Chapter 341: Chapter 302: Slaughtering the Orc_1
In just a moment, Li Zhua came in with four Werewolves, carrying several sets of bedding.
Each set consisted of a green military coat and a synthetic blanket, tied into a neat square with string.
Yan Xing had Li Zhua distribute these bedding sets to Marshal Old Mom and other important Orc chieftains.
He said, "These cotton coats are tailor-made for humans. They might be a bit small for the sturdy frames of Ogres, and they’ll likely be somewhat large for the Big-eared monsters. The blankets have the same issue. After all, these were not provided for Orcs."
Upon receiving his bedding set, Marshal Old Mom couldn’t wait to untie the strings and pick up the green military coat. The other Orc chieftains who picked up the coats couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. The quality of this cotton coat far exceeded their expectations. Feeling the cotton content and examining the quality of the stitching, they thought that perhaps not even the Great Chieftain’s household had many clothes that could rival this coat.
The Orcs unanimously slipped the coats on. They were indeed a bit small, but instantly they felt warmer. Then they spread out the blankets and draped them over themselves.
Ah! Basking by the fire, how comfortable!
All the Orc chieftains sang praises, and not one of them had any intention of taking off the coats.
Marshal Old Mom, also wearing his coat, moved his body a bit. These coats are a bit tight for the Ogres and definitely too large for the Big-eared monsters. The coats for the Big-eared monsters could be cut down, and the excess fabric used to enlarge the Ogres’ coats; then everyone could wear them. Although the Great Army of Orcs didn’t have tailors, most Elves were nimble-fingered and could make the alterations.
The only thing Marshal Old Mom worried about was how many of these bedding sets Yan Xing could provide. With such fine tailoring and ample materials, the quantity must not be large.
"Lord Yan Xing, we are very satisfied with these bedding sets. May I ask, how many such sets can you provide for us?" Marshal Old Mom asked.
"Twenty thousand sets."
Yan Xing had estimated the size of the Orc army before coming to Frostleaf City. The Orc army had suffered tremendous losses on their way to attack Storm City, fighting every step of the way. Intelligence indicated that there should have been about 40,000 warriors when the Orc army retreated from Anjik Fort. Some of these Orc warriors would be left to garrison Highland City, while the others, roughly 20,000 to 30,000, would be in Frostleaf City. Adding garrisons in various strongholds and fortresses, the Orcs’ forces in the Wildwind Highlands would at most be 50,000 strong.
Yan Xing’s provision of 20,000 bedding sets meant the Orc warriors would have to take turns. Those on duty outside would wear the coats, while the others would wrap themselves in blankets and huddle indoors. In early winter, which was not too cold, this was completely feasible. As for whether to continue supplying the Orcs with winter provisions deep into winter, that would depend on their performance during this period.
And 20,000 bedding sets had already far exceeded the expectations of Chieftain Old Mom.
"That many?" He had thought that for such high-quality bedding, it would be a significant gesture if Yan Xing could provide even a few thousand sets. Instead, Yan Xing had generously offered 20,000 sets.
Yan Xing said, "Too many? If the Marshal doesn’t need that many, I can reduce the number. Many people want this batch of bedding..."
Before Yan Xing could finish, Chieftain Old Mom immediately said, "I want them! I want them all! Lord Yan Xing, name your price."
Yan Xing held up three fingers.
"Three Gold Coins?" Chieftain Old Mom frowned deeply. "That’s too expensive! I admit this bedding set is very good, but three Gold Coins far exceeds its value. Lord Yan Xing, it’s natural to want to make more money, but you also need to consider the long-term benefits. Winter will eventually pass."
Yan Xing laughed. "How could it be three Gold Coins?"
Chieftain Old Mom was instantly overjoyed. "Could it be just three silver coins?"
Yan Xing replied, "Neither. My asking price is three God-given gold coins for such a bedding set."
Before coming to Frostleaf City, Yan Xing had planned to fleece the Orcs by selling the bedding sets at two God-given gold coins per set. However, after entering the city and seeing that the Orcs’ situation was much more dire than he had estimated, he had raised the price on the spot to three God-given gold coins.
Upon hearing Yan Xing’s quote, Chieftain Old Mom shot to his feet. The imposing aura of a powerful individual spread tangibly, pressing towards Yan Xing.
"Are you taking me for a fool?"
God-given gold coins could be used to recruit armies and purchase God-given items; they were a vital strategic resource for any power. Orcs didn’t have a troop type like human peasants who could pay taxes, so their acquisition of God-given gold coins was much less than that of humans. Even though the recruitment cost for Orc troops was generally cheaper than for humans, God-given gold coins were still in short supply. The recent war in the Wildwind Highlands had already consumed a massive amount of God-given gold coins. The limited God-given gold coins Chieftain Old Mom possessed had to be carefully budgeted to help his army recover its strength quickly; every coin had to be used judiciously.
Now Yan Xing dared to quote him three God-given gold coins per bedding set. For 20,000 sets, that amounted to 60,000 God-given gold coins. If this human didn’t possess something he desperately needed, Chieftain Old Mom felt like bashing his head in with a club right then and there.
The air currents stirred up by Chieftain Old Mom surged through the hall, demonstrating his strength and, at the same time, his fury.
Yan Xing remained seated, and when the pressure wave reached him, it was parted by an invisible force.
"Marshal," Yan Xing said, "so many bedding sets won’t simply fly from Nuta City to Frostleaf City. You should be aware of the risks everyone involved in this is taking. At this time, how many people do you think would risk their lives to earn a few Gold Coins? If you were human, Marshal, it would be three Gold Coins per bedding set. But since you are an Orc, it has to be three God-given gold coins."
Chieftain Old Mom glared at Yan Xing, fuming. "Can’t it be any cheaper? One God-given gold coin."
Yan Xing replied, "I hope the Marshal makes a decision soon. The longer the delay, the fewer bedding sets will be available, and the price will surely go higher."
The hall fell silent. An intense battle of wills ensued between Chieftain Old Mom and Yan Xing through eye contact, as if armies were clashing between them.
In the end, the seller’s market forced Chieftain Old Mom to yield. Survival was what mattered most.
"Fine, we’ll go with that price." Chieftain Old Mom sat back down in his chair. "When can you deliver the bedding sets?"
"They will be delivered to Frostleaf City within three days. When can you prepare the 60,000 God-given gold coins?"
"The God-given gold coins are here with me. I’ll give them to you when your bedding sets arrive."
"Then we’ll make the exchange directly: payment for goods."
"Alright..." Chieftain Old Mom, who had been thoroughly fleeced, no longer had any interest in talking with Yan Xing. He closed his eyes and said, "If Lord Yan Xing has nothing else, you may leave now. I will have someone arrange accommodation for you. Once your bedding sets arrive at Frostleaf City, we will discuss road repairs and trading with the Elves."