My Promotion Story Through Time Travel

Chapter 248 Team Formation

"Brother Ziping, let's wait in the room you used to live in. We've all kept it for you, and we brothers even go in to clean it from time to time. We're just looking forward to your return," Xiao Chen said.

Several people around also chimed in, agreeing.

"That's fine then." Lin Ziping nodded, and then said to the others, "Brothers, you are all busy with your official duties, so go ahead and do your own thing. Don't worry about me. This guard camp is like my home. If you all act like this, it will seem like we're strangers."

"Then we'll get back to work. Brother Ziping, call me if you need anything." Except for Xiao Chen, everyone bowed to Lin Ziping and took their leave. Soon, the courtyard returned to silence.

"Tsk tsk, how does Lin Ziping feel?" Uncle Hai, sleeves in hand, squatted on the threshold, his tone mocking.

"As the saying goes, when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Uncle Hai must have seen many such dramas during his many years in the palace," Lin Ziping replied.

Uncle Hai was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "I thought you were a shrewd guy, but it's one thing to think such things in your heart, but to say them out loud shows how reckless you are. Look how embarrassed Xiao Chenzi is, he can't even lift his head."

"Uncle Hai is right. It's too cold outside. Your old body can't take it if you stay here too long. Go back inside. I'll go back inside and wait for them too." Lin Ziping then looked at Xiao Chen, "Xiao Chen, let's go."

Uncle Hai pulled his coat tighter around himself: "Remember this old habit of mine, be careful when you're out and about. I, this old man, won't interfere in your affairs."

After saying that, he stood up, swayed, and turned to go back into the house.

"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Hai," Lin Zi said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

Uncle Hai didn't turn around, he just waved his hand, the door closed, and his figure disappeared.

Lin Ziping and Xiao Chen were about to head towards the old military quarters when they saw Luo Zijian walking out of the main courtyard.

The two were face to face, and it was impossible for them to pretend they didn't see each other.

"Master Luo," Lin Ziping greeted him.

"Okay," Luo Zijian replied. "You can come back and visit often if you don't have to. The brothers all miss you."

Lin Ziping nodded: "Okay."

"Xiao Chen, please take good care of Ziping for me. I have to go now." Luo Zijian nodded to Lin Ziping and left.

After Luo Zijian walked away, Xiao Chen patted his chest and said, "This is the first time I've seen Master Luo speak so kindly."

“Really?” Lin Ziping replied, “I think he’s always been like that.”

He then asked, "Why haven't I seen Liu Song?"

Xiao Chen looked around and leaned closer to Lin Ziping, saying, "After you left, Liu Song did something wrong and was taken to Shenxing Palace."

"Shenxing Palace?!" Lin Ziping stopped in his tracks, looking at Xiao Chen with a puzzled expression. "What is he doing?"

Xiao Chen shook his head, "I don't know, and no one has mentioned it. Everyone's too busy to ask."

"I see." Lin Ziping looked up and saw a bird fly over the palace wall, disappearing into the sky and earth in an instant, leaving no trace.

Returning to the small house I used to live in, the bed I used to sleep in had been removed, leaving only a table and chairs. The once crowded room now seemed rather empty.

Xiao Chen stepped forward and wiped the table and chairs with his sleeve: "Brother Ziping, please sit down first. I'll go get you a cup of hot water."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work," Lin Ziping said.

Xiao Chen went in and out several times, bringing hot water and a heater, and even thoughtfully brought a book. He also brought over the tray that Lin Ziping had forgotten in the yard, and in an instant, the previously cold room became warm again.

"Brother Ziping, what do you think is still missing?" Xiao Chen asked.

Lin Ziping picked up his teacup, blew on it to cool it down, and said, "It's not a problem at all, Xiao Chen, thank you."

Xiao Chen scratched his head and chuckled, "I didn't do anything. Brother Ziping, I'm right outside the door. Call me if you need anything."

"Xiao Chen, do you smoke opium?" Lin Ziping suddenly asked.

Xiao Chen lowered his eyes and remained silent. After a while, he looked up and said, "How could I be qualified to use such precious things? I usually exchange the money that Master Luo gives me for silver with my brothers."

Lin Ziping's fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the table.

After a moment, he said, "Thank you, you can go ahead and do your work."

"Okay," Xiao Chen replied and went out the door.

About half an hour later, a commotion broke out outside, followed by a knock on the door.

"Go in," Lin Ziping said.

"Creak—" The door was pushed open.

Several people were crowded outside the door, while Wu Xudong and his group were left behind.

"Brother Ziping, we've brought Wu Xudong and his men to you," the foremost guard said to Lin Ziping.

Lin Ziping stood up and clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your help, brothers."

"It was no trouble at all—" The guard stepped into the room, then turned back and said, "You probably have something to say, so we won't disturb you any longer."

The others also said, "We won't disturb you any longer."

"I have some business to attend to today. I'll prepare some good food and warm wine another day, and we'll have a good drink together with all the brothers from the Prefectural Guard," Lin Ziping said with a smile.

“That’s excellent,” the guards echoed.

After the others left, Wu Xudong, Tang Jiawei, Pu Santong, and Fan Ji stood awkwardly at the door, not coming in.

Lin Ziping raised an eyebrow and said, "Haven't seen each other for a few days, and we brothers have become estranged?"

Wu Xudong, Tang Jiawei, and Pu Santong looked at each other. Wu Xudong walked in first: "No, it's just that you seem to have lost weight after not seeing you for many days, but you have more energy and spirit. We didn't recognize you at first."

"Old Xu, you really have sharp eyes. How can you tell I've lost weight even though I'm wearing such thick clothes?" Lin Ziping stepped forward and punched him on the shoulder. "You didn't get fat even though you ate so much meat during the autumn hunt."

Fan Ji said, "I didn't notice you've lost weight, but you certainly look more energetic. Are you doing well?"

"It's alright, it's all the same wherever you are." Lin Ziping sighed, then looked at Tang Jiawei, who was the last to come in, and asked, "How's Xiaowei's injury?"

Tang Jiawei patted his shoulder: "He's almost fully recovered."

"That's good. This was taken from that tiger last time. See if it's still usable." Lin Ziping handed the tray to Tang Jiawei.

He continued, "Thank you all for killing the tiger last time. I have no way to repay you. This is the silver I have saved up over the years. Please accept it."

After saying this, Lin Ziping clasped his hands and knelt on one knee.

Wu Xudong quickly helped Lin Ziping up: "Old Lin, what are you doing? Get up quickly."

“We are one, you’re being too polite,” Fan Ji said.

“Fan Ji is right,” Pu Santong nodded.

Tang Jiawei put away the steel nails and iron pieces and said, "If any one of us were in that situation, none of us would stand idly by."

Lin Ziping did not get up: "That makes sense, but we can't mix it with feelings. I should have come to thank you all a long time ago, but... well, let's not talk about the twists and turns. I'm here today because I need your help."