The expeditionary force also employs the same management model for its subordinate units. Each division is the most basic strategic unit, divided into field divisions and garrison divisions. Field divisions are responsible for frontline defense, such as the 55th and 58th Divisions that participated in the battle of the earthen fortress against the dark races. Garrison divisions are responsible for node defense, stationed in fortified cities like Heiliu and Dark Blood, with Wu Zhengnan’s 7th Division being a garrison division.
In the Eternal Night Continent, frequent battles between the human race and the dark races make territorial changes a common occurrence. The capture or loss of villages and towns may not affect the overall situation, but each city is a critical defensive node in the human defensive line, much more important than vast stretches of wilderness for logistics and troop deployment.
Therefore, to topple Wu Zhengnan, one must take over the 7th Division’s defenses, ensuring the guarded area does not fall into the hands of the dark races. This is not only for cleanup but also a responsibility as humans, no matter how intense the internal strife, the safety and interests of the nation should not be compromised. Coupled with Wu Zhengnan’s illegal trading of strategic materials, which crossed the red line, and the pressure from the aristocratic families behind him, the high command of the expeditionary force turns a blind eye to this matter.
Additionally, black crystal is a strategic material controlled by the empire. Since Wu Zhengnan can trade in black crystal, it indicates he has already formed a group of stakeholders. If the entire trading network cannot be dismantled, even without Wu Zhengnan, there will still be other proxies, leading to unpredictable retaliation and revenge.
After hearing this, Qianye smiled bitterly, “So, getting rid of Wu Zhengnan is almost equivalent to disbanding the 7th Division. Half of the military pay comes from his own means, making it half his private army?”
Song Zining nodded, “It’s a very complicated issue, but not entirely impossible. Wu Zhengnan’s trading of black crystals and population is something the imperial military would never tolerate. As long as the defense transition is handled, no one will speak up for him.”
Qianye frowned, remaining silent. Even if he advanced to the rank of war general, defending a city alone would be impossible.
Song Zining said, “As for the black crystal, there’s no need to worry. Even similarly sized and cut black crystals have subtle differences. In the eyes of an expert, black crystals from different mines are distinct. Thus, each black crystal, after authentication, can confirm its origin, allowing us to trace its distribution route. I’ve been managing businesses and have some connections, capable of pinning down the people behind Wu Zhengnan to prevent their counterattacks.”
Qianye shook his head. Despite Song Zining’s words, he knew that the forces involved in the black crystal trade were not easily resolved, with significant risks involved. “In the end, this is just my personal matter. How can I let you take such a huge risk!”
At this moment, Wei Po Tian suddenly slapped his thigh, declaring loudly, “I don’t believe we can’t get rid of a mere expeditionary force division commander!” He puffed out his chest, glancing sideways at Song Zining, “Qianye, I am the heir to the Earl of Bowang! The resources I can mobilize in my family are second only to my grandmother and the patriarch. But since my father is the patriarch, isn’t his also mine? Don’t worry! I’ll find a way to deal with that coward when I return home, wait for my news!”
With that, Wei Po Tian stood up, waved at Qianye, and walked out with heroic strides, as if he was about to take down Wu Zhengnan immediately.
Qianye was surprised by Wei Po Tian’s impulsive actions, but the hot-blooded Wei heir paid no heed to any advice and left. After closing the door, Qianye, feeling a headache, asked, “Why did you do that?” If he didn’t see through Song Zining’s veiled hints, it would be strange, given Wei Po Tian’s personality.
Song Zining smiled, “You wouldn’t give up on this anyway. It’s better to explore ways than to let you take all the risks. Killing Wu Zhengnan isn’t a big deal, just the aftermath is tricky. Alone, you, I, or Wei Po Tian can’t achieve it, but together, it’s possible.”
Qianye, who was not good with words, didn’t know what to say.
Song Zining, sensing Qianye’s concerns, said with a smile, “Wei Po Tian likes to boast, and his brain only makes one turn when doing things, but he’s not completely stupid. Since he promised you, he will find a way. Whether he sweet-talks or flirts, he can use his family’s military connections to deal with Wu Zhengnan. As for the cost, the Wei family is a provincial governor with plenty of money and resources, so you don’t need to worry about saving for him!”
