Chapter 256: Chapter 254 General, Do You Want to Make a Move… (First Update)
“I honestly didn’t come here to hide anything,” Zimu began today.
However, before Lin Yi could finish his words, the other party burst into a generous laugh, waving his hand:
“Haha, Eunuch Lin doesn’t need to say it, we already know. You must have come for that batch of weapons, right?
Rest assured, I’ve had everything prepared. Even if Eunuch Lin didn’t come today, I was planning to find some time to send it to your Nanshan.
Let’s have our meal and drinks first. After we’re well-fed and satisfied, I’ll take you to see if you are content with the weapons.
If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, you can feel free to point it out.”
The righteousness in his words made Lin Yi somewhat doubtful for a moment.
The other party was just too enthusiastic.
After all, the other party belongs to Sixth Prince, so how could they be so kind?
But seeing that the other person’s expression didn’t seem to be a facade, Lin Yi gave up on such speculation.
Since the other party was so enthusiastic, he might as well go along with them.
Meet the soldiers with soldiers, meet the water with earth – whatever tricks the other party wanted to play, he would just follow suit.
Since the main issue had already been discussed, the two began a round of toasting and drinking.
As mentioned before, the alcohol of this era is not even as strong as the beers of later generations, allowing Lin Yi to drink without much caution.
As for the possibility of the other party poisoning the drinks, Lin Yi had already taken that into consideration.
First, his visit was widely known, making such tactics risky for the other party.
Second, he watched the other party pour the wine from a jug, which was not the kind of fancy pot he used; it was the most ordinary kind of jug.
Thus, he and the other party were drinking exactly the same wine.
In terms of food, Lin Yi was also cautious, following with his chopsticks where the other person had moved theirs.
Of course, these subtle actions of Lin Yi did not escape the eyes of the other person.
In truth, General Zhao didn’t show any signs of abnormality and even nodded in his heart.
After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, the two got up and went to the armory.
Upon arrival, they were startled to see over a dozen large carts parked outside the armory.
These carts were undoubtedly loaded with large wooden boxes, which were sealed and stamped with the Imperial Camp’s seal.
“Bring someone to open these boxes so Eunuch Lin can have a look,” the other party commanded.
Lin Yi did not object to these words; he wouldn’t be foolish enough to step out and stop the other party.
If the boxes didn’t contain weapons, and after arriving in his Nanshan it turned out otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to clear his name.
As General Zhao’s words fell, soldiers came forward to open the boxes, and upon the lifting of the wooden lids, various weapons appeared before Lin Yi’s eyes.
“Eunuch Lin is preparing to form a battalion of a thousand households, so I have specially prepared 1,200 sets of equipment for you.”
With each large box opened, General Zhao’s voice gently explained in Lin Yi’s ears:
“Look at these bows and arrows, forged with the latest techniques, and none more than half a year old.
In addition, for every bow, I’ve provided 30 feathered arrows.
The same goes for the armor, including iron armor, leather armor, outer armor, and cloth armor, all prepared according to the standard quota of a battalion.”
And so, cart by cart, the weapons and equipment were opened one by one.
Lin Yi followed impatiently beside General Zhao, listening to his explanations and examining the equipment.
From time to time, he personally picked up one or two pieces of equipment from the boxes, shaking them and inspecting their quality.
Only after the last piece of equipment had been checked did Lin Yi cheerfully bow to General Zhao beside him:
“The weapons and armor provided by the General have been inspected, and indeed are all of high quality.
I truly am grateful to General Zhao.
Should the General require anything in the future, just ask.
As long as it is within my ability, I will not delay.”
It must be said that upon inspection, Lin Yi found the equipment to be of the same high quality as General Zhao had claimed.
Moreover, on his way there, he had observed that these pieces of armor and equipment were even newer than what they wore and used at the Imperial Camp.
This left him even more profoundly baffled for a moment.
Logically, they should reserve the best equipment for their own use and give him the junk.
“Haha, Eunuch Lin, I’ll take these words to heart. In the future, if I do seek your help, I hope Eunuch Lin won’t delay.
Besides, I cannot take all the credit, these pieces of equipment are ones the Sixth Prince agreed to give you, not provided by me out of my own accord.”
“Even so, equipment differs from one to another. Haha, regardless, I shall remember this favor.
My side urgently needs these supplies for training, so I won’t impose any longer and shall take my leave today.”
As he said this, Lin Yi again bowed and cupped his fist toward General Zhao.
In turn, General Zhao replied with the same courtesy:
“Well then, if that’s the case, I will not keep you.
Do you want your men to drive the carts directly, or shall I have someone escort you to Nanshan?”
Hearing this, Lin Yi promptly responded without hesitation:
“No need to trouble General Zhao. In the vicinity of Capital City, I’m sure there’s no fool bold enough to mess with us, right?
Haha, General Zhao, farewell.”
When he came, Lin Yi had already considered that he might be taking weapons with him this time, so he had brought extra manpower, with more than 30 men accompanying him.
Also, as he didn’t want the situation at Nanshan Base to be known by outsiders too soon, he declined the proposal.
As Lin Yi’s people led the convoy out of the camp, a Deputy General at Zhao Heng’s side whispered to him:
“General, shall our men follow them?”
At the same time, he stretched out his hand and subtly slid it across his neck.
PS: Dear readers, I’m finally feeling a bit better. Taking advantage of my current state, I’ll start updating diligently, striving to release over 10,000 words tonight!