Human Martial Venerable: Starting from the Synthesis Technique

Chapter 110 Trading

"No need, I can handle things here. Jinzhou needs you more."

"After things are settled here, I will also go to Jinzhou."

There is no peace in any of the states under heaven, so it doesn't really matter where you go.

Feng Xiu also came to terms with it, since the two of them had long planned to settle down in Jinzhou.

Making some preparations early will provide a way out should the situation in Yunzhou spiral out of control.

"Okay, I'll listen to you. If anything happens here, I'll come back immediately."

Feng Xiu had made his decision, and Zhou Gang, knowing his temperament, did not try to persuade him further.

Feng Xiu responded, and then Zhou Gang and Feng Ao went to the Chu family.

Feng Shouzhou, along with Han Che, also handled the Feng family's businesses and managed tax collection.

He has now taken over some of the affairs, and although there have been some bumps along the way, he is much better off than before.

The hall was now empty.

Feng Xiu remained seated, his mind filled with thoughts.

The falling leaves signal the coming of autumn, and it's clear that the Embroidered Robe Bureau's actions this time are extremely unusual.

With the Demon God Palace facing a formidable enemy, it would be fine if both sides were truly working together to resist it.

But now, it's clearly an internal power struggle.

"Is there something troubling you, Young Master Feng?" Zhou Xiao gently poured Feng Xiu a cup of tea beside him.

Feng Xiu sighed softly. "I'm wondering, can we even keep up with this year's grain production?"

Then, looking up at her, Zhou Xiao's eyes also showed a hint of worry.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is gaining momentum, and despite repeated pressure, Cao Heng has not responded," Feng Xiu said with a wry smile.

Now, it's not a question of whether they want to or not; both sides are being forced to take sides.

There will always be some tax revenue if we squeeze it out.

But this year's harvest is just a trigger; the Eastern Army wants it.

Feng Xiu had no idea what the Embroidered Robe Bureau was thinking.

But ultimately, we'll definitely have to work on this aspect.

"There's always a way out, Young Master Feng, don't worry too much," Zhou Xiao said gently.

"I hope so."

Feng Xiu rubbed his temples.

"These are turbulent times," he sighed.

Just then, Uncle Zheng walked in, holding a letter in his hand.

"Young Master, Master Hei has sent someone with a message."

"Blackie?"

Feng Xiu paused for a moment, then took the letter.

Upon opening the letter, there was only one sentence.

【Young Master Feng, Old Hei has found you a huge, huge, super huge gift】

feudalism:

'

Two huge ones in a row, plus one super huge one.

The handwriting was messy, and the ink was uneven. Feng Xiu could even imagine the smugness on Hei Ye's face when he wrote the letter.

Feng Xiu chuckled, and his annoyance immediately dissipated.

Blackie's speech was still as unreliable as ever. The fact that he mentioned such a generous gift, which he seemed quite pleased with, also piqued Blackie's interest.

interest.

Immediately, he handed the letter to Duke Zheng.

Feng Xiu was about to get up when a guard hurriedly walked to the door.

He clasped his hands in greeting to Zheng Bo and said, "Master Zheng, Chief Cao has sent someone to invite the eldest son to the mansion to discuss important matters."

Feng straightened his clothes.

"Okay, I'll go right away."

A stern-faced man stood in front of the mansion.

Upon seeing Feng Xiu, he cupped his hands in greeting, "Young Master Feng, please."

After getting into the carriage.

As you walk north through the outer city, the shops on both sides of the street become increasingly sparse.

Fewer and fewer pedestrians were seen, replaced by squads of soldiers clad in black armor.

They patrolled in groups of three along the streets, their steps synchronized.

The metallic clang of the armor plates colliding was particularly jarring in the dull air.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, a temporary checkpoint made up of barricades appeared ahead.

Behind the barricade stood five tall, fierce soldiers, their eyes wary beneath black armor and masks.

