Reborn as a Noble's Son

It seemed as if, at this moment, Nie Zhenbang found himself remembering the time when they were rookies in training and Yao Yuan was intimidating the team. That guy, standing in the playground, speaking Mandarin with a thick Southern accent, said: “Instructor, why do you look down on us newbies? I’ll compete with you. Isn’t it just ten laps? I can also carry 40 kilos. I’m used to running in the mountains anyway.”

It seemed as if he could see that same teenager, now in tears in the tropical jungle. It seemed like the time before he left the army when Qin Lang shouted fiercely at him and the guy just stood silently beside him, clenching his fists.

A rural young man who was extremely introspective and pent up his feelings. Nie Zhenbang could not understand how it could be Xiong Changgui who got into trouble.

If it had been Qin Lang, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t be surprised. That guy could be such a goof sometimes: in the heat of the moment, capable of doing anything. But how could it be the shopkeeper?

Comradery, the strong bond shared between comrades that laymen can’t comprehend. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, the two soldiers were also somewhat touched.

They didn’t intentionally disturb Zhenbang then. After a moment of silence, when Nie Zhenbang calmed down a bit, the soldier who had been talking said gently: “Comrade Nie Zhenbang, please calm down. We’ll talk about serious matters now.”

Upon hearing the soldier’s words, Nie Zhenbang also became calmer. His years of military life were not spent in vain; he was capable of making a rapid mental adjustment.

Nie Zhenbang nodded, sat back down, took a sip from his tea cup, and regained his usual composure. Then he said: “I’m sorry, I lost my composure. Please continue.”

The leading soldier nodded, smiled kindly, and said: “We understand. We are soldiers too; naturally we understand your feelings. To cut to the chase, this time Xiong Changgui has made a big mess. He’ll definitely be taken to a military court. To put it bluntly, he’s a dead man.”

The soldier’s words sank Nie Zhenbang’s heart again. The case had not been officially tried yet, but a death sentence was already declared by the military court. It was clear how huge a disaster Xiong Changgui had caused this time.

Indeed, the soldier continued, “Xiong Changgui, from Qianzhou City in Jiangbei Province, was home visiting. But he surprisingly started a revolt. He took a 64-type pistol and a 79-type submachine gun from the local police station. He took sixty bullets for the pistol and a thousand rounds for the submachine gun. He then killed three local police officers and the Secretary of the Cangshan Town Party Committee. Afterwards, he fled to the forest. Both the local armed police and stationed soldiers started to hunt for him, but they were all beaten back by Xiong Changgui. Six armed policemen got injured. At present, the local police have already reported to the military region. And they’ve contacted your troops. But Xiong Changgui said that he wants to see you, otherwise, he will resist to the end.”

Hearing the soldier, Nie Zhenbang had no doubt. He knew Xiong Changgui’s military capabilities best. His stubbornness and refusal to admit defeat drove him to strive for excellence in all aspects.

Even without his firearms, it’s doubtful that they could take him down. Coming from the Northwest Military Region Tiger Battalion was no joke. Additionally, Nie Zhenbang had heard that, after he left, the Tiger Troop made multiple secret military invasions. Such practical experience is not something an ordinary soldier can match. With Xiong Changgui’s abilities, even if he and Qin Lang joined forces, they may not be able to defeat him.

Four lives, either policemen or leaders. This matter was serious enough to shock everyone. He’d also resisted the army. Now Nie Zhenbang understood why they’d made the call even without interrogation. Not to mention one Xiong Changgui, even ten Xiong Changguis would be executed. This behavior could not be described as normal. After a moment of silence, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said: “Okay, when do we leave?”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang, the two soldiers showed delight. Due to Nie Zhenbang’s status and background, they felt like they were walking on eggshells. If it were anyone else, they could give direct orders, but with Nie Zhenbang they didn’t dare to use any coercive measures. Everything depended on Nie Zhenbang himself. The men had worried that he would refuse to go. If so, the loss would have been huge. Now Nie Zhenbang agreed readily, bringing relief to them. The soldier who had been speaking replied: “The sooner, the better. Our military plane is ready and waiting. It’s up to you now.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded his head and said: “Let’s go now.”

Back in the hall, Nie Zhenbang gave instructions to Zhao Xinglong, Gao Wei and the others: “Wei Zi, I believe there’s another issue in Jiangbei. Alert Old Zheng and let him wait for my message. Xinglong, waive Li Guohua’s bill. When Nie Zhenbang makes a promise, he keeps it. Last time, I said his consumption would be free from now. We must keep our word.”

Zhao Xinglong nodded. In the circle of Jingcheng’s nobility, this amount of money was not a big concern. The Third Young Master naturally didn’t have to lose his credibility over this.

