C9 King Protector Army

Gao Shaoyi had intended to deploy his Infantry Squad upon his return, but to his surprise, a group of women had formed a Dragon Gate Formation right at his doorstep, specifically calling for his sister to come out.

"I have to go out; she was my former mother-in-law, after all."

His sister was unaware of Gao Shaoyi's activities. Learning that her former mother-in-law was waiting outside, she felt both morally and emotionally compelled to meet her.

"Why would you go out to her? When Lee Mingshan was mistreating you, that old lady hardly lifted a finger in your defense. She was nothing more than a countrywoman back in the day. What was her stance when Lee Mingshan married you? And how did she act later on? I haven't even settled the score with that old hag, and here she is, showing up at our doorstep," Gao Shaoyi fumed.

Lee Mingshan's mother was no simpleton; she had once sweet-talked her sister with a few clever words, but when she saw no further use for her, she repeatedly arranged for Lee Mingshan to take younger wives, completely disregarding her sister.

After the new wife had a child, she even instigated a push to make her the official wife. If the old woman had an ounce of kindness, their family wouldn't be in such a state.

"But..."

The young lady was about to speak when her maid quickly tugged at her sleeve. Now back at her parental home, the young lady found herself without her parents, but the Young Marquis was now the head of the household.

In this time, a woman's status was not esteemed. Whether in her birth family or her marital home, unless she reached the rank of Matriarch, she was expected to abide by the head of the family's decisions.

"Have you found everyone I asked for?"

Stepping out of the living room, Gao Shaoyi was met with the sight of a hundred or so people gathered outside. These individuals were once the protectors of the Marquis Mansion, veterans who had fought alongside the Old Marquis.

Regrettably, Gao Shaoyi was ineffectual, unable to sustain such a force, so he had no choice but to seek his own fortunes.

Aware that he needed a loyal following, Gao Shaoyi had First Wang summon them upon his arrival.

Although these individuals had their own livelihoods, they were well aware of the Young Marquis's actions earlier in the day. Upon hearing that the Marquis Mansion required their services, they promptly gathered their tools and came.

"Marquis, of the original one hundred and ninety guards stationed in the capital, all one hundred and forty-five are now present," reported First Wang with an imposing air. As it turned out, he was the head of the guards, and though he only had his four brothers under him, the addition of over a hundred men restored the formidable presence they once had.

"Greetings to the Marquis."

At First Wang's signal, over a hundred guards knelt down simultaneously with such precision that it was evident his father had trained his troops with rigor, leaving behind a legacy of discipline.

"Rise, everyone! We'll be depending on you all going forward. Aside from some adjustments to your pay, your duties remain unchanged. Each of you should return to your respective positions, and Wang Wu will handle the specifics shortly."

Gao Shaoyi's declaration was met with silence from the ranks below. They understood that the Marquis Mansion was no longer as it once was, and a slight reduction in pay was of little concern—some were content as long as they had enough to eat.

"Third-class guards will earn five silver coins per month, second-class eight, and first-class ten," Gao Shaoyi announced, turning to address Wang Wu.

Though he spoke softly, the news reached the ears of those in the front, leaving them in disbelief. Their compensation was now comparable to that of the Imperial Guard.

"Marquis..."

First Wang was aware of Gao Shaoyi's newfound wealth, but he hadn't anticipated such a swift and significant increase in their remuneration—over fifty percent more than before.

"Carry out my instructions. Those with children will receive an extra silver coin per month, and those with both parents will get another. Salaries will be distributed on the fifth of each month without fail, starting today."

Gao Shaoyi's statement sparked murmurs among the crowd; such a generous payment scheme was unheard of.

"Marquis, since today is the eighteenth, will half a month's salary be disbursed?"

First Wang tallied up the days.

"It's been half a month. We'll double the back pay owed."

Gao Shaoyi wasn't concerned about the cost for a few individuals. Besides, there were ample merit points in the system to draw from—one merit point could be exchanged for an imperial silver coin. Money was no object now.

"My thanks, Marquis."

The soldiers in attendance didn't need to be told twice; they all knelt and bowed deeply to Gao Shaoyi in gratitude.

Gao Shaoyi understood the situation well. Mere conviction wasn't enough; he needed to ensure everyone was well-fed. Long-term benefits would keep these men loyal. Relying solely on belief would leave them hungry and their resolve would soon crumble.

"Come with me, let's take a walk. Distribute the firearms from the left storeroom to them. And put in some extra effort to train them quickly. The East Di Country won't take this lying down."

Gao Shaoyi had already exchanged a batch of rifles on his return journey.

"Rest assured, Marquis. These men are seasoned warriors; their aim is unerring. With these new rifles, just as our lord once said, the East Di Country doesn't stand a chance."

Third Wang spoke with a chuckle, recalling how Gao Shaoyi's father had once led troops to victory against the East Di Country's forces—one of the Qian Empire's rare triumphs.

"How many of my father's old troops can we still find?"

Gao Shaoyi asked, feeling a touch of heat in his cheeks.

His father had commanded the formidable King Protector Army, the mightiest in the entire Qian Empire. Although the Imperial Court had absorbed most of the forces, some had remained. Unfortunately, due to Gao Shaoyi's mismanagement, he had disbanded what was left.

"If we're diligent in our search, finding a thousand or two wouldn't be hard, and that's just around the capital city. In the Zhili territory, we could potentially muster two to three thousand," the Marquis replied.

Third Wang had kept in touch with them over the years. Hearing the Young Master's intent, it seemed he was planning to rally the old guard. They might be advanced in age, but their skills remained sharp.

"Keep an eye on them for now. I'll decide what to do after my audience at the palace."

As they conversed, they made their way to the main gate, arriving in no time.

"What brings you here? Summon that wretched Gao Shaoqing!"

Upon seeing Gao Shaoyi emerge from the main entrance, Old Madam Li launched into a tirade, her demeanor that of a notorious village scold.

Gao Shaoyi had no intention of stooping to the level of these women. His initial plan was to simply have them escorted away. But faced with such vulgar insults, he wasn't about to adhere to the usual decorum. If she was going to be foul-mouthed, she couldn't fault him for not holding back.

To think that someone as decent and kind as his sister could be referred to in such a manner was unacceptable. She certainly didn't warrant any respect from him...