Infinite Professions

Chapter 327 - 173: Planning (Part 2)

Now, with the merit gained from slaying that malevolent spirit, Shen Hex’s presence is gradually transforming into blue, and his divine power is also increasing. Barring any unexpected events, once the Merit Golden Light has fully transformed, he can advance in rank, ascending from Village Land God to Town Land God.

This is the greatest reward from last night’s spirit slaying.

Although it’s merely an enhancement of divine power, and the territorial jurisdiction hasn’t been officially sanctioned for expansion into other villages or towns, it allows a slight enlargement of the land realm of Little Huang Village.

Moreover, the quality and strength of blue divine power are higher, and using it to cast various Divine Dao Magic will significantly improve their effectiveness, which will be more beneficial to the development of Little Huang Village.

...

While Shen Hex was counting his rewards, the Song Family was riding swiftly, rushing towards Little Huang Village.

It was clear that the experience from last night had left many shadows upon them, and they had to reach Little Huang Village before nightfall.

With such haste, the remaining dozens of miles were traversed without much difficulty, and they arrived at Little Yellow Mountain by dusk.

Below Little Yellow Mountain lies Little Huang Village.

Though still deserted, under the shroud of the land realm, it no longer appeared as eerie as when Shen Hex first arrived, and now seemed no different from an ordinary village.

The eldest, Song Wen, having received Shen Hex’s instructions early, directly arranged for everyone to settle in. He himself led the three wives and numerous siblings to the Land God Temple.

The brick-tiled Land God Temple, though lacking incense offerings, remained dignified. Upon entering, the Song Family saw a clay statue sitting in the center, bearing a seven-part resemblance to Song Xiang.

Instantly...

"Oh, my lord!"

"Father!"

The three wives rushed forward, while the children kneeled down, crying out with a mix of genuine and feigned emotions.

"Have you truly become a god, Elder?"

"My lord, Yulan will continue to serve you in the future!"

"Father, I’ve moved here as per your instructions. May the spirit of your elder self, in the heavens, ensure that your grandson succeeds, not just as a Scholar, but as an Advanced Scholar!"

"Father, bless me with great wealth..."

Everyone cried out, each expressing their words.

Eventually, it was Song Wen, following Shen Hex’s instructions, who couldn’t stand it. He gently coughed to bring everyone back to their senses: "Do not speak recklessly. Yin and Yang are distinct, and divine beings have their place. In the future, inside this Land God Temple and in front of outsiders, you must formally address him as Land God or Land God, but within our home, you may call him father, understood?"

Although it seemed like he was wielding authority without substance, after experiencing this series of events, the Song Family firmly believed in Song Xiang’s existence and restored some respect towards Song Wen, their elder brother, immediately adjusting their demeanor and nodding in agreement.

"Yes, yes, yes!"

"Elder brother is right."

"In the future, when outside, he must be addressed as Land God!"

"Land God, please bless us!"

Everyone followed suit quickly and adjusted their attitudes.

Song Wen nodded in satisfaction and looked at his brothers: "Now, the family assets are distributed, but labor must be divided. Most of the fields in Little Huang Village are now in our hands, and even if the government moves people in or the original villagers return, it’ll still be the Song Family calling the shots."

After speaking, he glanced at the statue: "Following father’s instructions, I shall assume the role of village chief. Do any of you have any objections?"

"None, none!"

"Elder brother, you naturally are suited to be village chief!"

The brothers unanimously agreed, even offering flattery.

"Good!"

Song Wen nodded in approval and looked toward the second brother, Song Cai: "Second brother, you have the best literary talent, so you shall be the village scribe and private tutor. Father said, for the Song Family to grow strong, someone must pursue literary and martial paths, so we must establish a village school in Little Huang Village, offering free education to all children."

"All children?"

Everyone was stunned, showing hesitation: "Even those of the laborers and tenants..."

"Yes, they can!"

Song Wen said firmly: "Not only the laborers and tenants, but whoever the government moves in or original villagers return, as long as they settle in Little Huang Village, they can attend the village’s private school, with meals and drinks provided, ensuring each can focus on studying and practicing martial arts."

"This..."

Upon hearing this, everyone was even more astonished, and even Song Wen’s wife couldn’t help but speak up: "How much will that cost? Can we afford it with just our savings, let alone provide for outsiders..."

This statement hit home for everyone.

It’s often said that literary pursuits demand wealth, and while reading requires money, practicing martial arts requires even more.

Although the Song Family is an official family, in reality, it only holds a Junior Eighth Grade position. Even though Song Xiang leveraged his Scholar status and Instructor authority to gather considerable resources and amassed considerable wealth, it’s still difficult to support a school that gives equal importance to both literature and martial arts.

