You Have to Take the Money

He rubbed his hands excitedly and explained his plans in detail.

"My idea is that we shouldn't launch an attack first, but wait for the Government Army to attack first."

"They've come from afar, so we'll defend the city to the death. The city walls have been reinforced and heightened with cement. We'll first wear down their forces at the foot of the walls; kill as many as we can."

"While we're fighting, we're also letting our new recruits see blood and get some experience."

"Once we've worn them down enough, and they're exhausted, we'll seize the opportunity to launch a counterattack and wipe them out in one fell swoop."

As Hu Tieniu finished speaking, a glint flashed in his eyes, and he raised his hand, waving it heavily in the direction of the Capital.

"When that time comes, we'll press our advantage and march straight towards the Capital!"

Shen Jingchuan didn't understand military affairs, but the plan sounded pretty good, so he nodded.

"Alright, we'll do it your way. These next few days, focus on your training and be careful in everything you do."

Shen Jingchuan glanced at the full granary and clapped his hands.

"Alright, I've delivered the food. I'll head back now. I'll send you some more later. With me here, you don't need to worry about food."

Hu Tieniu was taken aback, feeling somewhat reluctant.

"Young master, why are you in such a hurry? Our army is training outside the city. Aren't you going to take a look?"

Shen Jingchuan shook his head.

I'm not going.

"As you know, we cultivators are not allowed to get involved in mortal warfare. Sending you equipment and food is already breaking the rules and going too far."

"I'd better not get involved, to avoid causing trouble."

Upon hearing this, Hu Tieniu immediately felt a little embarrassed and rubbed his hands together.

"Young master, this... this is all for our sake, yet you've been burdened with such a huge responsibility."

"You broke the rules, won't someone punish you?"

Shen Jingchuan smiled and waved his hand.

"Don't worry, it's nothing."

"If anyone asks about it later, just say that you bought all these things from me, and that's it."

He then changed the subject and added.

"By the way, you captured Yuxi Prefecture this time and confiscated several properties; there must be some valuables among them."

"Bring me some, find some gold or jade ornaments or something, I'll take them back as payment for the goods, they'll come in handy."

Upon hearing this, Hu Tieniu's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh.

"Oh, young master, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten!"

"This time the harvest is quite substantial. The tax revenue from Yuxi Prefecture this year hasn't even had time to be turned over to the national treasury before it all fell into my hands. In addition, the confiscated assets, gold, silver and jewels from the Four Great Lineages have filled an entire warehouse."

He spoke with a hint of embarrassment on his face.

"Young master, you've given me so much equipment and food. I didn't have any money before, so I just shamelessly accepted it. I'm used to it."

"Now that I have some money, I have to pay it."

He turned to call for help.

"Guards, go to the storeroom and bring out all the gold and silver so the young master can take it with him!"

Shen Jingchuan quickly stopped him.

"Hey, what do I need so many for?"

"This is just for show, to put on a facade. So that if anyone asks in the future, you'll have solid proof that I did take your money and that the goods were indeed sold to you."

"Here's what we'll do: give me a thousand taels of silver, that'll be enough."

Upon hearing this, Hu Tieniu shook his head vigorously, his face turning even redder.

"Young master, if you put it that way, I'll feel even more ashamed."

"Alright, I'll give you half. Right now, what I lack most is food; I don't lack money."

"I'll keep half; that'll be enough to pay the soldiers' salaries. Young master, you've done me such a great favor; you must accept this money."

He didn't allow Shen Jingchuan to explain, and grabbed him.

"Oh dear, young master, you must listen to me on this matter. It's too much trouble for me to have people haul it back and forth by cart."

"Why don't you come with me directly to the storeroom and use your Immortal Method to take it on the spot? It's quick and easy."

As he spoke, he pulled Shen Jingchuan and walked out.

The two arrived at the treasury where the silver was stored. This place was separate from the granary; it was a separate treasury with heavy guard.

The warehouse manager was an old man named Zhou Mancang who had followed Hu Tieniu in his uprising. He was in charge of money and grain. Upon hearing that the chief had come to give instructions in person, he quickly opened the heavy warehouse door.

Shen Jingchuan looked inside and, wow, there really were quite a few.

Boxes of gold and silver, neatly stacked, glittering and dazzling, made one's eyes spin.

Hu Tieniu stood in the middle and gestured with his hand.

"Young master, here's the deal: you take half of the gold and silver; I'll keep the other half to pay the brothers' wages."

Shen Jingchuan shook his head and looked around.

I don't need that much.

"Here's what we'll do. I'll take all the gold, but I'll leave the rest of the silver and the like to you. It's not very convenient for you to use the gold anyway."

Hu Tieniu was immediately displeased.

"Young master, this gold is only a little over five thousand taels, too little, too little!"

Shen Jingchuan smiled but didn't respond.

Five thousand taels of gold, in the eyes of cultivators, is equivalent to dozens of Spirit Stones; that's more than enough to buy this amount of grain.

He realized that he would indeed need some money in the modern world, otherwise buying large quantities of grain in the future would be quite expensive.

"Oh, and get me some jade items, like ornaments, pendants, and decorative pieces."

Hu Tieniu asked casually.

"What about calligraphy and paintings? There are quite a few works by literati."

Shen Jingchuan thought for a moment, then shook his head.

When it comes to calligraphy and paintings, one must pay attention to their provenance and reputation. However, the dynasty in which this painting was from did not match the place he came from, and he had never heard of any of the signatures or seals.

Even if you bring it back, you might not be able to tell if it's an antique or worth anything. On the other hand, hard currency like jade and gold are recognized everywhere and are the most reliable.

"No need for calligraphy and paintings."

Hu Tieniu didn't ask any more questions. Following his instructions, he had people gather all the jade items together.

Shen Jingchuan didn't stand on ceremony. He took all the jade carvings, ornaments, and jewelry, regardless of their quality. He also took a few exquisitely crafted gold and silver items that caught his eye.

As for that pile of gold, he kept it all, storing it in his Storage Ring.

Shen Jingchuan put his things away, gave Hu Tieniu a few more instructions, then summoned his flying sword, soared into the air, and transformed into a streak of light, heading towards Azure Cloud Stronghold.

Hu Tieniu stood there, looking up, watching the figure grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared into the horizon.

He watched, his eyes filled with envy. After a long while, he smacked his lips, shook his head, and sighed.

"Ah, if only I had Spirit Roots."

"That way, I can learn cultivation from you, young master, become your disciple, and become a master immortal myself."