Chapter 516: Riot
Upon receiving the order, Qin Silong and his companions set out towards Three Flowers County.
Per the instructions, upon reaching each county, they were to deliver the document to the county magistrate and, in return, receive five to six hundred soldiers provided by the magistrate.
To worsen matters, these soldiers were unprepared, with some counties even resorting to last-minute recruitment, unexpectedly scrambling to gather young men.
The Imperial Court’s decision to send troops to quell the unrest and recruit last-minute soldiers caught everyone off guard. Typically, county defense teams consisted of 100 to 200 part-time members, primarily reserved for sudden incidents.
Despite the unconditional requisition of these individuals, the numbers fell short.
The impromptu recruitment faced obstacles, with few volunteers willing to join. Without proper training, these recruits were essentially being sent to the battlefield unprepared and unwilling to risk their lives.
County magistrates resorted to drawing lots, compelling families chosen by the draw to contribute a man. Those not selected had to pay a fee.
Wealthier individuals opted to pay, having the means to find substitutes even if they were chosen. Money, in their eyes, could persuade anyone.
All these processes consumed valuable time. In addition to recruiting soldiers, there was the added challenge of provisioning food for the upcoming campaign.
The inhabitants of various counties voiced their complaints, while county governors frowned and cursed the emperor for his perceived incompetence.
