"My lord, can you tell us why you have decided to visit our humble home?" William asked once everyone was seated. His back was straight, his expression serious.
Jiang Ning smiled gently. "There is no need to be nervous. I came because I heard about your financial difficulties. Your orphanage takes in children with nowhere else to go. You give them food, clothes, and even basic education. You have my respect for that."
He paused for a moment, his gaze softening as it fell on the old couple. "But I also know how difficult it must be to keep this place running without enough funding. I assume you've already tried asking the local officials for aid, but they refused."
William sighed and shook his head. "It is as you said, my lord. We went to the city hall several times. The officials wouldn't even meet with us. We tried speaking to a few merchants, but they demanded the young girls as servants in return for money." His face darkened, anger flickering behind his calm eyes. "How could we accept such filth?"
Beside him, Josephine's hands trembled. "We have managed by growing our own food and keeping a few animals. Sometimes we sell extra vegetables or fruit at the market."
Rasmus reached across the table and held her hand, trying to comfort her.
Jiang Ning felt a familiar heaviness settle in his chest. He had seen too many people like them fall through the cracks of the empire. "How about this," he said quietly. "I will provide financial support to the orphanage. I will also send teachers to give the children proper education."
Josephine gasped and Rasmus's eyes widened in disbelief.
Only William stayed calm, though the offer clearly shook him. "That is very generous, my lord," he said slowly. "But what is the catch?"
Jiang Ning chuckled. "There is no free meal, I know. In return, I would like the orphanage to send some of the older children to work for my workshop in Vale."
William's brows furrowed, and Jiang Ning quickly raised a hand. "It is not hard labor. They won't be mistreated. They will be paid and properly cared for. All they have to do is help us make something."
He reached into his coat and placed a small wooden box on the table. "This is what we make."
William lifted the lid, and a sweet fragrance filled the small room.
"This smell…" Josephine whispered. "It's lovely."
"It is made from lilies," Jiang Ning said, smiling. "The item is called scented soap. It works like ordinary soap, but instead of animal fat, it uses flower oil and other ingredients. It cleans the skin and leaves a pleasant scent behind."
Josephine leaned closer, fascinated. "People will love this."
"That's the plan," Jiang Ning said. "It's my first business venture, so I want it to succeed. But I need more hands to increase production. I want to hire from the orphanage instead of taking strangers."
William turned the box in his hands thoughtfully. "How long would the children work each day, and how much would they earn?"
Jiang Ning smiled inwardly. The question meant he was considering it. "Children under twelve will not work. The rest will work six hours a day, with two rest days a week. Each will earn twenty copper coins per day, plus four extra coins for every additional hour."
Rasmus's jaw dropped. "That much? I'll do it!" He grinned, only to freeze when William shot him a sharp glare.
William was silent, calculating. Twenty copper coins for six hours was twice the common wage. A generous offer, but generosity could hide danger.
He met Jiang Ning's gaze. "Can you guarantee their safety? A new product like this will attract attention, and attention brings trouble."
Jiang Ning nodded. "I've already thought of that. I will station one Elite Knight and four regular Knights at the workshop. If anyone tries anything, they will regret it."
"An Elite Knight?" William blinked. "That kind of protection is rare, my lord."
"It is necessary," Jiang Ning said. "I refuse to let any child come to harm because of me."
William studied him for a long moment. The conviction in Jiang Ning's eyes left little room for doubt. "Very well," he said finally. "We accept your offer. But if any harm comes to the children, I will take them back myself."
"That is fair," Jiang Ning said, smiling with relief. "Then we have a deal."
With that, the agreement was made. The orphanage would send workers, and in return, Jiang Ning would ensure their safety and education. It was the first step in something far greater than any of them realized.
William leaned back, exhaling deeply. "When will they start?"
"They need to learn the process first," Jiang Ning said. "I will send someone to fetch them tomorrow. You're welcome to come and see where they will work."
Rasmus leaned forward, eyes shining. "My lord, will we be paid during the training?"
Josephine immediately tugged on his sleeve. "Forgive him, my lord. We didn't raise him with proper manners."
Jiang Ning laughed. "It's all right. I like his spirit. And yes, everyone will be paid during training. Work is work, even when you are learning."
"However…" Jiang Ning looked directly at Rasmus. "You won't be working at the shop."
Rasmus blinked. "Why not? Is it because I spoke out of turn?"
Josephine and William both looked confused, waiting for Jiang Ning's explanation.
"It's not because of that," Jiang Ning said, smiling faintly. "I have another plan for you. A better one. But I'll need your guardians' permission first."
Rasmus tilted his head, clearly puzzled. "A better plan?"
Jiang Ning leaned back in his chair. "I intend to bring a few talented children to the Ning estate and train them to become knights."
The room fell silent.
"There are many gifted people among commoners," Jiang Ning continued. "But most never get the chance to show it. In my experience, some of the greatest warriors came from nothing. If I can find them early and give them the training they deserve, they can change the empire's future."
He didn't add the rest out loud, the civil war that would one day tear the empire apart, the blood that would flood the soil. He would not allow that future to repeat.
Rasmus's heart pounded. Becoming a knight had been his dream for as long as he could remember. The idea of wielding a sword in service of the empire made his chest burn with pride.
"My lord, you mean it?" he asked breathlessly.
Jiang Ning nodded. "I do. But it won't be easy. Once training begins, there's no turning back. You will live under discipline and serve House Ning when the time comes. Think carefully before you answer."
William and Josephine exchanged a glance. They could see the fire in Rasmus's eyes.
"I understand," Rasmus said quietly.
"Don't rush," Jiang Ning said. "Talk it over with your guardians. Your choice will shape your life. I'll return tomorrow for your answer."
William and Josephine both bowed their heads gratefully. "Thank you, my lord."
Jiang Ning stood, offering a respectful nod in return. "It's I who should thank you for everything you've done for these children."
He stepped outside, and moments later, the sound of the carriage wheels faded down the dirt road.
Rasmus stood in the doorway long after the dust had settled, staring toward the horizon.
William placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "You should follow your heart, Rasmus. This might be the chance you've been waiting for. Lord Ning seems a good man. If he truly intends to make knights of commoners, it will change more than just your life."
Rasmus clenched his fists. "I made a promise to protect everyone here, but I can't even wield a sword properly. I hate being powerless. If I had strength, none of the kids would have to suffer again."
He looked up, determination bright in his eyes. "Grandpa, I've already made my decision."