Kill the enemy and get a wife? I'll single-handedly slaughter my way through the Northern Barba

Seeing the once high and mighty leader of the Green Snake Society crying so pathetically, Lin Feng felt no pity whatsoever.

He continued asking the remaining questions until Lu Qingqing was nearly driven to a mental breakdown before finally ordering her to be sent back to prison...

The next morning, inside the General's Mansion.

Zhang Liao was wearing a heavy outer robe, and even though the room was warm, it was difficult to dispel the chill in his bones.

He squinted, his expression extremely complex.

"Four years... The Northern Barbarian Grand Preceptor actually planted a pawn in Zhenyuan City four years ago. What a deep and cunning mind!"

Zhenyuan City is located in the central part of Youzhou and is the last solid barrier protecting the capital.

Once the city falls, the north lies the flat plains of Youzhou, with no more natural defenses to be found!

This means that the Northern Barbarian National Preceptor had foreseen four years ago that the Great Qian territory south of Zhenyuan City would eventually be trampled by the Northern Barbarian cavalry.

Su Mo nodded slightly: "The Northern Barbarians' southward advance is unstoppable, having conquered Shuo and Feng provinces in succession. This must be the Northern Barbarian National Preceptor secretly plotting this."

"It is likely that his disciples were secretly plotting the fall of those dozen or so fortified cities one after another."

The battles in Shuo and Feng prefectures were fierce, and much battlefield intelligence could not be fully transmitted back.

Looking back now, besides the Northern Barbarian army's bravery and skill in battle, secret guard commanders like Lu Qingqing must have played a significant role.

Lin Feng bowed and reported, "General, Lord Su, I have tested her and found that Lu Qingqing and the Northern Barbarian National Preceptor have a deep bond. Therefore, I did not torture her, partly to spare her life, which may serve as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with the Northern Barbarians."

A faint smile crossed Zhang Liao's pale face: "Lin Feng, you've done very well! Currently, many of our Great Qian's officers and soldiers have been captured by the Northern Barbarians, and the court is worried about having no bargaining chips."

"Lu Qingqing is not a bad candidate."

"Moreover, you thoroughly investigated this case in less than five days; I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

After a pause, Zhang Liao turned to Zhang Lu and ordered, "Go and fetch the suit of armor that I have treasured!"

"yes!"

Zhang Lu accepted the order and withdrew.

Upon hearing this, Lü Zheng's expression immediately became complicated.

There was surprise, envy, and a hint of barely perceptible jealousy.

He was naturally aware of the origin of that armor and understood its significance.

Despite his jealousy, Lü Zheng had already accepted Zhang Liao's high regard for and cultivation of Lin Feng.

Having spent more time with Lin Feng these past few days, he increasingly felt that this kid was no ordinary person!

Before long, Zhang Lu returned carrying a peach wood box and placed it heavily on the ground.

Lifting the lid of the box, a set of dark iron armor lay quietly inside.

Although it looks quite old, with scratches and marks all over its body, it is very well maintained.

The repaired nail plates blend seamlessly with the original nail.

Moreover, each nail leaf was glossy and shiny, which showed how much its owner cherished it.

"My lord, what is this?"

Lin Feng, as a commander of a thousand, was not qualified to wear armor of this grade.

According to custom, only deputy generals were entitled to receive high-quality iron armor bestowed by the imperial court.

Zhang Liao coughed lightly and pointed to the armor, saying, "Back when I was first promoted to deputy general, I followed General Lu in his campaign in the northwest. Because of my merit in breaking through enemy lines and killing enemies, the general bestowed this suit of armor upon me."

"It's been about twenty years now."

"Lin Feng, today I bestow this armor upon you!"

He gazed intently at Lin Feng, his eyes filled with expectation: "I hope you will be dutiful, loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and safeguard Zhenyuan City for His Majesty!"

Lin Feng was deeply moved, feeling both the weight of the armor and Zhang Liao's high regard for him. He immediately knelt on one knee: "Lin Feng thanks General Zhang for his reward! I am willing to defend the Great Qian against the enemy, even at the cost of my life!"

Zhang Liao's intentions were crystal clear—by bestowing the armor upon Lin Feng, he was announcing to everyone that he would dedicate himself to nurturing Lin Feng.

Su Mo stood to the side, a smile on her face.

He naturally understood Zhang Liao's intentions.

Among the younger generation of the Zhenyuan Army, Lin Feng, Lü Zheng, and others are all outstanding.

Lin Feng, in terms of martial arts, strategy, and military command, is slightly superior to Lü Zheng and others.

Choosing him is undoubtedly the best solution!

"Rise, no need for such formalities!"

Zhang Liao waved his hand and asked again, "How's the situation with the Wang family?"

Lin Feng took out a document from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"General, Wang Xin, the head of the Wang family, is willing to donate all his family's assets in Zhenyuan City to help our army defend the city."

"Moreover, he was willing to take his eldest son, Wang Qian, back to the ancestral home of the Wang family in Ruzhou to guard the graves for three years to reflect on his mistakes and repent."

