In Fan Village, where bandits had recently struck, many villagers were selling fields. The dowries for daughters and gers there were far lower than elsewhere, but many families figured marriage was still better than sending their children to serve others.
The men who had come were all from struggling families. Hearing of this opportunity from Ji Yangzong, they had deliberated for days before rushing over to give their answer.
"No one knows what new tax schemes this year will bring. Just clinging to those few meager fields under the current taxes, life is already hard. To put it bluntly, if disaster strikes, even selling the land might not guarantee a full meal. Since there’s a new way out, a few of us are willing to take the risk and give it a try."
"Brother Huo is a man who’s been on the frontlines and is also Uncle Ji’s son-in-law. Following him, we’d naturally feel at ease. When the time comes, we’ll fully obey Brother Huo’s arrangements and stick with him wholeheartedly."
Ji Yangzong neither agreed nor disagreed. Since these men had come, it meant they were willing to take on this venture. There was no need for further talk.
He turned to Huo Shu and said, "These men are following you. You decide if they’re suitable."
Then, addressing the villagers, he added, "My son-in-law has spent a long time in the military camp. He doesn’t care for roundabout talk and speaks bluntly. If he offends anyone, don’t take it to heart."
Huo Shu truly wasn’t afraid of offending others, he said things as they were.
While the men spoke with Ji Yangzong, Huo Shu had already sized them up.
They were all village men, hardened by years of fieldwork, and in their prime. As long as they had no disabilities, they’d do.
He said, "From Tongzhou to the northern capital, even at a gallop, it takes a month. With goods in tow, three months is normal. And the roads aren’t safe, we may run into bandits. Hanging your life by your belt isn’t just an empty saying."
[悬命于腰带 (xuán mìng yú yāo dài): lit. One's life dangles from a belt; fig. Being in mortal danger, where survival hinges on constant vigilance]
"I can’t guarantee everyone who leaves will return alive. Make sure your parents, wives, and children understand, so they’re prepared. If you’re resolved to risk your lives, come sign and fingerprint the contract after the 15th."
Huo Shu’s words were heavy, devoid of any promises of riches or glorious homecomings. Their purpose was to intimidate.
Ever since learning they’d be trading up north, they’d all had some idea of the risks. But hearing it laid out coldly by their leader left the men silent, none responding immediately.
Seeing this, Ji Yangzong said, "Well, the words have been said. Go home and think it over carefully. This isn’t some forced deal, nor is it like paying taxes, no one’s making you do it. It’s all up to you."
After sending the men off, Ji Yangzong stood in the snow and sighed softly.
Huo Shu turned back, intending to clear a path through the snow in the courtyard, when he noticed Ji Taoyu standing there, arms tucked in, staring blankly outside. His expression wasn’t exactly cheerful.
"It’s just a way to manage people. Don’t overthink it."
Ji Taoyu pinched his own hand and nodded slightly.
His mood had darkened, but Huo Shu’s venture was finally gaining some traction. He was the one who’d agreed to this business, if he wavered halfway, wouldn’t that just make things harder for Huo Shu?
"Let’s eat dumplings. I’m starving. With all this snow outside, it’ll be perfect for visiting the ancestral graves later."
Ji Taoyu acted as if nothing was bothering him, pulling Huo Shu inside. "If we’re too late, everyone else will be out, and the snow will get trampled, ruining the view."
"Mm."
The first days of the new year were spent visiting relatives. Just the Ji family’s distant and close kin took seven full days.
With lavish feasts every day, Ji Taoyu realized he’d gained three pounds before the New Year celebrations were even over.
On the 12th, Ge Liang brought five men to meet Huo Shu.
Two were younger - in their twenties, while the other three were older - at least thirty, but years of farm labor made them look even more weathered.
At Ge Liang’s instruction, regardless of age or seniority, they all followed his lead and called Huo Shu "Brother Huo."
"They’re all strong, hardworking men who can endure hardship. I’ve vetted each one carefully, no issues."
Huo Shu asked, "Did they sign?"
Ge Liang replied, "Everything was done as you instructed. There were originally ten, but some got cold feet after hearing they’d be responsible for their own lives. Only these six signed."
Huo Shu nodded. Ge Liang, having grown up in the village, knew the people better and could recruit more easily.
Even with Ji Yangzong’s endorsement, villagers were still more hesitant to follow Huo Shu.
But that was fine, weeding out the hesitant early made management easier.
"No issues, then. Since we’ll be traveling far, we’ll need some skills."
Huo Shu lowered his voice. "They’ll need some training."
Ge Liang immediately understood. Transporting goods meant the risk of being targeted. If the men weren’t capable in a fight, losses were inevitable. A bit of preparation would smooth the journey.
But the imperial court forbade gathering men for private militia training.
Their group of ten or so didn’t count, but both he and Huo Shu were ex-soldiers. If they trained these men like soldiers, it could draw unwanted attention - especially with Tongzhou’s garrison nearby. They had to be cautious.
"Got it. I’ll handle it."
Huo Shu said, "If we can add two more here, you’ll take charge of their training. I’ll handle the goods."
"Deal."
Thank you for the update!!!
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