Chapter 20: Secretly Buying Off the Soldiers

Ever since he followed the migration to the Southern Border, this orphan had finally found a home. He had even inherited a grand residence. Fang Da was now utterly devoted to Fang Han. Seeing Fang Da’s smug expression, the others felt a surge of suppressed frustration.

"We await your orders, my lord!" the group said in unison.

Fang Han took several gold ingots from his sleeve, placed them on the table, and said in a deep voice, "I want you to win over the new soldiers and laborers. Promise them great rewards—land, houses, and a better life. Gradually bring them under your command!"

Their eyes lit up. This was a golden opportunity to expand their own influence while simultaneously growing Fang Han’s power. Fang Da had been temporarily appointed commander of the City Defense Battalion due to his imposing stature, a fact that had left the others feeling somewhat resentful. Now, they finally had the chance to build their own forces.

"Rest assured, my lord, I will complete the task! I’ll make sure Fang Da sees who is truly fit to be a commander!" Fang Wu declared, blunt and eager. The others were not to be outdone, each pledging to fulfill the mission.

After seeing them out, a sharp glint flashed in Fang Han's eyes. Xiyun County? They were nothing more than a nest of bandits. Soldiers in such a den could never be truly united. As long as they were offered sufficient benefits and hope, they could be steadily recruited and put to his own use.

Late that night, the watchman’s clappers echoed through the city, and the lights in the capital gradually dimmed. Only the City Defense Battalion remained brightly lit, owing to the arrival of the new recruits. Fang Wu, the captain of the West Gate, walked straight into the barracks. Inside, the new soldiers were huddled together, whispering. Only one man sat alone in a corner, far from the rest. Fang Wu noticed him, walked over, and sat down casually.

He pulled a wineskin from his robes and offered it to the soldier beside him. "Brother, care for a drink?"

The soldier hesitated, then took the skin and had a swig. The spicy liquor slid down his throat, sharpening his senses. "My thanks, brother."

Fang Wu patted his shoulder and smiled. "We’re all brothers here, why be so formal? I’m Fang Wu, the commander of the West City."

The soldier looked puzzled. Wasn't there only one commander for the entire battalion? He had heard upon arrival that the commander was a man named Fang Da. Why was there a "West City Commander" now?

If there was a West City Commander, were there also commanders for the South and North?

"My respects to Commander Fang."

Fang Wu gestured toward the West Gate. "You might not know, brother, but the West City is just one part of the defense. I am responsible for its security. You look unfamiliar—a new arrival?" He casually placed some roasted meat between them. "I suppose you haven't tasted the delicacies of our capital yet."

The soldier swallowed hard at the sight of the meat; prey had become scarce around Xiyun County, and he hadn't seen meat in a long time. Flattered by the invitation, he hesitated, then carefully tore off a piece and ate it. He took another pull from the wineskin, the spicy alcohol helping him relax.

"Commander Fang has a keen eye. I am indeed from Xiyun County."

Fang Wu observed the soldier’s expression calmly. "Xiyun County is a fine place. Though it’s occupied by bandits, the Chief offered to help the capital develop. He must have been a decent man before he turned to banditry." He narrowed his eyes slightly, testing the waters.

The soldier gave a low scoff. "A decent man? How can there be decent men among bandits?" He paused, seemingly hesitating to speak further.

Fang Wu caught the shift immediately and realized this soldier harbored resentment toward Xiyun County.

"Xiyun County is strong and populous. The Chief sent over a thousand laborers in one go. Truth be told, brother," Fang Wu said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening, "if I hadn't been forced into this, I might have wanted to serve as a soldier in Xiyun County myself. Men like us, aren't we all just looking for a meal?"

The soldier looked at Fang Wu’s earnest face and sighed.

"What do you mean by that?" Fang Wu asked.

The soldier lowered his voice further. "Don't be fooled by the strength of Xiyun County, brother. The taxes are heavier every year, and the life of the common folk grows harder. In these chaotic times, who would choose to be a soldier if they weren't on the verge of starvation?" He clenched his fists, a flash of anger in his eyes. It was because of those crushing taxes that his entire family had starved to death, which was why he had become a soldier in the first place. The dim firelight in the barracks cast shadows on his face, deepening his bitterness.

Fang Wu feigned surprise. "What? Is that true? Then why does Xiyun County have so many laborers?"

The soldier sneered. "Why else? To expand their military and scheme for even greater things!" He looked up, his gaze icy. "I’ve heard he plans to gradually control the capital, and perhaps even the entire Southern Border!"

The soldier spoke, nervously watching Fang Wu’s reaction. He didn't know if this commander was recruiting him or testing him. If it was recruitment, he had to seize the chance. He had heard that the capital operated on a system of reward for merit. Work hard, and you get rewarded—with land, housing, and even status. Since becoming a soldier, he had realized that everything in this world was empty; only power was real. If he had become a soldier or an officer sooner, perhaps his family wouldn't have starved.

Fang Wu acted shocked, slapping his thigh. "Control the capital? Are you certain? If this is true, I must report it to the Protector at once." He stood up and paced, the atmosphere suddenly tense.

Seeing Fang Wu’s reaction, the soldier felt a bit more at ease. "These are just rumors among the soldiers; no one dares to speak of it openly."

Fang Wu stopped and patted the soldier’s shoulder earnestly. "True or not, I will report this to the Protector. If it is true, you shall be handsomely rewarded."

A flicker of intense longing flashed in the soldier’s eyes.

Over the following period, such recruitment efforts became common throughout the City Defense Battalion. A few days later, Fang Yuan gathered the 182 men who had secretly agreed to defect and reported to Fang Han.

"My lord, the men have made contact with over two hundred people, and one hundred and eighty-two are willing to serve us."

Fang Han had not expected nearly one-fifth of the thousand-man contingent to be willing to defect. He immediately realized there was significant padding in the numbers. His own men would not lie, which meant only one thing: some of those soldiers were being dishonest.