The Prodigal Son

In just three days, the price of pepper completely collapsed.

Although many people are still unwilling to accept this and are desperately trying to raise the price of pepper, they have limited resources, while the supply of pepper on the market is increasing.

In the end, they had no choice but to surrender and began dumping their stock, hoping to minimize their losses.

This led to an increase in the amount of pepper on the market, eventually resulting in panic selling.

Pepper, which was once extremely rare, has suddenly become a commodity that even Goubuli (a famous steamed bun brand) would not bother with.

It's expensive but there's no market for it!

Even though the price of pepper has dropped from nearly forty taels per catty at its peak to five taels per catty, few people are interested in it.

Countless people lost everything in this bloodless massacre.

Some went insane, some committed suicide, some sold their children...

In the Yan state south of the Panjiang River, cries of despair filled the land.

While the bloodless massacre continued, Qin Yu and his men had already prepared for their attack.

Qin Yu and Qin Fumeng arrived in Panyang quietly under the cover of night a few days ago.

The specific battle plan has been finalized.

On the eve of the war, Qin Fumeng summoned his generals and made final war arrangements.

"Qin Yu!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"You are hereby ordered to use fireworks as a signal to lead the Wudang Flying Cavalry in a frontal breakthrough of the enemy's defenses, and then capture each prefecture! If the city is not breached before nightfall, all generals of the Wudang Flying Cavalry, numbering one thousand or more, shall be executed!"

"This subordinate obeys!"

"Liang Hongqiao, Zhang Wenda!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"I order you two to each lead 10,000 troops to attack and wipe out the enemy forces on the front lines!"

"This subordinate obeys!"

"Yuan Ji! You are hereby ordered to lead 10,000 troops and stand by to provide support!"

"Shangguan Xun! I will give you five thousand men and place you in charge of the entire army's provisions and supplies. All men in the city aged sixteen to fifty are to be conscripted to transport the grain!"

"..."

Qin Fumeng's eyes shone brightly as he issued the final battle orders.

Although Song Xian, Lü Si, Zhu Songlan, Liu Shizhao, and others would not participate in the battle, they listened in from the camp.

After everyone had received their orders, Qin Fumeng looked at Lü Si: "After dawn, you will return to the capital! You are now the Empress Dowager's adopted son; if anything happens to you, I, the commander, cannot bear the responsibility!"

"I don't!"

Lü Si refused without even thinking.

"What did you say?"

Qin Fumeng possessed an imposing presence even without anger.

Startled, Lü Si immediately put on a pitiful expression, pleading with Qin Fumeng, "Duke of Wei, please, don't make me go back! I can help transport supplies and weapons in the camp! You know my elder brother died at the hands of the Yan people, and I want to do my part to avenge him..."

While pleading, Lü Si cast pleading glances at Qin Yu and Song Xian.

From the moment he learned about the attack on Yan, he had no intention of returning to the capital.

Yes, he's no good at charging into battle!

But he can help transport grain and fodder, and he can also run errands!

Anyway, anything goes!

As long as he stays in the military.

"Duke of Wei, let him stay!"

Song Xian spoke up to persuade him: "These days, Lü Si has been studying very diligently. I can see that he truly wants to contribute to the great cause of conquering Yan."

"Give him a chance!" Qin Yu also pleaded, "His Majesty ordered me to take him under my wing this time so that he could train him properly. He himself is also willing to do so, and he will definitely do his best."

"Yes, yes!"

Lu Si nodded repeatedly, looking at Qin Fumeng pitifully once again.

Qin Fumeng pondered for a moment, then coldly looked at Lü Si: "Kneel down and beg me, and I will allow you to stay in the army!"

what?

Hearing Qin Fumeng's words, everyone was taken aback.

This……

Not so good?

Even if you don't respect the monk, you should respect the Buddha!

If Lü Si were merely Lü Chunqiu's son, kneeling before Qin Fumeng as a junior wouldn't be a big deal.

But he is now the Empress Dowager's adopted son!

Making him kneel again would be inappropriate.

A flash of anger crossed Lü Si's face. "Duke of Wei, I am the Empress Dowager's adopted son!"

