Zheng Fan sat in the main seat. At this moment, he seemed like a combination of the Eighth Virtuous Prince, Xuan Ye, and Emperor Gaozu of Han.
However, to an outsider, the current atmosphere might have seemed like a collection of adolescent speeches, adolescent expressions, adolescent clothing, and a truly rebellious attitude, accompanied by a group of underlings who also enjoyed adolescent antics.
This was a blood-soaked house; a short while ago, the fresh blood of the Hyena Gang had drenched the place. But now, the rebellious, adolescent energy within had completely suppressed the stench of blood.
Of course, even if something truly terrifying were to happen in this haunted place, the residents of the mansion likely wouldn't be the ones who were scared. After all, with a host of vampires and Zombies in the mansion, it was probably the "ghosts" who should be afraid.
Therefore, at least among those present, no one felt Zheng Fan's current behavior was inappropriate.
For them, life was perhaps more of a game.
Their madness and recklessness might seem neurotic to ordinary people. However, it was precisely because they never considered retiring to a quiet life or hiding away in the mountains that they could maintain such genuine abandon and a passion for life that ordinary people deeply envied.
Blind Bei took out a small box. While recounting the events that had occurred during Zheng Fan and the others' absence, he removed land deeds, valuables, and indentures from it.
He was like a loyal and dedicated professional manager reporting revenues to his true boss.
Zheng Fan examined the documents one by one. The money and goods were indeed substantial. Of course, more than the actual monetary value, the most intoxicating part was the feeling of accumulating assets bit by bit, like a squirrel hoarding nuts.
Arriving in this unfamiliar world, slowly building his foundation, growing step by step, becoming stronger little by little—Perhaps this is the thrill of "farming," he mused.
After Blind Bei finished, it was Xue Three's turn to recount what had happened while he was serving as a civilian laborer.
During the peaceful six months prior, Xue Three had often told stories on stage, so his eloquence was truly remarkable.
During his narration, he especially emphasized Zheng Fan's crucial role throughout the entire affair. For instance:
"It was all thanks to My lord playing a stabilizing role!"
"Thanks to My lord's visionary insight, he had already seen through everything!"
"Thanks to My lord's composure and steadfastness!"
"Thanks to My lord's timely response, turning the tide and saving the day!"
Every few sentences, Xue Three would reiterate these key points.
Even Zheng Fan, dressed in his leopard skin, couldn't help but blush and lower his head to sip his tea, trying to hide his embarrassment. Meanwhile, the others who hadn't gone—Blind Bei, A Ming, and Siniang—would earnestly nod in agreement every time Xue Three highlighted these points. Their lips would even form words of accord:
"Oh!"
"Wow!"
"Indeed!"
"Truly!"
"As expected!"
"Definitely!"
It was as if, in their eyes, it was perfectly natural for Zheng Fan to be the pillar of strength in any situation.
For the first time, Zheng Fan experienced a sorrow unique to those in high positions. With this kind of fawning, it's no wonder some ancient emperors made such ridiculous mistakes, he thought.
After Xue Three finished, he slammed his teacup onto the table with a CLACK, like a storyteller striking his gavel. "To find out what happens next, tune in for the next installment!"
Blind Bei immediately turned to Zheng Fan and said, "So, My lord, it seems you've obtained an official position."
"It's just an empty title," Zheng Fan replied. "When I first returned, I met with the county magistrate and the Recruitment Envoy of Hutou City. They seemed to regard me as an insignificant figure and didn't mention anything about armaments, supplies, or personnel." Indeed, they were just passing the buck.
Blind Bei, however, chuckled. "Often, lacking official recognition is the most troublesome part. Previously, I was focused on consolidating and unifying the underground forces of Hutou City. After that, I planned to establish our own merchant caravan for initial capital accumulation, and finally, set up our own forces. My earlier idea was to secretly form our own band of mounted bandits outside Hutou City. Now, with the official designation My lord has secured, it's a tremendous help."
Hearing Blind Bei's words, Zheng Fan suddenly felt a surge of relief. So, the 'trash' I picked up actually has some value, he thought.
He considered it further. For others, this nominal colonelcy might just be a sinecure, providing a meager salary. It was the kind of unwanted position no one particularly cared for. If the Earl of North Border's house was ever successfully stripped of its enfeoffment, anyone bearing its mark would also suffer the consequences.
But under my command, I have a group of demon kings, Zheng Fan thought. From making money and organizing, to training and leading troops—they possess all the necessary talents, and top-tier ones at that.
"We can't let this contingent of three hundred cavalry go to waste," Liang Cheng stated. Having experienced battles, he knew that, in practice, he would likely be the one actually responsible for this unit, though it was nominally under My lord's command.
"Absolutely. From now on, our main focus should be on this. Whether it's personnel, horses, or weaponry, we must aim for the best. Most importantly, while this unit may nominally belong to the Yan State, in reality, they must be loyal to us."
"Loyal to My lord," Xue Three corrected.
