Chapter Thirteen: The Beauty Trap

On the battlefield, every additional layer of armor increases the chance of survival.

A good suit of armor is like a soldier’s second life.

Dog Egg trembled as he said, “Chief, how much silver does this cost? This armor is more valuable than my own life.”

Lin Shize looked at them and spoke slowly, “I don’t want to measure your lives by money, nor can I.”

“I’ve said before, since we’re together, we are brothers in life and death. I hope you fight bravely and earn merit on the battlefield, but I also hope you live to share in prosperity with me.”

Lin Shize’s voice was soft but resolute, his heartfelt words warming everyone’s hearts, causing reddened eyes.

Liu Wu couldn’t help but turn away and wipe a tear.

Who among the border troops treated them as human? Although the government paid them a decent salary, corruption among officers meant heavy deductions, making it difficult for them even to eat enough.

Officers treated them like cattle; even soldiers in the main camp received only half their rations, and their equipment was outdated and discarded from years ago.

No one had ever heard of someone like Lin Shize spending silver to buy them armor.

Liu Wu dropped to one knee, saluted, and declared loudly, “From now on, wherever the sword of the Hundred Household points, even if it is a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, I will follow through life and death, never to abandon!”

“Life and death together! Never to abandon!”

Dozens of men roared with overwhelming spirit; at this moment, words felt hollow—only action could repay their commander.

Since training began, time seemed to fly faster each day. They rose early for weighted cross-country runs, followed by tactical drills, their bodies filled with strength.

At the county office in Feng County, Lin Feng was discussing strategies with Feng Mu.

Feng Mu said, “Brother Lin, now that Lin Shize knows about us, what should we do?”

Feng Mu had been ready to flee, but Lin Feng sent word that the situation was handled. Reluctant to leave his property behind, Feng Mu dared to stay, though Lin Shize remained a headache that had to be dealt with.

Lin Feng slammed the table in anger and growled, “That little wolf pup took me by surprise.”

“But I destroyed all the bodies of the Lin family guards. Even if he has those military supplies, we can deny everything.”

“Still, he must be dealt with; otherwise, we’ll never be at peace.”

Feng Mu raised an eyebrow and asked, “So, Brother Lin, do you have a plan?”

Lin Feng said nothing, leaning back in his chair, sipping tea, glancing at Feng Mu.

“I’ve long heard that the county magistrate has a trump card. Isn’t it time to use it?”

Feng Mu stepped back calmly, narrowing his eyes as he fixed Lin Feng with a look. “Brother Lin, how exactly do you intend to handle this?”

By admitting as much, Lin Feng smiled slightly. “I once sent men a hundred miles west to Lonely Mountain, to visit the bandits there, only to discover they are the county magistrate’s men.”

“In times of chaos, many keep a backup plan. Feng Mu had long cultivated his own forces in Lonely Mountain.”

“Besides cooperating with me, he also secretly traded with the bandits and the Mengla people.”

“Sometimes he made no profit, simply to maintain good relations with the Mengla. Even if the regime changed one day, he would still be the magistrate of Feng County.”

Feng Mu said, “Although I have over a hundred men at Lonely Mountain, Lin Shize has dozens of soldiers. They might not be a match.”

Lin Feng raised his hand. “Lin Shize may have dozens of soldiers, but most are new recruits.”

“Only a few have actually seen battle. Last time, they took advantage of a night raid to kill many of my men.”

“Lonely Mountain’s terrain is treacherous—easy to defend, hard to attack. I have dozens of Lin family guards, and the magistrate has his officers. Altogether, over two hundred men. With such favorable conditions, even if Lin Shize were a god descended from heaven, he would not escape death.”

Feng Mu’s expression changed. “You want to lure them to Lonely Mountain?”

Lin Feng’s eyes gleamed. “Exactly!”

Feng Mu nodded slightly. “That’s a good plan. Looks like I have to take action personally.”

The next day, Lin Shize was training when Liu Wu approached and said, “Chief, a message came from the beacon tower. Feng County magistrate Feng Mu is coming to visit you with gifts.”

“Feng Mu?” Lin Shize was puzzled. He had no dealings with Feng Mu. Why would he come bearing gifts?

“Did they say what it’s about?”

“No. So, chief, should we go?”

Lin Shize stroked his chin. “Gifts aren’t to be refused. A guest is a guest. Let’s go see.”

Lin Shize and Liu Wu, accompanied by a small squad, rode their warhorses and soon arrived at the beacon tower.

“Ah, you must be the Hundred Household Lin, truly a young hero with extraordinary presence.”

Just as Lin Shize entered, he saw a plump man smiling warmly and greeting him.

“Not at all. It’s our duty in the border troops to fight for the country.” Lin Shize glanced at the gifts on the table—the man was generous.

“Magistrate, you’ve traveled far. Send someone to prepare food—I want to properly host Magistrate Feng.”

Feng Mu chuckled, “There’s no need for such ceremony. I came with a humble gift to bother you, Hundred Household Lin. Please don’t take offense.”

Lin Shize laughed heartily. “No worries, no worries.”

When the food was placed on the table, Feng Mu was dumbfounded.

A bowl of plain porridge, two pieces of black bread, and a little wild greens.

Feng Mu’s mouth twitched involuntarily. This meal was worse than what his dog ate.

Lin Shize grabbed a piece of black bread and stuffed it in his mouth, mumbling unclearly, “Such a feast today, and even wild mountain vegetables! Magistrate Feng, why aren’t you eating?”

Feng Mu forced a dry laugh. “I’m not hungry, you eat.”

Lin Shize quickly polished off the porridge and black bread in just a few bites.

Feng Mu sighed, “I didn’t realize the border troops lived in such hardship. Even as a Hundred Household, you still eat so simply.”

Lin Shize wiped his mouth and smiled. “As an officer, I must eat and live the same as my soldiers, or how can I win their respect?”

Feng Mu cupped his hands in return. “You command well, Hundred Household Lin. I admire you.”

“I see you are young but ambitious. May I ask if you are married?”

Lin Shize, unaware of Feng Mu’s intentions, answered honestly, “Not yet.”

“Oh, that’s perfect!” Feng Mu slapped his thigh. “Quick, bring in Wanqing to meet Hundred Household Lin.”

Liu Wu watched the woman entering through the door, his jaw nearly hitting the ground, drooling uncontrollably.

Lin Shize never expected Feng Mu to present a beauty trap at their first meeting!

The woman who entered had eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn waters rippling, lips like cherry blossoms, and skin as smooth as creamy jade.

Though breathtakingly beautiful, a trace of unresolved sorrow lingered in the corners of her eyes.

Feng Mu said, “Wanqing is my niece. The border is chaotic, and her parents met with misfortune. She’s had a hard fate. I wish to entrust her to you, Hundred Household Lin. May I ask your thoughts?”