Chapter 321

Chen Wuji had long known that Yunan's provincial troops were corrupt, but he never imagined they could be this bad.

They originally came from the common people, meant to be those who defend home and country, yet now they have become the people who harm the populace most deeply.

Chen Wuji wouldn't want such a unit even if it numbered in the thousands or tens of thousands.

Although Xu Zengyi's words still make some sense, even if it's just putting on a show, it's indeed necessary to pretend a bit.

Thus, how to settle these people has become Chen Wuji's most troublesome matter at present.

These people need to be taken in, but how to use them left Chen Wuji completely at a loss for a while.

Bringing in such a bunch of bad apples worries him that they will contaminate the unit he has just trained.

"Mr. Xu, what are they like? You've heard it too—how should we employ them?" Faced with Xu Zengyi's suggestion, Chen Wuji, unable to think of a solution, simply kicked the ball back to Xu Zengyi's feet.

Xu Zengyi laughed: "Since the provincial troops cherish the old ways, why not have the commandant continue using the original personnel? I think this Brigade Commander Qiu is quite suitable."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chen's body involuntarily shuddered.

Regarding regaining power, he felt not the slightest joy, but rather extreme panic and unease.

After witnessing Chen Wuji's methods, he did not think being reinstated would be a good thing at all.

Perhaps this will become the big knife that takes his life.

"Commandant, I… I know my guilt is grave; no, I dare not take on this heavy responsibility," Qiu Chen said cautiously.

Chen Wuji glanced at him and said, "Just do as you're told; Yunan's original provincial troops shall be formed into a brigade, all under your command."

"... Yes."

Qiu Chen inwardly cursed his bad luck, yet he had no choice but to grit his teeth and accept.

He now seems incapable of refusing.

Saying a sentence can show his stance, but saying more might get him into trouble.

Xu Zengyi gave a half-smile and continued: "For decades Yunan has suffered greatly from mountain bandits; I just heard Brigade Commander Qiu say you still have ties with these bandits, is that correct?"

Qiu Chen nodded, gritting his teeth.

He suddenly felt a strong sense of foreboding.

"Currently Nan Jun is in a turbulent autumn; external enemies are already enough trouble, and these internal vermin should be eradicated early to eliminate our rear worries." Xu Zengyi first stated the situation frankly, then shifted tone to suggest to Chen Wuji: "Why not appoint Brigade Commander Qiu as commander to suppress the various mountain bandits within Yunan's territory?"

"Brigade Commander Qiu has now turned over a new leaf and will surely no longer harbor any lingering affection for the bandits. He knows the bandits' hideouts, their numbers and strength—clear as day—making him the most suitable to lead troops there."

Chen Wuji's eyes flickered slightly.

He understood Xu Zengyi's meaning; this move kills two birds with one stone, indeed not bad.

It can both consume these troublesome provincial troops and resolve the bandit problem.

"Mr. Xu's view is indeed perceptive; then let Brigade Commander Qiu handle this task." Chen Wuji said solemnly, "I have always been clear about rewards and punishments; for merit I will never be stingy in bestowing rewards, but for fault I will not let it go lightly."

"Whether it's gaining rank and title through military merit to provide for one's family, or engaging in deceit, colluding with bandits and bringing disaster upon kin, the choice lies in your hands. Brigade Commander Qiu can tell this to the soldiers clearly, so everyone understands and considers well which path to take."

Qiu Chen's forehead sweated again, damp as if he had just taken a bath.

The newly appointed commandant's meaning, both explicit and implicit, he could hardly fail to understand.

Attacking the bandits ultimately comes down to observing their attitude.

If during this period they maintain any contact with those old bandit friends, he can be certain the commandant's blade will fall on their necks, possibly even slaughtering them all.

"I… I understand," Qiu Chen said, kowtowing and prostrating himself obediently, his heart filled with panic and unease.

Understanding the principle is one thing, but knowing how to act on it leaves him completely clueless.

"Go on," Chen Wuji waved his hand.

"... Yes!"

Chen Wuji gathered the account books compiled by the accountant, and left the room together with Xu Zengyi.

"Not all of Yunan's provincial troops are necessarily corrupt scoundrels; if they succeed in suppressing the bandits, the commandant should also be able to pick out a few usable individuals from the lot." Xu Zengyi said with a light smile.

Chen Wuji neither affirmed nor denied.

Xu Zengyi's idea might be somewhat naive.

The harm of the provincial troops was not caused in a day or two; they have long been steeped in that environment.

Even those who once harbored pure thoughts have likely already been contaminated.

In a fetid, stinking ditch, it is truly hard to raise fish and shrimp of fine flavor.

"I will go see the Qin County Magistrate, Wu Bu Yong and Qian Fugui's two detachments; I will have them temporarily stationed in this camp, and the subsequent mop‑up work will be entrusted to you, Mr. Xu," Chen Wuji said.

The matter of the provincial troops has been settled; he needs to go tell Qin Feng.

By the way, Chen Wuji also wants to probe Qin Feng's background and his attitude toward the various forces in Yunan City.

The way the Cao family has behaved makes this battle inevitable.

Chen Wuji is one who dislikes protracted troubles; since the Cao family has already moved against his strategist, if he can swiftly eliminate this nuisance he will not delay even a moment, seeking a quick victory—first taking his life, then speaking.

Xu Zengyi clasped his hands and said, "Commandant, attend to your other affairs; I will hold the fort here."

Chen Wuji nodded, then left the camp with the two Chen oxen.

Qin Zanhong had already left the previous night.

As for where he went, Chen Wuji hadn't had a chance to ask.

However, barring any mishap, it should be a certain outpost of the Imperial City Department within the city.

The county office.

Early that morning, the county magistrate dressed as a swordsman was again getting drunk.

Soup with liquor—this way of eating is unmatched.

"One bowl?" Qin Feng gestured to his wine bowl and asked Chen Wuji.

Chen Wuji shook his head: "If the magistrate still has some soup left, I could have a bowl, but as for the wine, I'll pass. Early in the morning I really can't drink this stuff; my mind isn't clear to begin with, and drinking more would only muddle me further."

"Being muddled is fine; muddling through is the human way." Qin Feng laughed heartily and ordered someone to serve Chen Wuji a bowl of soup.

Chen Wuji gave a faint smile; his foolishness was probably just a bit of foolishness on his mouth.

"The Provincial Troops' turmoil has been quelled; I don't know what plans you have next, Sir?" Chen Wuji asked.

As for this matter, Qin Feng had actually already said it earlier; he will not meddle.

But the answers before and after the event are sometimes not completely consistent.

"I don't care; military affairs are yours, I only handle grain and supplies." Qin Feng said bluntly.

"Those people, you can kill them all and I won't object; as for how exactly to do it, it's up to your mood."