"His second son, Wang Ling, is willing to join the army and serve in order to ask the general to forgive Wang Qian's crime."

Upon hearing this, Bian Xi sneered, "Hmph! Wang Xin is indeed decisive! But their Wang family helped the Green Serpent Society disrupt the situation and almost cost the general his life. How can they be let off so easily?"

"This humble general requests permission to execute the entire Wang family as a warning to others!"

Upon hearing this, officers such as Lü Zheng echoed his sentiments.

"General, the Wang family must not be let off lightly!"

"Father, the Wang family has committed grave sins and deserves to be executed!"

Zhang Liao remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly: "Since I was ordered to guard Zhenyuan City in a time of crisis, Wang Xin has devoted himself to supporting the resistance against the barbarians. Silver and supplies have never been interrupted, and he has been very kind to my Zhenyuan Army."

"He was originally a good minister, but unfortunately his eldest son was foolish and made a grave mistake."

"Considering the Wang family's past contributions and the fact that Wang Qian was indeed unaware of the situation, we shall grant Wang Xin's request!"

Seeing that the generals still had objections, Zhang Liao waved his hand: "You don't need to say anything more! Even if the Wang family doesn't get involved, the Green Snake Society will still cause trouble."

Then, he looked at Lin Feng and said, "Lin Feng, Wang Ling will now be under your command and at your beck and call!"

"Yes, sir!"

Lin Feng bowed in acceptance, and the scene of seeing Wang Ling in the public prison the previous night involuntarily surfaced in his mind—

Moonlight streamed into the cell through the narrow window. Lin Feng stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes meeting Wang Ling's.

"The second young master insists on seeing me alone; what is the matter?"

Wang Ling took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Lin Feng: "Wang Ling, the second son of the Wang family, begs Lord Lin to spare the Wang family's life! Wang Ling is willing to serve you like a dog!"

Lin Feng raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Does the Second Young Master think that a mere commander like myself has the ability to protect your entire Wang family?"

"The Wang family committed a serious crime; Second Young Master, you think far too highly of me!"

Wang Ling stiffened, but still maintained the posture of bowing. His knees buckled, and he knelt directly on the ground.

"Lord Lin is a man highly regarded by General Zhang, and also the victim of this kidnapping of his bride."

"I dare not ask you, sir, to speak well of the royal family; I only ask that you remain neutral in front of the general."

"The general will surely forgive us, considering the past relationship between the Wang family and us."

After a pause, he offered the Wang family's bargaining chip: "My father is willing to donate all the properties in Zhenyuan City to support the army in fighting the enemy. He and my elder brother will return to Ruzhou to guard the ancestral graves for three years to reflect on their actions."

Lin Feng looked at him with some surprise and said, "Patriarch Wang is indeed willing to sacrifice his family business for his life, but..."

He abruptly changed his tone, his voice turning icy: "Why should I remain neutral? Why should I help you?"

"Second Young Master, I was almost killed by your Wang family's plot to kidnap me. If you were in my shoes, would you have let it go?"

Wang Ling's forehead was covered in cold sweat. He had expected that Lin Feng would not give in easily. He gritted his teeth and revealed his last bargaining chip.

"It is only natural that you, sir, hate my Wang family."

"From this day forward, Wang Ling is willing to serve under you, sir, and follow you through thick and thin, to atone for the sins of the Wang family!"

Hearing this, Lin Feng suddenly laughed: "Second Young Master wants to serve me? Hmm, you seem a bit more clever than your elder brother, but... not enough!"

Wang Ling took a deep breath and said resolutely, "My abilities are shallow, and I dare not ask for your forgiveness on my own."

"Therefore, all the properties that my Wang family has acquired in Ruzhou over the years will be given to you."

Lin Feng's eyes lit up slightly, showing interest: "Oh? What industry?"

"Three superior estates, an iron mine, a caravan, and five shops will all be transferred to your wife's name, sir."

"According to my calculations, these industries can bring you nearly 50,000 taels of silver in revenue each year!"

He kowtowed deeply, pleading, "I beg you, sir, to accept me, forgive the Wang family, and give us a way to live!"

Lin Feng remained silent, pondering the pros and cons.

Is it to completely eradicate the Wang family to vent one's hatred?

Or should we accept the benefits and gain another capable person?

Wang Ling knelt on the ground, his forehead soaked with sweat.

He was gambling, betting everything the Wang family had on a way to survive.

If the bet is successful, the Wang family can survive, and he can also use Lin Feng's platform to make a name for himself!

If you lose the bet, your entire family will be executed!

This is the Wang family's path to survival, and even more so, it's a huge gamble for Wang Ling's own life!

After an unknown amount of time, so long that Wang Ling's arms began to tremble slightly, Lin Feng slowly bent down and helped him up.

"I happen to be short of someone who can read and write. From now on, you will be one hundred households under my command."

"Remember this! If one day you ever harbor evil intentions like your brother, I will personally wipe out your entire Wang family!"

Wang Ling's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, suddenly settled, and his eyes welled up with wild joy. He kowtowed again, saying, "Wang Ling will never dare to betray you, my lord! Thank you for your grace!"