Shopkeeper Wu tapped his fingers on the wooden table. "There's a piece of land east of Beihai, near the hill. It's empty now, abandoned by the previous landlord. The farmland was neglected, but structurally, it should still be usable. It can house up to 500 people."
Xu Liang’s eyes lit up. "That would be enough to shelter everyone from our camp."
Zhao Ming, however, shook his head. "No. Bringing everyone would be a mistake."
Xu Liang turned to him, his brows furrowed. "Why? The space is there, and these people need shelter."
Zhao Ming leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "I understand, but we need to approach this carefully. If we bring too many at once, managing them will become a nightmare. There will be conflicts, lack of resources, and we might lose control. This is a pilot project—we need to be smart. We take the most trusted ones first, those who can work and contribute. Once things are stable, we can consider bringing in more."
Xu Liang’s jaw tightened. "But these people are desperate. If they hear that some are getting help while others are left behind, there will be problems."
Zhao Ming nodded. "Which is why we have to be discreet. If we act too quickly, rumors will spread, and before we know it, we’ll have a riot on our hands. We need order, not chaos."
Xu Liang exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair. "I get it… it's just hard to pick and choose who gets to live a better life."
Shopkeeper Wu nodded approvingly. "Smart thinking, young master Zhao. The first group should be capable and reliable. You don’t want to overextend yourselves before you even get started."
Xu Liang sighed and nodded. "Alright. I’ll choose carefully."
"Good," Zhao Ming said. "But before anything else, I need to visit Governor Kong. If we suddenly move a large group of refugees, it could cause unnecessary suspicion. The last thing we want is to be seen as forming our own private force."
Shopkeeper Wu chuckled. "Smart move. If it's urgent, take the Murong Trading House token. It’ll get you an audience with the governor much faster."
Zhao Ming hesitated for a moment before accepting the token. The jade piece was small, yet it felt heavier than it should. It wasn’t just a symbol of authority—it was a key to influence, a responsibility he couldn't take lightly. This wasn’t just about helping refugees anymore; it was about making a move that could shift the balance of power in Beihai.
He clenched his fist around it, then turned to Xu Liang. "While I handle things with Governor Kong, I need you to return to the refugee camp and begin selecting the right people. Only those you trust, those with skills that will benefit the settlement—hunters, craftsmen, builders, and those who can farm. We need a strong foundation before we expand."
Xu Liang furrowed his brows. "I understand. But how do we choose without causing unrest? People are desperate; if they hear some are getting a better chance, there might be trouble."
Zhao Ming nodded. "That’s exactly why you need to be careful. Don't make it public yet. Speak quietly to those you trust, let them know this is an opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed yet. If word spreads too soon, others might demand to be included, or worse, cause chaos thinking they’re being abandoned."
Xu Liang exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the table. "It won’t be easy, but I’ll handle it. If we do this right, we can create a place where our people can truly live, not just survive."
Zhao Ming placed a reassuring hand on Xu Liang’s shoulder. "That’s the goal. Make sure to include their families too, at least for the first group. Stability is important."
Xu Liang straightened his posture and nodded firmly. "I'll take care of it. Just make sure Governor Kong doesn’t shut us down before we even begin."
Zhao Ming smirked. "Leave that to me."
Shopkeeper Wu, who had been watching with a pleased expression, chuckled. "You two are planning something big. Be careful, young master Zhao. Some people might not like the idea of refugees organizing themselves."
Zhao Ming gave a knowing nod. "I know. That’s why I need to make sure everything is done properly, step by step."
With the plan set in motion, Xu Liang left to return to the refugee camp, while Zhao Ming prepared himself for his meeting with Governor Kong.
Zhao Ming arrived at the governor’s office, his steps firm but composed. The large wooden doors stood tall before him, guarded by two armored sentries. He reached into his sleeve, pulling out the Murong Trading House token—a small jade emblem, yet one that carried undeniable influence.
One of the guards stepped forward, his gaze scrutinizing. “State your business.”
“I need an urgent audience with Governor Kong.” Zhao Ming presented the token. “Murong Trading House sends their regards.”
The guard’s eyes flickered with recognition. Without hesitation, he turned and disappeared inside. Moments later, he returned. “Aide Chen has been informed. Wait here.”
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A few minutes later, Aide Chen, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and neatly combed hair, emerged from the entrance. He crossed his arms and sighed.
“What happened this time, Young Master Zhao?” His tone was half-amused, half-wary. “You always bring trouble.”
Zhao Ming smirked. “This time, I’m bringing solutions. I need to speak with Governor Kong regarding the refugee situation outside the city.”
Aide Chen raised a brow. “Refugees? What exactly are you planning?”
Zhao Ming gave him a brief rundown—about the neglected farmland, Xu Liang, and his strategy to take in trusted refugees first.
Aide Chen blinked in surprise. “That was quick.” He studied Zhao Ming for a moment before nodding. “I’ll inform the governor, but I can’t promise anything. There’s an esteemed guest from the Han court in his office right now. He may be too occupied to see you.”
Zhao Ming frowned slightly but nodded. “Understood.”
“Wait in the side chamber,” Aide Chen instructed before heading inside.
Zhao Ming sat in the waiting room, tapping his fingers on his knee. His mind was already running through possible arguments, counterpoints, and negotiations. If the Han official was important, this could be an opportunity or a major obstacle.
After what felt like an eternity, Aide Chen returned.
“The governor will see you now.”
Zhao Ming straightened his robe and followed Aide Chen down the hall. As the doors opened, he stepped into the main office of Governor Kong Rong—and immediately took note of the man sitting opposite the governor.
A sharp-eyed, elderly man with a dignified posture. His presence alone exuded authority.
