Chapter 27: The Failed Contact

  "General, I want to join the army too!" Ren Shuai hastily came forward.

  Wang Rui didn't say anything. He used to be the leader of a patrol team, and it wouldn't make sense to expand the patrol team into a large patrol troop, would it? That would be ridiculous.

  "What's all the fuss about?!" As soon as this was mentioned, Qian Buding flared up: "First train the soldiers in your hands into elite troops before talking!"

  Qian Buli had his own difficulties, what was the lifeline of the army? It was military supplies! He, as the commander, didn't even have a single logistics officer by his side. In the past, the Snowy City Garrison belonged to Jia Tianxiang's jurisdiction, and all military supplies were distributed by the City Lord's Manor. Logistics officers were not necessary at all. How could he ask for money from Jia Tianxiang, who had already begun to suspect him? Qian Buli didn't have any leverage at all. However, it was time to get in touch with Jia Tianxiang!

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  Qian Buli lived in the city master's mansion, and this invincible Tianwei General was recognized by everyone. When he arrived at Jia Tianxiang's residence, the guards didn't even report, and directly invited Qian Buli in.

  "How come Master Zhen hasn't rested yet?" Jia Tianxiang was taken aback when he saw Qian Buding, then a smile spread across his face.

  "Of course, there's something that needs your help." Qian Buli knew that Jia Tianxiang was a seasoned politician. If he went around in circles with him, he might end up getting himself entangled, so it was better to be straightforward.

  "What's wrong?"

  "I sent someone to investigate the Tianbing Glacier and it's true that the Flying Eagle Tribe has retreated. However, we still can't let our guard down." Qian Buli sat in his chair: "You also know about Wang Rui's situation, right? That He Jiongming's stance is quite ambiguous! If not for Wang Rui's quick thinking, you wouldn't have had the chance to return to Xueyuan City!" Qian Buli knew that Jia Tianxiang and He Jiongming were close friends, so he intentionally provoked a rift between them.

  "I know, it's been... I've known him for decades." Jia Tianxiang narrowed his eyes, as if recalling the past: "Back then, he and I met His Majesty in disguise on a private visit. The three of us had a great conversation, we became close friends, and over the years, we both worked hard for the prosperity of Zhou Guo. But now... differences have inevitably arisen!"

  "Is it because you have a crush on Gong Princess, while He Jiong has his eyes on Ji Shenglie?"

  "Not bad, that's right." Jia Tianxiang replied with some emotion: "Commander, you didn't come to find me just to talk about this matter, did you?"

  "We may be able to defend against one attack, but not necessarily two, Earl. Don't you think the garrison at Snowy City is too weak?"

  "The Flying Eagle tribe has already been crippled by Lord Tong, and the garrison of their city is not even as many as our Snow Plain City. Do you think it's necessary?"

  "Ah!" Qian's eyes were fixed intently on Jia Tianxiang: "Can you guarantee they don't have any other ulterior motives?"

  Jia Tianxiang pondered for a moment, sighed, and shook his head: "Commander, what is it that you really need?"

  "Man! Horse! Money!"

  "How much?"

  "I'll take as much as you can give!" Qian didn't bother to waste words with Jia Tianxiang, knowing that the possibility of him coming to offer support was extremely slim. Here, he couldn't use the method of capturing Ji Sheng's emotions to exert pressure, and he wasn't worried that Jia Tianxiang wouldn't yield.

  Jia Tianxiang was taken aback, and he sensed the provocative tone in Qian Buli's words. Logically speaking, someone seeking support shouldn't be so arrogant, right? The cunning Jia Tianxiang quickly started thinking.

  "Earl, won't you give us a straightforward answer?!?" Qian Buli urged.

  Why does he want to provoke me so much? Jia Tianxiang's eyes lit up, and he suddenly understood! If he was provoked and refused him, wouldn't that mean he could openly refuse the prince's invitation and leave Snowy City? He still doesn't want to help us... Jia Tianxiang felt a bit melancholy, but this little trick won't fool me, Jia Tianxiang!

  "Your request is too vague, I can't do it..." Jia Tianxiang smiled as he looked at Qian Buli.

  Qian Buli revealed a smile as expected, then picked up his teacup and waited for Jia Tianxiang's next words.

  "But I can promise you, however much you want, I'll give it to you!"

  Pfft... The money didn't leave, and the tea water immediately sprayed out. He stared blankly at Jia Tianxiang, this answer was really too unexpected! How could he support me? Doesn't he fear that I have ulterior motives? Give me as much as I want... Has he gone crazy?

  Jia Tianxiang saw the look on Qian Budi's face, and he became even more convinced of his own judgment. A triumphant smile spread across Jia Tianxiang's face: "The world doesn't only have one clever person, after all!"

  "Have you thought it over? How much will it be in the end? I'll send someone to collect it right away."

  "This... money, has he ever planned how much is needed? He doesn't even have a concept, mumbling and unable to say anything reasonable."

  Jia Tianxiang would not let go of the opportunity to kick someone while they were down: "Don't worry, with Snowy City's financial resources, I will definitely satisfy you. How much do you need? I also have some horses here, but there aren't many people in Snowy City. If you want to recruit on a large scale, you'll have to go inland. Speak up, how much do you need?"

  "I... I'll go back and think about it first." Qian got up and left, hiding for now.

  Jia Tianxiang, regardless of his status, grabbed Qian Budili: "Commander, you're not joking, are you? Since you've come, you must have made a thorough plan for the conscription details. Come, let's discuss it in detail."

  "Let's talk another day... You see, it's a bit too late today, I don't want to disturb your rest."

  "It doesn't matter, I'm used to staying up late, come on, Lord Tong, please take a seat."

  "Ah... I suddenly remembered something I need to ask Your Highness about, you see..."

  "Is that so? I also have something to ask of Your Highness, let's go together."

  "I... I suddenly realized that what Snowy City needs now is not to recruit more soldiers, but to train the existing ones into elite troops! Otherwise, I'm worried they'll become a mob..."

  "Is that so?" Jia Tianxiang looked at Qian Buli in surprise: "Have you made up your mind?"

  "Yes, yes." Qian Buduan nodded repeatedly.

  "I'd better not express my opinions randomly then. When you need to recruit soldiers, just come find me and I'll definitely help you with all my might."

  Finally, Qian Buli escaped from Jia Tianxiang's room in a daze: "This... what is going on?" Qian Buli couldn't figure it out. When he returned to his own room, the first thing he did was ask the demon soul, but unfortunately, the demon soul had not contacted him for several days. His thoughts were sent out but there was no response, which was another thing that Qian Buli couldn't understand.