Zhai Mu changed into his standard military uniform and immediately headed to the D City military district as instructed. Due to the recent assassination attempt on Prince Lu Ming, the city was under martial law. While civilian life remained largely unaffected, few people had smiles on their faces. However, the moment he stepped through the military district’s gates, he could feel it—the unmistakable excitement and anticipation radiating from everyone.
The supreme military authority of the empire was here.
The very man who, until now, had only existed in news reports and military biographies, was actually coming in person.
It wasn’t just Zhai Mu who felt like he had just won the lottery of a lifetime. Even the highest-ranking officer in the D City military district was struggling to contain his elation.
There were, perhaps, truly a few people in this world who could inspire such awe. Even without his rank and status, the Marshal was the kind of man who could make even the most seasoned veterans—officers decades his senior—proud and nervous just for the chance to meet him once.
“The Marshal is a busy man. Officially, this visit is labelled an inspection, but you need to understand—it’s not that simple.”
Inside the room, all the highest-ranking officers of the military district had gathered. One of them spoke with a solemn expression.
“You’ve been in the military for years now; by all accounts, you’re already a seasoned officer. You know what you shouldn’t say and what you shouldn’t ask. I shouldn’t have to remind you. Just remember—watch General Xu closely, read his cues, think before you speak, and speak as little as possible.”
There was no denying it—the room was filled with jealousy.
Why was he, a lower-ranking officer, chosen to handle this reception, while they, who outranked him, were not?
In the military, rank was everything.
The royal family relied on birthright.
The government relied on ability.
But the military? To rise through the ranks, you needed far more than just those two things.
Still, they all knew better than to let their resentment show. This was General Xu’s decision, and no one was going to challenge it. Instead, they maintained polite expressions as they gave their instructions.
“Rest assured, sir. I will not bring disgrace to our military district.”
Zhai Mu stood at attention, his legs straight, his posture perfect.
He met their evaluating gazes head-on, his expression calm and composed.
The other officers exchanged glances, then chuckled—amused but also accepting. They had already said everything they needed to. The rest? That was up to fate.
At exactly 11:40, the office phone rang.
The room, filled with seasoned military strategists—a group of old foxes—immediately fell silent, waiting for instructions.
This time, it was General Xu himself who made the call.
“Tell Zhai Mu to come to the shooting range.”
No explanation. No context. Not another word.
The call ended just like that.
The officers who had been hoping to at least catch a glimpse of the Marshal, even from a distance, felt their hopes shatter.
Disappointment flashed across their faces, but Zhai Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Since the General has spoken, don’t waste time. Get going—don’t be late!”
One of the officers quickly urged him forward. The shooting range was at least half an hour away by car.
“Understood!”
Zhai Mu saluted, fingers pressed together in a sharp, precise motion, then turned on his heels and sprinted toward the underground garage.
But as he drove, his mind was far from idle…
D City was a wealthy metropolis, filled with rich aristocrats and powerful businessmen who loved guns. This was why D City had the most extensive, well-equipped shooting range in the entire region.
There was nowhere else like it.
The General Staff Department had said that General Xu recommended him for this mission because of his championship-winning performance in last year’s national shooting competition…
Suddenly, a thought struck him.
The Marshal’s visit to D City… definitely had an ulterior motive.
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