law.”

“Understood~~”

Not long after the order was passed down, a communications staff officer entered quickly with a strange expression and handed over a telegram.

“Division Commander, a war zone bulletin just arrived. Commander Zhang Zhizhong was reprimanded by Jinling for lax discipline over his subordinates and given one major demerit.”

“What?”

An uproar immediately broke out in the command post.

“A major demerit? At a time like this? Commander Zhang just led us to a victory!” Luo Jialie was the first to shout involuntarily.

“Absurd! Isn’t this like slaughtering the donkey after it ground the mill?” Li Zhenshan was also indignant.

“It seems the higher-ups are still holding a grudge about the disobedience,” Feng Hanqing said lightly, pointing out the crux of the matter.

Just as everyone was discussing animatedly and guessing the intentions of the Jinling high command.

A guard came in to report: “Division Commander, there is a Commissioner outside claiming to be from the Central Party Headquarters. His surname is Gao, and he requests an audience.”

Feng Tiankui frowned: “Central Party Headquarters? Why send a Commissioner now? Let him in.”

Soon, a middle-aged man wearing a Zhongshan suit, with slicked-back hair and a fair complexion, walked in with measured steps.

His expression was arrogant. His eyes swept over the rudimentary command post, glanced past everyone, and a hint of disdain flashed across the corner of his mouth.

“Which one is Division Commander Feng Tiankui?” He drew out his tone, adopting a condescending manner.

“That would be me. Commissioner Gao, what instructions do you have?” Feng Tiankui replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Commissioner Gao cleared his throat and took out a document stamped with a red seal from his briefcase.

He did not open it, but merely shook it in his hand, then spoke indifferently: “Division Commander Feng,

I have been entrusted by Chairman Wang to convey the Central Government’s concern to you.

Mr. Wang greatly admires the heroic performance of Division Commander Feng and the 122nd Division at Luodian!

Whenever he speaks of it, he calls you the pillars of the Party and the nation, and the hope of the people!”

Feng Tiankui replied courteously: “Thank you, Chairman Wang, for your concern!”

“Mr. Wang said that a talent like Division Commander Feng is truly wasted serving merely as a Division Commander!

As long as Division Commander Feng understands the greater good and aligns himself with the Central Government, becoming a Group Army Commander or even a Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the War Zone in the future will not be difficult.

This is an immediate opportunity. As long as you are willing, Mr. Wang will fully exert his influence.

He will ensure Division Commander Feng and the brothers of the 122nd Division become nationally admired heroes of the War of Resistance, gaining both fame and fortune!”

He then changed his tune and began speaking fluently, masterfully employing the art of making empty promises.

He rattled off countless empty promises, then added meaningfully: “Of course, regarding officialdom, those who know, know.

One must have tangible merits, but also cannot lack connections and payoffs up and down the hierarchy; all aspects need to be taken care of.

Division Commander Feng is a sensible man, surely...”

Feng Tiankui listened to these tempting yet utterly hollow words, his mind clear as a mirror.

He was quite disgusted that this person was trying to fleece him before anything concrete had even begun.

He had left Sichuan Province to fight the war precisely because he was tired of the bureaucratic exchange of favors.

But this was not Sichuan Province, and the man was a Central Commissioner, so he couldn't easily tear off the façade.

He could only chuckle and pretend to be confused: “Oh, Commissioner, thank you to Mr. Wang and the Central Government for their kindness.

I, Feng Tiankui, am a rough man. I only know how to lead troops, fight battles, and kill devils to serve the nation. Commander this or Commander that, I dare not think about it.

I’d be perfectly satisfied if they could just issue more pay and more bullets!”

Seeing that Feng Tiankui wasn't taking the bait, Commissioner Gao’s face darkened, and he decided to apply some pressure: “Division Commander Feng, let’s be frank.

Mr. Wang is perfectly aware of what you did back in Sichuan Province, for example, the incident at Yuquan and Hongyun Temple.

And although the Battle of Luodian was meritorious, those four words, ‘disobeying military orders,’ can be interpreted broadly or narrowly...”

As soon as these words were spoken, it was a naked threat.

Feng Tiankui’s face darkened. He knew the man harbored ill intentions, but he didn't expect such direct threats.

Luo Jialie, standing nearby, understood instantly. He slammed his hand down on the table, pointed at Commissioner Gao’s nose, and cursed: “Bullshit!

What Yuquan and Hongyun Temple? We were acting under orders back then; Old He and Old Zheng personally requested it, and we have the receipts.

Furthermore, what military order did we disobey? Who the hell saw our 122nd Division disobeying military orders?

Does fighting devils at Luodian have anything to do with us? Who saw our troops on the battlefield?

If you keep slandering us here, do you believe I won’t shoot you as a devil spy?”

Commissioner Gao was startled by Luo Jialie’s sudden outburst and killing intent, causing him to take a step back.

He cried out, feigning toughness: “You... how dare you?! I am a Central Commissioner! Are you trying to rebel?”

“Rebel? I think you’re the one trying to sow discord!” Luo Jialie stepped forward and swung his arm without warning.

“Slap!”

A loud slap landed directly on Commissioner Gao’s face, knocking his gold-rimmed glasses flying.

“Get out! Get the hell out of the 122nd Division immediately! If you dare come back to spread malicious rumors, next time it won’t be just a slap!” Luo Jialie roared.

“Fine~ Fine, Feng Tiankui, you... you just wait! You will regret this!”

Commissioner Gao covered his face, both shocked and furious, and hurled threats while pointing at the crowd.

After speaking, he shamefully picked up his glasses and scurried away under everyone’s scornful gaze.

The atmosphere in the command post had just begun to ease, but before anyone could catch their breath.

Another guard rushed in, looking even more nervous than the previous one.

“What is it? Speak up~~” Feng Tiankui’s brow furrowed into the shape of the character 'Chuan', thinking: What kind of day is today? It’s never-ending.

“Reporting, Division Commander! Outside... there are more cars outside. Several people got out, claiming to be... claiming to be from the Statistics Bureau. The leader’s surname is Zheng.”

Statistics Bureau??

These three words felt heavy as a thousand pounds, instantly making the atmosphere inside the command post tense again.

Even Li Zhenshan and Luo Jialie, who feared nothing, looked slightly grave.

Everyone knew that being targeted by this group meant major trouble.

Feng Tiankui took a deep breath and immediately ordered all the officers present: “Everyone return to your respective units immediately and supervise personally.

No one is allowed to discuss last night’s events. Anyone who dares to say half a word more will be treated as guilty of leaking secrets! Hurry!”

The officers knew the severity of the situation and quickly left the command post. Soon, only a handful of people remained.

Feng Tiankui adjusted his uniform and said gravely to the guard: “Ask them to come in.”