Chapter 113

"Once they know our intentions, they will surely assign one hundred soldiers to each of us."

The group burst into laughter.

With this, they no longer had any worries.

One after another, they raised the teacups on the table.

"This time, we use tea in place of wine. I wish everyone success in completing the Ninth Prince's mission soon—may you achieve victory at the first strike!"

"Bottoms up! Victory at the first strike!"

"Victory at the first strike!"

"Victory at the first strike!"

The group didn't even finish their tea; they followed Physician Xiao Ren, boarded carriages, and headed toward the gates of Xianyang.

He remembered General Wang Li saying that a large number of soldiers were stationed just outside the city gates.

They were ready to obey orders to enter the city at any time; as soon as the command came, the soldiers would enter the city at top speed!

And General Wang Li was also guarding the army camp outside the city.

Soon, Xiao Ren led the group to a temporary military camp outside the city.

However, they were blocked by soldiers who would not let them in.

"Could you please help us report? I have an urgent matter and need to see General Wang Li."

Xiao Ren very politely handed some money to a soldier.

The soldier glanced at the money bag.

"Keep your money. This is bribery. Wait here; I will go report for you."

The soldier turned and left, leaving Xiao Ren to offer an awkward smile.

This tactic worked well on nobles, but it seemed it didn't work in the army.

Soon, the soldier walked out and led the dozen or so people into the camp.

"General Wang Li, please forgive our presumptuous visit."

Xiao Ren and the others bowed very politely to Wang Li.

"What is the reason for your visit?"

Wang Li glanced at the group; he recognized one of them.

It was Physician Xiao Ren, who had met him earlier that day to ask about certain matters.

Could it be that this kid...

"General Wang, we have come to borrow troops. We need to collect taxes, and it is not quite appropriate to go alone."

"I heard that General Wang can lend one hundred soldiers to each of us here."

Xiao Ren answered Wang Li's question honestly.

The other officials also spoke up one after another.

"That's right, General Wang. We have all decided to contribute our efforts to the Ninth Prince and collect the taxes."

"But our individual strength is weak, so we ask General Wang to lend us troops."

"We will certainly be able to quickly complete the tasks assigned by the Ninth Prince and collect the taxes and fertile land from our respective jurisdictions."

Wang Li looked at the group with some surprise.

Everyone present was a minor official; there were no high-ranking officials among them.

But soon, he understood.

None of these people wanted to die; they feared that the three from that morning were a warning of their own fate!

Moreover, the Ninth Prince had said that if there were a next time, even their families would not be spared—they would face execution of the entire clan!

These people must be terrified, and they all looked to Xiao Ren as their leader.

If his guess was correct, Xiao Ren was the one leading them.

"Very good. You are people who understand the times, and I believe the Ninth Prince will be very pleased to hear this."

"At the same time, you have made a wise choice. If the task is not completed by then, I cannot speak for others, but you will certainly face execution of your entire clan!"

"After all, reform requires blood, and scapegoats are often just small figures."

"Congratulations on avoiding the disaster of extermination!"

Wang Li laughed heartily; the reform was finally making some progress.