Chapter 113: How Should the Money Be Divided?
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Departing from Qingyang once again, the anti-bandit squad was now down by two more members; including Chen Dahuang and Huang Yong, only five remained in total.
Two of them were to stay in Qingyang for a period of rest. After all, these past two months, they had been following Li Yun in suppressing bandits. Although they hadn’t faced life-or-death situations at every turn, their bodies and minds were exhausted, so taking a break was only natural.
Another was assigned by Li Yun to head to Shidai, to notify the main force of the anti-bandit squad to mobilize and rendezvous with him.
After three days, over a hundred members of the anti-bandit squad finally united with Li Yun. As usual, Li Yun sent Li Zheng ahead to Ningguo to gather intelligence on the county’s general situation.
Meanwhile, he led the rest, moving steadily toward Ningguo.
When they paused to rest, Li Yun summoned Zhou Liang, opened several wooden crates in the vehicle, and took out crossbows wrapped in oiled paper to show him.
Zhou Liang took the crossbow and immediately froze. “Crossbows!”
Li Yun smiled and nodded. “It took quite a bit of negotiation to get these from the warehouse in Xuanzhou. It wasn’t easy.”
Zhou Liang took a deep breath, reached for the crossbow, and after inspecting it momentarily, said, “These are fine weapons…”
Li Yun had already tested these crossbows. Though they couldn’t fire rapidly, their power was impressive. At close range, penetrating armor was no problem.
Against simple leather armor, an arrow could pierce through easily. Even iron armor could be significantly damaged if the distance was close enough.
Zhou Liang glanced around and whispered, “How many did the chief manage to get?”
“Twenty.”
Li Yun smiled and said, “Not many. For now, don’t let the newcomers use them. Distribute these crossbows to the brothers from Cangshan Fortress. During downtime over the next few days, they should practice and memorize their use.”
“There aren’t many crossbow bolts.”
He looked at Zhou Liang and said, “Every fired bolt that can be retrieved must be collected.”
“Each person will be issued only three bolts. The rest, Third Uncle, you are in charge of.”
Zhou Liang nodded, then looked at the crossbow in his hands with a sigh. “If our fortress had twenty of these back then, we wouldn’t fear the government troops at all. We could have charged them head-on.”
Li Yun didn’t reply but continued, “Third Uncle, Ningguo isn’t like the other counties. Once we arrive, we have to be cautious. Also…”
“If possible, try to acquire some armor.”
Zhou Liang looked puzzled. “How do we get armor?”
“Of course, from the government troops.”
Chief Li spoke slowly, “The most famous mountain in Ningguo County is Tianmu Mountain. It is said that several groups of bandits inhabit that mountain. Once we arrive, besides eradicating the bandit strongholds of Ningguo, the most important thing is to seize Tianmu Mountain.”
Zhou Liang wasn’t very familiar with the geography but still asked, “Chief, is Tianmu Mountain in Ningguo?”
“No,” Li Yun smiled. “It’s already within the jurisdiction of Jiangnan East Road, but it’s close to Ningguo. If we can take Tianmu Mountain, we can hold it and manage it well for some time.”
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In recent days, Li Yun had been studying the maps and gazetteers of Great Zhou almost daily.
He was now well acquainted with the geography of the surrounding prefectures and counties.
“Of course, we still need to see the places in person.”
“And,” Li Yun cleared his throat and whispered, “I want to know more about the situation in Yuezhou. Third Uncle, do you have any suitable and sharp-minded candidates to send there for reconnaissance?”
Zhou Liang thought for a moment. “Send Meng Hai. That boy is clever, but he has a legal issue at home. He will need to change his name and identity.”
“That’s easy,” Li Yun said. “Yuezhou shouldn’t be checking identities anymore. Once we reach Ningguo, have him change his identity and send him out on a mission.”
Zhou Liang glanced at Li Yun and lowered his head in agreement. “Yes, Chief.”
…
Several days passed. After distributing all twenty crossbows and letting everyone practice sufficiently, the group entered Ningguo’s territory. Li Yun did not bring all hundred-plus men into Ningguo’s county seat but kept them outside.
Without enough tents, they had no way to set up camp and had to take shelter in villages on the outskirts.
