Chapter 978: Got It Without Any Effort

A refugee settlement not only built a small town, but also developed a complete system, even establishing the Yellow Register household registration—this is an extremely rare thing, even describable as a marvel.

Although the name Wild Dogs sounds extremely improper, very much like a barbaric bandit organization.

But judging by what they have done, Wild Dogs' governance of the locality is absolutely very insightful; this gang‑like organization has talent.

"Is it the same in the north of the city?" Chen Wuji asked.

Qin Lao shook his head: "Generally speaking, it's about the same, but there are still some differences. The people of North City are all from the Hu Family; they are not free persons—whether it's income from farming or from doing a little business, about half must be given as tribute to the Hu Family."

"So that's it." Chen Wuji nodded.

In comparison, the level of governance shown by Wild Dogs over the locality becomes even more evident.

A group of refugees who could not eat enough or keep warm gathered here; they eliminated chaos and slaughter, and reestablished order and civilization.

This is not something that can be accomplished simply by having ability.

"Tell me about your Wild Dogs." Chen Wuji suddenly became strongly interested in this organization.

Chu Yun readily agreed, about to speak, but the old master beside him said: "Marquis, let me speak; many past affairs of the Wild Dogs are unknown to little Chu Yun. I think what you want to know should be a complete picture of the Wild Dogs, not just what they are doing now."

Chen Wuji was slightly surprised; this old master is perceptive.

The old master spoke slowly, recounting how the Wild Dogs were born, how they relied on martial strength and fairness to establish their standing among the refugees, then won over a group of people and outlined the embryonic form of the refugee settlement.

The development history of the Wild Dogs, from beginning to end, took only about fifteen minutes to tell.

Yet the difficulties involved are like a series of towering mountains.

Only someone with great perseverance could reach this point.

These Wild Dogs members have hardly read any books; the old master seems to be the most educated among them, but their abilities are truly not small.

"I accept your surrender, but you must not continue to live here." Chen Wuji said.

Upon hearing this, Qin Lao and Chu Yun's faces changed dramatically.

"Dare I ask, Marquis… why may we not continue to live here? Every brick and tile of this place was painstakingly built by us; it is the lifeblood of two generations." Qin Lao spoke softly, with caution.

Chen Wuji smiled and waved his hand: "I know you are attached to this place, but it is not suitable for survival. You have exhausted two generations' effort to improve the land, but from what I can see, what is grown in the fields now is still insufficient to sustain your livelihood, let alone a good life."

"You should also have heard that I drove the Qiang people from their lands; now the eastern part of Qiang Land under my control is vast and sparsely populated, urgently needing population."

"Bring the people of South City with you; I will order people to demarcate pastures and farmland, and give each person three mu of land."

Qin Lao and Chu Yun exchanged a glance, both eyes filled with delight.

"Marquis, I heard that Qiang Land is all pasture; can it also be farmed?" Chu Yun asked cautiously.

Chen Wuji smiled: "Qiang Land is indeed mostly grassland, but that's because the Qiang people are not good at farming; in fact, the land there is very fertile."

Chen Wuji had already tested these matters and reached a very sufficient conclusion.

He simply did not want to convert all grassland into farmland for the sake of ecological balance; three mu per person is already more than enough.

Qin Lao and Chu Yun nodded repeatedly, overjoyed: "Thank you, Marquis, for your grace! Thank you, Marquis, for your grace!"

Although they were attached to this city built with two generations' labor, if they had a choice they would still prefer to find a better place—not for themselves, but for their descendants.

This refugee settlement's land is truly difficult to cultivate.

They have already expended two generations' effort, yet they still cannot let their descendants live here in peace.

Perhaps several more generations' effort would be needed.

"Marquis, when will we relocate?" Qin Lao asked.

"For now there's no rush; after I settle all affairs of the refugee settlement, I will send people to escort you there. Before that, there is still something I need you to do." Chen Wuji said.

Chu Yun's expression tightened; he boldly declared: "Marquis, the Wild Dogs have 2,300 brave warriors. We merely did not want to clash with the Hu Family and suffer mutual destruction, ruining our ancestral foundation. But if we truly had to risk our lives, we could completely press them to the ground and beat them like dogs!"

"I have a force of ten thousand behind me; to crush a small Hu Family, why would I need your help? What you must do is a small matter: I want you to find two people in the city." Chen Wuji said.

Chen Li promptly handed over the portraits of Guo Shuhan and Wang Yu.

This item was prepared by Guo Shuhan and sent together with the previous letter.

"These two people!" Chen Wuji pointed at the portraits and said.

"Their false identities in the city are as merchants; they should have a dozen or so attendants, and their abilities are quite good. Tell your people to be careful. Remember one thing: you may injure them, but you must not kill them."

Chu Yun took the portraits, straightened his posture instantly: "I will certainly do my utmost to accomplish the task the Marquis entrusted me with!"

Qin Lao stared at the portraits for two glances, then let out a soft "yi": "That chubby round face—I feel like I've seen it somewhere… no, it should be quite familiar—who was it again…"

"Have you seen him before, Old Master?" Chu Yun asked delightedly.

Qin Lao raised his hand: "Wait, let me think; my memory's not great with age. This portrait differs slightly from the person, very familiar, but I just can't recall who it is…"

Chu Yun dared not urge him further, waiting silently for Qin Lao to remember.

Chen Wuji also remained silent, not interrupting him.

Suddenly, Qin Lao slapped his hand: "I remember now—this person is none other than Mr. Wang, who rented my courtyard!"

"I have a small tavern in the city, with a few courtyards in the back; I used to rent them out or occasionally use them as an inn, earning a little wine money. This fellow has been staying here for some time, claiming to be in business, yet I never see him buying or selling anything—he just holes up in the courtyard all day."

"Accompanying him is this fellow with slightly high cheekbones, apparently called… the Head Leader, who makes a living escorting cargo. I even asked him why a scholar would wander the rivers and lakes; he said his family persecuted him, leaving him no choice."

Chen Wuji laughed: "Indeed, we got them without any effort."

With Qin Lao, an old acquaintance, things will be even easier.

"Then I'll trouble Qin Lao with this!" Chen Wuji said.

"Just bring them alive before me; as for how to do it, you arrange it as you see fit—I only need to see the persons." Chen Wuji said.