"Lan no Sato has no issues." Chimiko looked at Anwen with a happy smile on her face and said, "It is just that there are many more people now. The villagers are also very happy to see this."
Although Grandpa Kōta was somewhat disappointed that Jun refused to join the Land of Ancestors, after all, having a country's protection could deter other bad people, he still felt very pleased inside seeing the village grow stronger and stronger.
Especially since Lan no Sato had now expanded quite a bit.
And what Grandpa Kōta wanted most was to see Lan no Sato become strong and not be bullied.
"What about those slaves?" Uzumaki Jun asked while eating noodles, "Have they caused any trouble?"
Today's noodles were not exchanged from the system. Instead, Chimiko and the others researched and made them themselves using the method they obtained from exchanging with the system.
Although the elasticity and texture were still not quite sufficient, and they were even a bit soft and sticky, breaking easily when picked up, they were already very good for now.
Uzumaki Jun sighed inwardly...
He...
Had changed the diet of the ninja world again.
"No, according to your intention, Jun..." Chimiko shook her head and said, "I told them that if they work seriously and protect the village, after three years, we will release them from their slave status. Furthermore, Lan no Sato will accept them, allowing them to live here."
This was what Jun taught her. Make the slaves feel that Lan no Sato is also their village, then they will do their best to protect Lan no Sato.
"Good. No matter how benevolent you are, you cannot throw away the stick of deterrence you hold."
Uzumaki Jun nodded, especially in these turbulent times, a little pity can easily lead to trouble. He said with a serious expression, "Remember, a small amount of help creates gratitude, but too much help creates entitlement."
Currently, this world is a feudal slave society. Therefore, most slaves are either soldiers captured by empires on the battlefield, or people who couldn't survive and sold themselves. What they ultimately seek is just a full stomach.
So...
Food is still the most important thing now.
"Okay." Chimiko nodded her small head and said, "I will listen to you."
Anyway, Jun is so smart, he definitely wouldn't lie to her.
"And what has Lan no Sato decided regarding my suggestion to open up trade?" Uzumaki Jun put down his bowl and, after thinking for a moment, said, "Lan no Sato happens to be inland, located between multiple countries. If trade is opened, it could also increase revenue quite a bit."
It is just that Lan no Sato doesn't have any special products, the land is barren, and water resources are scarce. So...
Probably apart from the not-very-tasty sweet potato noodles I just ate, there isn't anything else to sell.
"Preparations have already begun." Chimiko cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks and said, "Grandpa Kōta arranged for people to clear the weeds early on, planning to make the road smooth."
"Also, Uncle Kihai has built many wooden houses. Oh, right..."
A happy smile appeared on her face...
"Uncle Kihai's houses are built better and better looking now. Jun will definitely be very surprised when you see them."
"It seems Lan no Sato has changed quite a lot during this time." Uzumaki Jun took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "As long as it continues like this, it will definitely grow stronger and stronger in the future. Then, no one will dare to bully Lan no Sato anymore."
Even...
It could potentially establish itself as a country.
Looking at the tired Chimiko...
"If you are too tired, you don't need to bring food for me."
He sighed and said, "I won't starve on the mountain."
With the system...
How could he possibly starve?
"No." Upon hearing Jun's words, Chimiko immediately pouted unhappily and said, "I will bring you food every day."
Because only this way...
Could she come to the back mountain to see Jun.
Seeing that Jun still wanted to say something, Chimiko quickly turned her head, glanced around, and asked curiously, "Where are Gamaru and the others?"
Although she didn't know why Jun wanted her to raise that white snake and that slug, but...
She would always listen to Jun.
"Why can't I see them."
"Probably went somewhere to look for food again." Uzumaki Jun put down his teacup, sighed, and said, "Those two are always fighting. It is really annoying."
Every time during lessons, they don't pay attention properly. Either one hits the other, or one licks the other...
As for the slug...
Thankfully, it is still as slow-paced as ever.
"Okay, okay." Chimiko nodded her small head with a serious expression and said, "When I see them later, I will scold them for you."
"Forget it, I will handle it myself later." Uzumaki Jun looked at the sky and said, "The sun is about to set. You should hurry back, otherwise, when it gets dark, the road will be hard to walk."
If it weren't for the fact that Lan no Sato was visible right after going down the mountain, he would have considered escorting her back, because...
A pretty little girl walking on mountain roads late at night is very dangerous.
"In that case, I will trouble you with Gamaru and the others again." Chimiko, hearing Jun's words, hesitated but then nodded and said, "I will come see you tomorrow."
Uzumaki Jun smiled and nodded, saying, "Go on. If you encounter danger, run towards my direction."
He believed that Lan no Sato probably wouldn't be in any danger now.
After all, the only valuable agricultural products had been sold to various countries. So, this poor small rural village wouldn't be in their eyes. Attacking it would be a waste of money and military strength, and even if they captured it...
What use would it be?
"Oh, right."
Suddenly...
Chimiko, who had finished packing and was about to go down the mountain, patted her small head as if she remembered something she hadn't said yet. She turned to look at Jun and said, "There is a village nearby that wants to submit to Lan no Sato. Well, it is not far from Lan no Sato. It is just like Lan no Sato used to be, very poor, cannot get enough to eat, and often gets bullied by bandits."
If Lan no Sato didn't have Jun, probably even if they escaped the bandits, they would still remain like that forever...
"They want to join Lan no Sato, to merge with Lan no Sato."
Looking at Uzumaki Jun, she said, "Grandpa Kōta asked me to ask you, what should we do?"
"Oh?" Uzumaki Jun was startled and said, "I didn't expect a village would come to submit so quickly?"
Indeed...
In this world, everyone lives in deep hardship.
Once there is a little hope of survival, they will rush forward quickly.
"What is the village called?"
What is the population?
How many children, adults, elderly? What is the ratio between men and women?
Or do they have any special skills?
"Hmm." Chimiko wrinkled her small brow, thought for a moment, and said, "I think it is called something like... um... Rō no Sato."
"Because I rarely leave the village, I am not too clear."
Then, she lowered her head and looked at Jun, whose expression had suddenly become somewhat strange, and asked worriedly, "Jun, what is wrong? Your expression looks very strange."
"..."
Sigh, just suddenly have a bit of a stomach ache.
Uzumaki Jun's mouth twitched as he looked at Chimiko and said, "It is nothing. It is fine, it is fine."
He...
Seems to understand how the ancient kingdom of Loulan was formed...
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