Instinctively, Zhao Ming activated Insight.
- Lu Zhi — Han Court General, Liu Bei’s teacher
- Kong Rong — Beihai Governor
Zhao Ming’s mind raced. Lu Zhi, a former mentor of Liu Bei, a respected general, and a Confucian scholar. His presence here was no small matter.
Governor Kong Rong, a man known for his wit and literary talent, looked at Zhao Ming with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. “Young Master Zhao, you’re always full of surprises.”
Zhao Ming clasped his hands and gave a respectful bow. “Governor, I appreciate the audience. I will be brief.”
He quickly laid out his plan for the refugee camp, detailing the location, the selection process, and his goal of stabilizing the displaced people rather than allowing them to remain as a burden on the city.
After listening patiently, Kong Rong sighed. “Your proposal is admirable, but Beihai itself struggles with its own limitations. We cannot spare resources to support this project.”
Zhao Ming expected this response and had already prepared his counterpoint. However, before he could speak, Lu Zhi leaned forward.
“You misunderstand, Governor Kong,” Lu Zhi said, his voice calm but firm. “Young Zhao Ming isn’t asking for food or supplies. What he requires is authority.”
Zhao Ming immediately caught on. He turned to Lu Zhi and bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
Lu Zhi continued, “Moving a large group of refugees—especially selecting who can go—will not go unnoticed. There will be objections, questions, even interference from local factions. What Zhao Ming truly needs… is official backing.”
Governor Kong Rong tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. Finally, he exhaled and looked at Zhao Ming.
“I see. Very well. I will grant you the authority to relocate and manage the refugees, under the condition that you will bear full responsibility for any consequences.” His gaze hardened. “If this plan causes disorder, it will be your name and reputation on the line.”
Zhao Ming met his gaze without hesitation. “Understood.”
Governor Kong Rong smirked. “Good. Then it’s settled.”
Zhao Ming bowed deeply. “Thank you, Governor. And thank you, General Lu, for your insight.”
Lu Zhi nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You are an interesting young man, Zhao Ming. I will be watching your progress.”
After leaving the governor’s office, Zhao Ming strode through the bustling streets of Beihai, his mind occupied with what had just transpired. The permission from Governor Kong was secured, but the unexpected presence of Lu Zhi raised new concerns.
‘A Han general, here in Beihai? And yet, there are no reports of Han troops nearby…’
He didn’t have enough information yet, but something felt off.
Pushing those thoughts aside for now, Zhao Ming quickened his pace, heading straight for Murong Trading House. When he arrived, the familiar scent of ink and parchment filled the air as merchants and workers went about their business.
Inside, he found Shopkeeper Wu at his usual spot, meticulously checking account ledgers behind the counter. The elderly merchant glanced up as Zhao Ming entered, his sharp eyes immediately noticing the young man's serious expression.
“You’re back.” He set his brush down. “How did it go?”
Zhao Ming exhaled, gathering his thoughts. “Governor Kong approved. We have permission to relocate the refugees to the land near the eastern hill.”
Shopkeeper Wu nodded, pleased. “That’s good news. But you don’t look entirely satisfied.”
Zhao Ming's expression didn’t relax. “Because there’s more.”
Shopkeeper Wu raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“There was someone else in the office,” Zhao Ming said, his voice lowering slightly. “A Han general—Lu Zhi.”
Shopkeeper Wu’s expression froze. His usual relaxed demeanor shifted into cautious calculation.
“…Lu Zhi?” He repeated the name slowly, as if confirming he had heard correctly.
Zhao Ming nodded firmly. “Yes. It was definitely him.”
Shopkeeper Wu’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the wooden table, a habit Zhao Ming had noticed when the merchant was deep in thought.
“That’s… unexpected,” Shopkeeper Wu finally muttered. “We haven’t heard of any Han forces stationed nearby. If Lu Zhi is here, it’s either a personal visit or something far more discreet.”
Zhao Ming folded his arms. “Then we can’t expect Han reinforcements if trouble arises.”
Shopkeeper Wu let out a slow sigh, rubbing his temples. “Correct. If he were leading an army, we would’ve had advance warning—troop movements, supply lines, increased patrols. But a single general appearing out of nowhere?” His eyes narrowed. “That means something else is at play.”
Zhao Ming’s mind raced. What reason would a high-ranking general have to be here alone? Could this be connected to the ongoing rebel activities? Or perhaps to the nobles who had recently visited Governor Kong?
“If it was a private visit,” Zhao Ming said, “he wouldn’t have met Governor Kong openly.”
Shopkeeper Wu stroked his beard, nodding slowly. “Indeed. And yet, he did. Which means his business—whatever it is—likely concerns Beihai in some way.”
Zhao Ming’s gaze darkened. “Then we need to be careful. If something bigger is happening, I don’t want to be caught in the middle unprepared.”
Shopkeeper Wu studied Zhao Ming for a moment before chuckling. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Many would be thrilled to see a Han general, hoping for protection or political favors. But you see the risk.”
Zhao Ming smiled faintly. “I’d rather not gamble with something I don’t understand.”
Shopkeeper Wu nodded in approval. “Good. I’ll inform Master Murong about this. It’s not every day a Han court official makes an appearance in Beihai.”
Zhao Ming sighed. “Let’s just hope his presence doesn’t complicate things for us.”
Shopkeeper Wu smirked. “Life would be too easy if that were the case.”
Zhao Ming gave a small chuckle, but deep down, his mind remained on edge. The refugees were already a delicate matter—the last thing he needed was an unexpected political storm brewing over Beihai.
And yet, something told him…
Lu Zhi’s presence wouldn’t be the last surprise
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