Chapter 1017 - 858: Rumors
The method Wei Mo referred to for occupying the Spirit Vein is precisely one of the reasons for the predicament Shi Chun and the others are facing in the Heavenly Domain.
If a Spirit Vein appears on someone's territory, the person controlling the territory has a lot of room to maneuver.
It could be that the Spirit Vein appears first and then someone purchases it, or someone buys the land first, and then, with a stroke of luck, a Spirit Vein suddenly emerges on the site. No matter the reason, whoever buys it, owns it.
"It's easy to say, those who support during tough times deserve care when possible," Shi Chun readily agreed yet hesitated a bit. "However, let me put it plainly, Lord Wei knows there are people in the Heavenly Court who pull bridges behind them. If I'm kicked out of the game, I might be powerless."
What he wanted to say was, how can you be so sure I will win, suddenly coming to help with this?
Wei Mo laughed heartily, "No worries, human effort is key. If it works, it's their blessing; if not, it's fate. Everyone is trying their best, and no one can be blamed."
Although he said so, he had a different train of thought in his mind. Damn it, this guy, every time he sets his mind on competing, when has he ever lost?
During the Battle of Great Pardon, he was supposed to protect Mulan Jin's daughter, yet he managed to interfere and forcibly became the greatest beneficiary of the Heavenly Domain.
Being overturned by an outsider, the frustration of losing was something only Wei Mo himself understood. He had never dreamed that he would one day fall into the hands of this guy. It was utterly uneven.
Wei Mo also paid attention to the events after the establishment of the Heavenly Domain. He noticed Manxi was contending with Shi Chun and when he saw Manxi plotting against Shi Chun's group, he felt a chill for Manxi.
From the Sky Rain Meteor Conference to the Divine Fire Covenant, to the arrests in Juku State, and finally to the Battle of Great Pardon, he had been watching Shi Chun all the way. Seeing Manxi attempting to play the "over-the-river strategy" with Shi Chun, although he could understand Manxi's actions — he would do the same in his place — he still felt Manxi had picked the wrong target.
Eventually, Shi Chun and his group played the trick of advancing five years of salary, trapping Manxi in a situation where he was criticized by everyone below, perfectly illustrating what it means to lose public support. It was the first time Wei Mo had ever seen such a thing, really a bit absurd.
This situation hadn't even settled when Manxi got himself tangled in his own scheme with the Heavenly Court, now once again competing with Shi Chun.
Who will ultimately win? Although Manxi has a strong background, Wei Mo couldn't bring himself to definitively say Manxi would win.
In other words, he now believes Shi Chun has a higher probability of winning.
The current decision isn't rational and has a hint of gambling.
But the reality is as he himself said, the foundations in Sheng Province are beyond his protection now; if not transferred, they risk being devoured by others.
Transferring them to other people in East Victory may not necessarily earn him any goodwill, but instead be seen as fawning while in a weakened position.
Similarly, offering them to Manxi and Dongguo Shou would likely result in the same view, given their strong background.
Offering them to Shi Chun, however, is different. No one could see it as sycophancy; everyone would see it as a kindness delivered in tough times.
A timely gesture of help not only resolves past grievances but also wins better conditions for those who once served him.
Of course, that is assuming Shi Chun can successfully maintain his position.
Shi Chun was indeed very grateful but still harbored doubts, probing, "With Lord Wei's assistance, is there anything else you request?"
He wouldn't believe it was help given without rhyme or reason.
Wei Mo shook his head, indicating no further requests.
Shi Chun was naturally surprised and couldn't figure out the reasoning. However, with such a large population delivered to his doorstep, he's at no loss — why not accept?
They discussed the details for a while longer. After roughly finalizing things, Wei Mo didn't deepen the relationship excessively and elegantly departed, leaving Shi Chun by himself, feeling puzzled.
Shortly after, Young Master Nan approached and asked, "What did he want?"
Shi Chun needed a wise person to help analyze what Wei Mo intended, so he immediately explained the other's goodwill.
Young Master Nan clicked his tongue in wonder, "To think he can covertly mobilize the migration of millions. It seems Wei Mo isn't to be trifled with."
He then furrowed his brow, perplexed, crossed his arms, and tugged at his mustache, pacing back and forth in the pavilion while muttering, "No matter how out of favor he might be, he's still part of the East Victory Royal Court. Helping people from the Heavenly Court is likely to have negative repercussions if word gets out. The key is that your chances aren't great. What benefit does he gain by helping you?"
The two puzzled over it for a long time but ultimately couldn't figure it out, resigning themselves to returning to the banquet to continue eating, drinking, and making merry...
That night, Shi Chun didn't return to the Heavenly Domain; he lingered in East Victory Royal City for two more days. Only after Young Master Nan gathered a dozen or so experts in construction did they return together to the Heavenly Domain.
As for the specific construction details, Shi Chun handed them over without much concern. Before even returning to Dingnan Prefecture, he informed Wu Jinliang, Tong Mingshan, and others en route, instructing them to research and consult with Young Master Nan and the crew.
A few days later, Shi Chun received a decree from the Domain Master Mansion, relayed from the Heavenly Court. His plan to introduce a population into the Xun Gate with free passage fees succeeded. The Heavenly Court agreed to exempt fees for three years.
While pleased, Shi Chun also understood that he leveraged the forces behind Manxi and the Carefree Sect. Without those forces pushing alongside, his small influence would have been insufficient to achieve this.
The day might have been a fortunate one, with two good news. After several days of labor with Wu Jinliang and the others, Young Master Nan finally returned.
Judging by Young Master Nan's brisk and efficient movements, Shi Chun knew there was progress. He at once gestured for Feng Chi, who accompanied him, to serve good tea.