"I don't care who you are!"

Qin Fumeng sneered: "In my army, even my own grandson is just a general under my command, let alone you?"

"you……"

Lu Si's face stiffened; he wanted to curse, but dared not be presumptuous.

This is Qin Fumeng!

If that old guy wants to beat him up, no one can stop him.

For a moment, Lü Si hesitated.

To kneel or not to kneel?

Seeing that Lü Si didn't make a move, Qin Fumeng waved his hand impatiently, "Alright, I see you can't bring yourself to do this! Get lost!"

Lu Si struggled continuously, hesitated for a moment, then stiffened his neck and growled, "I'll kneel!"

With that, Lü Si made a snap decision and suddenly knelt down on the ground.

Just as he bent his knees, Qin Fumeng suddenly waved his hand.

The next moment, an invisible force supported Lü Si.

"Duke of Wei, what...does this mean?"

Lu Si looked at Qin Fumeng blankly.

"Testing your resolve!"

Qin Yu gave his answer with a smile.

"right!"

Qin Fumeng nodded and smiled, "This commander doesn't want someone who acts impulsively!"

Lu Si was surprised, then took a step back and bowed respectfully: "Thank you, Duke of Wei!"

"No need for thanks!"

Qin Fu waved his hand dismissively. "Listen to me, this is the military. I don't care whose adopted son you are! Anyone who dares to disobey military orders will be dealt with according to military law!"

"yes!"

Lü Si suddenly straightened up.

Qin Fumeng pointed at Lü Si and Zhu Songlan, his gaze falling on Shangguan Xun: "I'm handing these two over to you! How you use them is up to you!"

Shangguan Xun nodded slightly.

"Song Xian!"

Qin Fumeng turned to Song Xian, "The administration of Panyang is now in your hands! Large quantities of grain will be transported over soon, and your primary task is to assist Shangguan Xun in ensuring the army's food supply! If there are any problems with the grain, I won't give your father any face!"

Song Xian solemnly replied, "Rest assured, Duke of Wei, I will do my utmost!"

After handing over all the instructions, Qin Fumeng said sternly, "I'll give you all one last reminder: the court has made so much effort. If we still can't win this battle, you might as well all find a secluded place and slit your own throats!"

"yes!"

Everyone accepted the order.

"Alright, everyone go and get ready!"

Qin Fu waved his hand, "Qin Yu, stay!"

Everyone immediately took their leave, leaving only the grandfather and grandson inside the tent.

Looking at Qin Yu now, Qin Fumeng's face was filled with satisfaction.

Seeing that Qin Fumeng remained silent, Qin Yu took the initiative to speak, asking with a grin, "Aren't you going to give me some instructions, sir?"

That old guy.

He left himself alone and didn't say a word.

What's wrong? You've been looking at yourself for so many years, haven't you had enough yet?

"I have nothing to say to you now."

Qin Fumeng shook his head slightly, a fierce glint in his eyes: "All I need is for you to give those bastards from Yan a good beating!"

"good!"

Qin Yu nodded emphatically, "Tomorrow at dusk, this humble general will respectfully welcome Commander Qin outside the city of Zhu County!"

"Alright! I believe you!"

Qin Fumeng stepped forward and patted Qin Yu's shoulder heavily.

Qin Yu grinned, then looked at him provocatively: "Shall we have a fight?"

Let this old guy know his strength.

This will put his mind at ease.

"Sure!"

Qin Fumeng stepped back slightly. "Don't say I'm bullying you. I'll let you make the first move!"

"good!"

Without saying a word, Qin Yu launched an attack on Qin Fumeng.

Bang!

With a loud thud, Qin Yu flew out of the tent and crashed heavily to the ground.

Qin Yu completely forgot his pain and stared in horror at Qin Fumeng, who had walked out of the tent.

Holy crap?

I've already reached the ninth realm!

He was kicked away by that old guy so easily?

Is it...

"You? You're still too green!"

Qin Fumeng put his hands on his hips and laughed loudly, his face full of smugness.

But as he laughed, his eyes welled up with tears...