Chapter 3: Investiture Ceremony, Promotion to Major General

Su Yuan was unaware of what was happening at home.

He had no idea that his parents were eager for him to succeed.

His brothers from back then were all doing very well in the army, but he didn't know about that.

To Su Yuan, today was a very important day.

He got up, brushed his teeth, washed up, and headed straight to the cafeteria.

He had a quick bite to eat, and as he was leaving, he received a call from Dean Morey, saying that a car had been arranged and was waiting at the gate.

The Gagarin Air Force Academy wasn't far from Moscow, less than an hour's drive away, so he could definitely make it in time for the ceremony.

It was still early, so there was no need to rush.

However, today was different. The elder was personally awarding the honors, so arriving late wouldn't be a good idea.

Su Yuan quickly walked along the tree-lined path through the living quarters.

He was accompanied by other academy leaders.

After all, being promoted to major general was no small matter.

For the Gagarin Air Force Academy, it was even more of an honor. Conference Room One was packed with nearly all the top brass of the Russian military. Below them sat high-ranking Russian officers, the lowest being a major general.

When Su Yuan entered, he was stunned by the scene.

Stars shone brightly; this was definitely a high-level meeting!

If it weren't for Dean Morey entering, and some familiar faces from the Air Defense Command nodding in greeting, Su Yuan would have suspected he'd walked into the wrong place.

About half an hour later, Su Yuan, whispering to Morey, heard a commotion.

Not far away, a door opened, and several staff members entered. Then, Su Yuan spotted the elderly man he'd only observed from afar.

The Great Emperor, the supreme leader of this nation.

Did the Great Emperor really bestow the title personally?

Even though Su Yuan held a high position of power, he was distracted for a moment, losing his composure a bit.

"I'm sure you've all been waiting!"

The Great Emperor stepped onto the stage, speaking casually, but his expression lacked much of a smile. "I've called you all here today for one thing, and I think you all already know."

His gaze fell on Su Yuan, who was sitting in the front row.

Seeing the Emperor's gaze, Morey hurriedly urged, "Su, get on!"

Confused, Su Yuan could only bite the bullet and take the stage.

Looking at the Emperor staring down at him, Su Yuan felt his scalp tingle. He couldn't help but glance at Morey below. "Are you sure you want me to come up?"

Morey couldn't bear to look at him, feeling that the boy had fallen asleep.

Today, you are the star of the show.

"Su Yuan, sorry for the wait!"

The Emperor looked a little serious, but his tone was casual, without any pretense.

"Hello!"

Su Yuan took two steps forward, stopping less than a meter away, and raised his hand in a gesture of utmost respect. The Emperor reached out and patted Su Yuan on the shoulder. "Are you a bit surprised by this sudden promotion? Honestly, your study abroad in Russia is the biggest surprise for Russia."

He paused, then smiled and said, "For the past four years, we've held the Air Force in high regard, and you've contributed a great deal to that."

Su Yuan was flattered.

He was deeply humbled by such praise from this elder.

The atmosphere in the first conference room was slightly tense, primarily due to Su Yuan's reserved attitude.

This was Su Yuan's first time to be so close to Russia's highest leader.

"To be honest, I didn't know you were specially recruited to the Gagarin Air Force Academy back then. If I had known, I would definitely have objected."

Su Yuan pursed his lips and listened attentively. "However, the moment you first came into my sight, I knew it was the right decision. In the three years since you became a flight instructor, you've demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and trained numerous outstanding pilots for the Russians. This is highly commendable."

The Emperor spoke eloquently, praising Su Yuan's work as a flight instructor and training high-level air force pilots.

Su Yuan spoke modestly, but inwardly he was gratified.

He felt deeply guilty for serving the Russian military and training talent for the Russian Air Force, concealing his feelings from his family. But the Emperor's affirmation invigorated and filled him with passion.

The Emperor's eyes shone brightly, his expression serious. In a deep voice, he addressed Su Yuan, "Su, after careful consideration, the military has decided to give you a boost. You will be fully responsible for training high-level air force pilots. As far as aviation is concerned, we have complete confidence in your abilities."

Although he had known yesterday that he would be in charge of this task, Su Yuan was still taken aback when the Emperor actually said it. Su Yuan took a deep breath and murmured, "I have confidence!"

"Confidence is good!"

The emperor's face lit up with a relieved smile as he pulled the document from the folder. His expression was serious and solemn, his back straight, and he stood at attention. His wise eyes fixed on Su Yuan as he gave the order:

"Comrade Su Yuan, stand at attention, at ease!"

Su Yuan, initially a little nervous, reacted instinctively upon hearing this. He straightened his back, placed his hands at his feet, and waited quietly.

"On behalf of the General Staff, I hereby declare and commend the ace pilot Su Yuan of the Gagarin Air Force Academy..."

The old man's voice was slow, powerful, and crystal clear:

"Because Comrade Su Yuan has rendered great service to our country, the General Staff has decided to appoint him Chief Instructor of the Russian Air Force, with the rank of Major General!"

As soon as these words fell, everyone in Conference Room One was startled.

With shock, they looked up at Su Yuan, who was receiving the rank. Dark blue epaulettes, a golden five-pointed star gleaming.

Major General!

Clearly, the General Staff's extraordinary promotion had shocked everyone.

Those who sat here today, listening to the old man's announcement of his achievements and witnessing Su Yuan's rank being awarded, were all high-ranking members of the Russian military, absolute high-ranking officials. Major General was the lowest-ranking officer here.

