After Transmigration, I Traded a Coin for a Peerless Wife and Conquered the Chaotic World - Chapter 50:

Chapter 50: Courtesy Before Force

“I saw your tent was still lit this late, so I came by to check,” Xu Chong said with a chuckle. “Lin Feng, are you planning something?”

As a seasoned Deputy General, nicknamed the little Zhuge of the army, Xu Chong could easily tell that Lin Feng and his men were up to something important.

Lin Feng smiled wryly and didn’t bother to hide it. He explained the plan in detail from beginning to end.

After listening, Xu Chong was stunned and stared at him in disbelief. “Lin Feng, you’ve got some guts! Dressing soldiers as bandits? If this leaks, not just you—even General Pan could be implicated!”

Lin Feng grinned, “Brother Xu, if you don’t say anything and I don’t say anything, who would know?”

Xu Chong sighed. Truthfully, no matter the outcome, since he was in charge of coordinating with the government office, he was bound to find out anyway.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Chong said, “Still, I think we should try diplomacy before force. If Magistrate Liu is willing to contact the city’s wealthy merchants and help rebuild the garrison defenses, there’ll be no need to take extreme measures.”

Lin Feng’s face instantly turned sour. That old fox Liu Hong? Everyone in Fengshui County knew what sort of person he was. Even the leftovers from his meals had to be sold for silver. Help rebuild the garrison? Impossible.

Before Lin Feng could respond, Xu Chong added, “How about this? Tomorrow morning, come with me to the government office. Let’s see Magistrate Liu and test the attitude of the wealthy families. If they refuse to give even one copper coin, then we’ll proceed with our original plan.”

Lin Feng finally relaxed. In his view, there was no way Liu Hong would part with any silver unless the sun rose in the west.

Xu Chong said, “It’s late. Go rest.”

After speaking, he turned and left. Lin Feng quickly stood up to see him off.

Just as they stepped out, Xu Chong turned back and asked, “Lin Feng, about Wang Erhu—why did you kill him? Even if that matter has been glossed over, he still died by your hand. General Pan will need an explanation.”

Lin Feng nodded. He knew he couldn’t avoid this issue, but now he had the authority to speak for himself. When Wang Erhu was alive, he didn’t fear him—let alone now.

“Wang Erhu sent men to seize and defile my dear wife. Later, he tried to kill me during the chaos of battle. I had no choice but to retaliate.”

Xu Chong’s expression changed, and after a moment, his eyes narrowed sharply.

“So, you really killed Song Chun and the others?”

Lin Feng nodded helplessly.

Xu Chong looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh, then turned to look at Lin Feng with a bitter smile.

“Lin Feng, your courage really defies the heavens. A regular soldier dared to kill a Decurion’s guards, and even the Decurion himself? It’s lucky I never offended you.”

Lin Feng scratched his head and chuckled, “Brother Xu, you’re a righteous man. You’re not the same as those dogs.”

Xu Chong gave him a playful punch on the chest and laughed, “Smooth talker! Black becomes white with that mouth of yours. Alright, this matter ends here. Get some rest and don’t delay tomorrow’s work.”

Lin Feng nodded and returned to his tent.

Under the moonlight, Xu Chong muttered to himself, “This kid isn’t just brave—he’s clever too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up surpassing General Pan someday…”

…

Early the next morning, Lin Feng put on his Centurion armor and waited at the barracks gate. Once Xu Chong arrived, the two took a dozen attendants and headed toward the government office.

When they arrived, they dismounted. Several yamen runners immediately came forward.

One of them ran ahead to report, “Deputy General Xu Chong and Centurion Lin Feng from the Yan Pass garrison request an audience with the magistrate!”

Before long, County Magistrate Liu Hong came out with his son Liu Long and County Constable Zhang Tianlang.

Liu Hong maintained the dignity of a magistrate. Even when he saw Lin Feng, his expression remained calm.

Zhang Tianlang and Liu Long, however, glared at Lin Feng, cursing him silently. Why was this pest here again?

Sensing the tension, Xu Chong quickly stepped forward with a smile.

“Magistrate Liu, Constable Zhang, Young Master Liu, allow me to introduce Centurion Lin Feng of the Yan Pass garrison.”

Lin Feng stepped up and respectfully cupped his hands. “Lin Feng greets the Magistrate and Constable.”

Liu Long scoffed, “Seems like just anyone can rise these days. A bit of dog shit on your shoe and suddenly you’re leading a thousand men.”

Lin Feng calmly replied, “Young Master Liu didn’t have such luck. During the battle at Yan Pass, you were hiding in the government office. I never saw you set foot on the battlefield.”

“You—!” Liu Long was furious.

Just as he was about to lash out, Liu Hong stopped him cold. No matter Lin Feng’s past, he was now a real Centurion. Creating conflict would do more harm than good.

Liu Hong scolded, “Liu Long, that’s no way to speak to a Centurion. Apologize at once!”

Lin Feng waved his hand with a smile, “No need. I’ve met Young Master Liu before. He’s just joking with an old acquaintance.”

Zhang Tianlang quickly stepped in with a smile. “Centurion Lin is broad-minded. My young master was only jesting. Please, come in!”

Then he instructed a subordinate, “Prepare a banquet and invite the city’s prominent families to celebrate Centurion Lin’s promotion.”

The group entered the government office with smiles on their faces, though their thoughts differed.

Lin Feng was surprised. After the invitations went out, the city’s wealthy clans and merchants arrived one after another, each bearing gifts and hoping to win favor with the new Centurion.

Lin Feng remained indifferent. He simply watched as the nobles put on their performance.

A finely dressed merchant poured wine with exaggerated humility, presenting it to everyone.

Liu Hong raised his glass and stood.

“Come! Let us toast to the victory at Yan Pass, and to the brave soldiers who risked their lives to protect our city!”

Just as everyone lifted their cups, Lin Feng said calmly, “Let’s hold off on the drinks for now. Yan Pass still lies in ruin, and the garrison is in desperate need of support. Gentlemen, I’d like to hear your thoughts.”