The turmoil stirred within Zhuo County was unknown to Qin Feng, who had already departed.
He entrusted the military and civil affairs of Zhuo County to Liu Qi and Wang Tie, intending to settle all accounts upon his triumphant return.
Why did he handle things this way?
It was simply because the aristocratic families of Zhuo County, Zhuo Commandery, and indeed the entire Han Dynasty, had become excessively overbearing.
These families, comprising less than one percent of the Han Dynasty's total population, controlled ninety-nine percent of its wealth.
It was no wonder that problems arose!
Cooperation leads to mutual benefit!
If the people's basic need for food isn't met, even Qin Shi Huang or Emperor Wu of Han would falter.
As for suppressing them with the military?
Doesn't the army need to eat?
The more corrupt officials there are who prey on soldiers' livelihoods, the more the army becomes the greatest rebel force.
Therefore,
The moment Qin Feng took control of Zhuo County, he intended to implement land reform and cultivate high-yield seeds rewarded by the system.
However, persuaded by Li Xiuning, Qin Feng ultimately abandoned the idea.
Without a thorough purge, high-yield crops would only lead to the aristocratic families' indulgence.
As for the common people?
If the aristocratic families were happy, they might share some food; if not, they could go wherever they pleased!
In this era, a three-legged toad was hard to find, but farmers who could till the land were everywhere.
Thus,
Taking advantage of this expedition, Qin Feng presented these aristocratic families with a choice.
If they behaved, followed his orders, and cooperated, Qin Feng wouldn't mind bringing them along.
For those who were disobedient and tried to overstep their bounds?
Apologies!
A thorough purge involving the extermination of nine generations of their families might be necessary.
Would this offend the aristocratic class?
It was of no consequence!
Familiar with historical changes, Qin Feng knew that the foundation of rule lay with the populace.
As long as the people were well-fed and clothed, and public opinion was controlled, what were the aristocratic families?
In fact,
To encourage ambitious individuals to reveal themselves, Qin Feng deliberately refrained from summoning more soldiers while in the city.
After all, Zhang Sanye had been busy these past few days!
Qin Feng had previously checked his inventory; there were over twenty thousand soldier summoning cards.
However,
Now that he had left Zhuo County, Qin Feng no longer had those concerns and prepared to expand his forces again.
Infantry was out of the question!
It was a matter of swift action, and too many infantry soldiers would be a waste of time.
He selected five thousand ordinary cavalry summoning cards and two thousand elite cavalry summoning cards from his warehouse and chose to use them directly.
"Ding!"
"Respected Host, Random Ordinary Cavalry Summoning Cards x5120, Random Elite Cavalry Summoning Cards x2130… Used Successfully!"
"Congratulations to the Host, you have obtained: Ordinary Horse Archers x3100, Ordinary Cavalry x2020."
"Congratulations to the Host, you have obtained: Elite Han Heavy Cavalry x1030, Elite Xuanjia Heavy Cavalry x1100."
"Hmm?"
"Xuanjia Heavy Cavalry?"
Hearing the system prompts in his ear, Qin Feng glanced at Li Xiuning by his side.
This Xuanjia Heavy Cavalry was her second brother's elite force!
Three thousand Xuanjia breaking through a hundred thousand!
This wasn't mere exaggeration from historical romances but a solid record of achievement.
One could only say that Old Li was amazing!
Of course!
Now that these Xuanjia Heavy Cavalry were in his hands, he, Old Qin, would be the amazing one!
"Lord, what is it?"
Sensing his gaze, Li Xiuning looked over curiously.
"Nothing~!"
Qin Feng shook his head. Just as he was about to say nothing, he suddenly remembered that this woman also had a strong historical record.
Not only did she rally the heroes of Guanzhong and launch the Sizhu uprising.
She also led the Niangzi Army to achieve great deeds, selecting elite troops to rendezvous with her second brother on the north bank of the Wei River, and together they broke through Chang'an.
Her commanding ability, while not top-tier, was certainly among the very best.
Of course!
None of this was the most important thing. The most important was that Qin Feng was self-aware.
Having inherited the full strength of the Hegemon King, he had no fear in one-on-one combat or charging into formations.
But commanding battles?
Don't joke!
Aside from shouting "Charge, my brothers!", he didn't know what else to say.
Thinking of this,
Qin Feng moved closer to Li Xiuning, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Xiuning, can we discuss something?"
"Hmm?"
Seeing Qin Feng's expression, which seemed to be up to no good, Li Xiuning raised her delicate eyebrows.
"Lord, speak your mind first. I sell my skills, not myself!"
"..."
Qin Feng's expression froze. While feeling a slight disappointment, he couldn't help but retort speechlessly:
"Xiuning, where did your thoughts go? I have something important to discuss with you!"
"Oh?"
A slight curve formed on Li Xiuning's lips, and she asked in her gentle tone,
"Then, Lord, tell me, what is it that requires my assistance?"
"Something good!"
Meeting Li Xiuning's curious gaze, Qin Feng smiled.
"Xiuning, you know we are short on troops, so quite a few reinforcements will be arriving soon."
"But if the forces become too numerous, I might not be able to manage them all."
"Would you be willing to share the burden with me?"
"Lord means...?"
"Command of the troops would be yours, and I would be responsible for charging into battle!"
"This..."
Although Li Xiuning was tempted, she still hesitated before agreeing.
If Qin Feng were absent, it would be acceptable for her to manage as his strategist.
But with him present, why would he suddenly hand over command to her?
Was it a test?
Or did he have ulterior motives?
It had to be said,
The more intelligent a person is, the more prone they are to paranoia.
A simple matter could be over-analyzed into a complicated scheme.
This was precisely the case with Li Xiuning. The more she thought about it, the more she suspected Qin Feng had a hidden agenda.
Especially since,
He had recently set a trap in Zhuo County for those aristocratic families, a trap she couldn't quite decipher.
How could this not make her suspicious?
In response,
Qin Feng could sense her apprehension and felt both exasperated and troubled.
How could he make others believe he had no ill intentions?
Waiting for help online!
Urgent!
As Qin Feng and Li Xiuning were in a state of wanting to give and hesitant to accept, Yang Bamei, standing nearby, grew impatient.
"Lord, Sister Xiuning..."
Riding her horse up to the two of them, Yang Yanqi said with great confidence:
"Aren't they just a few foreign rebels?"
"If neither of you is willing, then let me handle it!"
"???"
Seeing Yang Yanqi suddenly appear, Qin Feng and Li Xiuning exchanged glances.
Qin Feng: When did this girl follow us?
Li Xiuning: I don't know! Didn't you bring her?
Qin Feng: Did I? (Confused)
Li Xiuning: Yes! (Scornful look)
Qin Feng: ... (Embarrassed)
Fine!
Qin Feng had indeed forgotten about this suddenly appearing young girl.
Who could blame him when he had Li Xiuning?
Compared to this mature older sister who was both cultured (long black hair) and martial (long legs), the newly adult Yang Yanqi was indeed a bit immature.
Ahem~!
Pah!
Qin Feng meant that the young girl was still young and not yet suited for rapid bloodshed.
Hmm?
The proper kind!
Lost in thought, Qin Feng unconsciously glanced at the young girl's chest.
A bit flat.
Then, he glanced out of the corner of his eye at Li Xiuning, who was also wearing silver armor.
Poof!
These two were on completely different levels!