Two hours later, in Anyi City.
In the Jin residence, a middle-aged man paced back and forth, clearly anxious.
Jin Kui, the head of the Jin family, was also a protégé of Yuan Kui.
He had risen to the position of Magistrate of Jingzhao through Yuan Kui's connections, and later returned to Anyi City to inherit the position of family head.
He was a figure of immense prestige in the Anyi area.
Even the Yang family's influence was overshadowed, and a few days ago, Yuan Kui had sent a letter instructing him to cooperate in eliminating Lu Ming's detachment.
The Yellow Turban Rebellion appeared severe, but it ultimately harmed ordinary people.
Powerful families all possessed their own private armies, disguised as guards.
Manors were built like fortresses, with watchtowers and fortified villages, resembling small castles.
Therefore, no matter how fierce the Yellow Turban Rebellion became, it did not prevent them from indulging in pleasure within their estates.
Aside from the major cities, only the strong fortified villages in these areas were truly safe.
Smaller county towns were almost no match for the Yellow Turban Rebellion's sweeping tide; they were quickly overrun, and their fate was death.
Shortly afterward, a servant rushed in and whispered, "My lord, they've failed. Hu Long has been beheaded, and Pang Bo has been captured."
"Who sent the message? Dispose of it." A dark glint flashed in Jin Kui's eyes, and without hesitation, he acted ruthlessly.
He didn't need to do anything; he just needed to ensure that everything was dead and without evidence. Killing Lu Ming to fulfill Yuan Kui's request would be ideal.
If that wasn't possible, then he would absolve himself. With no evidence, he couldn't be harmed.
"Yes," the servant nodded, his Adam's apple bobbing, but he didn't say what he wanted to say, only responding in a low voice.
"You may leave now," Jin Kui waved for the servant to leave, and after a while, he summoned the steward.
"Master," the steward, Jin Teng, bowed respectfully. Stewards of large families were often bestowed with the family name, a privilege, a recognition, and the ultimate expression of a servant's duty.
"Prepare the two thousand catties of millet we just harvested today, eight hundred winter coats, and a certain amount of ironware. When Colonel Lu Ming arrives in Anyi City, present these to him as a token of the Jin family's goodwill, hoping he can quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion soon. That's all. You may leave now." After giving his instructions, Jin Kui sat down again, picked up his teacup, took a few sips, and suppressed his inner unease.
He himself didn't know why he felt this way. Perhaps Lu Ming's fearsome reputation in Luoyang made him uneasy; otherwise, there was no explanation for his fear.
Lu Ming didn't set up camp in the county town but instead chose a sheltered area to establish his camp.
That evening, people gathered around large bonfires.
Lu Ming began his speech, recounting how he survived in Xiliang, how his father was killed by bandits during a city siege, and how he climbed his way up step by step.
His story of a commoner's rise to wealth resonated with the lives of most ordinary people.
It was also more likely to gain their approval. He told these tales to quickly win over the bandit soldiers and make them work for him.
This time, besides completing Emperor Ling's mission, the main reason for their deployment was to expand their ranks. Being selected by the Yellow Turban Army proved these men were physically capable.
Furthermore, they had some combat experience, meaning they were no longer considered rookies.
With a little more training and more battles, they could grow stronger. Most importantly, they had no other choice. If they didn't fight hard and earn military merit, death was the only outcome.
When death was certain, no one dared to carry out the mission, which would inevitably create negative consequences.
Once a chance to survive appears, it's like a drowning person grasping at a straw—they desperately want to hold on and fight to live.
After stabilizing morale, Lu Ming began selecting soldiers from the ranks who met the system's requirements for promotion.
His bravery was etched in their hearts; they admired him and were willing to submit. With loyalty and the system's assistance, he wasn't worried about their betrayal.
Moreover, the promoted soldiers were stronger, providing greater assistance.
"Thirty-five swordsmen and shieldmen, forty-seven sickle-wielders, thirty-seven archers, forty-five heavy guards, thirteen heavy axemen."
Looking at the numbers, it seemed small, but Lu Ming was already quite satisfied.
These were currently second-tier troops, the backbone of the force—significantly stronger, yet not too weak, perfectly suited as elite troops.
Looking at the job list, there's a "Job Change" option above my head, allowing me to change jobs and experience them all. Each change grants attribute points and the opportunity to learn numerous spells and special skills, truly living up to my title of "Overlord's Body"!
"Swordsman: Light Guard -- Heavy Guard -- Longswordsman -- Lieutenant General. General Follower Exclusive: Light Guard -- Heavy Guard -- Longswordsman -- Flying Dragon General. Special Branch: Light Guard -- Heavy Guard -- Ranger -- Sword Saint."
"Blade Soldiers: Swordsman -- Swordsman and Shield Soldier -- Light Cavalry -- Heavy Cavalry. General Follower Exclusive: Swordsman -- Swordsman and Shield Soldier -- Berserker -- Royal Guard."
"Archers: Archer -- Archer -- Longbowman -- Archer Cavalry" "Soldiers. General Follower Exclusive: Archer -- Archer -- Longbowman -- Sharpshooter."
"Axemen: Axe Warrior -- Heavy Axeman -- Great Axeman -- Axe Cavalry. General Follower Exclusive: Axe Warrior -- Heavy Axeman -- Great Axeman -- Iron General."
"Spearmen: Spearman -- Hooked Scythe Handler -- Elite Soldier -- Lancer. General Follower Exclusive: Spearman -- Hooked Scythe Handler -- Elite Soldier -- Tiger and Leopard Cavalry."
Looking at the template, there was even a healer. Lu Ming then looked at Jiang Qin's troop type, but there was a slight change.
"Jiang Qin: Loyalty: 100, Class: Berserker (Water), Proficient in naval warfare."
Seeing this, Lu Ming stroked his chin. Did naval warfare have some effect? Would being unsuited for naval warfare lower his attributes? Perhaps. Seasickness was also normal.
He closed his eyes and began to explore this area.
With nothing else to do, he stepped out of his tent and began treating some of the wounded soldiers.
He treated even the captured bandits without discrimination.
In Lu Ming's eyes, these were merely tools. To gain their loyalty, one must first learn to make them grateful.