Given their ranks, they naturally knew that Su Yuan was an air force pilot who had graduated from the Gagarin Air Force Academy less than three years earlier.

From his first promotion to captain to now, less than three years had passed.

Under normal circumstances, it would have been impossible to rise from captain to major general in just three years. The gap between them was like an insurmountable chasm.

No ordinary person could possibly make it.

This kind of award, this promotion, was unprecedented.

Though deeply shocked, at this moment, they were also amazed at the emperor's courage. Promoting a 22-year-old Air Force pilot, less than three years out of school, to the rank of Major General and the position of Chief Instructor—aside from the General Staff and the elderly man before them, no one else sitting here would have the courage to do so.

If they were to discuss it, their power wouldn't increase, but the rank gap couldn't be filled all at once.

From Colonel to General.

However, Su Yuan's rapid promotion this time didn't seem excessive.

It was simply because Su Yuan's achievements met the criteria for an exceptional promotion.

At this point, they were speechless.

Su Yuan deserved such a high honor, a special promotion.

And when their gaze shifted from the elderly man to Su Yuan's rather youthful face, they were even more shocked.

A 22-year-old Major General?

A 22-year-old ace pilot?

If this were to get out, I'm sure every country in the world would be utterly shocked. You know, twenty-two-year-old colonels have appeared before, but twenty-two-year-old major generals have never been.

"Congratulations, Su Yuan. I hope you'll keep up the good work."

After the old man finished his announcement, he quickly added, "For confidentiality reasons, this announcement will be limited to senior leadership only. It will not be shared with the entire army, nor will it be publicly announced."

"Yes!"

Su Yuan quickly stood up and raised his hand in salute. He didn't care about it, he really didn't care.

He didn't join the Air Force for these reasons.

If it were just for fame, he would have told his family about his status in Russia long ago, which would have been even more shocking.

"Su Yuan, you are currently Russia's youngest ace pilot, and now the youngest major general!

To be able to achieve this youngest record shows that you have advantages that ordinary people cannot match. I hope you can maintain this mentality and spirit!

I hope you will do even better and excel in your new position!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! I will certainly be strict with myself and live up to your trust!"

Su Yuan was earnest and sincere. The Emperor nodded slightly and continued, "I heard your family holds a high position in the Great Xia military. For the past four years, the military has been providing cover for your study abroad. Have you ever considered going back?"

Su Yuan was silent, but quickly raised his head. "I've had that thought. After all, I haven't been back in four years, and I have to explain this to the old man face to face. I can't keep it a secret forever."

"I should go back and explain things clearly."

"I'm afraid..."

"I'm afraid if I go back, I won't be able to come back?"

As if he could see what Su Yuan was thinking, he smiled.

Su Yuan, looking embarrassed, nodded, "Yes."

The Emperor pondered for a moment, "No matter what, I have to go back and explain things clearly. Things will work out when they're there."

Su Yuan nodded seriously. Now, this was the only way.

The investiture ceremony concluded. The restaurant was not far away, and the Emperor cordially invited Su Yuan to dinner.

However, no mention of the studio was made.

Beyond the discussion of work, the Emperor appeared incredibly knowledgeable, possessing a profound understanding of Chinese and foreign history, both ancient and modern. During their casual chat, he displayed an astonishing mastery of Daxia history.

The more the Emperor spoke, the more troubled Su Yuan became.

…

Su Yuan's appointment as chief instructor and promotion to major general didn't cause much of a stir in public, but it had a profound impact within the Gagarin Air Force Academy and the Russian Air Force.

No one had imagined that Su Yuan, who had only been a colonel a few days earlier, would be promoted to major general.

Time passed, and a week went by.

Su Yuan had made arrangements in Russia and was ready to return home.

And just then...

In an office...

A middle-aged man hurried in, glanced at the Emperor, who was hard at work, and reported, "Your Majesty, your schedule for next week has been arranged. You've accepted Daxia's invitation and will be visiting the country for a week."

"Okay."

The Emperor, without looking up, simply replied and went back to his own business. However, the middle-aged man didn't leave. Instead, he continued, "The entourage has been confirmed. Now we just need security. The Ministry of National Defense is sending two ace pilots, flying two S-35 fighter jets, to accompany you to protect your safety. We've already consulted with the Daxia authorities, and they've agreed."

"Our fighter jets and pilots can land at Xiajing Air Force Base."

"The Ministry of National Defense asked if you have any other arrangements."

Hearing this, the emperor suddenly looked up, thoughtfully saying, "Ace pilots are a strategic force, so we shouldn't deploy too many of them. Besides, we're close to the border with Daxia, so there's no need to worry too much about their safety. One person will do..."

As he spoke, a figure flashed through his mind, and a smile crossed the emperor's face. "No need for anyone else. Let Su accompany you. He just needs to go back to Daxia."

"Ah!"

The middle-aged man's mouth dropped open.

"What? Su can't do it?" The emperor frowned.

The middle-aged man smiled wryly.

It's not that I can't.

It's absolutely amazing!

If Su hadn't been returning to China, Su Yuan would have undoubtedly been one of the pilots accompanying him on this flight.

Simply put, Su Yuan, piloting an S-35 fighter jet, was fully capable of single-handedly taking on an entire squadron. Word of that young man's prowess had spread throughout the Russian Air Force.

To call him a formidable figure wouldn't be an exaggeration.

He felt completely assured having Su Yuan accompany him.

"Yes!"

The middle-aged man responded loudly, leaving with excitement.