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Chapter 187: A Fiery Start
Lin Feng observed the tension and silence among the crowd, smiling as he said, "I have gathered some understanding of the military deployment. There’s no need to be so formal. As you all know, I come from Chang'an. If anyone has opinions or suggestions, feel free to share, and I will relay them."
As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell silent. Everyone understood that speaking against those from Chang'an was tantamount to courting death.
Liu Quan cleared his throat and said, "Brothers, did you hear that? The Governor has taken time out of his busy schedule to meet with us because he wants to hear your thoughts. You were all so vocal before; why is there no response now that the Governor is asking?"
A Captain Shen awkwardly chuckled, "Lord Liu, please spare us. We were just joking around."
Lin Feng smiled gently and replied, "Today, everyone can speak freely. None of this will be recorded; feel free to express yourselves."
This approach worked well, and gradually the crowd began to open up. They started with trivial matters, such as the poor food quality and inadequate equipment at the Northern Frontier.
Lin Feng listened attentively, nodding as he encouraged them, "What else? Please continue."
Seeing Lin Feng's approachable demeanor, Captain Shen and Song Si spoke up, "My lord, we believe the salary distribution among the commanders at the Northern Frontier is somewhat unfair. Some troops struggle to make ends meet even with their allocated subsidies, while others are practically swimming in wealth."
"Exactly..."
This statement seemed to resonate with everyone present, sparking a buzz of agreement.
Lin Feng turned to the speaker and asked, "You must be Captain Shen from Chehe County, right?"
"Yes, my lord."
"You mentioned that some troops are practically swimming in wealth— which units are you referring to?"
"Well..." Song Si hesitated but finally said, "My lord, it's quite obvious. Just take a stroll around; even someone not very sharp would notice."
"Impudent! How dare you speak to the Governor like that?" Liu Quan scolded.
As Song Si was about to apologize, Lin Feng waved his hand to stop him, saying, "We're all men here. Speaking boldly is no harm. Today, let's speak freely; those who voice their opinions are not at fault."
"My lord, you truly are a rare superior."
Song Si put on an expression of deep gratitude, as if he were a fine steed encountering a worthy master. Between the Northern Frontier and the Wind Nation, there was also the Ouyang Family.
The Ouyang Family was not large in number but was very wealthy. The number of warships owned by Ouyang Shijian could not compare to those of the Wind Nation or the Tang Dynasty, but the luxury and quality of his warships left even the Wind Nation feeling ashamed.
The soldiers guarding the trade routes between the Ouyang Family and the Tang Dynasty were well-compensated. Captains from other regions would even prefer to serve as foot soldiers at critical checkpoints.
"It seems this issue involves the entire Northern Frontier. Since everyone has brought it up, I will also express my stance today: during my tenure, I will ensure that everyone receives a satisfactory resolution."
"My lord is mighty." Some generals raised their arms in cheers, feeling as if they had encountered a great benefactor who could finally clear their long-standing grievances.
After the meeting concluded, Lin Feng summoned Chen Guang privately.
"My lord, did you call for me?" Chen Guang asked as he entered.
Lin Feng smiled and said, "What do you think about the matters concerning Song Si and the others?"
Chen Guang replied, "I believe these are the heartfelt concerns of my brothers. There are indeed individual generals in the Northern Frontier who collude with unscrupulous merchants for profit."
"Which generals are involved?"
"Well... without solid evidence, it's difficult for me to say..."
"Actually, you can be clear; it's Liu Quan and some of his subordinates, isn't it?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Guang paused slightly and looked at Lin Feng in surprise.
"Actually, I noticed some things right away when I took office. The benefits in the Northern Frontier have always been less than those in the Southern Region. And the luxurious arrangement of my Governor's Residence by Liu Quan, along with the beautiful companions, must have cost quite a bit of silver."
"Since you are aware, why pretend not to know?" Chen Guang asked, puzzled.
"I feign ignorance entirely. I just want to see everyone's true intentions. For example, you. You seem silent and loyal, yet you have your own schemes."
"My lord, what do you mean by that?"
"Song Si dares to openly offend the third most powerful figure in the Northern Frontier; there must be someone backing him. As far as I know, Song Si used to be your subordinate."
Chen Guang's expression darkened as he replied quietly, "Yes."
"The Northern Frontier is relatively smaller in area and population compared to the Southern Region. We often see each other face to face. Do you think Liu Quan is unaware of your tricks?" Lin Feng scoffed.
Chen Guang explained, "I assure you, I am not targeting Liu Quan."
"I understand that your aim is not him. It is me."
"There seems to be some rumors in the Tang Dynasty about my close relationship with Princess Jian'an. It’s said that I quickly ascended to the position of Border General by relying on her."
"My lord, I have never thought that way."
"You, Chen Guang, have dedicated your life to the Northern Frontier of the Tang Dynasty, enduring hardships throughout your military career. Meanwhile, I am young and have easily become your superior thanks to my connection with Princess Jian'an. You feel resentful and want to test my true abilities or perhaps make me lose face."
"My lord..." Everything had been guessed correctly; Chen Guang's face turned pale. He never expected that the newly appointed Commander would be so shrewd at such a young age.
Lin Feng slammed his hand on the table and said, "Let me tell you, Chen Guang, my current position was not obtained through connections. Back in the day when the Barbarians and Demons teamed up to attack our Southern Region forces, who was it that charged into the enemy's encirclement to rescue Princess Jian'an?"
"At the Jiuzhou Gathering Conference, my Yang Prefecture disciples have never taken first place on any of the three lists. Not even my master, Sword Saint Senior, has received such an honor."
