Chapter 19: One Cannot Get Rich Without Sudden Windfalls

“Old soldiers never die; they merely fade away.”

These words echoed long in everyone’s hearts as Liu Wu wiped tears from the corner of his eyes. With a cheerful smile, he said, “Not bad. When I die, just bury me here. At least on holidays, someone will remember me. I won’t end up a lonely restless spirit.”

The others looked at the massive stone, feeling as if a root had grown deep within their hearts, merging with the very soil beneath their feet. The departed are gone like flowing water, but those who live must go on living.

Inside the military tent, everyone stood before Lin Shize, including the severely wounded soldiers who were carried in. Lin Shize held the military merit register and addressed them: “For each brother who fell in battle, their family will receive fifty taels of silver as compensation. From now on, their families are ours to care for.”

“They will be supported by the army, and children who wish to enlist will be given priority.”

“For the severely wounded, each will receive twenty-five taels of silver. Those disabled and unable to fight again who wish to leave will be given additional funds, while those who choose to stay will be assigned positions.”

“For the lightly wounded, each will receive five taels of silver as compensation.”

“Next, rewards will be distributed according to military merit.”

Upon hearing about the merit-based rewards, Liu Wu immediately sprang forward, eyes full of expectation as he looked at Lin Shize.

“Chief, how exactly will the rewards be given?”

Others gathered around too, knowing well that Lin Shize would not shortchange them.

Lin Shize brought out a chest of silver, and with a clatter, poured the ingots onto the table.

The shining silver bars glittered brilliantly, making everyone’s mouths dry with anticipation.

What could be more compelling than silver?

One soldier couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the silver, only to be slapped away by Liu Wu.

“Damn it! Have you forgotten the rules? Line up properly! Anyone who refuses to queue today won’t get a single coin.”

With that, Liu Wu took the lead towards the end of the line.

Lin Shize was pleased with Liu Wu’s behavior—some rules must be observed, and Liu Wu was just the man to enforce them.

Goudan, Dahǔ, Zhao Tai, Li Gui, and Chen Xin all followed Liu Wu obediently.

Zhou Kai and Zheng Yi glanced around before reluctantly lining up behind Chen Xin.

The soldier who had tried to touch the silver was first in line.

Seeing his awkwardness, Lin Shize smiled and said, “Take the silver. This is what you have earned.”

The soldier grinned from ear to ear and shouted, “Thank you, Chief!”

After all soldiers received their silver, Lin Shize began the merit rewards starting with Liu Wu.

“Chen Xin, Zhao Dahǔ, Liu Wu, you performed excellently this time. Each of you will receive fifty taels of silver. Your subordinates or comrades in your unit will each receive two taels.”

Liu Wu rubbed his hands together excitedly. “Chief, you think we made great achievements this time, right?”

Lin Shize replied, “Of course. I’ll write a military report later. Tomorrow morning, you must send it promptly to the main camp.”

Goudan added, “Chief, after killing so many Mongrel bandits this time, aren’t you going to be promoted to commander?”

“That’s right, a proper officer commanding five hundred men.”

Hearing this, everyone began to imagine following Lin Shize as he led armies to conquer the world.

To rise from a mere soldier to a commander in just a month—Lin Shize might be the only one in the entire Great Qi capable of such a feat.

Lin Shize laughed and scolded, “Enough nonsense. Go get some rest.”

Once everyone left, Lin Shize collapsed heavily onto his bed. Today had truly worn him out.

This expedition had been perilous; he had thought it would be a simple anti-bandit operation.

Unexpectedly, they encountered the Mongrel people—twenty-five of them in total.

Fortunately, they were well-prepared. The devastating power of the trident arrows was beyond expectations, and the soldiers, after days of training, showed great courage.

Combined with Lin Shize’s meticulous planning, they had seized the convoy with only narrow escapes.

Thinking of the grain, Lin Shize’s gaze darkened. He had initially thought the convoy carried only supplies.

To his surprise, inspections revealed thirteen full carts of rice seeds—of excellent quality.

Those damned traitors! The Mongrels were nomads with little arable land.

Their main objective in attacking Longdong was to turn it into their grain-producing territory.

Once they captured Longdong, along with these seeds, the Mongrels’ overall national strength would rise even further—posing a grave threat to Great Qi’s very existence.

Yet now the supplies were in his hands. They would see what the Mongrels would do next.

Over forty men had been wounded or killed in this campaign, all bearing injuries. Thinking of the eight fallen soldiers, Lin Shize felt a pain so deep it almost took his breath away.

War always demands lives, but comrades once close had now become cold corpses. No one’s heart could remain unmoved.

Victory for one general costs a thousand bones.

When Lin Shize opened his eyes again, it was already afternoon.

Hearing movement in the tent, Zhao Dahǔ entered holding the ledger.

“Chief, I’ve finished tallying. The Mongrels yielded three thousand taels of silver, plus two thousand five hundred thirteen taels from the bandits—a total of five thousand five hundred thirteen taels.”

“Damn! Over five thousand taels!” Even Lin Shize, prepared as he was, was stunned by the sum.

Not only Lin Shize but even Dahǔ himself counted it over ten times, checked thrice, and spent an hour confirming there was no mistake.

Lin Shize sat astride his chair, feeling like a true landlord and wealthy man—ready to spend lavishly.

“First, purchase supplies and ensure everyone’s needs are met.”

Dahǔ jotted it down, then paused. “Chief, does that include the common people too?”

Lin Shize waved his hand. “Everyone! Without exception!”

“Second, recruit soldiers—combat troops, auxiliaries, laborers. As many as we can get. We must build up the valley.”

“Third, hire craftsmen—blacksmiths, stonemasons, carpenters—any skilled workers. I can afford to pay them.”

With so much to rebuild, Lin Shize knew talent was essential to developing his forces.

Silver in hand was just a stone; it had to be transformed into usable power.

In this age without technology, talent was the foundation of all progress.

Just a while ago, he had worried about going hungry, and now he was spending money like a capitalist tycoon.

As Lin Shize dreamed of a bright future, Liu Wu called from outside the tent, “Chief, Feng Mu is here.”

Outside the camp, Feng Mu looked around at the military encampment, puzzled. When had this camp been established? Why had he never known?

Seeing Lin Shize emerge, he immediately put on a smile and approached.

“Lin Baifu, when did you return? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Lin Shize laughed heartily, cupping his hands. “Lord Feng, I just got back myself. I wanted to send word about the successful elimination of the Gushan bandits, but didn’t expect you to arrive first.”

Hearing Lin Shize mention wiping out the bandits, Feng Mu’s heart skipped a beat, and he stumbled slightly.

Quick as a flash, Lin Shize caught him, concern etched on his face.

“Lord Feng, what’s wrong?”