Notably, Li Yun initially intended to pay for lodging, but the villagers, seeing him clad in official black attire, stubbornly refused payment and proactively arranged accommodations for them. Sadly, this was clearly not out of affection for them.
After settling the men, Li Yun still had Zhou Liang lead the squad to stay in the village, and Huang Yong brought along two Qingyang constables who also remained.
After all, with over a hundred men of unknown identity, two constables were needed to verify their status.
Once the anti-bandit squad was settled, before nightfall, Li Yun took Chen Da and others into Ningguo’s county seat.
Ningguo County was roughly the same size as Qingyang County, neither a particularly large city. After a quick tour, Li Yun located the county office and presented a formal letter of introduction. After stating his identity, he was soon invited in and served tea.
Moments later, a man in his forties, of average build with a trimmed mustache, strode in. Li Yun rose, cupped his fists and bowed. “Li Zhao from Qingyang. May I ask if you are the esteemed magistrate of Ningguo?”
The middle-aged man smiled and nodded. “I am indeed the county magistrate, Luo Sheng.”
Li Yun smiled back. “So it is Magistrate Luo. I have come under the orders of Commander Cui to suppress bandits across the counties of Xuanzhou. Now that we have arrived in Ningguo, I wish to meet you and understand the bandit situation here.”
“Well said, well said,” Magistrate Luo smiled. “I’ve heard much about Captain Li’s renown. No need for formalities. Please, sit and speak.”
Li Yun took a seat, somewhat surprised.
This magistrate’s attitude was extremely favorable, even more so than the infatuated county magistrate of Shidai.
Once both were seated, Li Yun took the initiative. “Magistrate, would you like to see Commander Cui’s documentation?”
“No need, no need. Captain Li’s chivalrous aura can’t be faked.”
Magistrate Luo waved to dismiss the attendants, then sipped his tea and smiled, “Captain Li’s exploits in suppressing bandits in Shidai have already spread to Ningguo. I had long wished to send someone to invite you here. I didn’t expect you’d arrive on your own.”
“Captain Li rids the people of harm. On behalf of Ningguo’s citizens, I offer my thanks in advance.”
Li Yun smiled. “I intend to visit every county in Xuanzhou.”
Magistrate Luo lowered his head to drink tea, then set down the cup and asked with a smile, “I heard that Captain Li raised funds from wealthy households in Shidai for the anti-bandit campaign. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
Li Yun smiled without hesitation. “Old Master Gu of Shidai is kindhearted and helped me raise funds. Otherwise, these past months in Shidai would have been unsustainable.”
Hearing this, Magistrate Luo's eyes brightened eagerly. “So Captain Li will also raise funds from wealthy households here in Ningguo?”
Li Yun was taken aback, then replied, “The prefecture has allocated some money, and there’s some surplus from Shidai. If Ningguo can contribute, that would be best. But if no one donates, I won’t force it.”
“Donate! Of course, they must donate!” Magistrate Luo raised his voice. “If Shidai’s people are donating, and Ningguo does not, wouldn’t that be stingy?”
“Tomorrow, our county will send people to handle this. Not only wealthy households but every resident of Ningguo County must contribute to Captain Li!”
“Suppressing bandits is Ningguo’s top priority. Rest assured, Captain Li, I will personally ensure this matter is handled properly!”
Li Yun rubbed his nose, momentarily confused.
This Magistrate Luo was far more enthusiastic than Zhang, the magistrate of Shidai.
Had his spouse also been killed by bandits?
Just as Li Yun pondered this, Magistrate Luo sipped his tea and, somewhat embarrassed, asked, “Captain Li, may I ask something impertinent?”
Li Yun smiled. “Please ask, Magistrate.”
“How is the money divided?”
This question stunned Li Yun. Seeing him silent, Magistrate Luo reconsidered and altered his question. “Ahem... pardon my forwardness. Then… how much does Commander Cui take?”
Li Yun took a deep breath, expressionless. “Commander Cui takes nothing.”
Magistrate Luo frowned slightly, then relaxed and smiled. “Of course, Commander Cui is from a prominent family and naturally wouldn’t care for such small sums. Then…”
“How much does Magistrate Zhang of Shidai take?”
Brothers! These days are unusual. I’ll return home and resume normal updates. Tomorrow morning’s chapter will be on schedule; the other two chapters will likely be in the afternoon and evening!
(End of chapter)
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