The capital of the Great Han Empire is known as the most prosperous place in the world, with city walls reaching a height of fifteen zhang. It is easy to defend and difficult to attack. The business inside the city is thriving, not only are merchants from all over the country gathering here, but also many merchants from far away places like Xiongnu and Caesarea.

  The Black Flag Army could not have entered the city entirely, so Xu Haifeng left Jiang Kongming in command of the main force to set up camp twenty miles outside the city, while he himself led fifty personal guards and a group of high-ranking officials to escort Lin Wanxin into the city.

  Upon arriving in the city, the first thing to do was to go to the military department to hand over the order, and then rest in the assigned house. However, Xu Haifeng disliked the place prepared by the military department for being too simple, so he spent his own money to find a large inn, renting out a courtyard as a temporary residence. Anyway, he is now wealthy, and this small amount of money was just a drop in the bucket. Lin Wanxin didnt say anything, but Xu Haifeng saw that she was very satisfied with his actions.

  Now that he had arrived in the capital, his top priority was to visit Fang Manor and pay respects to Old Master Fang. This old man was an important figure who would affect Xu Haifengs future life and death, so he didnt dare to be even slightly negligent. Fortunately, the gifts for him were already well-prepared, and Director Ying had personally selected some precious treasures seized from Linan City as a gift for Xu Haifeng to present when meeting Old Master Fang.

  Xu Haifeng arrived at Fangs residence with a few of his personal guards on horseback, as instructed by Jiang Kongming. This time, he only brought three personal soldiers, and all the masters were ordered to withdraw for three days.

  The Fang Mansion is located in a scenic area of the inner city, and just by looking at this piece of land that is as valuable as gold, one can tell that the Fang family is indeed one of the four most powerful families next to the imperial family, with immense power and influence.

  When they arrived at the gate, Lin Changkong handed over the visiting card. The doorman initially looked at these simply dressed men with disdain, but when he saw the three words "Black Flag Army" on the visiting card, he immediately changed his expression and greeted them warmly, instructing his companion to quickly enter and report.

  Before long, the sound of music came from inside, and then the gate opened, and a spirited old man came out to greet us.

  Xu Haifengs face was moved, he himself was just a small general, in the eyes of the Fang family, he really couldnt be considered a figure, but seeing them make such a big fuss, it was clear that they were extremely sincere. It must be known that the Fang familys gate was not easily opened, looking around the capital, those who could get the Fang family to open their middle gate to welcome guests could be counted on one hand, and Xu Haifeng was able to enjoy such treatment, which was enough to boast about.

  A man in a light blue long shirt, with a slender and straight figure standing like a spear, saw Xue Haifeng walking in and laughed loudly: "Xiang Mingxians nephew has written three letters to me, praising General Xu highly, boasting that the general is the first rising star of our great Han dynasty. I have long wanted to see his heroic bearing. Today we meet, we must drink heavily, and not stop until we are drunk."

  Xu Haifeng hastily bowed and said: "I dont dare to accept your praise, General. Im just doing my best, how can I be worthy of such praise from Brother Fang?"

  The old man didnt think much of it, and warmly took his hand, walking shoulder to shoulder towards the inner house. As they walked, they chatted, and Xu Haifeng also learned about this persons identity - he was actually Fang Lide, the younger brother of Fang Liantian, the master of the Fang family. One had a hidden agenda, while the other had ulterior motives; the two hit it off immediately, chatting enthusiastically after just a few steps, and Xu Haifeng even acknowledged this uncle.

  As he entered the inner hall, he saw another old man sitting in a taishi chair. His face was somewhat similar to Fang Lingdes, but it looked even more majestic. Although this old man was just casually sitting in the chair, his body had an air of dignity and authority. Upon hearing the sound, he raised his head, and his pair of slightly long eyes revealed a rare fierce gaze. Xu Haifeng felt that his eyes were similar to those of Gu Daoxu, the Western Line Commander. This was an aura that only people who had been in high positions for a long time, holding the power to decide the fate of countless lives, could cultivate. Ordinary people simply couldnt fake it.

  Without introduction, Xu Haifeng immediately knew the identity of this old man. Apart from Fang Lian Tian, the current master of the Fang family, who else could it be? He immediately took two steps forward, knelt down on both knees and respectfully kowtowed three times, saying: "Junior has been entrusted by Big Brother to pay respects to you, Elder."

  The old mans expression relaxed, and the hard lines on his face seemed to soften a bit. He raised his hand and said, "Xian nephew, please get up, I have been rude."

  "Yes." Xu Haifeng stood up and bowed again, saying: "Xu Haifeng, the commander of the Black Flag Army, pays his respects to your lordship."

  Fang Ling Tian was the Minister of War, and Xu Hai Feng first paid his respects privately before doing so publicly. His intention to rely on the Fang family was clear as day. The two Fang brothers exchanged a glance, both comforted and perplexed. As they were well-informed about military matters, they naturally knew about the combat strength of the Black Flag Army under Xus command. Such talent would be sought after by all parties, and the Fang family, having controlled the Great Han army for over a hundred years, couldnt afford to miss out. They had already planned to work together to bring the Black Flag Army under their control, while also preparing a generous offer for Xu Hai Feng. However, as soon as Xu met with Fang Ling Tian, he openly showed his intention to rely on them, rendering all of their preparations useless.

