Chapter 322: At the Critical Juncture

The provincial troops indeed have intentions to rebel, but not everyone is involved in this; killing them all would likely earn a reputation for brutality." Chen Wuji said, although he really wanted to do that.

I plan to reorganize them and incorporate them into the ranks.

Qin Feng nodded and emphasized again: "I've handed over the military token and seal to you; as for military affairs, don't bother me anymore—let me relax. Just cleaning up the mess left by the previous county magistrate is already enough to give me a headache; if I can reduce one thing, I will."

County Magistrate, you can just treat my muttering as casual talk." Chen Wuji laughed.

Qin Feng burst out laughing: "I never intended to listen too much or think too much."

Other things, County Magistrate, you can just listen to, but this one you probably can't take lightly." Chen Wuji placed the ledger in front of Qin Feng: "The Yunan provincial troops have been falsifying expenses to the Court these years; the amount isn't huge, but the impact is not small."

The previous commandant and county magistrate perhaps had some ways to falsify reports without issue, but if I don't clarify certain matters here, trouble might arise.

Although the Court may no longer send money and grain to the Lingnan Six Commanderies given the current situation, it's better to be safe.

Qin Feng pushed the ledger aside: "I'm not looking at this; I found some things the previous county magistrate hid away—I discovered this earlier."

I've already submitted this year's documents to the Court." Qin Feng suddenly gave a lewd hehe laugh: "I've exaggerated even more than my predecessor. Five thousand infantry, one thousand warhorses, three hundred artisans of various trades, plus repairing city defenses—in short, I've claimed money wherever I could."

Chen Wuji:?

Qin Feng's maneuver indeed left him a bit confused.

The Court hasn't yet abandoned the Lingnan Six Commanderies; is his greed perhaps too ruthless?

The troop count has directly increased fivefold, and everything else has doubled as well.

The high officials in the imperial court aren't fools either; how could they possibly tolerate such a thing happening?

Unless……

Are you using war as a pretext, Sir?" Chen Wuji asked.

Qin Feng nodded with a smile: "This is simply a fact; for the needs of war, we must extensively recruit strong youths to fill the provincial troops, to be prepared for any eventuality. The superiors will permit us to do this, after all they know what they've done themselves."

Furthermore, I tell you, they will definitely allocate these funds; the high officials in the court all have a habit of wanting both ways. Courtesans in brothels are mostly ashamed of their identity and nervously wary of entrusting their lives, yet the court officials act like courtesans but still wish to be treated as noble ladies.

All discerning people know they are in collusion, trying to hand over my Dayu South's six commanderies—vital and strategic to the nation—yet they themselves won't admit it; they'll only think the Qiang people won. This bunch of bastards, deceiving themselves, might eventually come to believe that fiction is fact.

He didn't spare his praises, directly comparing the court high officials with courtesans.

But Chen Wuji wholeheartedly agreed with this statement.

This metaphor can be said to be very vivid, like adding the finishing touch to a dragon.

Putting it that way, I suppose I overthought it, being overly cautious." Chen Wuji shook his head and chuckled: "I'm just a rustic villager; I still don't understand the high officials in the court."

What's wrong with you speaking directly? Why do you keep putting on this act?" Qin Feng glanced displeased at Chen Wuji: "You're a boring fellow."

I've been poor since childhood, so I never developed the carefree nature of a county magistrate." Chen Wuji said.

Whether some people are genuinely carefree or merely pretending remains to be debated.

Now Chen Wuji dares not jump to conclusions, nor dare take his words at face value.

Naturally, it's also impossible to speak the truth.

Based on what the County Magistrate says, we might actually have a prosperous year this year, but next year this good life may be gone." Chen Wuji said with a slight mock.

Qin Feng slammed his wine bowl onto the table, nodding deeply in agreement: "Next year, life won't just be unpleasant—it could be a catastrophe. If you get the chance, you should seek out some experts to serve as your guards."

Chen Wuji raised his eyebrows in surprise: "What do you mean, Sir?"

It means your life will be more dangerous." Qin Feng laughed.

You come from a century-old military family, yet your martial skills are actually inferior to mine, a county magistrate from a humble background—something's off.

Chen Wuji, despised, helplessly said: "Sir, two months ago I was merely a hunter struggling to make ends meet. Poor scholars, rich warriors—I haven't even solved my own subsistence, so where would I get the conditions to practice martial arts?"

You mean that next year I'll become a thorn in others' eyes, a sting in their flesh, something they want to get rid of as soon as possible?"

Exactly." Qin Feng laughed.

The battle at Shenxian Ling already proved your abilities to the world; I have no doubt about your ability to defend Yunan, and I even think we might be able to take over the military authority of Nan Jun.

But something that others painstakingly scheme to give away, we have firmly kept under control; those who want to send things and those who want to receive them will surely be very unhappy. If they can't win on the battlefield, why wouldn't they scheme and use some tactics?

This is Qin Feng's first reveal of his ambition.

He could casually mention this; surely he had already thought it over thoroughly.

It's just unclear whether his so-called control of Nan Jun's military authority is loyal to the Court or hides another agenda.

Sir, you really overestimate me; frankly, my ability in battle is just feeling my way across the river by touching stones." Chen Wuji shook his head and said.

He quickly finished the soup in his bowl, then continued: "However, your reminder just now truly gave me a feeling of a thorn in my back; I may indeed need to look for some experts. Regardless of my martial ability, I don't want to lose my life—Sir, do you have any reliable people you could introduce to me?"

Qin Feng stared, put on a stern face and pursed his lips: "My swordsmanship is passable; why not just hire me?"

How dare I have you work for me, Sir." Chen Wuji laughed.

Qin Feng said impatiently: "You're the local tyrant of Yunan; I'm just an earthworm who accidentally stumbled into a dragon's pool and tiger's den. Having me help you find manpower is no better than asking at the Earth God's temple."

I have few friends; I only know some mud legs.

Go cool off upstairs, you're just getting more annoying—anything else?

Qin Feng suddenly lost his composure and tried to drive him away forcefully.

Yes!" Chen Wuji chuckled.

Why is he still getting worked up like this?

Speak!" Qin Feng gulped down a mouthful of wine with force.

Chen Wuji asked: "Sir, how do you view the wealthy families in the city who maintain private troops?"