The First Military God of the Border

Lin Hui looked at Ma Dayuan. Wang Ping had already told him about it on the way here.

Now that the border troops have committed crimes, the county government has no way to deal with them.

Originally, the county government had jurisdiction over border troops who committed crimes in the city, but as the war intensified and the border troops grew stronger, the county government had long lost control over them.

"Lord Ma, I understand."

Ma Dayuan chuckled self-deprecatingly, took a sip of tea, and then changed the subject: "Hunter Lin, do you know why we were besieged outside the city?"

Lin Hui shook his head; how would he know such a thing?

"Because I need to investigate someone."

Ma Dayuan's voice wasn't loud, but what he said startled Lin Hui.

"He is Cheng Wuyou, the garrison commander of Ningyuan Town."

"Cheng Wuyou?"

Lin Hui had heard this name before, but hearing it from Ma Dayuan's mouth now carried a completely different weight.

Ningyuan Town may sound like a small town, but don't underestimate it; it's an important border town.

Most importantly, Cheng Wuyou has a large number of men under his command.

Ningyuan Town, as an important border town, is garrisoned by 1,500 soldiers. The garrison commander, Cheng Wuyou, is in charge of everything for the 1,500 soldiers and has great power.

In addition, Ningyuan Town was an important trade route on the border and held significant power over taxation.

Although Cheng Wuyou was just a minor garrison commander, he was the local tyrant in Ningyuan Town.

"Sir, what happened to him?"

Instead of answering Lin Hui's question directly, Ma Dayuan asked Lin Hui, "You spend most of your time in the mountains, have you ever seen any caravans from the north?"

"Of course I've seen it."

"A few years ago, there were many caravans coming and going, sometimes with dozens or even hundreds of people in one caravan."

"Do you know how much tax caravans have to pay?"

"Sir, I'm not sure about that, but I heard that the tax is levied based on the value of the goods, and at most it's no more than 10%."

"At most 10%?"

Ma Dayuan sneered: "The imperial court has clear regulations that border taxes should be levied according to the categories of goods, using a tax rate of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, and should not exceed 10%. But in practice, they collect taxes at 10% regardless of the type of goods. Where does the extra portion go?"

Lin Hui remained silent.

"Of course, taxes are the visible part, but what about the invisible ones?"

"Any excuse can be used to confiscate the goods; you can't get through without bribing them."

"Let's talk about military equipment and supplies; each of them is astronomical in cost."

Ma Dayuan leaned back in his chair, staring ahead: "According to the Ministry of Revenue's records, the border troops' provisions were allocated in full and in adequate quantities. We can't let the soldiers who are fighting on the front lines suffer. Let's not even talk about the other passes. Just look at the Ningyuan garrison. They only received 30% of their original pay. Where did the rest go?"

"Silver is in such a state, and food is even more so. If the soldiers are not well-fed, their fighting capacity will be greatly reduced. How can we resist the bandits?"

Lin Hui frowned deeply.

Ma Dayuan continued, "Besides that, what's even more serious is that the Ningyuan garrison should have numbered 1,500, including 800 cavalry."

"But according to my investigation, the actual garrison in Ningyuan Town is less than a thousand men."

Upon hearing this, Lin Hui could no longer contain himself and suddenly stood up, his face filled with disbelief.

Cheng Wuyou's responsibilities are too heavy. It's one thing to embezzle by taking advantage of his position, but I didn't expect him to actually receive a salary without working.

Such a large manpower shortage—if nothing else happens, it's fine, but if the Northern Barbarian Tartars launch a full-scale attack, how will they stop their advance without soldiers? "Damn it..."

"I've been investigating for a long time and just found some evidence of my crimes, and now someone doesn't want me to live."

Ma Dayuan held his teacup, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Hearing this completely overturned Lin Hui's understanding of the border troops.

After a long while, Lin Hui spoke up, "Why are you telling me all this, sir?"

"Although I was filled with righteous indignation and found it unbelievable after hearing it, what could I do?"

Ma Dayuan looked at Lin Hui with bright eyes, without any ulterior motives.

"I want you to help me investigate."

