Martial Arts: My achievements in Beiliang were so great that they threatened the lord's positio

The centurion stood in the courtyard and read aloud the document issued by Lin Xuan.

"Clerk Bao Fu, **, is guilty of smuggling weapons and colluding with foreign tribes. The evidence is conclusive. He is to be imprisoned and executed in three days."

All of his family's property was confiscated.

Similar situations have occurred simultaneously in several places in Yan County in the past few days.

Zhang Song set off overnight, personally leading his men to various counties to apprehend the suspects.

With lightning speed, the entire Yan County was cleared out in a short time, and all roads leading to Yanzhou City were cleared.

Prison vans and prisoners in shackles can be seen from time to time.

The people of Yan County were shocked, and the officials were uneasy day and night.

No one expected that the newly appointed prefect, Lin Xuan, would take such swift and decisive action just two days after taking office.

In addition to the lists provided by Zhang Song and Wen Cheng, there was also intelligence gathered by Jing Ni through the Luo Wang network.

Therefore, although Lin Xuan had only been in Yanzhou City for a short time, he had already thoroughly understood the background of the local officials.

The arrest operation was both precise and ruthless, and Zhang Song and Wen Cheng, to show their loyalty, worked tirelessly, arresting one person after another and raiding one house after another.

Carts laden with valuables and jewels were transported from all over to the state capital, and the once-empty treasury was filled in just two days.

There was nowhere to store them, so they had to clear out two more storage rooms in the backyard to store the confiscated goods.

In just four days, sixty or seventy officials and wealthy businessmen have been imprisoned.

The entire Yan County was in turmoil.

For the vacant positions, Wang Qing assessed the abilities of each candidate on the list provided by Lin Xuan and then appointed suitable candidates.

"My lord, the silver in the treasury has been counted."

backyard

Lin Xuan was discussing the invasion of the Helan tribe with Hu Yanlie, Tian Hu, Meng Jiao and others.

Wang Qing walked in with a beaming smile.

"Judging from your expression, I can tell the amount is quite large."

Lin Xuan raised his head.

"Tell me quickly, how much silver did you find?"

Tian Hu and the others also had piercing eyes.

With war imminent, the saying goes, "an army marches on its stomach." Now everything is ready except for the silver.

If the treasury is empty, let alone attacking the Helan tribe, even maintaining the status quo will be difficult.

"Let's guess."

Wang Qing deliberately kept everyone in suspense.

"One hundred thousand taels."

Zhang Long spoke.

He returned yesterday, while Zhang Wei remained to guard Duanlong Pass, training soldiers and preparing for the Northern Python.

These brave generals have all been granted the title of Commandant, though they are not as prestigious as when they commanded the army in Shuoyin.

However, during the Northern Liang period, they were still under the jurisdiction of higher authorities, while in Yan County, they were the highest-ranking generals.

"That's a gross underestimation of people."

Wang Qing feigned displeasure.

"Then it will be two hundred thousand taels."

Hu Yanlie's tone was slightly hesitant.

"What a lack of backbone."

Meng Jiao shook his head: "These past few days, I've been in charge of taking inventory and storing the goods."

He held up three fingers and said, "It's at least that many."

"hiss--"

They all gasped at the same time.

"Everyone says Yan County is a poor and impoverished place, but I never expected it to be hiding so many fat sheep."

"A total of 380,000 taels of silver."

Wang Qing grinned from ear to ear: "This doesn't even include the antiques, paintings, jewelry, and other valuables that were confiscated."

"Goodness, this is going to be much better."

Meng Jiao looked at Lin Xuan: "My lord, we can begin recruiting soldiers now."

"By early spring next year, we will be able to train an elite force for you."

Lin Xuan waved his hand: "The matter of recruiting soldiers can wait until after the autumn harvest."

"By then, the first batch of warhorses and military equipment promised by my godfather should have arrived."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he lightly circled the map with his fingertip: "Either don't fight, or fight thoroughly and eliminate all future troubles."

Everyone's gaze then fell on the map—it showed the vast area east of the Chang River, where the Qiang people had lived for generations.

The area has both lush grasslands and fertile land suitable for cultivation, and has been occupied by the Qiang and Hu peoples for hundreds of years.

Because Yan County is located at the intersection of the four borders of Liang, Mang, Qiang, and Qing, its location is unique.

In addition, the Dafu Mountains to the north blocked the way, making it difficult for the Northern Liang cavalry to advance eastward. The Central Plains also did not regard this place as a must-contend territory, so they never launched a major war against the Hu and Qiang peoples.

Moreover, although the various tribes of Hu and Qiang are scattered, their fighting strength is not weak, and it would be too costly to start a war lightly.

