"Each person has their own ambitions, and I believe there will be those who are willing. As for those who aren’t, we won’t force them."
They grew up in a village as barren as Qingshan Village, where even food was scarce, yet they never considered selling themselves into slavery, let alone the young masters and ladies who never had to worry about their livelihoods.
It’s understandably difficult for them to accept all at once; how could others comprehend the inner turmoil and agony of falling from nobility or a respectable household to slavery? But what can one do if they refuse to accept their fate? Could they escape destiny?
What he didn’t remind his sister is that even from the previous dynasty or earlier, once one beca a slave, they would be slaves for generations. Slaves were ranked in different levels: Official Slave, Gifted Slave, Good Slave, Low Slave, etc.
For the lowest rank of slaves, the death contract would have been signed upon selling their bodies, with no chance of ever redeeming themselves.
Pretending to handle things is not so easy, but... since it’s handled by him, there is no reason to worry his sister about it.
"This is one plan; additionally, we can recruit so skilled talents. Those with capabilities can be hired as long-term workers by signing work contracts for long-term periods, giving them hope of returning to civilian status."
"Second brother is so smart; why didn’t I think of that? We can recruit those with decent character for internal work, and those who are unruly can be sent to the outskirts to build the city walls, as long as they don’t starve. As for those willing to sign the selling contract, they can be placed for work in the workshop, where there will always be supervision, ensuring no complications occur."
Cheng Hao nodded, "Among those people, there are quite a few servant girls, maids, and guards. These people often engage in serious work, not facing desperation just yet, but they can’t hold on for much longer. We can start by buying the servants from their hands, train them for significant roles, and then make our move when they truly can’t hold on any longer."
"Right, servants are already slaves; I believe they’ll be delighted to have new masters keeping them well-fed."
"Additionally, so of these people still possess the deeds to their shops, houses, and farms. We can exchange food for them, and if Yuan Yang City can regain even half of its forr prosperity, we’ll be making a substantial profit."
Cheng Xiaoxiao nodded repeatedly, acknowledging that when it ca to scheming, her second brother’s tactics were endless, making him undoubtedly the most clever in the family. She considered herself inferior.
"Good, let’s do it this way."
Cheng Hao smiled at his sister, sotis innocent and lively, sotis full of tricks. With courage and wisdom, daring to venture and fight, she never actively sches against others unless provoked to retaliate. He wondered if it made her smart or foolish.
But he himself was used to holding the reins, even if it made him cunning or ruthless, he’d never let those with ulterior motives make the first move.
His sister was still young, too naive, unable to see the darkness; he could play the villain himself.
Thinking of having more hands to command, Cheng Xiaoxiao felt much better. With her mood improved, her stomach growled with hunger, "So hungry, second brother, let’s go back and eat!"
"Hmm, let’s go!" Cheng Hao stood up, covering his sister with a cloak, and wrapped himself in a hood. With the wind and snow raging outside, they needed to be careful.
"Second brother, why are your hands so warm? Mine are ice-cold and can’t seem to warm up."
Always running around, losing warming packs everywhere, she forgets when busy.
Cheng Hao paused, realizing his sister had grown and needed to avoid the impropriety between genders. He had no qualms offering warmth to Nuannuan before, but now he couldn’t.
"Silly girl, where’s your warming pack?"
Uh!
Could she say she had no idea?
Knowing she wouldn’t answer, "Have Aunt sew several for you, keeping them everywhere."
"That’s not feasible; I still have to work on the construction site."
There’s work to be done, and bringing warming packs along is troubleso—better to do without!
"Not caring for yourself, expecting your limbs to warm themselves?" Cheng Hao teased.
He couldn’t help recalling the poverty-stricken years when all the girls in the family were cold, fearing winter but having to do laundry and cooking.
The northern weather was colder than the south, especially with the current icy snowy days. The rest finished their chores, warming by the brazier in the tent, sewing, chatting, while she stayed on her feet without rest.
"By the way, just a few days until New Year; our team seems to lack New Year supplies. Second brother, should we have the brothers in the city round up so for us?" Cheng Xiaoxiao looked expectant.
She had never experienced how ancient people celebrated New Year’s, and this special period prevented her from seeing it, to her regret.
In the cities of her previous life, New Year lacked festivity, nowhere near the joy of spending it at her grandpa’s during her teenage years.
Ah!
So much has changed; those monts are gone, never returning.
"I thought Xiaoxiao didn’t want to celebrate New Year. As the leader of the team, you should reward the subordinates. Even if each child cos to greet you, it’s quite a sum—can your wallet handle it?"
Hearing this, Cheng Xiaoxiao was stunned.
Indeed, she was no longer the junior asking for packets; working years only led to als and drinks with friends, no giving of packets.
Now she bears the heavy responsibility, managing so many people—this ans a major expense?
Turning to her brother with a sweet smile, "Celebrating New Year is so troubleso; let’s just skip it!"
eting Cheng Hao’s teasing gaze made her uneasy, turning back to sniff the air, "Ah, I sll sothing good; my stomach is starting to sing."
She quickened her pace, leaving Cheng Hao behind.
Cheng Hao’s hearty laughter filled the air.
Soone sped up, darting into the tent.
anwhile, Han Yi and Qi Fei were encountering significant trouble in Dayi Continent, finally infiltrating the city only to be disturbed by the chaotic order disrupting their plans.
Though not under aristocratic family control like Yuan Yang City, the area had factions in conflict, frequently erupting into chaos, leaving the slave market deserted.
Fortunately, the Dark Pavilion had a base in the city, leading them to the head of the slave market through inquiries.
As night fell, the winds grew colder and increasingly desolate. In a quiet manor, lanterns burning bright swung left and right under the eaves, and as the door creaked open, the steward welcod two tall figures.
"Honored Han Sect Master, my apologies for not eting you sooner in your grand presence," the steward said with a polite smile.
Before them was a middle-aged man in a black and gray robe, dark-skinned with black and white whiskers, looking at Han Yi with ingratiating gestures.
"Manager Liu, no need for such courtesy," Han Yi returned the gesture.
After settling down, exchanging pleasantries, they dived into the topic at hand.
Manager Liu took a small sip of tea, setting the cup down, speaking with difficulty, "Han Sect Master demands a large quantity, only requesting strong young n—that puts us in a difficult position, doesn’t it?"
Han Yi, unfazed, joked, "I pay and you provide; isn’t it fair trade, why the difficulty in saying so?"
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