"This is my doing, but it was not accomplished through unjust means. I have made a three-day agreement with you, and even if I admit defeat, I will absolutely not engage in any act of plundering the people's wealth."

General Qin's expression was complicated. After a long while, he sighed and waved his hand at him, "I understand. You can go now. Let me think about it."

Lu Huai placed the ledger back on the table before turning to leave.

With General Qin's tacit approval, the cooks used rice and vegetables sent from Dongcheng to prepare their dinner. The soldiers ate heartily, feeling that it was hundreds of times tastier than the military pay sent by the imperial court.

However, I couldn't help feeling a little ashamed.

Their original purpose was to attack Dongcheng, but the people of Dongcheng not only did not hold a grudge against them or regard them as enemy troops, but also sent them rare food.

I felt incredibly guilty.

However, this guilt did not last long and soon turned into anger.

General Qin put down his chopsticks and came out of his tent, walking quickly towards a certain place. Deputy General Gongsun and Lu Chuan followed closely behind him, about half a step behind.

It was just a few steps away from the destination.

The impermanent figure, who hadn't shown himself for a long time, stood before them, his face bearing several marks, barely noticeable in the darkness. He was holding a whisk, looking at General Qin and his troops.

Behind him were several eunuchs, all looking travel-worn, as if they had rushed there overnight. The night was a bit chilly, and their bodies trembled constantly, like leaves on a leaf, but no one noticed them.

General Qin stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said in a steady and powerful voice, "I was unaware of Eunuch Wuchang's visit and have failed to greet you properly."

Wuchang raised his hand to stop him, "No need, General."

General Qin's eyelids twitched, and he lowered his hand to ask, "I didn't know you had come from so far away. Does His Majesty have something to discuss with me?"

"Hmm." Wuchang said lazily, maintaining his composure. "I didn't want to come either, but I couldn't disobey the imperial decree. It's nothing major, just an imperial edict to be conveyed to the general."

General Qin immediately knelt down, and everyone else followed suit.

"Please speak, sir."

"Hmm." Wuchang nodded in satisfaction before speaking, "Reveal His Majesty's decree—"

The Great Yu is embroiled in internal strife, the national treasury is empty, and the expenses for suppressing the rebellion are enormous, which deeply troubles me. Fortunately, wise advisors have advised that, from this day forward until the end of the suppression, no further military pay will be provided to replenish the national treasury. So be it—”

What? !

"No way!" General Qin immediately stood up. "If we don't provide military pay, what will the soldiers eat?!"

Wu Chang gave him a cool glance. "This humble servant doesn't know. I've only come to convey His Majesty's decree. However—"

General Qin frowned and stared at him.

“I see you haven’t done much work. You’ve been stationed here for days. I rode a fast horse and arrived here in just two days. It’s clear you’re just collecting your pay and salary.”

"Outrageous!" General Qin glared and pointed his spear. "You eunuch, how dare you look down on us like this!"

"Disdain? Not at all." Wu Chang raised an eyebrow and scoffed lightly. "General, please don't think that way. His Majesty values ​​you highly."

That's why I specifically asked you all to know that the imperial court simply won't provide military pay. However, if you conquer a city, only half of the grain inside needs to be given to the imperial court. The other half is yours to dispose of as you see fit.

"Look, isn't Dongcheng just over there? If we capture it once, half the grain will be yours."