You were tasked with guarding the Sihang Warehouse, and you brought out a Tiger tank?

On the morning of July 5th, the gates of the security regiment's residence were opened.

On the temporarily cleared parade ground, more than 300 militiamen were lined up in four square formations. Although the formations were still a bit crooked, at least they were all standing straight.

He carried a gleaming Hanyang rifle on his shoulder, even though most of the rifling was almost worn away.

But after a week of training, these militiamen at least understood what discipline meant, and their morale was quite good.

Zhao Dashan stood in front of the formation with several instructors, his face stern, his gaze sweeping over each soldier.

No one dared to make a move.

Just after nine o'clock in the morning, several horse-drawn carriages and sedan chairs stopped one after another at the entrance of the camp.

County Magistrate Chen Wenkang, several section chiefs from the county government, the police chief, and more than a dozen prominent gentry from Qing County all came.

There were even three Japanese merchants dressed in suits, with mustaches and accents, who were selling cloth in the county town and had signs for "Mitsui & Co." and "Daimaru & Co."

Wang Fuhai walked at the front, wearing a dark blue satin long gown, twirling a walnut in his hand, with a warm smile on his face.

He was accompanied by a young man in his early twenties, wearing a crisp shirt.

It was Wang Wenbo, the third young master of the Wang family, who had just returned from graduating from the Japanese Army Officer Academy.

Lin Feng stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "County Magistrate Chen, Mr. Wang, and esteemed local gentry, welcome, welcome. I am truly unworthy of your presence and gratitude."

County Magistrate Chen smiled and waved his hand: "Commander Lin has done a great job in suppressing bandits and protecting the peace of this area. It's only right that we come to see him."

Wang Fuhai also smiled and said, "Yes, Commander Lin has worked hard. These brothers have also worked hard."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the militiamen lined up on the playground.

The ranks were neat and the military appearance was acceptable.

Wang Wenbo frowned slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the faces of the militiamen.

He noticed that although the soldiers stood straight, there was no murderous intent in their eyes; they looked tense, and their hands holding their guns were trembling.

This doesn't look like a unit that has just fought a fierce battle and wiped out hundreds of bandits.

They looked more like a group of new recruits, temporarily brought out to fill in.

Could it be... that Lin Feng's elite troops were really wiped out at Erlong Mountain?

Are the rest all newly recruited soldiers?

Wang Wenbo's heart skipped a beat. He leaned close to his father's ear and said in a very low voice, "Dad, these soldiers have never been on the battlefield."

Wang Fuhai's eyes flickered, but his smile remained unchanged. He replied in a low voice, "I can see that."

The two exchanged a knowing glance.

They were overjoyed.

If Lin Feng's elite troops were truly wiped out, then these remaining militiamen would be nothing more than a rabble.

It disintegrates with a single flush!

I feel more confident about the plan now.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone was invited to a makeshift shelter.

Several square tables were put together, and tea, fruits, and other refreshments were laid out on them. Lin Feng had paid for them all. Although they were a bit expensive, people were bringing him money, so he couldn't lose face.

Wang Fuhai took the seat of honor without hesitation, cleared his throat, and stood up:

"Gentlemen, we have gathered here today for one purpose: to reward our hero of Qing County, Commander Lin Feng, and all the brothers of the Security Regiment."

His voice was loud and clear, quite infectious:

"The bandits of Erlong Mountain had been causing havoc for many years, kidnapping and extorting money, committing all sorts of atrocities. Commander Lin was appointed to lead his troops to suppress the bandits in a time of crisis, and wiped out their stronghold in one fell swoop, eliminating a major scourge for Qing County."

"Such achievements deserve recognition, and the brothers of the security regiment who shed blood and sacrificed their lives should also be compensated."

As he spoke, he pulled a thick red envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Lin Feng with both hands:

"Commander Lin, this is a small token of our Wang family's appreciation, three thousand yuan in legal tender, intended as a form of compensation and reward. Please accept it with a smile."

Lin Feng accepted it with both hands, deliberately showing a look of gratitude on his face:

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind. It's our duty as the security force to protect the territory and its people. This money... on behalf of the families of our fallen brothers, I thank you, Mr. Wang."

He turned around, faced the crowd, and said loudly:

"Mr. Wang has generously donated three thousand yuan in legal tender. I propose we all applaud Mr. Wang's righteous act!"

clap clap-

applause.

But the expressions on the faces of the other gentry were quite interesting.

Three thousand yuan?

That old fox Wang Fuhai is usually so stingy, why is he being so generous today?

And...donate legal tender directly?

Although the current legal tender has only been issued for a short time and its credibility is still acceptable, it is not as substantial as the silver dollar.

Is he really donating, or is he just putting on a show?

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, but since Wang Fuhai had already taken the lead, they couldn't disobey.

The fat gentry was the second to stand up and pull out a red envelope:

"I will donate... 1,500 yuan in legal tender."

The tall, thin landlord chimed in, "I'll donate twelve hundred dollars."

"I'll donate one thousand yuan."

"I have eight hundred..."

Lin Feng smiled throughout, accepting each gift and repeatedly saying "thank you" and "kind deed."

But inwardly, he sneered.

He could see the expressions on these people's faces clearly.

It hurts, I hesitate, but I dare not not donate.

Why?

Because Wang Fuhai took the lead in donating.

Because the security regiment had just wiped out Erlong Mountain, their military power was at its peak.

Because they are afraid.

They were afraid that Lin Feng would bring up old grievances and cause trouble.

In Qing County, the gentry appear to be united on the surface, but in reality, they each harbor their own ulterior motives.

Wang Fuhai wanted to be a local tyrant, and others either had to submit to him or outwardly comply while inwardly resisting him.