Young Master Nan, as if returning to his own home, didn't stand on ceremony with Shi Chun. He directly approached Shi Chun and asked, "Are you sure you can mobilize a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals as laborers?"
Shi Chun was baffled, leaving room in his words, "It's definitely not possible elsewhere. But regarding the forces from Dingnan, Dingxi, and Dingbei departments within the Heavenly Domain, I can mobilize them without issue."
Young Master Nan asked again, "Is it really okay for them to do hard labor for three years?"
Shi Chun replied, "There shouldn't be a big problem. I can handle it. Wait, what do you mean?"
Young Master Nan bluntly stated, "I want to make money."
Shi Chun was puzzled, "As long as the task is accomplished, do I seem like someone who would stop you from making money?"
Young Master Nan said, "After these few days of cost calculation, my expectation is to make one thousand gold per house. It's unavoidable, I have to make money. Without profit, I can't explain the subsequent mortgage matters to those people who partnered with various parties. Only by showing them some benefits can this matter continue."
Shi Chun asked, "Do you want me to add more money?"
Young Master Nan replied, "If you can make those hundred thousand monks work as hard laborers for three years, then there's no need to add more money. The thing is, if you want to make a house meeting your requirements within a cost of four thousand gold, you must minimize expenses. The labor cost is significant, but after calculating over and over, it turns out that compressing labor costs is the only option."
Shi Chun nodded, "If you think it's okay, then I can make it happen."
Young Master Nan said, "Additionally, building houses isn't just a matter of piling people up. Those hundred thousand monks need specific personnel to conduct a certain degree of categorized training, which is estimated to take about a month. This time needs to be spent. After repeated tests these days, my people have cautiously estimated that once trained properly, the average speed of construction would allow completion of fifty thousand houses per day, meaning the demand for one billion houses could be fulfilled in less than a year. Now, the issue is, are you sure letting a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers do this work will be effective? I don't want to end up in a situation where I have all sorts of mortgages done here but your manpower is holding me back to the point where I'll have no good place to hang myself."
Upon hearing this efficiency, Shi Chun's eyes lit up and he directly guaranteed, "Rest assured, my three troops will fully cooperate!"
"Alright, then I'll go back and come up with a specific plan."
Without lingering, Young Master Nan left after leaving his words.
After wandering outside the hall for a while, Shi Chun suddenly turned and said, "Let the word out to the three troops, saying that the Heavenly Court feels the number of Heavenly Domain troops exceeds the specifications. Once the three territories change hands, half of them may be kicked out for excuses."
Listening to his conversation with Young Master Nan, Feng Chi immediately understood his intention. This was to lay the groundwork for the subsequent hundred thousand troops to work as laborers, and he promptly agreed, "Okay, I'll arrange it right away."
Within days, rumors spread like wildfire inside the Heavenly Domain, saying the Heavenly Court would find excuses to cut half the troops.
Manxi, situated in the central command as Domain Master, wasn't uninformed. After hearing the news, he only ordered all departments to pacify their troops individually.
He didn't say anything to deny or ensure. After seeing the means aimed by the Heavenly Court, he noticed they intended to pay only a third of the salaries, not planning to make up for some, hence the rumors weren't baseless.
And he wasn't keen on dealing with these matters now. If he couldn't hold his position, these wouldn't be his problem. For now, he only ordered departments to handle it. If Dongguo Shou didn't manage well and something happened, as soon as he found a legitimate excuse, he wouldn't hesitate to kick Dongguo Shou out immediately.
Young Master Nan's side acted quickly too. Before the detailed plan was formulated, the initial trainers had already been organized and sent over to Shi Chun's side.
The three troops, already divided, immediately gathered, ready to be split into dozens of groups to formally start categorized training.
As the hundred thousand troops present learned what was happening, they were a bit puzzled at first, but soon became excited.
Facing the bustling army, Wu Jinliang stepped forward publicly, didn't explain anything, just shouted, "Everything we're doing now is to prevent everyone from becoming part of the rumors. I, Wu Jinliang, am also participating in the training!"
With silver hair, Tong Mingshan flashed on stage, landed beside him, and loudly declared using magic, "Me too!"
Immediately following, An Wuzhi's figure flashed onto the stage, loudly saying, "Me too!"
Zhu Xiangxin also flashed onto the stage, "Me too!"
Feng Chi took the stage and shouted, "Count me in!"
A small figure dashed onto stage—it was Old Chai, Chai Wenwu—he waved his fists and screamed hoarsely, "Me too!"
Their calls echoed louder and fiercer than anyone else's.
Next were Chen Wuji and Fang Zicheng and others.
With their lead, various city lords also took the stage to declare their intention to join the training and work as laborers.
After all city lords made their appearance, the hundred thousand troops fell silent, eyes all focused on Shi Chun standing on stage.
Shi Chun waved a hand, and Qilin A San ran to the front of the stage. He mounted his ride and rose into the air, gazing downward at the crowd, and coolly uttered, "Get to work."
He didn't use magic to shout loudly, but all eyes fixed on his lips heard him clearly.
After speaking, Shi Chun rode his mount and flew away. From start to finish, he uttered only these two words.
No more chaotic noises on site, everyone received their instructions orderly.
Soon after, this situation inevitably alarmed Manxi and Dongguo Shou, who personally came to inspect within two days. Upon seeing that the three troops were learning stone masonry, carpentry, and the like, they found the rumors true and realized this odd occurrence was indeed happening, leaving them astonished.
Doing it themselves to save money?
A bit unconventional, yet even Manxi had no reason to stop it.
What truly shocked both men was the hundred thousand troops accepting without complaint, and comparing it to their side where people were constantly cursing behind their backs, they felt a bit troubled.
They both deeply realized it's not that their brothers were difficult to manage, the issue of withheld salaries increasingly became a point of contention.