Not to mention that this private school is not exclusive to the Song Family, but shared by the entire Little Huang Village.

This left everyone puzzled, wondering why they should spend money to let others’ children study and practice martial arts. Isn’t this foolishness?

"Long hair, short knowledge!"

Song Wen snorted coldly, "This was father’s instruction, it’s the foundation for the Song Family’s prosperity. Those villagers may be outsiders, but once they’ve attended our Song Family’s school, read our books, practiced our martial arts, eaten our food, they become part of the Song Family. Only then can everything inside and outside Little Huang Village be managed by our Song Family, understand?"

"This..."

Everyone looked at each other, unsure how to respond.

Finally, Song Wen’s wife spoke up, "What about money and food? Studying and practicing martial arts require financial and food support. Not to mention so many people studying and training together, without money and food, what’s the point?"

"Father will take care of the money and food!"

Song Wen said in a deep voice, "Little Huang Village has 320 acres of land, with fifty acres of excellent paddy fields, seventy acres of fertile dry land, and the remaining two hundred acres are also cultivable. Father promised to ensure we have favorable weather and bountiful harvests every year, so there’s no need to worry about food. He’ll also figure out the financial aspects. As long as we do as he instructs, our Song Family will definitely have a place in Qinghe County."

"This... okay!"

"Since father has spoken, let’s do as he says."

Hearing Song Wen’s words and glancing at the Land God statue, everyone suppressed their inner objections.

"That’s settled then. Second Brother, you’ll be the village’s private school instructor, teaching the children to read and write. As for Third Brother and Fourth Brother..."

Song Wen turned his gaze to Song Wu and Song Ying, "You two have always loved playing with swords and guns since childhood. Become the martial arts instructors for the village and private school, teach villagers to practice martial arts to strengthen their bodies and protect the village."

"No problem!"

"Big Brother, don’t worry!"

Upon hearing this, the two immediately patted their chests, "Father taught us martial arts in our dreams. As long as we recruit people in the village to practice, bandits and robbers will be easy to deal with."

"Good!"

Song Wen nodded, looking at the remaining siblings, "Fifth and Sixth Brothers, lead the tenant farmers and laborers, and after settling them, start cultivating the land and strive to plant this season’s crops. Also, Seventh and Eighth Brothers, find some skilled masons and carpenters to refurbish the village’s pigsty, cow pen, duck shed, and chicken coop..."

Following Shen Hex’s instructions, Song Wen assigned tasks one by one.

Most of the people had no objections, only the pampered Eighth and Ninth Brothers complained bitterly, "Big Brother, we’re not cut out for that kind of work!"

"Exactly, I came to the village to become the landlord, and now you want me to work the fields with those tenant farmers?"

"This hardship is too much for my husband; his health is precious!"

The Eighth and Ninth Brothers complained non-stop, and their wives spoke up in grievance.

"Is that so?"

Song Wen wasn’t bothered and simply turned his gaze to the Land God statue, "Then go and tell father, see if he agrees. If he’s okay with it, we’ll treat you like royalty."

"..."

"..."

With these words, the Eighth and Ninth Brothers fell silent, their wives also fell quiet.

"Hmph!"

Song Wen snorted coldly, glanced at everyone, and said solemnly, "Father asked me to make it clear in advance, if anyone finds this hardship unbearable, they can divide the family and leave Little Huang Village, cutting ties with the Song Family. Don’t come back seeking connections."

"This..."

Hearing this, everyone hesitated more, frequently glancing at the statue.

No one is foolish; although conditions in Little Huang Village are tough now, there is divine protection, and this divine being is our ancestor. Who wouldn’t want a promising future? Who would easily give it up?

Moreover, the presence of the divine being implies a world beyond death. Severing ties means no protection in this world and no assistance in the Underworld, which is utterly wretched.

Thinking of this, even the pampered Eighth and Ninth Brothers became serious, "Big Brother, don’t worry, we’ll definitely follow father’s instructions. Whatever he tells us to do, we’ll do."

"Yes, yes!"

Everyone echoed in agreement.

"That’s good!"

Only then did Song Wen relax his expression, "But I still want to emphasize, the nation has laws, the family has rules, and above us are divine beings. Although our Song Family rules Little Huang Village, we mustn’t act like those malicious gentry and bullies, oppressing villagers and damaging the Song Family’s reputation, or, worse, sullying father’s Land God name. Anyone who violates will be expelled at best, sent to the Government Office at worst, without favoritism. Understand?"

"Understood!"

"Don’t worry, Big Brother!"

"We dare not offend!"

With these words, everyone nodded like pounding garlic, though who knows how much they truly understood.