Chapter 863

First Volume, Chapter 863: There Are People in Heaven So Bold as to Have No Shame

Qin Feng knew the people of Changshui County were enduring unbearable suffering; saving a life surpasses building a seven-tiered pagoda. If Changshui County were part of Shedynasty territory, Qin Feng would not have hesitated—he would have immediately arranged for grain supplies.

But this was a Foreign Country; even if Qin Feng had the ability, he could not be the Chuhuoniao, for any misstep could trigger a major political incident.

Even if he must help, everything must be made perfectly clear, for hearts are hidden behind bellies, and there are many examples of good intentions leading to bad outcomes.

Moral assistance could not satisfy Old Wu, and political aid was nearly impossible—only one option remained: to act through commerce.

With the mindset of treating a dead horse as if it were still alive, Old Wu asked gravely: "How would you operate in commerce?"

Qin Feng smiled confidently: "Isn't it simple? It's freezing cold, and the common people have nothing to do—have each affected household in Changshui send one person to Wang Du to work. I will provide the labor, pay half a month's wages upfront so their families can survive, and settle the rest upon completion of the work."

Upon hearing this, Old Wu looked at Qin Feng as if he were a merchant of the worst kind, unable to suppress his contempt: "In the end, you won't give up a single tael."

Qin Feng spread his hands: "This is called teaching someone to fish rather than giving them a fish. If I directly distribute grain, local officials will inevitably extort it. But if these people come to work, I, Qin Feng, take full responsibility."

"And as for those who want to get paid without lifting a finger—does such a thing exist in Heaven?"

"I, Qin Feng, am a merchant, not a benefactor."

Old Wu despised Qin Feng's profit-driven nature from the bottom of his heart, but considering the people of Changshui had no other way to survive, even if it meant hardship and exhaustion, as long as they could live until spring, it would be a great virtue.

After much deliberation, Old Wu ultimately accepted the commercial aid.

"How soon will results appear? Don't make me wait again like last time with the Trade Agreement," Old Wu said, still haunted by past betrayal—he alone could outmatch Qin Feng in martial skill, while in every other aspect, he was as naive as a child before Qin Feng.

To reassure Old Wu, Qin Feng said bluntly: "This will be fast—if the people come, they get paid. This depends not on me, but on the people and the court."

"If the court, fearing public opinion, forbids the people from earning money elsewhere, then it has nothing to do with me."

Old Wu snorted: "Don't give me that! Don't think I don't know your relationship with the Princess—whether the late Emperor's Princess or Jing Ci Princess, you're close to both. Don't you control court affairs with a single word?"

Surprised that Old Wu knew so much about him, Qin Feng rubbed his nose and reluctantly nodded.

Seeing Old Wu about to leave, Qin Feng quickly stepped forward to block him, smiling ingratiatingly: "Hehe, Old Wu, I've helped you so much—aren't you going to give me something in return?"

"Mutual benefit ensures lasting relations."

"If you keep treating me as your subordinate, to be manipulated at will, I don't mind—I'm honored to serve a mountain-recluse sage—but my men under me won't swallow this indignity."

Old Wu's gaze was disdainful: "Are you threatening me?"

Qin Feng immediately stepped back, raising both hands as if terrified: "How would I dare? Even if you lent me a hundred courage, I wouldn't dare threaten you."

"Wei Xiao's Assassination-technique alone keeps me awake at night; yet Wei Xiao is like a child before you. If I anger you, I'm afraid I won't live more than a few days."

Hearing this, Old Wu's expression softened slightly—he silently sighed that this brat still had some sense.

With Old Wu's strength, no one in Heaven—not even the Emperors of Liang Kingdom or Di Kingdom—could sleep peacefully!

Still, Old Wu had deeply witnessed the capabilities of Qin Feng's Troops, especially those Tianji Camp Guards.

The Brocade Uniform Guards were already powerful, but in pure Combat Effectiveness, they couldn't be mentioned in the same breath as the Tianji Camp Guards.

In open combat, perhaps… only ten Tianji Camp Guards could kill Old Wu.

After all, assassination and open combat are entirely different things.

Moreover, though Qin Feng was cunning, his treatment of the common people was beyond reproach.

During this time, Old Wu had personally visited Sangzhou and, after observing local People's Livelihood, realized that domestic propaganda about Sangzhou was pure falsehood.

Since Sangzhou fell under Qin Feng's control, life there had improved, not worsened.

And it was said… Qin Feng had specifically enacted laws for Sangzhou and the Liang Kingdom North Border.

Not some hypocritical "punish those who harm the people," but fundamentally prohibiting soldiers from contacting civilians.

Without the approval of Li Zhang and Xu Mo, all below the rank of Gate General were strictly forbidden from contacting common people; violators would be charged with plundering civilian property.

As the saying goes: above, policy; below, countermeasures. As long as soldiers could interact with civilians, no matter how strict the law, they would still find ways to plunder and oppress.

Qin Feng's awareness of this and his enactment of such laws proved his care for the people was not for show—it was genuine governance for the people's sake.

This deeply resonated with Old Wu.

Old Wu didn't care who ruled—he cared only whether the people lived well; true heroism means serving the nation and its people.

Though his face remained cold, Old Wu's hostility toward Qin Feng had gradually dissolved: "Speak—what do you want me to do for you first?"

"Who to kill?"

Qin Feng shook his head with a smile: "Old Wu, you misunderstand. Though your country's Hawk Faction has disbanded, those far-right officials still harbor deep resentment toward me—ice three feet thick doesn't form in a day. I don't expect killing a few leaders to erase this hatred."

"Besides, the Trade Agreement between our two nations is finalized; come spring, everything will normalize. Now is not the time to stir up trouble."

"I merely admire your martial skill. If you're willing to serve as Coach for the Tianji Camp Guards and impart even a fraction of your knowledge, I would be eternally grateful."

Learning Qin Feng's intent, Old Wu laughed bitterly: "I've sworn a deadly oath—I will never accept a disciple. Give up this idea."

Qin Feng, of course, refused to give up: "No tea, no kneeling, no bowing—doesn't that mean you're not formally taking me as a disciple?"

Old Wu froze, marveling inwardly: how could there be such a shameless person in Heaven?

After a moment of silence, Old Wu couldn't help sneering: "The Combat Effectiveness of the Tianji Camp Guards is already sufficient—what more do you want them to become?"