Qianye smiled bitterly, “Zining, Po Tian is a good person.” He wondered why they were becoming increasingly incompatible.
Song Zining shrugged, walking towards the door, “I’m leaving tomorrow. You go back to the Eternal Night Continent first. I’ll follow soon, and we’ll find a way to contact you.” Passing by Qianye, he paused, “Qianye, don’t always bear others’ burdens alone. Friends are meant to help.”
Qianye, slightly moved, said softly, “Take care of yourself too.”
Song Zining winked, “Time’s late, and your Lady Qiqi is waiting for you to sleep together!”
Qianye’s face darkened, and his earlier touched feelings vanished. Song Zining laughed, leaving quickly.
After seeing them off, Qianye sat down to review the gun and weaponry data provided by the Duke of Wei. Due to the extensive content, he focused on the primary sections: force guns, tactical accessories, and close-combat weapons.
For a custom fifth-level force gun, the Duke’s set budget was three thousand gold coins. The design required the user to select attack, range, and special skills to determine the main parameters, followed by adjustments by senior craftsmen based on specific needs. Each parameter change had a corresponding price list, essentially a series of force arrays, with different types of guns having varying functions and prices. For example, increasing the range of a pistol by ten meters would cost several times more than a sniper rifle.
Qianye briefly went over the various designs, then picked up the tactical accessories list, finding all to be high-quality sixth-level items rather than ordinary accessories. The other list contained close-combat weapons and armor, mostly at the fourth level. Close-combat gear required higher material strength, making even fourth-level items often more expensive than standard sixth-level guns. In weapon manufacturing, humans lagged behind the dark races.
This reflected the different development paths of human and dark races’ armies. The Great Qin Empire favored force guns that could enhance the combat power of lower-ranked soldiers, partly due to population factors. Dark races revered strength, preferring direct combat. Higher levels reduced the effectiveness of standard force guns.
In the list of close-combat weapons, Qianye unsurprisingly saw many dark race creations, including high-quality fifth-level weapons. However, dark energy was required to fully utilize these, making fifth-level weapons only marginally effective in human hands.
There was a knock on Qianye’s door, revealing Qiqi’s maidservant with a seductive smile, “Miss Qiqi wants me to check if you’re done. If so, go to her room immediately.”
Qianye took the documents and followed the maidservant to the main building.
In the study, lights were still on, and Qiqi’s voice echoed, “Lock the door and come in.”
Lock the door? But Qianye knew from experience that objections were futile and would lead to teasing. He silently entered, locked the door, and stepped into the study.
Qiqi wore a vintage robe, accentuating her slender figure. Her desk was empty, unclear if she had just finished work or was daydreaming.
Leaning lazily, she saw Qianye enter and asked, “Have you chosen your rewards?”
Qianye nodded, “The total reward is five thousand gold coins, enough for two items: Crushing Fist and Glowing Fang.”
Qiqi was surprised, “I thought you’d want a custom fifth-level force gun?”
“I have ‘Twin Flowers,’ and a fifth-level gun is too demanding for my current level. I don’t want to be exhausted after two shots,” Qianye replied, “And after the steward Wen’s incident, I trust the Duke less with custom items.”
Qiqi nodded, “True, testing force arrays is troublesome, but finished products avoid that. But, about force, won’t you improve in the future? At seventh level, a fifth-level gun would be perfect.”
Qianye shook his head, “The future is distant. Let’s focus on immediate combat power.”
Qiqi paused, “Am I mistaken? Qianye, you seem uneasy.”
Qianye felt odd, Qiqi rarely spoke seriously.
Qiqi looked at the documents, “Crushing Fist, sixth-level accessory, and Glowing Fang, vampire dagger. Odd choices, planning to stay a hunter?”
“Why not?”
Qiqi, without looking up, “You have a chance to learn military tactics. Leaders who can command troops are more valuable than individual warriors.”
Qianye calmly replied, “We agreed this would be my last task for you.”
Qiqi’s smile froze, still not looking up, “Won’t you reconsider?”
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