The stern-looking man pulled out a token from his pocket, and the five men immediately made way for him.

Beyond the checkpoint lies a vast campsite, with tents huddled close together.

Smoke rose from behind the camp, carrying the smell of horse manure and leather.

At the end of the campsite is a small, detached courtyard with blue bricks and gray tiles.

The stern-faced man led Feng Xiu to the courtyard gate, bowed, and withdrew.

Two soldiers stood inside the courtyard gate, one on the left and one on the right, each with a long sword at their waist.

"Young Master Feng, the head constable is waiting for you in the hall." One of them stepped aside.

Feng Xiu nodded and stepped into the courtyard.

Upon entering the main hall, one sees Cao Heng with his back to the door, looking up at a miniature landscape map hanging on the wall.

The map marks the passes, cities, and mountains in various parts of Yunzhou.

Several main roads were also marked with red lines, and the ink was very fresh.

"Young Master Feng has arrived. Please have a seat."

Cao Heng turned around, his face looking much more haggard than the last time he was seen, with slightly sunken eyes.

A bluish stubble appeared on his chin, and he raised his hand in a gesture of greeting.

The two sat down, and Cao Heng picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

"Captain," Feng Xiu said, bowing.

Cao Heng put down his teacup, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Young Master Feng is a very busy man. For me to see you is harder than climbing to heaven."

"You flatter me, Captain. I went on a long trip these past few days." Feng Xiu's expression remained unchanged.

Cao Heng waved his hand, not dwelling on the topic any further.

He went straight to the point, "How have things progressed between Young Master Feng and the various families regarding the repair of the pond and reservoir? The wheat is suffering from drought; if we don't irrigate it soon, this year's harvest will be a total loss."

"Three days later," Feng Xiu said to Cao Heng, his tone steady.

"I will give the chief an answer."

Cao Heng stared at Feng Xiu for a long time, but Feng Xiu remained calm.

Then, Cao Heng reached out and patted the table, and footsteps came from outside the door.

A soldier pushed open the door and entered, carrying two wooden boxes in his hands.

He placed it on the table next to Feng Xiu and bowed as he withdrew.

The wooden boxes were small, about a foot square, one black and one red.

"Open it and take a look," Cao Heng said.

Feng Xiu's heart stirred slightly.

The moment the clasp on the black box was released, his pupils contracted slightly.

The box was covered with a layer of white ash, and in the middle of the white ash, a human head lay quietly.

Fan Ling!

"I had dealings with this person before I came here."

Cao Heng's voice came from the main seat, devoid of emotion, "He came to see me and said he could stabilize the situation in the city and settle things with the grain merchants for me. I believed him."

After a brief pause, he said, "Unfortunately, he doesn't have that much ability."

Fan Ling's face was white from being pickled in lime, and her lips were chapped.

Feng Xiu shook his head slightly, recalling the elegant banquet in Heyang not long ago.

Fan Ling helped Qin Huan in, looking radiant and full of confidence.

In just a few days, he ended up like this.

"I can't help you with that matter in the city," Cao Heng said solemnly.

"I can't stop the Embroidered Uniform Guard from collecting reserve funds, but I'm taking this year's harvest of grain with me."

coming!

Feng Xiu sighed inwardly, casually closed the black box, and remained silent.

Cao Heng leaned back in his chair and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"I originally wanted to use the military exercise to recruit a group of soldiers and fill the Eastern Army with good talents. But now, before I even started, most of my men have already run away."

A hint of seriousness flashed across Feng Xiu's face. "What exactly is the Embroidered Robe Division's purpose in this trip?"

"I don't know. I'd like to meet him, but this Lord Guo has even refused the Governor's Office's request." Cao Heng shook his head.

He had already visited the Embroidery Bureau the moment they entered the city.

However, they didn't even see anyone.

Even the visiting card was sent in the name of the Governor's Office.