Now that Wang Fuhai has backed down, the others naturally have to follow suit.

The donation drive ended quickly.

Lin Feng instructed Zhao Dashan to count and summarize the items on the spot.

"Reporting to the leader, the total donations amount to 12,000 yuan in legal tender and 3,000 silver dollars."

Fifteen thousand yuan.

Not a lot.

Lin Feng's smile widened: "Thank you again for your generosity, gentlemen. I will use this money wisely to provide relief to our fallen brothers, improve their meals, and replenish their ammunition."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd:

"The security team will work even harder in the future to ensure the safety of Qing County."

Applause erupted again.

But this time, it was rather sparse.

Following the donation ceremony was a simple "inspection".

The soldiers marched in formation past the pavilion. Although their steps were not synchronized, at least no one moved in unison.

Wang Wenbo kept staring at it, and the more he looked, the more certain he became.

These soldiers have absolutely never fought a battle.

Lin Feng's elite troops are definitely gone.

He leaned close to his father's ear again:

"Father, we can start tomorrow night. With a heavy machine gun and a grenade launcher, these local militiamen will be forced to herd sheep."

Wang Fuhai nodded slightly, his smile unchanged.

At noon, Lin Feng set up five tables for a banquet at the camp.

The dishes weren't lavish, but there was plenty of alcohol.

Wang Fuhai, County Chief Chen, and others sat at the main table, with Lin Feng accompanying them.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Wang Fuhai, holding a wine glass, repeatedly toasted Lin Feng:

"Commander Lin is young and promising; he will surely achieve great things in the future."

"With Commander Lin in Qing County, we can rest easy."

Other gentry echoed this sentiment, showering the issue with compliments.

Lin Feng responded with a smile, saying he would welcome anyone who came.

His gaze occasionally met Wang Fuhai's.

Both of them smiled very sincerely.

Wang Fuhai thought to himself:

Laugh, Lin Feng.

I'll leave that 3000 yuan with you for now.

Once the Japanese devils' promised ronin and weapons arrive, your security regiment, including its money and men, will all be mine.

Lin Feng thought to himself:

Laugh now. Once I've used this money to build up my army and have the power to protect myself, I'll expose your letters about colluding with Erlongshan and the Japanese, and bring the county magistrate along to bring you down.

-----

The donation ceremony ended amicably.

As evening fell, Lin Feng stood at the entrance of the command post, watching Zhao Dashan and his men unload several heavy wooden crates from the carriage. When the crates were opened, the white silver dollars gleamed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

"Commander, as you instructed, I went to the Qingxian branch of the Bank of Communications this afternoon and exchanged all 12,000 yuan in legal tender."

Zhao Dashan wiped his sweat, a smile on his face:

"The bank manager was initially reluctant, saying that withdrawing such a large sum at once required an appointment. I said, 'This is the security regiment's money; if it delays military operations, can you take responsibility?' He immediately backed down."

Lin Feng nodded: "What's the exchange rate?"

"It's alright. The legal tender was only recently issued, so its credibility is pretty good. One legal tender is worth one silver dollar, so there's basically no discount. It's just that the verification process took a bit of work."

As Zhao Dashan spoke, he pointed to the box.

Lin Feng squatted down and grabbed a handful.

The silver coins were cold and heavy, and they clinked together with a crisp sound.

well.

He stood up and dusted off his hands:

"Set aside two thousand silver dollars for the compensation of the fallen soldiers and to improve their meals. Take the rest into my house."

Most soldiers in the security regiments only received 3-5 yuan a month in military pay, so they didn't need much in compensation.

To earn the same salary as a factory worker in Shanghai by serving in the military, one generally had to reach the rank of officer or join the Central Army.

Divisions like the 36th, 87th, and 88th received double pay, even for the lowest-ranking soldiers. New recruits received 10 silver dollars a month in military pay.

Zhao Dashan didn't ask any questions about Lin Feng's request and directed the soldiers to carry the boxes into the command post.

Lin Feng followed him into the house and closed the door.

He took a deep breath and connected his mind to the system.

"System, recharge."

[Calculation in progress...]

[Earned Exchange Points: 260]

Current exchange points: 287

Counting the days, it's early July. According to the original owner's memories, the security regiment's pay was issued on the 8th of each month, although it was often delayed, but nominally it was on that day.

The military pay was issued by the provincial security command and usually went through the county.

And today is the 5th.

Just right.

All in!

"System, exchange for 20 basic National Army infantry squads."

"Exchange for 6 basic National Army heavy machine gun squads".

"Exchange for 4 basic National Army grenade launcher sets".

[Redeem successful.]

Total points consumed: 244

[Remaining Exchange Points: 43]

The moment the thought landed, the light and shadow on the open ground outside the command post distorted slightly.

Two hundred and eighty-four fully armed soldiers were already lined up in neat rows.

There was no commotion, no chaos.

Lin Feng pushed open the door and went out.

Under the setting sun, the newly redeemed soldiers stood quietly, their uniforms brand new and their guns gleaming.

Including his existing troops, he now has four fully-equipped infantry companies.

In addition, he had his own three M2HB heavy machine gun squads, three engineer squads, and two infantry squads.

Not counting the more than 300 regimental soldiers who are still training, there are more than 600 troops just from the system exchange.

Well-equipped and highly trained.

In terms of heavy weaponry, there were 12 heavy machine guns, 8 grenade launchers, and 3 Lao Gan Ma (a type of firearm). This firepower was no less than that of a reinforced battalion of the White Party Central Army.

After all, Chu Yunfei's regiment had artillery and cavalry, making them better equipped than even a German-equipped division.

In Qing County, their current strength is enough to make them completely invincible.

A surge of heroic spirit welled up in Lin Feng's heart.

That's more like it.