Chapter 249: A Tempting Opportunity
After coming out of Lulansi's bedroom, Luoning had been thinking about the two suggestions the other had offered.
Was he to go and be a logistics officer, or was he to go and be a commander?
A logistics officer, no matter how one looked at it, seemed like a way to pad one's "credentials."
It was just like how some people sign up for a competition in name only, yet when that competition awards prizes, they can write this experience into their resume and boast about it to the outside world.
But having said that, the reason Lulansi gave this choice was still due to not knowing Luoning well enough.
They all still thought Luoning was just an Advanced Peak Knight and a Primary Mage, not knowing that the current Luoning was already a dual-class Level 6 Transcendental.
Furthermore, after adding points during this period, his Knight Rank progress had already reached 1096/1500, which could be considered late-stage Silver Grade.
Although a Golden Knight leads a Silver Knight by quite a bit, this lead is not as vast as the Meteor level, and it is still possible to win.
With his physical strength exceeding that of an ordinary person and his not-weak combat techniques, especially when adding the assistance of various Magic, the current Luoning could fight an ordinary Golden Knight and, if not win the battle, at least hold out for a period of time.
What's more, Luoning had three major Transcendental under his command and a Level 6 dragon, so he could come and go as he pleased on the battlefield.
Even if the Bolante Bandit Group might have the support of Moonlight Valley behind them, and even if Hesusu had a Meteor Knight under his command, it was certain that this Meteor Knight would not appear in this battle.
Because once such a figure appeared, it would mean the war had escalated, and this force could no longer be simply linked to a bandit group; its existence would threaten every noble.
In this war, a Golden Knight was already the strongest combat power.
Therefore, Luoning was not very worried about his own danger.
"Since that is the case, then let's go to the battlefield."
He already had a decision in his heart.
"Going to the battlefield is also fine; this way, Wubei Territory can contribute less manpower and resources."
In any case, Weijinsi had already said that he represented the Wushan Family and did not need to bring many troops.
At that time, Luoning would only need to bring one or two trusted aides.
The candlelight in the street lamp cover flickered, illuminating the path in the castle, and a figure in front caught Luoning's attention.
"Huoerhuate?"
Luoning asked in confusion, "It's so late, why are you here?"
Looking at Huoerhuate's appearance, he should have been waiting for someone.
"Young Master."
Huoerhuate bowed slightly and said politely, "The master asked me to wait for you here. If it is convenient for you, please go to his study."
Oh?
Luoning did not expect that it was so late and Weijinsi still had matters to find him for; he did not expect the other to be so proactive about this war.
"Fine, then let's go over now."
"Please follow me!"
The matter of Chishan Town had not yet been revealed, but Huoerhuate had already sensed the changes among the nobles.
The unofficial end of the banquet, as well as everyone going to Lulansi's place just now, all these things indicated that a major change had occurred outside.
Although Huoerhuate was very curious about what had happened, this was not something a Steward should take the initiative to ask about.
Soon, Luoning arrived at Weijinsi's study.
"You've come, Luoning."
Weijinsi signaled for Huoerhuate to close the door, then asked, "What instructions did your grandfather give you?"
Luoning sat down in a chair and stated what Lulansi had instructed.
"Grandfather gave me two choices: I can go to the front line, or I can be responsible for material transport and not participate in direct combat."
This was not a secret that could not be told; he had no need to hide it.
"Then how will you choose?" Weijinsi asked immediately.
Luoning shook his head, "I am considering it; I will give grandfather an answer after some time."
"I know your grandfather's intentions; he is worried about you having any trouble on the front line. But rest assured, a commander does not necessarily have to charge into battle. Look at me, I am also an Advanced Knight, and I have participated in dozens of wars over these many years, if not hundreds, and there is no danger at all."
It could be seen that he genuinely wanted Luoning to go to the front line to serve as a commander.
"I will consider it."
Luoning did not address his statement but instead asked, "Is there anything you need me to do, finding me so late?"
Seeing that Luoning did not take his bait, Weijinsi was a bit annoyed, but he was not in a hurry; there were some things that still required Luoning's help to handle.
"I hope you will serve as the commander for this military campaign!"
Weijinsi did not beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.
"I plan to mobilize half of the Knight Squads and soldiers from the four Knight Orders, and coordinate with the teams of other lords to launch a large-scale battle. Not only must we drive the Bolante Bandit Group out of Chishan Town, but we must also reclaim as much territory as possible!"
"When the war is won, your reputation and merit as the commander of the allied forces will be impossible to ignore. I can take the opportunity to recommend you to your grandfather and transfer the management rights of Chishan Town into your hands!"
"Didn't you ask me to sell you iron ore at a discount this afternoon? Hehe, once you get Chishan Town, you won't need to buy it from me anymore; after all, the iron ore of the entire Chishan Town will be yours."
Hearing this, Luoning felt his heart stir.
Only, why was Weijinsi suddenly being so considerate of him?
"If I remember correctly, the management rights of Chishan Town are in the hands of Keruien, and that iron mine..."
"That was in the past!"
Weijinsi interrupted Luoning's words and hummed with displeasure, "Keruien is truly too disappointing. In one Knight Order, there were over a hundred Professional Knights, yet they lost more than half. With such a defeat, he is no longer fit to serve as the Regiment Commander of the Fifth Knight Order!"
"Chishan Town was also lost in his hands. As long as we take it back, the management rights cannot be given to him again!"
Chishan Town did not belong to Jushi Territory; taking back the management rights was not stripping Keruien of his title or reducing the scope of his territory.
Weijinsi softened his tone and said to Luoning with a smile, "Your grandfather values you very much now. As long as this battle is won and I bring up the proposal, the possibility of you securing the management rights of Chishan Town is still very high."
He held up four fingers, "At that time, I don't want much; I only need forty percent—no, thirty percent. You giving me six thousand gold coins every year will be enough."
Luoning couldn't help but smile.
When all is said and done, Weijinsi is so proactive because of the "extra income" the iron blocks from Chishan Town bring him; he is unwilling to suffer such a loss.
However, after hearing this, Luoning's mind also became active.
With Weijinsi gathering so much strength this time, the feasibility of taking back Chishan Town is very high, and when the time comes, Luoning might really have a chance to obtain the management rights.
Even taking a step back, if he doesn't get the management rights, obtaining a share of the iron ore from it should still be possible.
This would indeed open up a shortcut for the Wubei Territory to acquire iron ore resources.
"How about it, are you interested?"
Weijinsi grinned and said: "This is a big harvest!"
Luoning took a deep breath and said with a smile: "Since you have already arranged everything, then I naturally have to give it a try."
Weijinsi laughed heartily and couldn't help but praise: "As expected of my good son, now you should rest well and prepare for the expedition; leave the mobilization to me!"
Luoning left the room with a smile.
In fact, there was one more thing he hadn't mentioned, and that was the distribution of the iron ore.
Although Weijinsi has his uses, such as pre-war mobilization, it is clearly inappropriate to take away thirty percent of the iron ore resources based on that alone.
However, there is no need to discuss such matters now.
The plan hasn't even started yet, and if he were to be anxious about dividing the spoils, that would be too impatient.
Luoning has never underestimated his opponents, let alone an opponent like the Bolante Bandit Group, which has an unusual background.
Relying on having many troops and thinking victory is certain is actually an easy way to suffer a defeat.
"But this is indeed an opportunity that cannot be missed!" (End of chapter)
End of Chapter
