Chapter 866

First Volume, Chapter 866: Damaging This Marquis's Reputation

As a foreign envoy, even Qin Feng struggled to maneuver in Bei Di; all matters had to go through Jing Ci.

Moreover, all activities had to be based on the Peace Talks Agreement; any action beyond its scope was forbidden.

Thus, upon arriving in Wang Du, Qin Feng achieved nothing beyond signing the Trade Agreement and cooperating with Jing Ci in commerce; his efforts to facilitate Jing Qianying's return to the Beixi County War Hero lineage made zero progress.

In essence, Qin Feng had no way to intervene!

The freeze disaster in Changshui County had clearly opened a breakthrough; all Qin Feng's forced reluctance before Wu Lao had been an act—he longed to sprout wings and fly straight to Changshui County right now.

Unfortunately, given his current status, Qin Feng had to move slowly, step by step, in everything he did.

Any rash move could hand enemies leverage, leading to irreversible ruin.

"Qian Ying, we'll meet soon!"

Qin Feng clenched his fists, took a deep breath, his eyes brimming with anticipation.

…

Three days later, the Country Gentleman Wu Dagui of Changshui County sent messengers to notify every village about sending laborers to Jingdu.

Although Wu Lao had mediated and secured approval from both the Changshui County Magistrate and the Jingdu court, no official could directly intervene, so Wu Dagui took full charge.

Within just a few days, strong men and women from every village in Changshui County arrived in the County City, preparing to depart en masse for Wang Du.

Wu Qi, the Steward of the Wu Residence, ordered his men to count heads while assigning Protectors, Servants, and Yamen Runners to maintain order.

"Master Wu, eight hundred and ninety-five people have arrived from all villages," reported the Servant who had finished the count.

Wu Qi's face darkened: "Only this many? Changshui isn't a powerful county, but it's not this barren. If the court in Wang Du thinks Changshui has a depleted population and blames us, who will bear the consequences?"

"Go back and round up everyone between fifteen and forty, men and women alike."

Wu Qi was so eager because this affair promised huge profits.

These Common People signed Labor Contracts with Qin Feng, receiving three hundred cash per month—or two Shi of grain in exchange. Due to the National War, even wealthy men couldn't buy grain; grain prices kept soaring, while cash lost value.

Three hundred cash for two Shi of grain—during prosperous years, this would have drawn public scorn—but in this freezing, scarce winter, it was an act of kindness.

Yet…

The Wu Residence had secretly made an Oral Agreement with these strong laborers.

They first counted heads and compiled lists, then demanded each person pay one hundred and fifty cash or one Shi of grain to the Wang Residence as compensation for its efforts in coordination.

In plain terms, it was a Hidden Contract.

Half of the payment Qin Feng issued would flow directly into the Wu Residence.

Thinking of this, Wu Qi chuckled to himself, convinced Qin Feng was an idiot—wasting money like this!

Even Local Officials needed to grease palms at every level to get things done.

The King of Hell is easy to deal with; it's the Little Ghosts who are hard to satisfy. Even if we skim off Qin Feng's funds, what's the harm?

The Emperor is far away, let alone a foreigner.

We'll take his money—no debate!

The Wu Residence reaped a fortune; the Yamen Runners watching nearby grew envious but could do nothing.

Wu Qi tucked his hands and smirked at the Squad Leader: "Zhou Bantou, when did you turn saintly? In the past, you always took your share—now you refuse money? The sun's risen in Xibian!"

"Hmph, refusing money? You're a bastard!"

Facing Wu Qi's mockery, Zhou Bantou sneered inwardly: "You dog, you'll cry soon—daring to skim Qin Feng's money? Just wait!"

Who among the Officials didn't know how ruthless Qin Feng was?

He was the man who, in a fit of rage, ordered troops to storm the Wang Du City Gate!

Zhou Bantou cursed the Wu Residence for being suicidal, yet still smiled: "Heh, my lord said this is a virtuous act—so we must all show restraint."

Hearing this, Wu Qi spat on the ground: "Virtuous? You've never understood life—now you dream of the next?"

"I say you're all cowards!"

"This is Di territory—do we let a foreign envoy ride over our heads?"

"I don't believe Qin Feng dares come to Changshui and cause trouble!"

Wu Qi gloated, utterly dismissing the so-called Tianlu Marquis of Liang; the Common People, however, wore grim, hopeless faces.

The people's suffering wasn't due to losing half their pay.

Even after the cut, they still got one Shi of grain—enough to feed their families.

The problem was, the Wu Family grabbed any strong person without regard for circumstance—many of these women were still nursing infants!

Those babies, fed only thin porridge, wouldn't survive three or five days…

Though the crowd seethed with resentment, they dared not resist; Wu Dagui, as a Country Gentleman, intimidated even the County Magistrate—how could ordinary folk dare challenge him?

"Old Heaven, open your eyes…"

"No way out—this cold weather, and colder hearts…"

"Even if we earn grain, our children are already dead—what's the point?"

Hearing the wailing, Wu Qi's face turned dark as he roared: "Worthless Bones!"

"Qin Feng gives you a chance to earn for your families—instead of gratitude, you cry? You deserve to starve!"

"Shut up! Anyone who complains again gets a whipping first!"

As Wu Qi unleashed his tyranny, a calm voice suddenly drifted from behind the County Yamen.

"I hire laborers, not conscript soldiers—what you're doing ruins my reputation."

Wu Qi froze, then spun around toward the County Yamen, eyes wide with disbelief.

A young man in a black fur-lined overcoat stepped out slowly, flanked by a fierce, imposing general and a lean man with a smiling face that hid lethal intent.

And the Changshui County Magistrate trailed behind, head bowed.

Zhou Bantou immediately bowed and saluted: "Your Grace, Qin Hou."

The yamen runners present all bowed in salute: "Your Grace."

Not only did Wu Qi freeze in shock; the commoners who had been crying out in distress also stared blankly at Qin Feng, wondering how such a great figure could appear in a tiny place like Changshui County.

Wu Qi swallowed hard, his earlier arrogance vanished, and he immediately forced a smile: "Qin… Lord Qin?! How did you come to Changshui County? Your servant has long admired your great name…"

Before Wu Qi could finish his flattery, Qin Feng casually pointed and said with calm detachment: "Take off his head."