Chapter 1078

First Volume, Chapter 1078: Total Annihilation Against Overwhelming Odds

On this matter, Qin Feng, Zhao Yuxiong, and Liu Ming were in complete agreement.

The powerful clans of Nan Jing, capable of standing on equal footing with the Liang Emperor, may not directly mobilize troops to overthrow Shedynasty, but their wealth alone is sufficient to ignite countless upheavals within Shedynasty.

The Bandit Uprising in Yuping County was the first step taken by the powerful clans of Nan Jing.

If we fail to strike back decisively and crush them with thunderous force, we will only embolden the arrogance of the powerful clans of Nan Jing.

Such incidents will only grow more numerous.

Destroying this bandit gang requires no further discussion!

Qin Feng brought Zhao Yuxiong back to the Beixi County Courthouse and, without beating around the bush, directly ordered Wu Chenggong: "Send men immediately to spread the rumor that I, your Marquis, will depart from Yuping County the day after tomorrow at dusk, beginning my journey back to Beijing."

Wu Chenggong's eyes lit up; even if he were utterly incompetent, he understood what Qin Feng's words implied.

This man before him was the one who had shattered the entire Bei Di, causing the once-mighty Bei Di King to die in bitter resentment—with him acting, the Bandit Uprising in Yuping County would naturally be resolved effortlessly.

"Marquis Qin, on behalf of the hundred thousand people of Yuping County, I thank you for your righteous intervention."

As he spoke, Wu Chenggong suddenly knelt to the ground and began kowtowing to Qin Feng.

Qin Feng yanked Wu Chenggong to his feet, annoyed: "A man's knees hold gold—what are you kneeling for, out of boredom?"

"Besides, my mission to eliminate the bandits is my duty—none of your concern."

Wu Chenggong's heart surged with even greater emotion; he marveled that Marquis Qin was indeed as benevolent and righteous as legend claimed.

Though it was already deep into the night, Wu Chenggong felt no sleepiness—he immediately rushed out to gather men and carry out Qin Feng's order.

Watching Wu Chenggong work so diligently, Zhao Yuxiong couldn't help but sigh: "Good officials like Wu Chenggong are rare."

Hearing this, Qin Feng smiled with deep meaning.

"He's a good official, just a bit lacking in ability."

"Brother Zhao, tell me—is a corrupt official more hateful, or a useless one?"

Zhao Yuxiong was left speechless; he had never before considered such an intricate question.

After a moment of thought, Zhao Yuxiong ventured: "The one who causes greater harm is more hateful?"

Qin Feng nodded with a smile: "Correct. Loyalty and corruption are not the only standards for judging officials."

"As the saying goes, water too clear holds no fish—if the bureaucracy were truly this pure, no capable person would want to become an official."

"As long as a capable man doesn't overreach too far, we can turn a blind eye. Ultimately, the court cares whether an official has ability, not whether his hands are clean."

Zhao Yuxiong fell into deep thought again, puzzled: "Corrupt officials may have ability, but they lack loyalty entirely—what if they stab you in the back?"

Qin Feng shrugged: "That's precisely why I'm content staying in tiny Beixi County."

Zhao Yuxiong's eyes brightened—he finally understood Qin Feng's deeper meaning.

It is widely known that within Shedynasty, only two forces can directly overthrow the Liang Emperor: one is the powerful clans of Nan Jing, the other is Qin Feng himself.

Yet Qin Feng has remained utterly loyal to Shedynasty, never once harboring the slightest disloyal thought.

Some believe this stems from Qin Feng's moral awakening and lofty ideals, but Zhao Yuxiong now understood: Qin Feng's thinking was deeply pragmatic.

Once he truly reached that level, even for the sake of the nation's future, he would have to deal with every corrupt official, pretending sincerity while masking deceit.

In contrast, a small county like Beixi requires no vast bureaucracy—so he can choose only those who are both virtuous and capable, without having to compromise for the sake of grand strategy.

Zhao Yuxiong's ambitions are modest; as long as he can serve Shedynasty, he doesn't care how.

Serving alongside Qin Feng made him feel at ease.

Qin Feng glanced at the night outside the door and smiled lightly: "It's late—rest now."

"Rest up; the day after tomorrow, we have a tough battle ahead."

Qin Feng's "tough battle" was no exaggeration—since total annihilation of the bandits required secrecy, Qin Feng could not mobilize large forces.

According to Wu Chenggong, the bandit crisis in Yuping County was not even the worst, yet it still involved two hundred bandits.

When the three forces converge, their numbers will be at least seven or eight hundred.

Meanwhile, Qin Feng has only fifty Black Riders and a handful of Anwu Guards, plus the maximum possible reinforcement from Yuping County's Garrison Commander forces.

How could this not be a tough battle, when facing an enemy with numerical superiority?

Though Wu Chenggong lacked ability, he worked tirelessly until dawn, still wide awake even after Qin Feng had woken up.

Seeing Wu Chenggong's pale, exhausted face, Qin Feng couldn't help but sigh.

"Magistrate Wu, you needn't exhaust yourself so. If you truly care for the people, you must preserve your health—if you collapse, the next official sent here might be a corrupt, greedy monster, bringing disaster upon the locals."

Moved by Qin Feng's concern, Wu Chenggong was overwhelmed: "Thank you, Marquis, for your care—but as long as the bandits remain, I cannot rest."

"How many days have these beasts been in Yuping County? Over one hundred innocent civilians have already died at their hands."

"I curse my own weakness—I wish I could take up arms myself and fight them to the death."

Qin Feng patted Wu Chenggong's shoulder and said solemnly: "A County Magistrate has his duties; battlefield combat is not your place."

"I've remembered your name. If opportunity arises, I will recommend you to His Majesty."

At these words, Wu Chenggong's mouth dropped open in utter disbelief.

"Marquis… what merit do I possess?"

Seeing Wu Chenggong's terrified expression, Qin Feng burst out laughing: "Magistrate Wu, I speak plainly—don't take it to heart."

"To be honest, you're extremely ordinary; if I'm blunt, you're barely fit for any serious responsibility."

"Your flaws are obvious, but your strengths can't be ignored."

"Though you cannot improve the county's governance, you're skilled at maintaining the status quo—should you rise to higher office, you could help Shedynasty hold key regions."

Hearing Qin Feng's evaluation, Wu Chenggong blushed deeply.

In his understanding, promotion required either outstanding ability or skillful flattery.

Yet Qin Feng's reason for promoting him was that he was ordinary?!

What kind of logic is this?

But seeing Qin Feng's sincere gaze, which was clearly not mocking him, Wu Chenggong no longer cared—he quickly bowed and thanked him for his cultivation.

Qin Feng smiled in return; there are many kinds of Officials, and too many treacherous ones inevitably lead to internal chaos.

Too many upright and loyal ministers will hinder development.

But Officials like Wu Chenggong, mediocre as they are, are also indispensable—just place them in the right position.