Chapter Eight: The Confiscation of Weapons

The arrival of Xue Chengqian greatly transformed the situation for Luo Fang and his band of military households. The numerous refugees no longer regarded them with fear and dread, but with a mixture of respect and gratitude.

In the past, Luo Fang had to personally intervene to “command” the refugees, issuing harsh threats and even resorting to physical punishment for those who disobeyed. Now, however, they competed eagerly to take on tasks for Old Luo.

Luo Fang felt a great sense of satisfaction and came to rely even more heavily on Xue Chengqian.

“Xue kid, Old Luo is calling for you!”

“Old Luo? What does he want?”

“Hey, you little brat, get over there quickly! Or do you want me to beat you up?”

Among Luo Fang’s men, only Kang Yu and Wang Huzi still showed any ill will towards Xue Chengqian. Kang Yu’s attitude was understandable, given her previous demeanor—at least she couldn’t bring herself to show softness in front of outsiders.

Wang Huzi’s attitude, however, was more intriguing.

“Kang Yu, this is such a trivial matter. Why do you have to deliver the message personally? Just have one of the brothers do it.”

Wang Huzi twisted his face into an awkward smile as he turned to Kang Yu. Accustomed to bravado and aggression, even his “smiles” carried threats and menace.

Xue Chengqian shook his head, ignoring such transparent scheming.

“You two carry on. Since Old Luo has summoned me, I will go now.”

“Little sister, stay well within the camp and don’t go anywhere else.”

Seeing that Xue Chengqian paid her no mind, Kang Yu stomped off in anger, venting all her frustration on Wang Huzi.

...

Xue Chengqian noticed that a troop of armored soldiers had appeared beside Luo Fang. Furthermore, contrary to the usual practice, Wangjiang City’s gates were wide open today, with over two or three thousand fully armed troops entering the city.

The surrounding refugees watched this scene with a mix of fear and hope. Those barely holding on outside the city had long awaited some change from Wangjiang City.

Yet, was the arrival of so many external troops truly what they hoped for?

“Xue Chengqian! What are you dawdling for? Come quickly to pay respects to Captain Song and Captain Huang!”

Xue Chengqian was momentarily stunned.

One of the two commanding officers at the front was none other than Captain Song, whom Luo Fang often mentioned.

Normally, Captain Song was one of Luo Fang’s key contacts. The fact that he had been specifically sent to introduce himself suggested that Luo Fang might indeed be starting to regard Xue Chengqian as a trusted confidant.

Captain Song chuckled. “Who am I to be considered important? Our Captain Huang is the Zhenwei Captain of the Tianxing Army. Even the city commander, Lord Lu, holds him in great esteem. It is proper for you to pay respects to him first.”

This startled Xue Chengqian, who immediately approached with utmost respect.

The Zhenwei Captain was a sixth-rank military official under the Da Liang Qian Dynasty—a true mid-level officer.

Within the Tianxing Army, the Zhenwei Captain was qualified to serve as deputy commander.

Currently, Wangjiang City was garrisoned by two elite imperial guards—the Tianxing and Zhenbo armies—totaling some fifty to sixty thousand soldiers.

Aside from the county magistrate, Lu Xiaoyuan, Captain Huang was undoubtedly among the top six military officials within the city, including the overseers of those two armies.

No wonder Huang Xiaoyong’s arrogance was so blatant.

Seeing Xue Chengqian come to pay respects, he barely glanced at him, speaking casually, “So, it was you who devised the clever plan to build hundreds of houses outside Wangjiang City within just a month?”

Luo Fang, whether out of loyalty or caution not to reveal too much, did not claim credit for himself but truthfully explained that the idea to make sun-dried bricks was Xue Chengqian’s.

Xue Chengqian gave Luo Fang a grateful look and said in a low voice, “Though the method was mine, it was only through Old Luo’s skillful coordination of the refugees and the strength of the people that the houses could be built so quickly.”

He spoke honestly, not out of modesty.

Without enough manpower, even the best materials would not make large-scale construction possible.

Moreover, many of their so-called “houses” were merely walls to shield against the wind.

Before Xue Chengqian could say more, Captain Huang impatiently waved his hand.

“Enough of this talk. You can relay such details to the city commander and the officials from Zhongzhou.”

“Luo Fang, it is a great honor that several high-ranking officials will personally inspect your work. You must perform well.”

Luo Fang quickly replied, “Naturally. Please rest assured, Captain Huang.”

“Rest assured?” Huang scoffed disdainfully.

“Do you know the stature of these officials? How can we be at ease? From what I know, Luo Fang, your men are not entirely clean.”

“Although the refugees outside the city are near starvation and freezing, many are still violent and aggressive, even secretly hoarding official weapons! How can this Captain be at ease? How can these lords be at ease?”

Xue Chengqian’s heart sank.

He glanced sideways and saw Luo Fang’s face darken.

Captain Huang’s hint was clear.

Luo Fang and his group’s identities were no secret among the city’s elite; everyone knew he was building a force among the refugees.

He was once a military household member but was no longer an official soldier. How could the officials trust him?

They gave him a chance, but he had to reassure the powerful men.

That meant handing over the secretly hoarded weapons!

But the officials had imperial guards to protect them when they came. What about once they left Wangjiang City?

Luo Fang’s greatest strength was his united band of military household brothers—the strongest armed force among the refugees.

Surrendering their weapons would leave them vulnerable if anyone seized the opportunity to strike.

“Hmm?”

Luo Fang hesitated briefly. Captain Huang’s expression immediately darkened, his nasal tone warning sharply.

Xue Chengqian sighed softly.

This was the downside of relying on others.

At this juncture, Luo Fang had no choice.

Sure enough, Luo Fang soon responded weakly, “I understand. Everything will be handled as you say, Captain. I will order the brothers to surrender their weapons immediately. We will ensure no mishaps for the honored guests.”

Only then did Huang Xiaoyong put on a satisfied smile.

“That’s better. I will speak well of you before the city commander.”

“Prepare yourselves. After receiving the guests from Zhongzhou Prefecture, the city commander and Prefect Liu will arrive shortly.”

After Captain Huang returned to the city to report, Captain Song could only pat Luo Fang’s shoulder in consolation.

But given his rank, he could do little else.

Luo Fang’s face was sullen as he straightened and ordered sternly,

“Notify all brothers to bring their weapons to me. Stack them in the open square and wait for the city’s imperial guards to collect them!”

As soon as Luo Fang finished speaking, a system prompt flashed before Xue Chengqian’s eyes once again.