At this moment, Gao Wei nodded seriously and replied: “Understood. I’ll inform Brother Zheng.”

Following the soldiers out of the Dynasty Club, the three of them got into the military vehicle parked outside. The vehicle’s siren blared as it sped towards the military airport on the outskirts of Jingcheng.

After more than two hours of flight, the plane arrived at Xiaxiang Military Airport in Qianzhou City, Jiangbei Province. At that moment, military vehicles were already waiting on the tarmac. Without any delay, they went straight to Cangshan Town in Xiaxiang County.

There are many rivers in Qianzhou City, but only Xiaxiang County is a hilly region. The highest mountain in Qianzhou City is Cangshan, in Cangshan Town.

By the time Nie Zhenbang arrived here, it was already past midnight. Yet, the town’s government office building was brightly lit.

At this moment, Major General Long Dianqin, commander of the Jiangbei Province Military Division, Secretary Xu Qi of the Qianzhou City Party, and several other deputy leaders, as well as the county party secretary and the county head of Xiaxiang county, were all gathered here.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang arrived, two men in military uniform at the entrance stopped him. One of them, expressing a warm smile, promptly greeted him with a tight embrace.

“Crown Prince, your skin is fairer than it’s been in years. I imagine your skills must be a bit rusty,” joked Qin Lang, his tone light.

However, there was a trace of sadness in his voice. Nie Zhenbang didn’t respond, he simply patted Qin Lang’s shoulder and silently focused on the staircase.

This incident had become too big. As Xiong Changgui’s military superior, Yao Yuan had no choice but to be present.

“Changgui is done for this time. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have let him go home on leave. This is my fault. If I had returned in his place, things wouldn’t have escalated like this,” said Yao Yuan, his voice filled with self-blame and regret.

Nie Zhenbang heaved a sigh, then patted Yao Yuan’s shoulder. His tone was serious and formal as he said, “Instructor, don’t dwell on it. It’s fate.”

That night, Nie Zhenbang didn’t meet with any local officials from Qianzhou City. The following morning, right after he woke, the secretary of Qianzhou City’s party, Xu Qi had come over.

Xu Qi, who seemed to be about forty years old, was considered one of the younger officials in these times. He seemed to have a promising future. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, Xu Qi smiled and said, “Director Nie, welcome to Qianzhou City. We are grateful for your trouble.”

Nie Zhenbang was also surprised. Xu Qi was able to get a quick update on the situation. Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, “Secretary Xu, no need to be so courteous. During this visit, let’s put aside our official identities. I am just an ordinary person, a friend of Xiong Changgui’s.”

Xu Qi was taken aback, then laughed, “Indeed, indeed. Your help on this matter is much appreciated, Director Nie.”

The procession was quickly prepared. Everyone left together and drove directly to the foot of Cangshan Mountain. Yao Yuan, wearing sunglasses, jumped out of the car. From his impenetrable expression, one could not tell what Yao Yuan was thinking.

Pointing to Cangshan Mountain, Yao Yuan told Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, Changgui is in a region about two miles ahead. The whole mountain is filled with traps and mechanisms set by Changgui. Originally, Qin Lang and I were ready to take an action, but Changgui wanted to see you. It’s his final wish before death. You should go up alone.”

In others’ eyes, Xiong Changgui was a vicious bandit. But to Yao Yuan, Nie Zhenbang, and their group, Xiong Changgui was a comrade-in-arms. What’s a comrade? It’s someone you can entrust your back to. This confidence came from life and death tests. They weren’t worried that Xiong Changgui could harm them. If he did, it would mean that Xiong Changgui had truly gone mad.

Nie Zhenbang nodded, and Qin Lang handed him a pistol. Nie Zhenbang shook his head and laughed, “Sun, I don’t need this. You still don’t understand the keeper’s intentions, do you? I trust him. He won’t hurt me.”

As he made his way up the hill, Nie Zhenbang was surprised to find traps and mechanisms everywhere, in the bushes and between the trees. He hadn’t anticipated that Xiong Changgui’s military expertise had reached such a terrifying level. Perhaps even Yao Yuan wouldn’t be a match for him in a battle.

He carefully avoided one device buried in the road. It looked like a vine, but Nie Zhenbang knew it was attached to another lethal trap.

Having walked about a mile up the hill and seeing traps and mechanisms everywhere, Nie Zhenbang figured he was getting close. He stopped and observed the surrounding forest for a moment, then called out, “Keeper! I’ve arrived, Xiong Changgui, you coward, you deserter! Your big brother, Crown Prince, is here! Come out and see me!”

Following Nie Zhenbang’s furious yell, the figure of Xiong Changgui, emerged from a dense bush up ahead. Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Xiong Changgui couldn’t hold back any longer and fell to his knees.

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