The ward door suddenly opened, and Qian Jinglan walked in from outside.
Bai Bing jumped in fright, quickly pulling away from Ye Qiu’s embrace and standing to the side, her face flushed red.
Qian Jinglan glared at Ye Qiu and said, “You’ve just woken up, and you don’t even know to take care of yourself.”
Hearing this, Bai Bing’s face turned even redder, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at Qian Jinglan.
“Mum, didn’t you go to rest? Why are you back?” Ye Qiu asked.
Qian Jinglan said, “Old Tang has arrived with a group of old generals and an honour guard. It looks like they’re here to commend you.”
“Oh?” Ye Qiu said in surprise, “Old Tang hasn’t returned to the capital?”
“No, he’s been staying with Wei Donghai these past few days,” Qian Jinglan said.
Soon, a group of people entered from outside.
Leading them was Old Tang.
Ye Wushuang, Old Master Ye, and the War God followed behind Old Tang, with Wei Donghai and a dozen old generals trailing them.
Old Tang wore a dark Zhongshan suit, exuding the commanding aura of a leader, imposing without anger.
“Ye Qiu, you’ve worked hard!”
Old Tang strode to the bedside, tightly grasping Ye Qiu’s hand, and said, “Are you feeling any better?”
“Much better,” Ye Qiu replied, attempting to sit up, but Old Tang pressed him back down.
“You’re injured, so don’t get up. Just lie there,” Old Tang said, “On the uninhabited island, you faced death without fear, killed over a dozen Dadong experts, avenged the fallen soldiers’ spirits, and eliminated the traitor Bai Yujing, thwarting his conspiracy with Dadong.”
“This time, you’ve achieved great merit.”
“You know our principle: merit must be rewarded, and faults must be punished.”
“So, I’m going to reward you handsomely.”
Old Tang adjusted his collar and said solemnly, “Ye Qiu, hear your conferment!”
Ye Qiu tried to get up again but was stopped by a look from Old Tang.
He had no choice but to lie back down obediently.
Old Tang said gravely, “Ye Qiu, since joining the Hades Hall, you’ve feared neither sacrifice nor hardship, successfully completing numerous high-difficulty missions, making indelible contributions to national security.”
“Especially in this investigation of the uninhabited island in Donghai, you risked your life, bravely fought the enemy, stood unyielding, and never retreated, demonstrating what it means to be a true warrior through your actions.”
“Therefore, after discussions with the War God and the old generals, we unanimously decided to confer upon you the honour of ‘Guardian War God of the Nation’ and grant you the rank of general.”
Guardian War God of the Nation?
That title sounded quite impressive.
Before Ye Qiu could express his thanks, Old Tang continued, “The conferment ceremony begins now.”
Then, the sound of orderly footsteps came from outside.
Ye Qiu turned to look at the door and saw the tri-service honour guard entering.
Due to the small space in the ward, the guard consisted of only ten members.
They carried the general’s uniform, their steps synchronized and spirited, approaching the bedside.
Ye Qiu felt a surge of excitement.
However, at that moment, Old Tang said, “Ye Qiu, given your injuries, there’s no need to change into the uniform. The conferment ceremony ends here.”
What, that’s it?
Ye Qiu felt a bit disappointed.
Old Tang took out a golden token and handed it to Ye Qiu, saying, “This is the token of the Guardian War God of the Nation. With this token, you can mobilize the three armed forces without my prior approval.”
Ye Qiu was shocked. The authority of the Guardian War God was that great?
Old Tang added, “The duty of the Guardian War God is to protect the nation’s safety. Ye Qiu, I hope you won’t let down my expectations or the expectations of the people.”
Ye Qiu immediately declared, “Rest assured, Old Tang, I will devote my life to serving the country and never betray your trust.”
“I believe you,” Old Tang said, then continued, “Ye Qiu, take a look at your general’s uniform.”
Ye Qiu looked closely and noticed three golden stars on the uniform’s shoulder epaulettes. He couldn’t help but ask, “Old Tang, is there a mistake? This…”
“How could I make a mistake on something this important?” Old Tang said with a smile, “After discussions with the old generals, we decided to promote you three ranks.”
“However, you’re too young, and announcing it publicly might be too shocking, so your identity will only be known to generals with three stars on their shoulders.”
“Also, with your cultivation in question, I’m concerned that foreign hidden experts might target you if they find out, so we won’t announce this to the entire military for now.”
“Ye Qiu, you understand my intentions, don’t you?”
Ye Qiu nodded, “I understand. Thank you, Old Tang.”
Old Tang continued, “The title of Guardian War God, though an honour, carries heavy responsibilities.”
“In peacetime, silent dedication is the true mark of a soldier. But warriors like you, like those in the tumultuous years of war, must courageously fight the enemy and face death without hesitation.”
“I often tell the soldiers: a military cap carries responsibility, a uniform embodies dignity, military boots tread a sacred path, and a warrior inherits the soul of the army while bearing its mission.”
“Ye Qiu, I hope you’ll keep striving and bring glory to the nation.”
Ye Qiu nodded solemnly, “I will.”
“Good. Since you’ve woken up and have family here to care for you, I won’t stay longer. There are many matters awaiting me, so I’ll return to the capital.”
Old Tang said kindly, “Ye Qiu, when you’re in the capital someday, come to my house for a meal. Grandma Tangtang makes delicious food.”
“Alright,” Ye Qiu agreed with a smile.
Then, the old generals congratulated Ye Qiu on his triple promotion before leaving with Old Tang.
Ye Qiu’s conferment as Guardian War God of the Nation and his triple promotion thrilled Ye Wushuang, who asked, “Qiu’er, how do you feel now?”
“Like it’s a dream,” Ye Qiu said, “I never imagined I’d receive such a great honour.”
Back then, he was just an ordinary intern doctor at Jiangzhou Hospital, betrayed by his girlfriend, framed by colleagues, and ostracized by his superiors, nearly losing his chance to be a doctor.
How long had it been? Not only had he become the first Medical Sage in Chinese medicine in three hundred years, but he had also become a martial arts expert.
And now, he was conferred as Guardian War God of the Nation and promoted to general. Truly…
It felt like a dream!
Ye Wushuang said with a smile, “Qiu’er, you’re probably the youngest general in military history. You’ve done me proud, truly my son.”
Old Master Ye added, “Ye Qiu, you’re truly my grandson. Grandpa is proud of you too.”
Ye Wushuang glanced at Old Master Ye, thinking, *Why do you always copy me?*
“Dad, thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Ye Qiu said gratefully.
Ye Wushuang glared, “Did you forget what I said earlier? You’re my son, and I’m your father. Whatever I do for you is only natural. If you dare thank me again, watch out, or I’ll give you a beating.”
Ye Qiu smiled and asked, “Dad, when are you planning to return to Kunlun Mountain?”
