Hyper-Dimensional Player

Chapter 787 - 63: Calming the People! The Way of the Overlord Miscellany (6)_2

Under the rule of that Majesty, human life is valuable, yet not valuable.

Valuable because the population means productivity; with people, work can be done, and there is a lack of labor everywhere.

Not valuable because there was never any hesitation in killing. At the start of the rebellion, some took advantage of the chaos, as well as local bandits and ruffians, who were physically strong and somewhat skilled in martial arts, previously recruited to suppress local disturbances or enlisted in the army for training to fight battles.

But the Red Army only cares about killing!

In just the Cai Long area alone, they've killed over a hundred people, to the point where no scoundrels were seen on the streets, and those who survived were trembling like quails.

That was over a hundred heads, including people from various trades and professions, whether affiliated with a gang or not, anyone who emerged was killed.

They thought that by gathering and making a noise, the other side would compromise and recruit them, perhaps allowing them a minor official position, as these people were grounded local figures, necessary for managing a county after the rebel army captured it.

But what responded to them was a military charge formation!

Merely two squad leaders leading two or three dozen men, armed with swords, shields, spears, and arrows, cut down most of them in one charge. Even the leader of the Qing Fu Gang was injured by random arrows, and before he could exhibit his Qinggong skills, three or five fierce soldiers thrust their spears, killing him outright on the street.

These so-called third-rate experts from the martial world facing the army directly would only meet their death. These fierce soldiers were not even the elite of the Red Army, just auxiliary soldiers for local suppression.

The Qing Fu Gang, primarily dealing in usury and underground banking, saw their leader die on the street, and their entire operation was eradicated on the same day.

The biggest winners were those two squad leaders, who reportedly were promoted to captains, essentially centurions but belonging to local forces.

That captain was said to wield a formidable spear technique, known as Huan Hou's spear technique, the same used by Zhang Fei during the Three Kingdoms period. His background was unclear, only known to be a disciple of the Lion Phase, having previously trained under military experts.

Their martial arts styles differed entirely from those of the martial arts sects, and they easily killed even second-rate martial experts with sword, shield, bow, and arrow formations.

The old man speaking naturally knew little about this, but he had practiced military martial arts, and boasting to others, he couldn't help but say, "The other captain probably trained in the Thirteen Guards martial arts of Li Cunxiao."

"It's said that mastering it makes one immune to blades and guns."

Those nearby listened in awe, full of envy, hoping they could also acquire such high martial skills, and perhaps secure a position in the military.

The sky was gradually darkening.

The group only chatted for a while and dared not linger, fearing they might get a beating if discovered by patrols.

After everyone left, the old man cautiously moved to another place.

"Got it all figured out?" asked a bearded man dressed like a bookkeeper.

The old man respectfully bowed his head and said, "I've uncovered everything."

"No bandits around."

The man across nodded and said, "Then go back. Keep a good watch, and I'll recommend you for a village head position in the future."

The old man was overjoyed, respectfully made his farewell, and left.

The next day.

Bao Le'an and his family got up at the crack of dawn to work. He received a portion of porridge, drank a few sips, attempting to give it to his children secretly, but a minor official saw him and gave him a glare. He hurriedly finished it in a few bites and took his tools to work.

"You'll be fed at noon, your families won't starve to death,"

"If you try to save food and faint from exhaustion at noon, delaying important work—don't blame me if I don't spare the whip," said the fierce-looking minor official.

This morning, several heads were sent around the counties, all those who embezzled and withheld rations, their heads were freshly chopped off.

Devil damn them.

It's simply a group of Divine Descent killers.

This minor official today, upon seeing a few Jinyi Guards delivering heads, trembled with fear. Who knew what these Jinyi Guards were? Numbering no more than two or three dozen, directly obeying that Bright King, they've executed twenty to thirty officials in half a month.

It's said there were even eunuch experts incorporated, but their whereabouts are unknown.

Once you fall into their hands, it's the death penalty at minimum, even the County Magistrate was eradicated.

These people wore expressionless faces, devoid of emotion, genuine executioners. If you were caught embezzling, not only would you regurgitate everything consumed, but your entire estate would be thoroughly confiscated.

From the inception of Duncan's uprising, he has had to feed so many mouths, and the front line battles cost money and grain, wishing every coin could be split in two for spending.

Whoever dares undermine his efforts, he will dig up their homes.

Duncan could completely disregard the survival of so many people, for example, Bao Le'an's family's winter rations, but since he has chosen to do so, he does it to the limit. After all, it's only a matter of feeding hundreds of thousands of mouths. Could the grand King of Kings not fill these bellies while returning to his former trade?

Kill!

For Duncan, the frontline poses little difficulty; the Southern Han has been ruined by Liu Chang, with most of the military unable to withstand a blow. Ensuring these hundreds of thousands survive through the winter into next spring's harvest is the real challenge.

He has been exploiting the powerful and wealthy of half the Southern Han, both psychologically and physically, extracting everything they have.

Even the marrow must be squeezed out for two ounces of oil; this oil used elsewhere is the key to survival.

Duncan does not create wealth out of nothing.

Wealth can only be transferred from one place to another, and before his first wave of productivity can burst forth, he can only rely on continuously exploiting the old powers to replenish resources.