Martial Arts: I Have a Wilderness World-Chapter 80: Plotting

Soon, four men arrived together at the entrance of the main courtyard.

Before they were seen, they were heard. A hearty laugh echoed, growing louder as they approached:

"Hahaha! Lord County Magistrate, your presence graces our humble courtyard with splendor."

Hearing this coarse voice, Chang Younian, who was still outside the gate, frowned slightly and sighed inwardly.

’If these members of the Noble Races actually become Noble Families... it’ll lower the status of the Noble Families as a whole.’

But there was no choice. They were the best of a bad bunch. After all, in all of Jade Peak County, only these Noble Race factions were willing to "obey."

’It doesn’t matter, anyway. As long as the plan goes smoothly, I won’t be staying here for long.’

Chang Younian forced himself to ignore the man’s manner of speaking, maintaining a dignified yet amiable attitude.

Seeing the men emerge, he clasped his fists and smiled.

"Official duties have been pressing. I’m a little late. My apologies for keeping you all waiting."

Zhao Kaitai stepped before Chang Younian and said politely, "Lord County Magistrate, not at all. We’ve all just gathered ourselves. This way, please."

Zhao Kaitai gestured for him to enter.

The other three men also stepped aside and gestured for him to proceed.

Chang Younian did not refuse and walked inside. The young, Black-robed Steward beside him followed calmly, not engaging with the four men.

Zhao Kaitai and the others hurried to catch up. He then gave a slight nod to a steward following nearby.

The steward understood and quickly left to arrange for drinks and food.

The living hall.

Only after Chang Younian sat in the host’s seat did the other four men take their respective seats.

Zhao Kaitai was the first to speak. "I’m sure you have been terribly busy these past few days, my lord. We invited you here today to give you a chance to relax. Please, make yourself at home."

Chang Younian deliberately ignored the crudeness of the man’s words and waved his hand. "It’s fine. I have come today to discuss an important matter. Regarding the current plague, I have already dispatched men to handle it, but I will require your assistance in the aftermath."

Ma Youde, a man with a dark complexion dressed in a deep blue brocade robe, stopped rolling the beads in his thick, powerful right hand and immediately declared:

"If you have orders for us, my lord, just give them. We’re all in the same boat, no need to be formal."

Hearing this, the corner of Chang Younian’s mouth twitched as he suppressed his frustration.

He silently reminded himself that these men were from families of strongmen who had risen from Gangs and Martial Arts Halls. ’They lack culture and refinement. It’s understandable.’

Of course, he had to be understanding. Otherwise, he’d let their crude and direct way of speaking frustrate him to death.

The others then chimed in with their support, completely oblivious to any issue with Ma Youde’s words.

Chang Younian immediately cut them off.

"The matter is simple. Hand over the two shipments of grain you acquired a while back. I will be using them for disaster relief."

At this, the four men were all stunned.

Zhao Kaitai was the first to ask, "Why? Aren’t we proceeding according to plan?"

Chang Younian sighed.

"We were, but the outbreak of the plague forces us to change course. We must stick to the plan, but we also must ensure the safety and stability of the County Town. Otherwise, this place will become a living hell. What would our superiors think then? There is a bottom line to everything, understand?"

Fan Qiao, dressed in a turquoise long gown, said, "I understand your meaning, my lord. But there are so many refugees outside. I’m afraid our two shipments of grain won’t be enough, will they?"

Chang Younian said, "Rest assured. I know what to do. Besides, it’s not just you contributing. The An and Miao Families must contribute as well!"

Zhao Kaitai asked doubtfully, "Will they agree?"

Chang Younian’s expression darkened as he said in a low voice, "It’s not a matter of whether they agree. They *must* agree. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless."

The four men present felt a sudden chill. They had forgotten that the man before them was also a ruthless character.

Or rather, no one from the Noble Families was ever soft-hearted.

The four men immediately agreed, though they were very reluctant.

They had spent so much effort to seize that grain, even sacrificing two Ninth Grade Martial Artists in the process. Giving it up just like that was painful.

But Chang Younian had spoken, and they had to obey. Otherwise, their struggle to become a Noble Family would become as unattainable as the moon’s reflection in a well.

