Chapter Six: Establishing One's Ground
[ Ding! Congratulations, host, for once again seizing the opportunity to defy fate. ]
[ Your method of brick firing has enabled Luo Fang to see a way to surpass other factions and even gain the favor of influential figures within Wangjiang City. As a result, your importance in Luo Fang’s eyes has greatly increased. Luo Fang’s faction is exactly the one that Yapozi’s group fears the most. ]
[ However, what is your exact status within Luo Fang’s faction now? Are you truly a trusted confidant, or merely being used? Luo Fang’s protection has granted you a moment of respite, but can it truly guarantee safety for you and your sister? ]
[ Ding! Congratulations, host, for using your own wit to avert the crisis posed by Yapozi’s persecution and change your destiny. Intelligence +2, Fate Points +10. ]
A small screen flashed before Xue Chengqian’s eyes.
Host Attributes:
Body: 3
Intelligence: 6
Agility: 5
Fate Points: 20
Xue Chengqian nodded slightly.
Seeing the expression shift on Luo Fang’s face, he knew he had passed through this crisis.
The system’s prompt about his relationship with Luo Fang was precisely the point he needed to focus on now.
The only regret was that, despite gaining another 10 Fate Points, the store had still not been activated, leaving him unable to see what treasures might be exchanged in the future.
Luo Fang joyfully came over and patted Xue Chengqian on the shoulder. Although Kang Yu and the others felt a twinge of jealousy, they could no longer object to Xue Chengqian joining their ranks.
It proved that Boss Luo’s judgment was indeed sharp.
What they all overlooked, however, was that Luo Fang had originally valued Xue Chengqian only for his youth and fierce determination. Now, what Xue Chengqian had demonstrated was enough to change the entire status quo of their faction—far beyond that of a mere “hired muscle.”
...
Xue Chengqian had only just begun to prove his worth.
Since he had already won Luo Fang’s approval, he now had the leisure to use his brick-firing skill to actually build several large houses.
The nearby refugees gaped in disbelief. In just a few days, a simple stone kiln had sprung up outside Wangjiang City, along with a house far more beautiful than anything they had ever seen before.
Luo Fang and his men didn’t really understand how to “promote” something, but the sight of a house emerging out of nowhere was more powerful than any advertisement.
---
“Damn it! Boss Luo, are you being played by this kid? What good is building pretty houses?”
“Look at these peasants outside—who can afford even a few bricks? How many people does it take to build just one house?”
Wang Huzi, Luo Fang’s most reckless and combative underling, sneered disdainfully at Xue Chengqian’s idea of making money.
Luo Fang, however, smiled faintly and looked toward Xue Chengqian.
If this kid was to establish himself within their ranks, it was better to let him explain the idea himself.
Xue Chengqian calmly retorted, “What do you think Yapozi and his crew rely on to gain a foothold among the refugees, and what kind of money do they make?”
“Refugees have been wandering endlessly, and with winter approaching and no access to Wangjiang City, the shelters we build are their only chance to survive the cold.”
“To stay alive, they would sell their wives and children, and even their own lives!”
Kang Yu also sided with Xue Chengqian this time.
Though she had a quick temper and had looked down on Xue Chengqian when he first joined, she was one of the more sensible among Luo Fang’s followers.
“Xue’s right.”
“In the past, following the boss, we were brave and fierce; everyone came from military households and was united. But Yapozi and Zheng Mazi managed to recruit a band of desperados from among the refugees.”
“Now, if we can find a way to keep everyone alive, they will become our desperados—and even those under Yapozi will be swayed to our side!”
Luo Fang added a few words at this point.
“More than that, I’ve already contacted Captain Song. Though the gates of Wangjiang City remain closed, officials won’t be happy to see refugees freezing and starving to death en masse.”
“If barbarian cavalry arrive, the entire Central Prefecture will be thrown into chaos by the flood of refugees. Even if a plague breaks out outside the city, Wangjiang City’s safety will be at risk.”
Xue Chengqian’s heart stirred.
As expected, Luo Fang had secret connections inside Wangjiang City.
The captain was a military officer of the Da Liang dynasty. Though only a mid-level commander, he had authority over a company of troops.
The others caught the hint in Luo Fang’s words.
Wang Huzi sneered and stepped aside, while the rest eagerly gathered around.
“Really? Boss, does this mean not only can we make a profit ourselves, but we can also win Captain Song’s favor?”
---
Though Luo Fang’s gang ruled among the refugees, few dared to challenge them.
But they were either from military families or former border soldiers.
Everyone knew that reigning supreme among refugees offered no future.
If Wangjiang City stirred up trouble, they might all die without a trace.
The more they learned about the inner workings of the military through old comrades, the more anxious they became about their current situation.
Moreover, as former border soldiers, they were painfully aware of their disgraceful defeat and dreamed of another chance.
“Brother Xue, I’m entrusting Kang Yu and thirty others to you.”
“Teach them well the craft of brick firing. They must become proficient in making these earth bricks.”
“I’ll find a way to bring the city officials out through Captain Song. At that time, we must show them clearly.”
“Who outside the city is making dirty money, and who is helping the government maintain order and providing a lifeline for thousands of refugees!”
Even Luo Fang could no longer keep his voice steady as he spoke.
Xue Chengqian was startled and quickly cautioned him.
“Boss Luo, this move is unwise.”
“The houses I’ve built can only create a shock effect, letting all refugees know we have something valuable, so they’ll gather under our banner and oppose Yapozi and the others.”
“But without a solid foundation, these houses are risky and only serve as temporary shelters.”
Xue Chengqian had assumed that Luo Fang’s connections inside Wangjiang City would prompt the prefecture’s officials to lend aid to the people.
Not only would Luo Fang’s faction prosper, but they would also be doing good for thousands of refugees.
Truly building large-scale housing outside Wangjiang City required more than empty gestures.
Unexpectedly, Luo Fang had first thought of making a grand show to impress the city officials—simply to flaunt his achievements and give his followers a chance at a future.
What was more, Luo Fang had already made arrangements and contacted Captain Song inside the city without informing Xue Chengqian first.