  However, Fang Lingtian was after all a seasoned figure who immediately cleared up his doubts and greatly praised the performance of the Black Flag Army in Linan City. This kind of words Xie Haiyang had already heard countless times, he replied with some clichés, not daring to show any impatience.

  "Hows your son?" asked Fang Ling Tian after exchanging some pleasantries.

  Xu Haifeng hastily replied: "Elder brother, everything is fine. This time I came, and also brought a batch of Linan specialties to pay respects to uncle."

  "Its fine as long as its safe." Fang Ling Tian looked at Xu Haifeng, who was gradually adapting, and asked: "The Black Flag Army of my nephew suffered more than half losses in the Battle of Linan. Although the personnel have been replenished, how is their combat effectiveness?"

  "As for the combat strength of the Black Flag Army, Xu Haifeng immediately said with a smile: Please rest assured, uncle, the Black Flag Army is trained by me personally, and it has only become stronger than before, theres no reason for it to decline."

  "Thats good, since thats the case, I can rest assured now." Seeing Xu Haifengs affirmative response, Fang Liantian nodded and smiled.

  Fang Lingde stepped forward and interjected: "Noble nephew, do you know why the Emperor wants you to lead your troops into the capital?"

  Xu Haifengs eyebrows rose, unexpectedly the real play has come out so soon. It seems that his performance has already gained their trust and they no longer regard him as an outsider. The direction of Ming played a crucial role in achieving this effect.

  He straightened his body and said seriously: "I secretly guessed that maybe I will be sent to the Xiongnu as an envoy."

  Fang Ling Tian and Fang Ling Des faces changed color at the same time, they never thought that Xu Hai Feng could guess the answer. Fang Ling Tian looked at him carefully and asked: "Did Xiang Ming tell you?"

  "Fang Dage was not informed, it was just a wild guess by Xiaozhongjuns strategist."

  "Oh, there is such a person in the Black Flag Army, its indeed a place where dragons and tigers hide." Fang Lingtian sighed: "Youre right, two months later, the Khan will hold his 60th birthday on the vast grassland, inviting all countries to celebrate together. I recommended you to lead the Black Flag Army to attend, and the Emperor had already agreed, but a few days ago, Chancellor Min suddenly recommended another general, and the Emperor was also moved by it, so this matter has not been decided yet."

  "Which general has this honor?" Permitted Hai Feng to think in his heart, since you know the strength of the Black Flag Army, why do you still want to find someone else? Dont tell me theres another team that can compete with the Black Flag Army.

  Perhaps sensing the dissatisfaction in Xu Haifengs tone, Fang Liantian smiled slightly and said: "The person recommended by Minister Min is Cheng Yinghao, the deputy commander of the Wolf Army in the Northern Military Region."

  "Is that Cheng Yinghao? Could it be someone from the Southern Cheng family?" It turned out to also be a figure from one of the four major families, no wonder they were able to drive away the Black Flag Army.

  Fang Ling Tian glanced at him and said, "He is indeed the number one among the younger generation of the Cheng family."

  "Actually, the Emperors intention to have Cheng Yinghao is also reasonable." Fang Lingde said to Xu Haifeng, who looked dejected: "Our trip this time is not to fight for life and death with the Xiongnu people, but to promote national prestige and strive not to lose face. Cheng Yinghaos troops are of course no match for your Black Flag Army in terms of combat effectiveness, but they are all citizens of our great Han dynasty after all. However, your Black Flag Army is a mix of dragons and snakes, and its said that the barbarians have occupied half of the country. If we just let things go on like this, Im afraid it will tarnish the prestige of our great Han nation."

  It turns out that there is such a reason, then there is no way, even if you want to replace all the warriors with Han people now, its too late. Unexpectedly, in the eyes of these court officials, the defense against the Han and Hu barbarians was so important, Xu Haifeng had no choice but to secretly resent being born out of time.

  "Alright, lets not talk about this anymore. Xianzhong, come with me to the west of the city, Ill take you to see someone." Fang Liantians words interrupted Xu Haifengs sentimental thoughts.

  Fang Ling Tian changed into a set of ordinary clothes, and at first glance, he looked like an ordinary old man. He took Xu Haifeng onto a very ordinary horse-drawn carriage, and the group arrived in front of a Taoist temple in the west of the city. Although Xu Haifeng was puzzled in his heart, he wisely did not ask any questions.

  Knocking open the tightly closed temple gate, Fang Ling led the crowd into the Sanqing Hall with familiarity, finished burning incense and worshiping, and asked the little Taoist boy who was attending beside him: "Is the immortal in the observatory?"

  The little Taoist boy made a bow and said: "The Patriarch has already known of your arrival, and is waiting for you in the rear hall. Please come this way."

  Xu Haifeng secretly found it strange that this Taoist temple was not large in area, with few incense guests, and obviously not a famous scenic spot. How could the master of the temple be so grand? Seeing the current Minister of War, the head of one of the four major families, Fangs family head, come here, he was unmoved. Instead, he wanted Fang Lingtian to go see him personally. And Fang Lingtians attitude was also strange, without any displeasure, naturally following the little Taoist boy to the back hall.

  I dont know what kind of character is inside, Id better go and take a good look.