"Once we take this land, we shall immediately build a city and defend it."

Lin Xuan spoke calmly.

"In this way, the territory of Yan County can be stretched across a thousand miles from east to west."

Wang Qing's eyes widened in surprise, and he muttered to himself.

"Exactly."

Lin Xuan crossed his arms: "The Helan tribe is just an appetizer. My real target is the Duoyan Three Tribes."

"At that time, with the Dafu Mountain to the north, as long as the Duanlong Pass is controlled, the Northern Python will no longer pose a threat."

The men present were all old subordinates who had fought alongside Lin Xuan for many years, sharing life and death experiences. Apart from Jing Ni, they were Lin Xuan's most trusted confidants.

"Then let's fight!"

Meng Jiao was overwhelmed with emotion, and his breathing became heavier.

Although Lin Xuan did not say it explicitly, they all understood.

Having conquered the three tribes of Duoyan and expanded their territory by thousands of miles, they gained the confidence to carve out their own domain and dominate the Yan region, becoming a figure like the King of Beiliang.

And they will rise to prominence as a result.

Meng Jiao shouted, "**Prepare the horses! Let's wipe out the three tribes of Doyan in one fell swoop!"

"Don't be impatient."

Wang Qing hurriedly advised, "The most urgent task at present is to stabilize the situation in Yan County, first attack the Helan tribe to establish our authority, and ensure a safe autumn harvest."

"good."

Lin Xuan nodded: "Wang Qing, please take good care of yourself and get the newly appointed officials to their posts as soon as possible."

"Meng Jiao, the training of the soldiers must be intensified."

"If you need people, give them people; if you need money, allocate money."

"Sir, we have enough soldiers and enough money for now."

Meng Jiao scratched his head: "What we lack most right now is armor and weapons, especially **."

"If I could bring over those 30,000 tiger and leopard cavalry from Shuoyin, I could wipe out not only the Helan tribe, but also the three Duoyan tribes in one fell swoop."

"Wang Qing, prepare some gifts. I need to travel to Qi County tomorrow."

Lin Xuan gave the instructions.

"Qixian?"

The generals looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Is the master going to the Lin family?"

Wang Qing's expression was solemn.

"Exactly."

Lin Xuan smiled slightly: "After all, we are of the same clan. It would be impolite not to go and meet them."

As the Prefectural Assistant and Lin Xuan's chief strategist, Wang Qing had already secretly investigated the true strength of the Lin family in Qi County.

Although I don't know the whole story, I do have a general idea.

"My lord, the Lin family's foundation is far more complex than it appears on the surface."

Wang Qing's expression was grave: "If we are to go, I'm afraid we'll have to bring more men."

"Ziyuan is overthinking it."

Lin Xuan laughed and said, "We always show courtesy first and then use force. How could we do the opposite? Besides, even the Northern Python's thousands of troops couldn't stop me. Do you really think the Lin family has the ability to compete with me?"

"My lord, it is best to be cautious."

Wang Qing shook his head.

"I'd like to accompany you tomorrow."

Tian Hu said, "If the Lin family doesn't know what's good for them, I will lead my men to wipe them out."

"Fine."

Lin Xuan nodded.

Tian Hu possesses extraordinary strength and talent, having reached the half-step Vajra realm. Leading over a hundred iron cavalrymen, he is capable of annihilating a mid-level sect.

Besides demanding military equipment and armor, this trip also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate strength and put pressure on the Lin family.

If the other party is sensible, Lin Xuan wouldn't mind cooperating with them—after all, local strongmen have their uses.

If he can gain the support of the Lin family, his plans in Yan County will proceed more smoothly.

However, if the other party is unreasonable, then don't blame Lin Xuan for his ruthless methods; over the years, he has eliminated at least dozens, if not hundreds, of aristocratic families and sects.

Since Wang Qing left, he has been extremely busy, with almost all the complicated affairs of Yan County falling on his shoulders.

If I had to describe this state in words, it would be that exhaustion was mixed with a sense of satisfaction.

"Let's discuss a strategy for attacking the Helan tribe."

In the hall

Lin Xuan and several captains stood around the map. This map of Yan County was drawn with great detail, and mountains and rivers of all sizes were clearly marked.

"We must catch them off guard."

"It's hard to guarantee that the Lin family or the Hu and Qiang spies within Yan County won't send messages," he said. "Right now, our forces are stretched thin, and we must completely crush the Helan tribe in the shortest possible time."

If the war drags on, and other tribes take the opportunity to advance westward, leaving the rear vulnerable, unforeseen complications may arise.

"My lord, why don't we set up a diversion?"

