bookandnovel Chapter 9 Cooperation
Chapter 9 Cooperation
The Hall of Merit is located in a courtyard of the North City Defense Division. When Lu Yuan and his group entered, there were already quite a few people there, indicating that people were indeed accepting missions here every day.
After all, aside from large-scale conflicts, small-scale battles between Dayong and the Northern Barbarians have been ongoing on the border for years, and those in power are aware of this situation, yet instead of stopping it, they actually encourage it.
Although the losses are greater, this can also serve as a training exercise.
With so many fortified cities and so many people, defense alone is not the goal of the Great Yong Dynasty.
The Northern Barbarians plundered the people of Dayong, and in turn, Dayong would plunder the Northern Barbarians; the two sides had long been mortal enemies.
As soon as he entered, he ran into an acquaintance, Zhou He, who was wearing armor and was obviously also preparing to receive a mission. When he saw Lu Yuan, his eyes lit up and he immediately walked over.
"Ready to leave the city?"
"Yes, we're broke, so we have to find a way to get money."
Lu Yuan said softly.
Wei Yong and Zhang Gun stood to the side with their heads bowed. Zhou He and the others knew that they couldn't afford to offend someone like the centurion's nephew, a member of a collateral branch of the Zhou family.
The last time I saw him drinking with Lu Yuan, I just assumed they had just met and that Lu Yuan was trying to curry favor with Zhou He by treating him to drinks. I didn't think it was a big deal.
After all, everyone knows that Lu Yuan is a newcomer.
It's impossible for them to know anyone, but it seems they're quite familiar with each other now.
Wei Yong couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself. If he had known it would be like this, he wouldn't have been a troublemaker. Now, not only had he been beaten, but his weakness had also been exposed.
"How about we team up? I just found a mission to take care of a group of northern barbarian scouts raiding our territory. I'm afraid I can't handle it alone, so I was just looking for a partner. Want to join me?"
"You don't lack money, do you?" Lu Yuan asked doubtfully.
"Hehe, I have plenty of silver, but I lack merit points. To become a centurion, I need 100 merit points. I've already saved up more than 50. If I just keep at it, I'll become a centurion too," Zhou He said with a smile.
His cultivation has already reached the minor stage of Bone Forging, and he is just waiting to break through after reaching the major stage.
To be promoted, both merit and cultivation are indispensable.
Lu Yuan looked at Wei Yong and the other man: "Have you ever taken on any missions from the Northern Barbarians?"
He naturally wanted to take on this mission, since merit points could also be exchanged for cultivation materials, and the merit points exchanged were not counted together with promotions.
For example, if you have 100 merit points, you need to have more merit points to exchange for supplies after you have exchanged them all. However, if you are promoted, these 100 merit points will still count.
Therefore, this thing is considered hard currency in the military.
Moreover, Lu Yuan knew that twenty merit points could be exchanged for a bottle of Body Tempering Pill.
It can be said that in the northern border of Dayong, as long as you have the strength, you don't need to worry about a lack of supplies.
"Sir, we've never taken on a mission like this before, but we'll do as you say," Wei Yong quickly replied.
In fact, he also had high hopes for meritorious service.
Previously, the squad leader lacked both strength and courage, so he could only recruit bandits. He would usually avoid encountering scouts from the northern barbarians.
After pondering for a moment, Lu Yuan said, "Alright, let's act together."
Since Zhou He, the centurion's nephew, dared to accept the task, there shouldn't be too much danger.
"Don't worry, would I ever cheat you? This group of northern barbarian scouts probably numbers about fifteen. With more than twenty of us leaving the city, there shouldn't be any major problems." As Zhou He spoke, he pulled Lu Yuan and squeezed into the crowd.
A moment later, the person in charge of the Merit Hall took out a military order, which recorded the objectives of this mission. Zhou He filled in his name and position and pressed his fingerprint on it.
Lu Yuan did the same.
Three copies were made, and he put the general's order into his pocket.
Zhou He grinned and said, "That's good. When are you planning to leave the city?"
"Tomorrow, I think. I didn't get any rest last night, and I'm afraid my men won't be able to hold on," Lu Yuan said softly. He also needed to prepare some things, such as dry rations for leaving the city.
"Alright, let's set off tomorrow. You don't have any warhorses, do you? I'll go to the armory tomorrow to borrow some, and we can return them when we get back."
"Although our northern frontier is a bit harsh, it also has its advantages. We have no shortage of military equipment and merits, as long as you have the ability," Zhou He said with a smile.
"Alright, it's settled then. We'll meet at the city gate tomorrow morning," Lu Yuan replied.
"Okay." Zhou He said and left.
Wei Yong then stepped forward: "Sir, this week the platoon leader is in charge of military equipment, and there's plenty of money to be made. He's also related to the centurion. If you get to know him, you'll have many benefits in the future."
"As long as they obey orders, I never mistreat my men. Notify the other brothers; we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning," Lu Yuan said.
Wei Yong and his companion responded and left.
As for Lu Yuan, he lingered in the Hall of Merit for a while, learned about the rules, and then went back.
On the way, he specially bought some dried meat, liquor, cooked food, and a bag of refined flour.
Those who cultivate themselves cannot deprive themselves of food. Without elixirs, if they cannot even eat meat, their bodies will soon collapse.
These items cost a total of one tael of silver.
Now, Lu Yuan has a total of ten taels left, including what he earned today.
The main problem is that food expenses are quite high.
As soon as I returned to the alley, I saw Xiao Hua, her face red from the cold, walking out of a house with a basket on her shoulder.
"Brother Yuan, are you off duty?" the girl greeted him with a smile.
"Yeah, I just got back. What were you doing so early in the morning?" Lu Yuan asked.
"Mother has fallen ill again today. I'll take some of my embroidered items and see if anyone wants them," Xiao Hua said softly.
Lu Yuan frowned. He knew about the other party's mother's illness. It was probably a lung injury. It wasn't a serious illness, but she would cough badly every winter, and it wouldn't stop without medication.
"Is anyone buying this?"
"No." Xiao Hua shook her head.
Lu Yuan took out three taels of silver and handed it over: "Do me a favor, this silver is for you."
Xiao Hua pursed her lips, did not refuse, and took the silver, saying, "What does Brother Yuan want me to do?"
However, there was a hint of coldness in her eyes, along with a slight disappointment, which she concealed well when she lowered her head.
"I'm going on a long trip tomorrow and need to prepare some dry food. Could you make some steamed buns from this bag of flour for me to take on the road?" Lu Yuan said slowly.
"Okay, I'll definitely get it done by tomorrow. Thanks, Brother Yuan." Xiao Hua was initially surprised, then looked up and said with a smile, while also feeling relieved.
In those days, no one was willing to lend money, especially to orphans and widows like them. Even if someone did lend money, they would have ulterior motives. Lu Yuan was able to provide the money without making any unreasonable demands.
That's already considered helping myself and my mother.
This was the first time in her life that someone other than her mother was willing to help her.
Actually, she thought Lu Yuan would make unreasonable demands, since she was quite confident in her appearance.
"Don't be so polite with me, go buy the medicine. I'll treat you and your aunt to lunch." As Lu Yuan spoke, he waved the wine and meat in his hand.
Then he pushed open the door and went back to his own home.
After putting his things down, he began practicing his skills. He was leaving the city tomorrow, and he was determined to perfect his swordsmanship today.
In this way, we will be more confident in dealing with the northern barbarians.