The monthly stipend, though not as high as an embroiderer's, was enough to get by.
Seeing that the women had all found places, a few men also eagerly stepped forward, baring their arms and speaking a string of words. Several of them didn't even need An Li to translate; their meaning was clear.
Strong and good at work.
Coincidentally, there was a shortage of manpower for the repair of the city walls this time, so Xiao Muqian took them away.
The rest were also assigned according to their skills. Those with some medical knowledge went to help at the pharmacy, the swift runners went to the post station, and the blacksmith, however, remained quietly in a corner, not speaking much, nor intending to show off.
After everyone had found a place, only he remained seated calmly.
Xiao Ji glanced at him and, for some reason, felt he was unusual.
So, he gestured to An Li to help translate, wanting to know his abilities.
"You don't need to say it through him. I can speak the language of Da Jin."
His fluency was far beyond An Li's half-baked skills. Xiao Muqian raised an eyebrow. How could someone so capable be in their midst and not volunteer himself?
The blacksmith then stood up and walked over.
He didn't look tall, but his arms were exceptionally strong, clearly indicating he was a skilled blacksmith.
Recalling An Li's previous high praise, he felt inclined to test the blacksmith. However, the blacksmith stood up and said, "I will not stay. I will leave tomorrow morning. You don't need to trouble yourselves."
This statement piqued the interest of the four of them.
Such a proud and talented individual seemed somewhat out of place among the simple and forthright folk of the tribe.
An Li, who respected the blacksmith the most, had even learned his rudimentary Da Jin from him. Hearing that he was leaving, An Li anxiously stepped forward and asked,
"Uncle Niehe, why are you leaving? Isn't it good for us to stay in Liangzhou together?"
The blacksmith looked at him and merely said, "Mountains are high and rivers are long. We may meet again someday." Then he left the shed and went outside for some fresh air.
For a moment, everyone was bewildered. What did this mean?
"Alright, we'll talk about the blacksmith later. These children cannot be delayed. I remember Elder Chen runs an academy in the city. An Li, you will go with him. If you want to integrate here for generations to come, you must first be able to understand the language here."
Learning to read and write was still a ways off, but simple communication was pressing.
Otherwise, if they always relied on An Li to translate, his tribesmen would not be able to stay for long.
Xiao Ji's arrangements were thoughtful, and the three of them agreed. Thus, Feng Shan sent over some clean clothes. After washing and changing, they were led to their respective destinations.
The tribesmen had never been separated; they had always stayed together for so many years. The men could go out to hunt, but the women, the elderly, and the children mostly stayed at home. Being suddenly separated like this was truly unaccustomed, and one by one, they began to cry.
"It's not a solution to live in these sheds for too long. The Feng family has an empty courtyard in the west of the city. It's not large, but if they squeeze in, they can barely all fit. If General Xiao has no objections, then I will make this arrangement?"
Feng Shan's words always helped Xiao Ji solve many problems.
The old prefect of Liangzhou City had passed away half a year ago, and a new prefect had not yet been appointed. The Tongpan from the Zhu family was quite capable, but he was too young. To rashly promote him to the position of prefect might not win over the populace.
Therefore, before the New Year, Xiao Ji had written a memorial to Emperor Qi, awaiting the appointment of a new prefect. Who knew that after the New Year, they would be met with such a fierce battle? Consequently, with no one in charge of the city, Xiao Ji was making all major decisions on behalf of the absent prefect.
"Good. Lord Feng's actions have indeed solved a major problem for Liangzhou. In the report of victory, I will also explain this matter to His Majesty on behalf of the Feng family!"
Although the Feng and Xiao families were now related by marriage, both being in-laws with the Bai family, they naturally felt a closer bond than with others.
Coupled with the years of friendship between Xiao Ji and Feng Shan, it was only natural for him to put in a good word for them before the Emperor.
However, the Feng family's favor was also due to the contributions of Feng Shan and Madam Hua. The two of them were skilled in business, acquired wealth righteously, and over the years, had generously aided Liangzhou City by building bridges and roads. They had also led many wealthy merchant families to do good deeds, earning them a reputation as benevolent and virtuous figures among the merchants.
If this report reached the imperial court, they might even have a chance to be recognized as Imperial Merchants.
While the merchants of Liangzhou City were envious, none questioned the honor they had received.
"General Xiao is too kind. Liangzhou City is also my home."
At this moment, Feng Shan could not have known that one of his benevolent acts would almost bring disaster upon his entire clan.
Thus, these foreigners officially settled down in Liangzhou City.
In the academy established by Elder Chen, new names were given to the children. Hearing that their ancestors were skilled in swift attacks, they were given the surname "Su" (速), meaning speed. Later generations would refer to these foreigners as the Su clan.
Half a month later, the entire Liangzhou had recovered from its previous decline, and all industries were almost back to normal. However, the city walls were still being reinforced, and the armory was slowly being restocked.
The bridge between Ganzhou and Liangzhou was already half-completed under the "personal" supervision of the Ninth Prince, progressing much faster than expected.
Unfortunately, even at this pace, it was still too slow in the Ninth Prince's eyes.
He had a few artisans thrashed, instilling fear in everyone, so that no one dared to slacken.
This was General Su's first time accompanying the Ninth Prince on a campaign, and in just a few months, he had seen things clearly.
The Ninth Prince was not only arrogant and self-willed but also cruel and tyrannical.
He had no benevolence towards the common people, disregarded the lives of his soldiers, and lacked the resolve to defend cities and territories. He was only adept at matters of romance and seizing credit.
It had to be said that he truly inherited the ruthlessness and heartlessness of the Wei family.
He immediately felt that if this person were to ascend the throne, it would be a disaster for Da Jin and its people.
With this thought, he considered himself to be in opposition to the Wei family. However, for now, he had to endure and wait until the bridge was repaired.
The bridge construction continued, and the report of victory had already reached the Ding Prince's manor ahead of time.
The Iron Eagle Squad of the Iron King had indeed resolved the crisis in Liangzhou with their intervention.
Moreover, they had brought back a grand gift.
When Luo Hong was awakened by cold water, he found himself bound in the dark prison of the Ding Prince's manor.
He was groggy, his mind somewhat unclear.
Yang Zhao was not a patient man. He immediately lashed Luo Hong across the face with a whip. The stinging pain instantly sobered him up.
He glared fiercely at Yang Zhao, but then his eyes widened in surprise.
"What? You don't recognize me?"
"You, it was you. Xiao Tingyi sent people to capture me?"
Luo Hong was somewhat surprised, but more so, he was terrified.
He had been hiding all these years precisely because he feared retaliation from the Ding Prince's manor.