Meng Jiao proposed: "Before the autumn harvest, we should first move the main force to the east of the Changshui River and station them in the three cities of Wuzhen, Yangsui and Qingxian respectively."

The area was outwardly fortified, and cavalry were dispatched daily to patrol the surrounding area, keeping the nearby Hu and Qiang tribes at a low level of vigilance.

In reality, they were waiting for the right moment to act. A journey of three hundred li, undertaken by two thousand lightly armed cavalry, could be completed at dawn, departing at midnight.

"By the time we wipe out the Helan tribe, the other Qiang tribes may not even be aware of it."

"This plan is feasible."

Lin Xuan pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"It is imperative to maintain strict confidentiality."

Lin Xuan's sharp gaze swept over the crowd: "If anyone leaks the information, military law will show no mercy."

"Don't worry, sir."

"The key is whether we can deter those Hu and Qiang tribes. If not, we may have to go through several more tough battles this winter."

"With our eight hundred Tiger and Leopard Cavalry brothers here, if the mere Hu and Qiang dare to invade, we will show them what a truly elite army is."

Tian Hu said coldly.

The vast prefectural government gradually became busy, with documents being sent to various counties; in addition to the prefectural soldiers, each county had a certain number of soldiers.

There were anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand soldiers, and in the past, these soldiers were all under the jurisdiction of local county governments.

But things are different now. The current governor is Lin Xuan, and a document bearing the governor's seal has been issued.

Even if the counties were unwilling, they had no choice but to send these people to Yanzhou City as ordered, and to incorporate them into the local army for training.

Meng Jiao is now the Chief Clerk of the Prefect. As for the former Sima Zhang Song, after handing over his military power and completing his mission, he has been placed in the government office by Lin Xuan. Although he retains the official title of Sima, he is actually in a sinecure.

Outside the city, in the main camp, Meng Jiao, along with several captains including Zhang Long and Huyan Lie, was training the local troops.

Of the eight hundred veterans brought from Beiliang, four hundred were left to garrison Yanzhou City and serve as Lin Xuan's bodyguards.

The remaining four hundred men were incorporated into the government army and served as commanders of thousands and hundreds.

"Haven't you eaten yet?"

"Give it your all, everyone!"

Tian Hu lashed a soldier with his whip, and the soldier winced and gasped in pain.

"Look at the state of you all."

He scoffed, "As a soldier of the Northern Liang army, how dare we be bullied by a group of Hu and Qiang tribes?"

"What are those cold knives you're carrying for?"

"But that's all in the past."

"Do you know who the current governor is?"

"Know!"

The soldiers became excited at the mere mention of Lin Xuan's name.

"A few months ago, Lord Lin led us to kill 30,000 of the Northern Python's iron cavalry in Shuoyin."

"Anyone who disgraces me or Lord Lin will regret it."

Tian Hu's voice was like a booming bell, like a tiger's roar, making the ears of thousands of people on the training ground buzz.

"Following the master, as long as you achieve meritorious service, you will never be treated unfairly."

"But if anyone is disloyal to you, or shrinks back on the battlefield, don't blame me for showing no mercy with my cold blade."

"What should be done with the soldiers of Yan Commandery?"

"Courage!"

"What should we do with the barbarian tribes, the Qiang, and the Hu?"

"kill!"

"What should we do with those Northern Python barbarians?"

"kill!"

"My lord, what should we do?"

"Loyalty!"

A deafening roar echoed through the sky. At the edge of the camp, Lin Xuan nodded with a smile upon hearing the sound: "Very good, very good. In just a few days, you have managed to hone the morale of the soldiers to this extent."

"Set off."

After saying this, he led several hundred cavalrymen into the city.

The 30,000 Tiger and Leopard Cavalry that once dominated Northern Liang were also cultivated by Lin Xuan himself, and he was confident in his abilities.

In this land of Yan, he will surely be able to train another Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, no, an even more valiant Iron Cavalry than the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.

By the time they returned to the prefect's residence, dusk had fallen and a light drizzle was beginning to fall.

Mu Qing had already prepared dinner.

"Young master, why are you so late today?"

As he entered, she immediately got up and removed his outer robe.

"I inspected the military camp outside the city."

After drinking the hot soup and finishing dinner, Lin Xuan took a bath and changed his clothes.

He lay on the couch, regulating his breathing, and his consciousness sank into the system.

"Do you want to use a random selection opportunity?"

"confirm."

"Notification: Congratulations, host, you have obtained one character summoning card."

Name: Sunshade

Affiliation: Heavenly-level Assassin of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven)

Realm: refers to the profound realm

Sword: One of the Eight Swords of the King of Yue, the Sun-Covering Sword.

"Activate this character card and summon Yanri?"