Upon hearing this, Lin Hui's heart skipped a beat. Why him?

"I know you must be wondering why I'm looking for you. First, because of the strength you showed when you saved us today, and second, because of the righteous indignation you displayed when facing the border troops."

"And judging from your skills, you're no ordinary hunter."

Lin Hui chuckled, offering no further explanation. He assumed that Lord Wang had already thoroughly investigated his situation.

As for the changes in himself, there is no need for him to explain them further.

"Let me put it this way, Hunter Lin, I need a new face, a trustworthy new face."

Ma Dayuan continued, "Cheng Wuyou has been operating in Ningyuan Town for many years, and his power is deeply entrenched. His soldiers are already a united front. If we let him continue like this, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"I need someone to help me monitor him so I can get inside information about Ningyuan Town."

"Hunter Lin, I wonder if you would be willing to do me this favor."

Lin Hui remained silent.

He hated these border soldiers for their lawlessness and oppression of the good, but this matter was too serious for him to easily put himself in danger.

"If you don't want to, that's fine too, I won't force you."

Ma Dayuan stood up and looked at Lin Hui with a very calm gaze: "Hunter Lin, without you, I wouldn't be talking to you like this now. I should be repaying your life-saving grace."

"But the border is unstable right now, and I'm too busy taking care of myself to do anything for you."

"But if this matter succeeds and Cheng Wuyou is brought to justice, with your abilities, I can recommend you to Ningyuan Town."

Lin Hui stared into Ma Dayuan's eyes, trying to discern something unusual, but nothing. Ma Dayuan's eyes were unusually clear, showing no emotion other than a hint of fatigue.

Lin Hui paused for a moment, then finally spoke.

"Master Ma, I am a hunter."

"I've come to town today simply to sell my game, get some money, and buy some daily necessities. Look at me, in my tattered clothes, how can I serve you, sir?"

"Besides, the reason we taught those border soldiers a lesson today was simply because we couldn't stand their behavior."

"I dare not get involved, nor can I afford to get involved."

Ma Dayuan's expression darkened slightly.

"But rest assured, sir, I, Lin Hui, will not divulge a single word of what you have said."

Ma Dayuan nodded, even more satisfied with Lin Hui. Although he didn't agree to do anything, he promised not to leak the contents of today's conversation.

That's what it means to be mindful of boundaries.

Lin Hui estimated that it was about time and dared not delay any longer, since Shui Feiyuan was home alone.

He stood up, cupped his hands in a fist and palm salute to Ma Dayuan, and said, "Lord Ma, although I cannot help you, I will definitely investigate any matters involving the border troops that I may encounter in the future."

"If it is inconvenient for you to come in person for other matters, Lord Ma, just send someone to let me know. I will do my best to help."

Lin Hui left room for maneuver; after all, Ma Dayuan was the county magistrate, the highest-ranking official in the region, and it was impossible to completely sever ties.

Ma Dayuan was taken aback, then laughed.

"Okay, I'm relieved to hear that."

"Similarly, I, Ma Dayuan, am not a stingy person. If Hunter Lin encounters any difficulties, feel free to come to the county office to find me."

"Take this. No one will dare to stop you when you enter or leave the county government office."

Lin Hui took it and saw that it was a token. The jade quality was not very good, but it was a symbol of the county magistrate's status.

"Thank you, Lord Ma."

"It's getting late, I'll be going now."

Ma Dayuan didn't try to stop him. He instructed Wang Ping beside him, "Take some men and escort the hunter Lin back. Also, help him get acquainted with the area so we can keep in touch."

Wang Ping nodded in agreement.

Lin Hui wanted to decline, but Ma Dayuan stopped him.

"Hunter Lin, there's no need to refuse. You saved both of our lives, so it's only right that we take you back."

"Besides, now that you've formed a sworn brotherhood with the border troops, I'm worried they might ambush you on the way. It'll be safer with Wang Ping around."

Having been persuaded to this extent, how could Lin Hui refuse? He could only nod and clasp his hands in thanks once more.

"Remember this, next time you come to town, come to the county government office. My door will always be open for you."

"Definitely, definitely."