"Yes, loyal to My lord."
"So, what's our next step?" Zheng Fan spread his hands, seeking everyone's input, though his gaze was primarily on Blind Bei.
Due to his relationship with these demon kings, Zheng Fan didn't need to worry about them overshadowing him. Therefore, he was quite content to act as their figurehead or, as he thought of it, their lucky mascot.
"The Unity Gang and the Carriage Gang need further consolidation," Blind Bei began. "Now that you're all back, we have surplus manpower. Xue Three, you and Ah Li will handle the Carriage Gang. Its current leader is quite an interesting fellow."
"How so?" Xue Three asked, intrigued.
"He killed his own father in front of Siniang."
"Hmm, interesting indeed."
"The man is ruthless. There's no need to rush to remove him; we can use him for now."
Most leaders would find it hard to tolerate such a person in their ranks. If he could kill his own father, wouldn't it be natural for him to betray you someday?
However, for the demon kings present, Hutou City was merely the first step. The leader of a mere Carriage Gang, no matter how fearsome his disposition, wasn't a major concern. At least, not enough to warrant eliminating him preemptively for safety's sake.
"Alright then. Tomorrow, Ah Li and I will go check on the Carriage Gang."
The Carriage Gang was the crucial first step towards establishing their merchant caravan and needed a thorough overhaul.
After assigning that task, Blind Bei turned to Feng Siniang. "Siniang, you can start training those little ladies. Select a few with the best aptitude for specialized training."
Feng Siniang stretched languidly, casting Blind Bei a flirtatious glance—a skill akin to "casting amorous glances at a blind man"—and nodded.
The original "aunts" at the inn had been dismissed. The next step, naturally, was to continue in the pleasure business, but not the simple flesh trade of before.
After annihilating the Hyena Gang, they had taken in a group of young women. The inn wouldn't sell them off again, but neither would it support idlers.
Entrusting them to Siniang for training was the most efficient use of their potential. Whether they were trained to eventually manage establishments themselves or become skilled female agents, it was far more advantageous than simply selling them or having them serve customers directly. For the young women themselves, their fate would also be significantly better.
Born into this era, sold by their families, their indentures signed, they could hardly dare to hope for more.
"Oh, right. A Ming, I'd like to have your handmaiden," Feng Siniang said to A Ming, as if suddenly remembering something.
"Take her if you want."
The handmaiden in question was the young girl A Ming had encountered in front of the Hyena Gang's headquarters when he went to eliminate them. Their relationship was "intimate," so to speak, bound as they were by the shared experience of him having killed her father.
"Are you sure you can part with her?" Feng Siniang teased.
"Just take her." A Ming appeared indifferent.
He truly didn't care much for women; his interests didn't lie in feminine charms. He preferred red wine and fresh blood.
Ever since he brought her back, the girl had been constantly running to his room for no apparent reason, much to A Ming's annoyance.
"I see she has a good disposition," Feng Siniang explained. "With proper grooming and training, she has a high chance of excelling. She might look like a girl from the northern lands now, but with some care and nurturing, once her skin is properly tended to, she'll be no less captivating than those southern belles."
Blind Bei crossed his arms. Once Feng Siniang finished, he turned to Liang Cheng and said, "Liang Cheng, My lord is currently on leave, and it will be some time before you need to report to the government office. You can spar with My lord and ask for his guidance in martial arts. Even a few pointers from him would benefit you for a lifetime."
Zheng Fan was speechless.
Liang Cheng took a deep breath, nodded vigorously, and said, "Indeed. I've been eagerly anticipating this."
"Ah, alright." Zheng Fan nodded as well. He understood Blind Bei was arranging for Liang Cheng to teach him martial arts.
After his recent expedition, Zheng Fan had realized the necessity of learning more combat skills.
What Zheng Fan didn't anticipate, however, was that Blind Bei intended for him to learn more than just some basic self-defense techniques.
From Xue Three's earlier narration, Blind Bei could naturally distinguish between flattery and valuable information. Vaguely, a hypothesis had formed in his mind regarding the true nature of the relationship between himself, the others, and their Lord.
"My lord, I have concluded my report. Please offer your corrections."
Zheng Fan waved his hand. "Yes," he said. "You've already covered everything I wanted to say."
The longer I spend with this group, the thicker my skin gets, Zheng Fan thought.
"What about me?" A Ming piped up, somewhat bewildered. Everyone else had been assigned tasks; what was he supposed to do?
As if just remembering, Blind Bei turned to A Ming and said, "Your task is the most crucial of all."
"The most crucial, and you forgot about me?"
"Forgive my oversight; I have eyes yet failed to see."
A Ming was speechless.
"We need money. A great deal of money," Blind Bei continued. "For the three hundred cavalry—from personnel to equipment and ongoing maintenance—everything requires vast amounts of silver."
"So, what do you need me to do?"
Blind Bei's lips twitched slightly. Then, with a perfectly straight face, he said, "Go pick up the soap."
A Ming was speechless.