“Yes.”
The big black man nodded heavily.
Zhang Liang usually called the big black man Old Black or Big Black. Jin Feng only now learned that his name was actually Tie Niu.
“Really?”
The two veteran Iron Forest soldiers were still somewhat doubtful.
On the way here, they had already heard Zhang Liang and the big black man talk about the battle at Qingshui Valley, and they were already full of admiration for this gentleman.
But they didn’t expect that the so-called Mr. Jin would be so young and so frail-looking.
“What Tie Niu says is true. I was by the gentleman’s side throughout the entire battle.”
Zhong Wu walked in from outside, overhearing their conversation, and quickly said, “If it weren’t for Mr. Jin, the Iron Forest Army would have been finished this time.”
The two veterans knew Zhong Wu was one of Qing Huai’s most trusted personal guards, so they naturally didn’t dare doubt his words.
“This humble one pays respects to Mr. Jin.”
Da Zhuang and Tie Chui immediately dropped to one knee, giving Jin Feng the highest military salute. “This humble one was blind. Please, sir, punish us.”
“It’s fine. Get up.”
Jin Feng casually waved his hand.
“You two bastards, you actually didn’t believe me.”
The big black man said angrily, “Three hundred wen a month. What kind of good man can’t be found with that?
If it weren’t for Lord Qing knowing that life hasn’t been easy for the brothers since coming back, and asking the gentleman to help look after us and find work for the brothers, do you think Liangzi and I would’ve bothered to come find you?”
“Thank you, Big Brother Tie Niu.”
The two quickly bowed to the big black man in apology.
“Why thank me? I’m not the one paying your wages.”
The big black man kicked one of the veterans. “You should be thanking Mr. Jin.”
“Thank you, Mr. Jin.”
The two hurriedly saluted Jin Feng again.
“No need to thank me. Just work hard in the future.”
Jin Feng smiled as he helped them up, giving the big black man a deep look.
His name and appearance were simple and honest, but his mind was quite sharp.
He could’ve said those words on the way, but he deliberately waited to say them in front of Jin Feng.
With one simple sentence, he not only won the loyalty of the two veterans but also earned some goodwill from Jin Feng.
No wonder he used to run a shop. He was much better at talking than Zhang Liang.
Jin Feng wasn’t put off by the big black man’s little scheme. On the contrary, he felt somewhat pleased.
Though Zhang Liang was trustworthy, he was too honest. He could easily be taken advantage of when travelling far. Having someone sharp-witted like this by his side was just right.
“Rest assured, sir. On the way here, Tie Niu and Liangzi explained everything clearly. From now on, we’ll deliver goods for you. Anyone who dares to scheme against you will have to kill this humble one first.”
The two quickly pounded their chests in assurance.
“Good.”
Jin Feng looked at them and said to the big black man, “Tie Niu, take these two brothers to get something to eat and rest.”
“Alright.”
Tie Niu agreed, kicking each of the veterans and saying, “You two are in for a treat. Hurry up.”
In the Iron Forest Army, the big black man had been their squad leader, so they were used to his kicks. They didn’t get angry and obediently followed him out.
It was almost mealtime. Run Niang had already cooked wheat porridge, knowing that veterans might come, so she made extra.
Like Guan Xiao Rou back then, the two veterans ate the wheat porridge carefully.
As they ate, their eyes reddened.
Their lives had been too hard. It had been a long time since they’d eaten wheat porridge.
To be precise, it had been a long time since they’d had a full meal, even of wild vegetable porridge.
Thinking of their wives, children, and elderly mothers still starving at home, they could hardly eat.
“You’re grown men. If you dare shed tears, I’ll kick you to death!”
The big black man glanced at them and said, “Since Mr. Jin has agreed to take you in, I’ll go to Liang Ge later to get some money and advance you a month’s wages.”
This was also Zhong Wu’s instruction.
Not paying in advance was to avoid the trouble of taking money back if Jin Feng didn’t approve of the men.
“Thank you, Big Brother Tie Niu.”
The two finally felt at ease and ate heartily.
At the blacksmith shop, Jin Feng looked at the door and asked Zhong Wu curiously, “Why did you come back alone?”
“Don’t ask. I visited two brothers’ homes today. One went hunting in the mountains and was killed by a tiger. The other, with no family to rely on, disappeared three months ago.”
Zhong Wu sighed, “Probably turned bandit in some mountain.”
“Today, Tie Niu and I looked for four brothers, but only found Da Zhuang and Tie Chui. The other two…”
Zhang Liang couldn’t finish his sentence.
These days, life was hard for common folk.
But ordinary people had learned to endure. Veterans, having learned some skills in the army, were less willing to put up with it.
When times are tough, people seek change. Some veterans, unable to make ends meet, inevitably turned to other paths.
Some went hunting in the mountains, some became guards for wealthy families, and others, with no family left, turned to banditry in the hills.
Zhong Wu had thought it would be easy to gather thirty men, but now it seemed far from simple.
“Take your time. No rush.”
Jin Feng patted Zhong Wu’s shoulder. “Remember, my requirement is quality over quantity. It’s fine if you can’t find people, but I won’t allow you to bring just anyone. Those with bad character or who steal, absolutely not.”
“Rest assured, sir. I understand.”
Zhong Wu said, “Actually, those who are quick to scheme don’t usually survive long. They’ve likely been beaten to death by now.”
“That’s true.”
Jin Feng nodded.
Last year, the Iron Forest Army suffered heavy losses and needed to recruit from other regions, so all retirement requests were denied.
The most recent batch of veterans retired two years ago.
Two years of hardship were enough to test a person’s heart. Those who made it this far were mostly honest men with families.
Such people didn’t resort to crooked ways even in tough times. Now, with hope for a better life, they were even less likely to.
Families…
At that thought, an idea flashed in Jin Feng’s mind.
“By the way, next time you go looking for people, you can tell them that if they’re willing, they can move their families to Xihe Bay. I can arrange for their women to work in the workshop.”
“That would be perfect.”
Zhong Wu immediately understood that Jin Feng’s suggestion had an element of keeping the veterans’ families in Xihe Bay as leverage.
But Zhong Wu didn’t find it inappropriate.
He trusted Jin Feng’s character.
As long as the veterans didn’t step out of line, Jin Feng would never harm their families.
After all, people’s hearts are hard to know. Zhong Wu couldn’t guarantee that every veteran was absolutely good.
Jin Feng’s approach not only solved the veterans’ worries but also kept them in check, a win-win solution.
“If more people come, where will they live?”
Zhang Liang suddenly asked.
The veterans could stay at Xie Guang’s place with Zhong Wu and the others. They were all men, so squeezing in was fine.
But if their wives, children, and elderly mothers came, they couldn’t stay there too, could they?
Even just two or three families would be too many.
