Chapter 483

First Volume, Chapter 483: Winning Over the Chariot and Cavalry General

At the same time, between the horse-rejection formations and the moat stood a dozen simple barracks.

The Chariot and Cavalry General stared blankly, turning incredulously to his Deputy General: "This… really built in one night? Could Qin Feng have sent ten thousand engineers under cover of darkness?"

He refused to believe such a massive project could be completed in a single night by merely three thousand engineers!

According to past experience, three thousand accompanying civilian laborers would need at least ten days to finish this much work—and even then, they wouldn't do it as well as the Tianji Camp engineers. This defied all conventional understanding—it was downright irrational!

Though the Deputy General could hardly believe his own eyes, he had periodically come out to inspect the previous night, and the Tianji Camp engineers' construction speed had indeed been astonishing.

"General, the Tianji Camp engineers' construction method is entirely different from ordinary civilian laborers. The three thousand are divided into three teams, working in rotation—each team works only two hours before being replaced. Behind them, porridge stalls are set up, allowing them to eat whenever they wish. These three thousand remain in peak physical condition at all times."

"Moreover, their tools are exceptionally fine. Even the most basic iron shovels and hoes are forged from the same metal used for weapons—extremely extravagant."

"I also noticed that these men show no complaints or fatigue while working; instead, they are bursting with energy, each pushing themselves to the limit. I can't fathom what kind of witchcraft Qin Feng has used on them—they're acting like they don't care if they die!"

Just as the two were utterly baffled, a light voice sounded from behind them.

"To make the people fear wasting their strength, you must first treat them like human beings."

The Chariot and Cavalry General turned and saw Li Xiaolan standing behind them, having appeared without notice.

The Former General was deeply puzzled by her words: "Third Miss, what do you mean? Though these accompanying civilian laborers are conscripted under fu yi, they are still subjects of Shedynasty—every one of them is a human, no different from us."

Li Xiaolan, hands behind her back, gazed down at the hardworking engineers and spoke solemnly: "Treating people equally isn't just empty words. To you, General, these men are merely civilian laborers. But to Qin Feng, they are his most precious assets. Do you know how much he pays them?"

The Chariot and Cavalry General lowered his head, lost in thought.

Normally, accompanying civilian laborers receive fifty cash per month—six hundred cash per year. Since they're only conscripted for labor and don't work daily, their monthly pay is low.

These Tianji Camp engineers, treated so well by Qin Feng, must surely earn far more.

The Chariot and Cavalry General clenched his teeth and ventured a guess: "Could it be… one and a half taels?"

Li Xiaolan smiled faintly: "One hundred cash. But it's one hundred cash per day."

Hearing Qin Feng's pay rate, the Chariot and Cavalry General's mouth gaped open in utter disbelief.

"What? One hundred cash a day? That's three taels a month, thirty-six taels a year?! Third Miss, are you mocking me, or is Qin Feng so rich he's lost his mind? Even the most elite infantry don't earn this much!"

The Deputy General beside him turned pale with shock.

One hundred cash a day? Are you joking?

Still, come to think of it, Qin Feng really is filthy rich—no other general would even dare imagine spending like this.

Li Xiaolan merely smiled gently: "Of course, it's not paid daily. One hundred cash for each day worked. If idle at home, they receive only three cash per day as basic living allowance."

Basic living allowance…

The Chariot and Cavalry General couldn't help but bitterly smile—how true that people compared to people bring death, goods compared to goods bring ruin.

Just keeping idle men, he pays them three cash daily—ninety cash a month, nearly one tael a year, enough to support a family of three for a full year.

The Chariot and Cavalry General strongly suspected Qin Feng had robbed several silver banks—where else could he get so much idle money?

Looking at the engineers outside the city, laboring as if their lives depended on it, then turning to see the civilian laborers inside the city, lounging in groups, idly chatting, the contrast was stark.

The Chariot and Cavalry General's face flushed with shame—his own army's expenses relied entirely on the Ministry of Revenue, and they were desperately tight. He couldn't even afford to keep idle men, let alone think of expanding his forces.

Now, watching how well-off Beixi County was—it was enough to make a man choke!

Just as the Chariot and Cavalry General secretly seethed with envy, Li Xiaolan suddenly said: "If you ever need money in the future, just go to Beixi County and ask Qin Feng for it."

At once, the Chariot and Cavalry General understood: Qin Feng was trying to win him over.

The Former General, since entering Beixi County, had not stepped out again—he was said to be living in great comfort inside.

And look at his own life…

The Chariot and Cavalry General couldn't help but consider it—who wants to stay trapped in this godforsaken place suffering? Who doesn't want a better life? But what choice did he have?

The Emperor had long wanted to replace the commanders of the Northern Border. The three commanders of the Northern Border knew this perfectly well—and none dared return.

If he could form an alliance with Beixi County, not only would his daily life be secured, but even the Emperor would hesitate to act against him.

The Chariot and Cavalry General had already made up his mind—but as a Grand General, how could he yield so easily? He turned his back, feigning deep thought: "This matter will be reconsidered."

Seeing the Chariot and Cavalry General hadn't outright refused, Li Xiaolan knew the matter was nearly settled—and she couldn't help smiling inwardly.

"That boy has already figured out the entire Northern Border army. First he won over the Former General; now, the Chariot and Cavalry General has suffered heavy losses and must resort to strong purchase just to hold the defensive line—his situation is dire. At this moment, Qin Feng extending an olive branch is like timely assistance in the snow."

"Once the Former General and the Chariot and Cavalry General are fully under Beixi County's influence, the Piaoqi General will inevitably follow suit."

"That brat wants to control the entire Northern Border—he's even more ambitious than the Jiangnan Lin Family!"

…

At dusk, inside Beixi County, Qin Feng was fully armored, leading a tall steed, ready to ride out of the city.

Lin Quqi and Li Zhang desperately tried to stop him.

"Qin Feng! Stop right there!"

Li Zhang growled, glaring fiercely.

"I know you treat the Tianji Camp Guards as hand and foot brothers. I understand your desperation now that they're trapped in Di territory. But as commander of this city, how can you abandon your post and venture into enemy territory? This is sheer madness!"

Lin Quqi's face was grim as he gripped Ye Xian's cloak tightly: "Brother Qin, don't act rashly! If anything happens to you, what will become of the tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Beixi County? Even if you must rescue them, it's not your place—recall Zhao Yulong and the Black Riders!"

Facing their resistance, Qin Feng remained resolute.

"By the time the Black Riders charge through, the Tianji Camp Guards will all be dead!"