Seeing their expressions, Chang Younian naturally knew what they were thinking and snorted.

"Hasn’t the increase in tax silver over the past two years been enough to fatten you up? And don’t you dare delay the plan, or you won’t be able to bear the responsibility even in death!"

"Yes!"

"We won’t."

"Rest assured, my lord."

The four men immediately declared their compliance!

Next, they once again discussed some of the county’s affairs and the subsequent development of their plans.

These were almost all plans that Chang Younian had devised for them.

’Just these four straightforward brutes trying to vie for Noble Family status? That’s a fool’s dream.’

’If it weren’t for me, the factions in this County Town would have likely started fighting each other two years ago!’

Chang Younian didn’t stay long. After discussing the matters, he rose to leave, telling them not to see him out.

He felt that discussing matters with such straightforward, crude-spoken people was simply exhausting.

After he left, the four leaders—Zhao, Wang, Ma, and Fan—resumed their discussion.

This time, however, they were discussing how to deal with the An and Miao Families, and the four Gangs cooperating with them.

Outside the Zhao Family’s gate, the Black-robed Steward pulled back the sedan chair’s curtain, letting the County Magistrate take his seat.

Once the chair was lifted, the Steward walked alongside it, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"My lord, aren’t you worried those four brutes will end up beating each other to a pulp? The situation over in Linchuan has gotten quite out of hand, otherwise so many refugees wouldn’t be flocking to Xiangyang."

From within the sedan chair, Chang Younian sneered.

"Once my own affairs are settled, it won’t matter whether they fight or not. My superiors only want two slots filled; it doesn’t matter who fills them. As for Linchuan, a peasant uprising without a Martial Artist to lead it is no major event. In fact, I should thank those fools in Linchuan for their help. The drought had already left the people destitute, and their little riot just happened to send all these refugees my way."

The Steward revealed a smile. "Then congratulations, my lord! With your brilliant strategies and the support from above, you could receive a post at the imperial court this time. Your family will rise even further. The future is promising."

"Hahaha, this is all thanks to your strategies, Master. As for the An and Miao Families, you will pay them a visit tomorrow. At this stage, no one is to interfere with my plans!"

"Yes, my lord!" The Steward clasped his hands and complied.

The undercurrents surged, and the night passed without a word.

「The next morning, inside the Wilderness World.」

Cheng Zongyang sat on a long bench, his face etched with exhaustion. He uttered a single word, "Restore."

Instantly, as one Point was deducted, that refreshing, clear-headed feeling returned, and all his fatigue was swept away.

Cheng Zongyang rolled his neck, his entire body feeling relaxed.

If not for the increasing Point cost and usage limits, he could use this restoration function to train and increase his proficiency by an unknown amount in just a single day.

Cheng Zongyang shook his head with a hint of regret and then called up the interface.

——

Body Refining Skill (35/1000, Beginner’s Practice)

Basic Saber Technique (1/1000, Beginner’s Practice)

——

Looking at the progress of his Basic Saber Technique, he had finally reached the entry level after a full night of training.

Cheng Zongyang was very satisfied. After a night of training, he could now wield his Long Saber as if it were an extension of his own arm, using the stances from the Basic Saber Technique to attack, defend, and parry.

Although it was basic, he could now systematically apply his Power and the force of the saber in both offense and defense.

’All techniques stem from the same root. One force can break ten thousand techniques. As long as you have enough Power, any attack can be neutralized!’

This was also the principle described in the introduction to the Basic Saber Technique.

Cheng Zongyang picked up two buckets and headed toward the river to fetch water.

The water in the cistern by the cabin door was empty; he needed to haul more.

"When I have time, I’ll build a bamboo pipe to bring water here."

Cheng Zongyang muttered to himself on the way.

He had also planned out his tasks for the day.

Besides taking his Second Aunt to see his Second Uncle, he also needed to purchase more oil, salt, cloth, books, and Martial Arts.

As for getting his Second Uncle out, he thought he would have to try his luck with Chief Zheng. After all, Chief Zheng was one of only two government officials he knew.