Chapter 322: The Only Chance
While the captains were thinking whether to surrender or not, a captain working under Xue Ruhong stepped onto the high platform.
Looking down at the restless crowd, he calmly announced, "The Great General is wise and benevolent. He has decided to grant the war prisoners of the Jin Army and Ji Army a chance to repent."
"Those willing to join the Feng Army will undergo a three-month trial. After passing the trial, they may officially join our Feng Army, starting from the grassroots level. However, those who excel pr possess high martial arts skills will be promoted based on their skills and contributions."
"For the refugees who just arrived in Xiqiang City today, you may register your name and information to receive housing and daily supplies, which will be provided for three days. After the three days are over, the Feng Army won’t provide you with any more supplies, but you can keep staying in the refugee camp."
"You can earn supplies by working around the city, such as joining the wall-building teams or the reconstruction crews."
"Those experienced in farming or with other crafting skills may report directly to the special booth near the Feng Army barracks. If your skills are sufficient, you can work directly for the Feng Army and earn a higher salary."
"A final reminder. Only those whose identity and information have been verified may receive citizenship of Xiqiang City and visit Fairy Bai’s temple to pray, make offerings, or receive Heaven’s blessing."
"Those without citizenship will be banned from entering the city and will not enjoy the privileges of Xiqiang City’s citizens."
After delivering the announcement, the captain left the high platform and ordered a group of workers who were waiting nearby, "Demolish the platform."
"Yes, sir." At once, the workers stepped forward with their tools and began dismantling the planks and wooden pillars.
As they were busy with their work, the crowd below began to discuss the news. Some of them were sharp enough to know that opportunity does not wait for anyone.
Without alarming the others, a few people quietly slipped away with their families and companions, hurrying to the booth near the city gate to register their names, seeking either a chance to join the Feng Army or secure a stable job.
When the rest noticed the number of the crowd getting fewer by the second, more and more realized what was happening and rushed toward the registration booth as well.
As the queue in front of the registration booths grew longer and longer, Fan Wanming arrived with his elite soldiers and ordered, "Bring the prisoners back to the underground prison. As for the others, escort them back to the city wall construction team and the city restoration team."
Hearing this, the elite soldiers responded in unison, "Yes, General Fan."
The appearance of the Feng Army’s elite soldiers silenced the war prisoners at once.
The captain of the Jin Army knew that if he did not act now, he would lose his only chance of ensuring his own survival and the chance to return to the Jin Empire to find his family.
When one of the elite soldiers approached him, the captain of the Jin Army quickly raised his shackled hands and said, "Sir, I want to join the Feng Army."
The elite soldier’s expression remained calm when he heard this. After studying the captain of the Jin Army for a few seconds, he replied, "Wait here."
He then walked to Fan Wanming, clasped his fists, and reported, "General Fan, one of the Jin Army prisoners wishes to join our ranks."
Hearing this, Fan Wanming’s eyes flickered with admiration.
’Fairy Bai’s idea is truly remarkable. With a single performance and a downpour of rain, she has swayed the hearts of these war prisoners. If we can use such means in the future, perhaps we may unite the Central Continent without shedding a single drop of blood.’
After silently praising Bai Hanyun in his heart, Fan Wanming ordered, "Bring him to the special camp. Have him register his name and report all the information he knows about the Jin Empire. Also, run a background check on him and monitor him closely for three months."
Pausing for a second, he added, "Remember to send me a daily report."
"This subordinate accepts the order."
Receiving the order, the elite soldier returned to the Jin Army captain and said expressionlessly, "Get up and follow me. If you try anything, you will be executed on the spot."
Fully aware of the strength of the Feng Army’s elite soldiers and the devastating power of their weapons and equipment, the captain of the Jin Army dared not act recklessly.
Lowering his head, he quickly replied, "Understood."
As the elite soldier prepared to escort him, the other Jin Army captains could no longer remain still.
Before the elite soldier could take a step, one of the captains hurriedly called out, "Sir, I also wish to join the Feng Army!"
Seeing this, the others immediately followed, "Me too!"
Seeing their captains make their decision, the soldiers of the Jin Army exchanged looks. Determination flickered in their eyes, and together they declared, "Please allow us to join the Feng Army!"
The elite soldier glanced at Fan Wanming, who gave a slight nod. Turning back to the war prisoners, he said, "Very well. All of you, follow me."
Hearing this, the Jin Army prisoners’ eyes lit up with relief and hope. They bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Sir!"
Since one man could not escort so many war prisoners alone, the elite soldier called his comrades.
Soon, more than five hundred elite soldiers of the Feng Army were leading the sixty thousand war prisoners of the Jin Army toward the special camp.
After they left, the outside of the southern gate suddenly felt empty and quiet. Left behind were only the Ji Army prisoners.
Another elite soldier asked them, "What about you all?"
They looked at each other hesitantly, until one finally asked, "Sir, can you tell us what happened to General Ji?"