Chapter 325: First Volume, Chapter 325: I

First Volume, Chapter 325: I'm Giving You Ten Thousand Liang Silver

Mo Li answered with crisp decisiveness: "We have come to establish the Jin Yi Wei. Besides taking orders from Young Master Qin, we must also assist Second Miss in maintaining her communication with Third Miss."

Qin Feng's need for the Jin Yi Wei was urgent; having confirmed their identity, he no longer hesitated and said directly: "Mo Li, I appoint you as Jin Yi Wei Right Envoy. All these men under you are under your command."

"As for appointing subordinate positions, you have full authority. I also grant you full power to recruit new agents. Your mission is to deliver to me the intelligence I wish to know—and eliminate those I wish dead."

Qin Feng delegated all authority to Mo Li—even though they had just met—not because he acted recklessly, but after careful deliberation.

After all, espionage work is a meticulous craft, and Qin Feng was an outsider.

Qin Feng could never presume to command experts in a field he did not understand.

Moreover, Mo Li and his men had already demonstrated their capabilities, and since they were sent by Third Sister, Qin Feng could trust them unconditionally.

Being a hands-off boss was far more convenient than micromanaging every detail.

Mo Li clearly understood the reasoning and, without pretense, replied decisively: "I fully follow Young Master's orders—but there is one matter I must clarify."

"Where will the Jin Yi Wei's headquarters be located?"

Qin Feng did not hesitate and replied at once: "Decide all these matters yourself—you are the professional. I only set one rule: classify all intelligence into four grades—A, B, C, and D—with A being the highest priority. Any Class A intelligence must be reported to me immediately. Class B intelligence must be reported every seven days. Class C and D intelligence need only be reported monthly."

"As for startup funds—how much do you think you need?"

Startup funds…

Mo Li had never considered this before.

Since they chose to serve Li Xiaolan, they had always been self-sufficient: when short on silver, they assassinated corrupt landlords; when lacking materials, they plundered bandit garrisons.

Now that they were officially "on the payroll," with someone providing provisions and pay, they were caught off guard.

After much thought, Mo Li clenched his teeth and made a bold demand: "One thousand liang of silver per month."

This figure was Mo Li's carefully calculated estimate: they needed to remain inconspicuous, frequently operate in the heart of Jingdu, endure pressure from the Hei Wei Si, and often avoid direct involvement—every expense, from food to lodging, added up significantly.

Moreover, establishing a headquarters and recruiting agents required at least five hundred liang monthly; he asked for one thousand to ensure a surplus for emergencies.

Upon hearing Mo Li's demand, Qin Feng burst out laughing.

Mo Li asked sternly: "Why does Young Master laugh? Do you think my demand is too high? If so, I can reduce it to five hundred liang—it's still sufficient. The remaining five hundred was meant for other purposes…"

Before Mo Li could finish, Qin Feng interrupted with a laugh: "The Jin Yi Wei is my dagger—and the very foundation of my survival. One thousand liang per month? Are you treating me like a beggar?"

At this, Mo Li's eyes sharpened as he probed: "What does Young Master mean?"

Although the Tianji Camp still hovered under the shadow of bankruptcy, with funds critically tight—three million taels from the auction already dwindled to one million—Qin Feng was desperate enough to consider leading Tianji Camp Guards in masked raids on banks.

Poor as he was, he would not skimp on necessary spending!

Qin Feng's tone left no room for argument: "Mo Li, you are the Jin Yi Wei Right Envoy. Excluding myself and Second Sister Liu Hongyan, you are the de facto leader. Whether the Jin Yi Wei thrives or fails, whether it fulfills its true value—all rests on your judgment. How could I possibly underpay you?"

"Effective immediately, your monthly salary is fifty liang of silver, annual salary six hundred liang. All Jin Yi Wei under your command receive twenty liang monthly, two hundred forty liang annually."

At this, even the unflappable Mo Li could not help exclaiming: "Six hundred liang just for salary? Young Master… we serve with unwavering loyalty—we need no monetary reward. Besides, now that we are Jin Yi Wei, we must conceal our identities. Even if we had money, we could not spend it. Sudden wealth would invite unwanted trouble."

Qin Feng waved his hand grandly: "Loyalty cannot be measured in silver—but this salary is what you deserve, and you owe me nothing for accepting it. If you do not spend it, save it for your descendants. When I have stabilized Beixi County, I will create legitimate means to bring your families there and settle them. Since you dance on the blade's edge for me, sacrificing your lives, I will ensure your families live in peace forever!"

Previously, the Jin Yi Wei members had harbored slight resentment—or even contempt—toward Qin Feng.

Now, it had vanished completely.

They had long heard of the Tianji Camp Guards' treatment: though all commoners, their benefits rivaled those of noble generals—even in military death, they received a military funeral, and their families were supported by the Tianji Camp.

The Jin Yi Wei, forced to conceal their identities, could never enjoy the glory or prestige of the Tianji Camp Guards. But their families would now gain the respect and privileges they deserved.

The Jin Yi Wei, who had been kneeling on one knee, instantly dropped to both knees.

Mo Li gritted his teeth, each word deliberate: "We pledge our lives to Young Master!"

Qin Feng gave a single firm nod: "Good. Beyond salaries, the Jin Yi Wei's operational funds are separate. Initial startup funding is set at ten thousand liang of silver. Accounts will be settled every six months—overages refunded, shortages made up. This sum covers every aspect of Jin Yi Wei operations. How you spend it—I will not interfere. You decide entirely."

Ten… ten thousand liang of silver.

Mo Li had never seen so much money in his life. Shocked, he grew solemn.

More operational funds meant greater mission difficulty—after all, stealing from the Hei Wei Si's mouth was no easy task.

Finally, Qin Feng added: "All Jin Yi Wei financial transactions will be handled by my Second Sister. If any funding issues arise, go directly to her. After all… you already know her well."

Qin Feng deliberately stressed the word "know well."

Mo Li refused to rise to the bait and replied gravely: "I fully follow Young Master's orders. One matter I must report: on our way to Beijing, we spotted a group of several hundred people advancing toward Beixi County."

Qin Feng slapped his thigh—see? This money was already worth every tael. First meeting, and they delivered vital intelligence.

From now on, the Beixi County Yizhan would operate openly, the Jin Yi Wei covertly—dual safeguards. Qin Feng's control over Beixi County would grow even firmer.

Qin Feng asked urgently: "Who are these people?"

Mo Li replied crisply: "They are refugees. Based on attire and dialect, they appear to come from Changping County. Changping was once a large county, but years of drought have killed or driven away its hundred-thousand-strong population. I've sent scouts ahead—they've confirmed that besides this leading group, there are ten or more additional refugee bands following behind."

"Roughly estimated, their total number exceeds ten thousand."