Chapter 89. Influence
A small village in the southern Earth Kingdom.
Once a dying fishing village, it had begun to experience a resurgence. The locals, who hadn't seen traders in years, were now witnessing the arrival of essential goods for the second time in two months. Thanks to this, abandoned farmland was being revived.
"I thought the Beifong family were just as empty-headed as all the other wealthy houses, good for nothing but empty promises," muttered one of the village's oldest residents. "I'm glad I was wrong..."
"Yeah, after their caravan visited, things started changing," agreed his equally aged friend. "I hear they're going to neighboring villages too."
Many such forgotten villages, neglected by their rulers, were slowly rising again. Every villager felt an unprecedented gratitude toward one family, symbolized by a flying boar.
Lao hadn't made empty promises, as everyone could see. In a record two weeks, new routes were mapped, some through places unmarked on any map. Roads were being built for easier trade.
Many villagers thought Lao wasn't profiting, even working at a loss. True, he faced setbacks, but few knew one of his family's core principles: "Every venture can yield profit if you view it from different angles."
The current family head had the same phenomenal business acumen as his ancestors. His mind was wired to find the most efficient, profitable actions, so his wealth only grew over time.
Meanwhile, in towns and taverns of all sizes, whispered conversations began, hinting at something more serious to come.
"Wouldn't it be great if Lord Lao were our ruler?" sighed a regular at a local tavern, a simple laborer who enjoyed the occasional drink.
"Keep your voice down!" hissed his companion, glancing at a nearby table where Earth Kingdom soldiers sat.