"In the end, I'm just a cavalry commander. Once the grain is ripe, I'll take it with me, and the rest is none of my business."

After speaking, Cao Heng's eyes regained their sharpness, staring intently at Feng Xiu.

The Grain Commissioner's Office, along with other government agencies in the city, was responsible for collecting grain, but it had essentially become defunct.

This was all caused by the Embroidery Bureau overstepping its authority, which greatly diminished its prestige.

Today, the grain trader alliance is firmly established.

Whether it is or not, it all depends on a single thought of sedition!

Feng Xiu's dark eyes revealed no emotion whatsoever. He looked up directly at Feng Xiu and changed the subject.

"If this grain requisition mission is successful, will the Eastern Army head north to wipe out the Demon God Palace?!"

Upon hearing the words "Demon God Palace," Cao Heng showed no surprise whatsoever.

As one of the best in Qingyan City, the person in front of me has many channels to obtain such confidential information.

"Yes, it's a done deal. Not only that, the Southern Army, the Prefectural Army, and the County Guard will all head north."

"Alright, I agree."

Feng Xiu's answer was quite straightforward.

"Furthermore, I will also come up with a plan regarding the Eastern Army's land acquisition and measures to appease the troops."

After taking a deep breath, Feng Xiu spoke with unwavering resolve!

"Moreover, the grain merchants are doing their utmost to gather grain reserves from the surrounding towns and counties, which will surely satisfy the commander!"

Feng Xiu's three consecutive sentences brought Cao Heng to his delight and delight.

"Young Master Feng, what courage you have! You truly deserve to be called an Eight Strengths expert!" He clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

The pent-up frustration of the past few days was finally released at this moment.

Feng Xiu didn't care that Cao Heng could see through his secrets.

A military captain, even within the Eastern Army, is a highly regarded figure, possessing both military and martial arts skills.

"However, I have only one request."

Cao Heng straightened his expression, raised his hand and said, "Young Master Feng, please speak."

"Regardless of the war situation, whether the Eastern Army wins or loses, I need the commander to inform me in advance of this northward journey!"

The saying "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold" is a very simple principle.

The Eastern Army won, and everyone was overjoyed.

If they are defeated, and it turns out that the Demon God Palace is only gathered to occupy Qingzhou, they might very well head south.

"Okay, I promise you. I will give you my own personal falcon, which can travel a thousand miles a day and can notify you immediately if there is any major event."

Cao Heng did not hesitate at all.

He was also impressed by Feng Xiu's courage and said emphatically.

Feng Xiu nodded.

At this moment, Cao Heng chuckled again, his gaze falling on the red box.

He raised his hand, signaling Feng Xiu to open it.

Open the red box.

This time, there was no lime or blood in the box, only two thin ancient books.

The cover is yellowed, the paper is brittle and stiff, and the edges are curled, as if it has been stored for many years.

"These two secret manuals are secret transmissions from the previous dynasty, unique copies in the world, and have always been kept sealed in the military treasury."

Feng Xiu looked at the book and saw it titled: Soul Extinction Technique.

The other book is titled: "The Calamity of Life and the Suppression of Evil Qi".

Cao Heng added, "This is the final reward set by the Governor's Office for this military exercise. We were planning to give it to you after you achieved a ranking."

He glanced at Feng Xiu, "Now, consider this my way of thanking Young Master Feng."

"Thank you, Chief."

Feng Xiu solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Cao Heng waved his hand, showing no intention of taking credit.

"It's nothing, everyone just has their own needs and desires."

"Your Excellency should consider the matter of the Embroidered Robe Bureau yourself."

"As for this year's grain, there can be no mistakes!"

Cao Heng gave Feng Xiu a deep look, his eyes filled with a profound meaning.

"Of course," Feng Xiu replied in return.

After finishing their conversation, Cao Heng picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

Immediately, Feng Xiu stood up, clasped his hands in farewell, and took his leave.