With the vanguard troops arriving, Yue Fei and his personal guards also hurried over.
To put on a show, or rather to flaunt, they brought along quite a number of captives and spoils of war.
A continuous stream of warhorses, cattle, sheep, and those Wuhuan women with despair etched on their faces.
All of this, all of it,
Made the common folk of Zhuo County feel a difference from before.
"Is this Administrator Qin's army? It truly is extraordinary!"
"Indeed!"
"Look at how their eyes don't stray to the sides. The discipline is beyond reproach, far better than those military ruffians of the past!"
"Who's to say it isn't?"
Listening to the discussions from the roadside, Liu Qi, who was following Qin Feng, felt a flicker of awkwardness.
Needless to say,
The arrogance of those military ruffians in the past also had his tacit approval.
Regarding this,
Qin Feng didn't say much, as it was the normal behavior of soldiers in ancient times.
There was no alternative.
In this era, soldiers put their lives on the line, and mutinies were not uncommon at the slightest disagreement.
If one were to apply modern standards here?
Don't joke!
Within three days, those military ruffians would cause trouble, and if not resolved, the entire troop would desert.
People enlisted simply for a meal, who would entertain so many lofty dreams for you?
Fortunately, Qin Feng's soldiers were constrained by the system, and he treated his troops with fairness.
He didn't withhold their pay or shortchange their rations just because they were loyal.
Not only did he pay them, but he paid them generously, and their provisions were more than ample.
For what purpose?
Those who understand, understand!
If the soldiers had no money to spend, how could the city's economy flourish?
Although this would undoubtedly result in a temporary deficit for the government,
It would all be recouped once war broke out.
Qin Feng couldn't fathom why ancient feudal lords claimed that war was a drain on the people and resources.
Weren't the spoils of war essentially money?
Wasn't occupied territory money?
As long as your army was capable and victorious, the nation would only grow stronger.
Referencing a certain island nation in later generations, referencing a certain rose, didn't they all rise to power through warfare?
Combat, plunder, growth…
Whether for alien tribes or for the Central Plains dynasties, it was an eternal truth.
And Qin Feng?
What he was doing now was changing the people's perception of war.
War leads to death?
Precisely!
But the profits of war are also substantial, are they not?
For instance,
After this war concluded, he would have all the commoners feasting on lamb and drinking lamb soup.
Would the people then anticipate the next war?
Perhaps, perhaps not.
But if, after the next war, he were to distribute a cow to each household again?
Would they anticipate the next war's arrival?
Absolutely!
After all, they weren't the ones going to the battlefield, and they would still receive substantial dividends from the war.
So be it!
Even,
If Qin Feng were to announce that families with members serving in the army would receive an extra cow.
Would you believe the military camps would be swamped the very next day?
How does a saying from later generations go?
With a hundred percent profit, people dare to engage in speculation and illegal activities.
With two hundred percent profit, people dare to risk their lives.
And with three hundred percent profit, people dare to commit murder and theft.
This saying, in fact, could be applied not only to capital but to anyone.
It's better in modern times.
With the security bureau on duty twenty-four hours a day, they can arrive at the scene within five minutes.
Try it in ancient times?
Without protection, would you dare to walk on the road with a bag of gold?
Being able to see the sunrise the next day would be considered a sign of a simple and honest populace.
Perhaps most commoners were accustomed to submission, but more were seeking change.
Qin Feng was merely giving those people an opportunity, and incidentally, protecting the rest.
Yes,
This had always been his idea, and the goal he strived for.
Although the Han people emphasized the doctrine of the mean, they also needed to show their fangs at times.
You barbarians aren't the only ones who invade!
We may not attack you, but that doesn't mean we are incapable of defeating you.
It's simply that you don't offer enough benefits to compel us to attack you.
But now, there are!
So, prepare yourselves, Administrators of this domain, your entire steppe will be trampled under my boots sooner or later.
It's as simple as that!
"Right~!"
Qin Feng, his mind adrift in various thoughts, arrived at the Administrator's mansion and suddenly remembered something.
"Lord Liu, once the soldiers are settled, please organize the gentry of the commandery to go and offer their regards."
"Ah?"
Liu Qi, who was following closely behind, was taken aback and asked with some confusion:
"My Lord, may I ask what it means to offer regards?"
"Hmm?"
Qin Feng pondered for a moment, glanced in the direction of the brothel, and with a smile, said:
"It means bringing some good food and drink, and perhaps arranging some entertainment."
"This..."
Although he still didn't fully grasp what "offering regards" entailed, Liu Qi understood one thing.
They were going to have to shell out money!
To provide food and drink for nearly a hundred thousand troops? This wasn't something a little grain could solve, was it?
He felt utterly defeated!
It was estimated that all the noble families of Zhuo County combined wouldn't be able to feed them.
While he hesitated,
Qin Feng's calm voice reached Liu Qi's ears once more.
"Lord Liu, after you have paid your respects to the soldiers, bring them to the Administrator's mansion to see me!"
"...Yes!"
Liu Qi, sensing a deeper meaning, agreed with a heart full of misgivings.
After all, he had no choice but to agree!
Since Administrator Qin had personally requested it, they had to pay, whether they wanted to or not.
It was merely a matter of how much.
But Liu Qi couldn't comprehend it!
Setting aside the fact that their Liu family was about to become one with the Administrator's mansion,
From what he understood, the Youzhou army was not lacking in grain and fodder at the moment.
How much valuable property had those confiscated aristocratic families contributed?
If not millions of bushels, then certainly hundreds of thousands of bushels of grain and fodder.
So,
If they weren't lacking in grain and fodder, what was Administrator Qin's purpose in asking them to deliver provisions?
To put them in their place?
To use it as leverage?
To extract as much as possible?
None of these seemed likely!
Given the current financial and material resources of the Administrator's mansion, and Qin Feng's usual demeanor, such a possibility was nonexistent.
"Grandfather, what troubles you?"
Gongsun Baoyue, noticing the cloud of worry on Liu Qi's brow, felt a pang of concern.
Could it be that there was a change in the promised marriage?
She herself was indifferent!
But if her father couldn't secure Qin Feng's support, his work in Liaodong would be difficult.
"Oh?"
Hearing the voice beside him, Liu Qi was momentarily startled, then shook his head after regaining his composure.
"It's nothing!"
"My dear girl, why aren't you resting in the back courtyard? Why have you come to the front?"
"Grandfather~!"
Seeing Liu Qi evading the question, Gongsun Baoyue raised an eyebrow and pressed on:
"Has there been any change from Administrator Qin's side?"
"???"
Liu Qi was stunned for a moment, and after a while, he shook his head with a wry smile.
"Baoyue, where is your mind wandering? It has nothing to do with you and him."
"Administrator Qin can't wait to take you into his mansion!"
"Is that so?"
Gongsun Baoyue smiled noncommittally; she didn't take his words seriously.
She believed that the man was interested in her, but to say he couldn't wait was a bit of an exaggeration.