Back at the bandit suppression camp, the men there immediately informed Su Fan about Bai Hong's previous visit.
Su Fan merely nodded, setting the matter aside for the moment.
"Everyone, assemble at the training grounds!"
Su Fan summoned all the soldiers who were not injured to the training grounds.
Everyone arrived at the training grounds promptly.
Apart from a few injured soldiers, everyone else was present.
The urgent assembly was naturally for the distribution of spoils.
They had just returned from suppressing bandits, and their most anticipated moment was the distribution of spoils. Su Fan could not let their spirits be dampened.
"All possessions from Shuǐhuǒ Village have been inventoried. The one-tenth I promised you will not be shortchanged. Commander Li, convert one-tenth of the items into silver and distribute it. The remaining items will be stored in the warehouse."
Su Fan immediately instructed Li Changmin in front of everyone.
Everyone would receive a share, including those who stayed behind to guard the camp.
"Wounded brothers will receive double rewards, and I will personally cover any excess expenses!"
Su Fan added.
"The top ten individuals who killed the most enemies on the battlefield will also receive double rewards!"
It wasn't over yet; those who ranked among the top in enemy kills on the battlefield would also have their rewards doubled.
The soldiers below became excited.
Those who had been thinking of slacking off and not contributing their best efforts now had a change of heart.
Killing enough enemies meant that one expedition was equivalent to two!
Su Fan's rewards reignited their fighting spirit.
"The bonuses will be distributed after the accounts are settled. If you fear losing your money, you may also deposit it at the bandit suppression camp and withdraw it whenever you need it. Even if you sacrifice yourselves on the battlefield, the money deposited at the camp will be handed over to your families afterward, ensuring that your sacrifice is not in vain and providing your families with a sum of compensation."
Su Fan continued after letting them revel in their excitement for a while.
Su Fan had noticed something.
After receiving their military pay, all the soldiers tended to spend it as quickly as possible, rarely saving any.
This was because they were uncertain of how long they would survive on the battlefield; they might die on the next engagement. Rather than letting the enemy get their hands on it, it was better to spend it and enjoy life for as long as possible. Furthermore, they were not allowed to leave the camp easily, making it impossible to send money home, so they could only spend it locally.
Su Fan felt this was not ideal, as it left the soldiers with no hope.
Besides, spending money in Beiling City would ultimately end up in Fang Shijie's pockets.
Therefore, Su Fan came up with this solution.
The bandit suppression camp would hold the money in safekeeping. If a soldier died, the money could be sent to their families.
Su Fan's proposal instantly brought a hush over the crowd.
Most of the soldiers came from impoverished families, struggling to make ends meet. Joining the army and receiving military pay meant one less mouth to feed at home, alleviating their family's burden.
Now, Su Fan's promise of being able to send money home in the future was immensely important to them!
"Thank you, Commander!"
A soldier at the front was the first to kneel and express his gratitude to Su Fan.
"Thank you, Commander!"
The soldiers behind him followed suit, kneeling and saluting Su Fan.
"What are you doing, acting like women? You don't need to kneel before me anymore. A man's knees are made of gold, don't you know? You only need to salute me. If anyone dares to kneel again, they will face military law!"
Su Fan shouted sternly, his expressionless face betraying no emotion.
The soldiers exchanged glances, then hesitantly stood up.
This was the first time they had encountered an official who forbade them from kneeling. It was… rather peculiar.
They were accustomed to kneeling before officials, so Su Fan's refusal to accept their obeisance struck them as strange.
"You are dismissed. Go back and rest well."
Su Fan waved his hand.
After the soldiers dispersed, Su Fan approached Li Changmin.
"Go to the outskirts of Beiling City and recruit more soldiers. The current number of men in the bandit suppression camp is too few."
Su Fan instructed Li Changmin.
To achieve significant results in suppressing bandits, the current number of soldiers was insufficient.
As for military supplies, there was no issue. Su Fan could sustain the camp through its operations; bandits, if nothing else, were plentiful in wealth.
Li Changmin had no objections and nodded before going to make arrangements.
Previously, the bandit suppression camp had many more soldiers, a full battalion of five hundred men. However, due to departures, deaths, and desertions, only about a hundred remained.
Su Fan then found the twenty soldiers who had been guarding the camp.
"Let's go. We're going to the City Lord's mansion to demand justice!"
Su Fan said with a cold smile.
The centurion was now utterly impressed with Su Fan.
Following Su Fan meant wealth, prestige, and security. Even if he died, his family would be better off. Now, he would do whatever Su Fan commanded.
Previously, he might have hesitated to go to the City Lord's mansion, but now, he felt that at worst, he would die, and the compensation would ensure his elderly mother and sister lived better lives.
"Sir, should we bring more brothers?"
The centurion asked Su Fan.
He suspected that a confrontation was inevitable at the City Lord's mansion and thought bringing more men would bolster their presence.
"No, you are enough."
Su Fan shook his head.
Fang Shijie did not dare to act against him at this point, unless he no longer cared about his son's life.
Su Fan, accompanied by twenty fully armed soldiers carrying their weapons, headed towards the City Lord's mansion.
Along the way, they attracted considerable attention.
The aura of Su Fan and his men was different; they marched towards the City Lord's mansion with an air of killing intent, drawing the curiosity of onlookers.
"Aren't those the soldiers from the bandit suppression camp? What are they doing marching so aggressively?"
Pedestrians on the street were curious.
"They're heading towards the City Lord's mansion. Has there been a conflict between the bandit suppression camp and the City Lord's mansion?"
The citizens of Beiling City knew that there were two major powers in the city: the City Lord's mansion and the bandit suppression camp.
One managed internal affairs, while the other handled external threats.
The City Lord's mansion was responsible for the city's infrastructure, while the bandit suppression camp protected Beiling City from bandit incursions.
"Haven't they always kept to themselves? Is there a show about to unfold? Quick! Let's follow and see the excitement!"
More and more citizens joined the procession as they walked. Su Fan paid them no mind, proceeding directly towards the City Lord's mansion.
"City Lord! No… no good! The people from the bandit suppression camp are attacking!"
A servant, pale with panic, rushed in to report to Fang Shijie.
"What? The bandit suppression camp?"
Fang Shijie was taken aback, wondering who had given the bandit suppression camp the audacity to confront them directly.
"Sir, could it be because we trespassed into the bandit suppression camp today?"
Bai Hong, standing nearby, ventured a quiet guess.
Fang Shijie's brow furrowed as he pondered, his thoughts unknown.
"Assemble everyone and block them at the entrance!"
Fang Shijie could not allow Su Fan to enter the City Lord's mansion, lest he lose all face.
"Yes!"
Bai Hong acknowledged the order and immediately went to gather the men.
Su Fan glanced at the plaque bearing the City Lord's mansion's name, a cold smile playing on his lips. He then shouted towards the main gate, "Thieves! Come out!"