"The position of Commander of the Northern Frontier was personally appointed by the Emperor, who values my cultivation and abilities. If you have any objections, we can settle it with a fight. Don't think that just because my cultivation is not as high as yours, you would be my match on the battlefield."
Lin Feng's tone grew colder and colder, laced with a hint of disdain.
When a usually gentle person suddenly becomes authoritative, it can be quite overwhelming.
Lin Feng spoke with conviction, causing Chen Guang to crumble. "I am at fault; I have been arrogant and self-important..."
Seeing Chen Guang relent, Lin Feng softened his tone. "People of the Northern Frontier, I hold you in high regard. You are not a disciple of the Three Major Sects of Yangzhou; you have reached your current position through your own strength and loyalty. The Northern Frontier is still a relatively mild place. Compared to the Sea of Fire in the Southern Region, it is insignificant. Although you are older, your training is still insufficient."
"You are right, my lord," Chen Guang admitted sincerely.
The top ranks of the Jiuzhou Gathering Conference are filled with individuals who will become the elite figures on the continent in the future. Lin Feng had already become a well-known legend in Tang after rescuing Princess Jian'an from an army of a hundred thousand during his time in the Southern Region.
"There are many tasks to accomplish in the Northern Frontier. However, no wise superior enjoys dealing with a subordinate who plays tricks. Do you understand?" Lin Feng asked.
"My lord..."
Chen Guang wanted to explain or express his shame, but Lin Feng would not give him the chance. He patted Chen Guang on the shoulder and said, "Alright, think carefully about what you should do moving forward."
"My lord..."
"Don't rush to respond. Take your time to think it over."
"Yes."
Chen Guang left dejectedly, burdened with thoughts. Upon reaching the door, he suddenly turned and knelt down on both knees. "My lord, there's no need for me to think anymore. As long as you don't mind, I, Chen Guang, will follow you and work hard."
"What I wanted to hear was exactly that. Now that the Demon Army is pressing in and Wind Nation is stirring restlessly, you've seen the level of my Northern Border Soldiers—they look good but are not reliable."
"This General has also recognized this issue. However, Liu Quan focuses on training Soldiers in formation. I have discussed this with him. We need to engage in combat training, but he believes there are no battles to be fought on the Northern Frontier, so why push ourselves? It would be better to perfect the formations and be ready for inspections from above."
"Can looking good intimidate anyone? Foolishness. Starting today, all training for the Soldiers in Yanmen City is entrusted to you. The infantry, cavalry, and armored soldiers all lack killing intent and endurance. I need practical results, not just show." Lin Feng's expression was stern.
Chen Guang was initially burdened with guilt. Instead of being blamed by his superiors, he was given an important responsibility. A surge of fire ignited within him; even if Lin Feng ordered him to walk through fire and flames, he would carry it out without hesitation.
"Rest assured, my lord. Give me a few months, and I will absolutely transform the Soldiers of Yanmen City."
"Go ahead and do it. Also, regarding the matter that Song Si has stirred up, tell him to behave himself. I have my own plans for these issues."
"Yes, my lord."
"Alright, you may leave now."
Watching Chen Guang leave with excitement on his face, Lin Feng leaned back in his chair and fell into deep thought. Perhaps the Northern Frontier was not a battleground; while the influence of the Flowing Cloud Sect and Fire Departure Sect had infiltrated, it was not as tightly controlled as in the southern regions.
The Northern Frontier clearly had three factions: one from the Flowing Cloud Sect, another from the Fire Departure Sect, and then Chen Guang's faction, which did not originate from the three major sects.
In the following days, Lin Feng arrived on the official road to Yanmen City and observed the trade activities of the Ouyang Family, gaining much insight. The next day, Lin Feng called everyone together for a meeting: "Recently, due to lax inspections, many harmful goods have entered our Tang Dynasty, severely harming the interests of our citizens. Take opium for example; can such things be allowed?"
"The Tang Dynasty is already engulfed in war. These poisonous goods entering our land will only lead our citizens to decay and ultimately down a path of destruction. This is akin to treason."
Lin Feng's words grew increasingly severe, causing all the generals to feel anxious and fall silent.
Lin Feng continued: "Starting today, we will implement strict inspections for a month. Any smuggled goods will be strictly prohibited. If anyone secretly allows them through, they will lose their official position."
"Yes. We will ensure our subordinates strictly enforce this." The crowd hurriedly agreed.
Lin Feng took out a thick book and said: "Anything written in this book is absolutely forbidden from entering our Tang Dynasty."
"Yes."
As everyone passed around the document, they were all taken aback by what they saw. Items such as bowls and chopsticks, clothing, opium, tea leaves, ceramics...
"My lord, is clothing also a prohibited item?" Liu Quan asked, his face serious.
"Recently, our Tang Dynasty has experienced a battle. There may be gaps through which Wind Nation's goods could flow in. Therefore, anything that can conceal items is strictly forbidden from entering our Tang Dynasty," Lin Feng explained.
"So only those who are naked can enter our Tang Dynasty?" Liu Quan asked in astonishment.
"Precisely. Liu Quan is quite clever and quick to understand," Lin Feng praised with a smile.
"Thank you for your compliment, my lord." At that moment, Liu Quan's smile was more painful than tears.
Lin Feng's orders were soon issued. The trade routes to the Northern Frontier were completely severed. Liu Quan and his group suffered significant losses. Meanwhile, the soldiers of common birth praised Lin Feng's brilliance and held him in great respect and awe.
However, some undercurrents began to surface.
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