Chapter Eleven: The Base Camp

Upon receiving the news, Feng Mu, the county magistrate of Feng County, was utterly terrified. If this matter were exposed, neither he nor his entire family would be safe. His immediate reaction was to quickly pack up and flee.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng finished gathering his belongings and instructed Steward Lin to lead the others in covering their retreat. He then mounted his warhorse with his family and guards, galloping furiously out of Qing Village.

As they burst out of the village, Lin Feng spotted more than a dozen horsemen waiting on the distant main road. The leader, clad in iron armor, stood as an unyielding barrier against countless foes, his youthful yet heroic face calmly fixed on Lin Feng.

Pulling his horse to a halt, Lin Feng addressed Lin Shize, "Lin Shize, by order of the county magistrate, I am on official business. Step aside at once. If you delay me and cause trouble, can you bear the consequences?"

Hearing Lin Feng still trying to intimidate him with the magistrate’s authority, Lin Shize sneered disdainfully. "Enough, Lin Feng. I see you’re ready to run."

Lin Feng’s pupils contracted sharply—how did Lin Shize know? At that moment, everything clicked: Lin Shize had orchestrated the seizure of the goods, but how was he aware of Lin Feng’s dealings with the Mengla?

Glancing at the dozen soldiers behind Lin Shize, then at his own guards, Lin Feng sighed deeply. "Lin Shize, what exactly do you want?"

Lin Shize chuckled, "As a border captain, I have a duty to defend the frontier. Now that traitors are colluding with the Mengla, what else am I to do?"

Lin Feng sneered coldly, "What proof do you have that I’m colluding with the Mengla?"

Lin Shize replied, "Do you truly believe your actions are flawless? Your previous smooth sailing must have been backed by someone behind the scenes. If I report last night’s events to the main camp, I’m sure the general will launch a full investigation. Do you think you’ll still be alive then?"

Lin Feng’s face turned pale. If this blew up, the commanders he knew would likely make him a scapegoat immediately.

"Lin Shize, I admit defeat this time. What do you want? If you intend to take credit by handing me over, you wouldn’t be wasting time talking. Name your price."

Lin Shize admired this old fox. No wonder he was the local tyrant; the moment things went awry, he decisively prepared to flee. Had it not been for Zhao Dahong keeping a close watch, he might have escaped.

Even trapped, Lin Feng remained composed, thinking of countermeasures and seeking a chance to break free—truly a clever man.

Tapping his fingers casually, Lin Shize said, "My brothers fight on the frontier, and as a wealthy man of Daqi, you should support us with funds and supplies."

Lin Feng asked, "How much do you want?"

Lin Shize answered, "Not much. Over twenty guards died last night, and there’s nowhere to handle their bodies. Since they were yours, you take responsibility. One person’s body for one wagon of grain—that’s a fair price, isn’t it?"

Lin Feng was furious. Roaring, he said, "Are those dead men studded with gold? Why don’t you go loot them yourself?"

Lin Shize shrugged, "Isn't this exactly what I’m doing?"

"Lin Feng, twenty wagons of grain is but a drop in the bucket for you. No matter how much money, you need a life to spend it."

Lin Feng choked, coughing violently. He never imagined that the foolish boy he watched grow up would one day corner him so thoroughly.

"Fine, I agree. I’ll prepare the grain now, but I want to see those guards’ bodies."

Lin Shize nodded, "Of course. I’m a man of my word. We exchange bodies for supplies. Old Liu and his men will help Old Lin. Such a large delivery can’t go wrong."

With the matter settled, Lin Shize and Dahong returned to the beacon tower, where their first priority was to reward merit.

In the clearing behind the tower, Gou Dan, Zhao Tai, Li Gui, Zhou Kai, Zheng Yi, Chen Xin, and dozens of soldiers stood tall, awaiting orders. Their admiration for Lin Shize was absolute.

While others risked their lives but barely had enough to eat, under Lin Shize they had food, drink, meat—and now silver coins.

A chest full of silver beside Lin Shize glittered dazzlingly in the sun, stirring excitement among the men.

Lin Shize followed one principle in distributing money: the sooner the pay, the greater the morale.

Each day delayed would reduce unity by a point; over time, resentment and discord could grow.

Dahong sat at the wooden table reading from the military merit book: "Gou Dan, Zhao Tai, Li Gui, Zhou Kai, Zheng Yi, Chen Xin—two taels of silver each!"

Other soldiers who fought received one tael apiece, lining up to collect.

Many had never seen silver in years; the shining coins felt surreal in their hands.

After payment, Lin Shize called several men inside for a meeting.

"The Mengla’s sudden raid is a warning to us all. Everyone has family. We fight to protect them from the Mengla invaders."

"Therefore, we must build a strong base—not just a military stronghold, but also a refuge that ensures defense and livelihood, a sanctuary for our families."

Others nodded repeatedly, deeply moved. Lin Shize was the first—and only—leader who treated their families as his own and acted accordingly.

For their loved ones and children, they were willing to lay down their lives.

Lin Shize continued, "I think the village in that valley has a great location. If we build sturdy walls and unite, not even the Mengla can harm us!"

"Chen Xin, take men back to the village to prepare. The rest organize manpower for relocation. Once Old Liu returns, we move immediately!"

They saluted and left at once to prepare.

Long ago, Lin Shize understood a truth: without stable property, there is no firm heart. Once the base was complete, he believed their united will could overcome any hardship.

Fate seldom offers aid in times of need but rather embellishes success.

Fifty to sixty soldiers, plus seventy to eighty villagers, marched grandly into the valley.

At the village entrance, Lin Shize stared fixedly at a large exposed rock and froze.

Chen Xin followed his gaze, puzzled.

"What is it, chief?"

Without a word, Lin Shize dismounted and examined the stone closely.

The dark reddish rocks piled like a small hill.

Lin Shize tapped a stone, producing a clear ringing sound.

"Are there many stones like this?"

Chen Xin nodded, "Yes, this entire area is full of them."

Following Chen Xin’s gesture, Lin Shize’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Old Liu! Old Liu!"

Hearing his name, Liu Wu hurried over, "Chief, what is it?"

Lin Shize asked, "Are there any blacksmiths among the villagers?"

Liu Wu replied, "Yes, two in my village."

"Call them here immediately!"

Seeing Lin Shize’s urgency, Liu Wu knew something major was happening and quickly fetched the blacksmiths.