novelaction Chapter 138: Black Wind Ridge Surrenders (4)
Chapter 138: Black Wind Ridge Surrenders (4)
Yun Yuxi cleared her throat, a solemn expression appeared on her face, and she said seriously: "Brothers, this princess solemnly promises that the past will not be pursued. If you are willing to follow this princess, please stand on the left; if not, stand on the right. This princess will never force anyone. After dawn, we will leave Black Wind Ridge and head to Lingcheng. As the imperial concubine of the Great Yan Dynasty, how can this princess bear to watch the people of Lingcheng fall into despair and die?"
After hearing this, everyone started to discuss with each other. However, only a few people were willing to follow Yun Yuxi, and most people were still skeptical.
Yun Yuxi swept her eyes across the crowd and roughly estimated the number of people on both sides. Then the corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a smile, and she said softly: "The rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every man. This princess will never force anyone. Even for those who are unwilling to follow me, I will properly arrange their destination. Ji Lanchen, it will be your turn to explain the future arrangements to everyone." Yun Yuxi knew that this was the time to test Ji Lanchen's leadership ability. If Ji Lanchen's performance was mediocre, then she would not dare to easily hand over the construction project in the south of Kyoto to him in the future.
Ji Lanchen knew it very well in his heart, and was afraid that this was a test from Yun Yuxi, so he said: "Brothers. The princess is a woman, but she knows how to cherish the people. Such a kind person is worth following. Lingcheng is not very far from our Black Wind Ridge. I believe you also know the situation in Lingcheng. There are so many doctors in the world, but how many of them can sacrifice themselves for others? How many people can go to Lingcheng to treat the plague? What if it is our Black Wind Ridge that is affected by the disaster today?"
Ji Lanchen's powerful words echoed in the lobby, and everyone was silent.
"Brother, my people are willing to follow the princess," suddenly, the second in command Chen Jingshan broke the silence, he stood up and said in a firm tone. Then, all his subordinates behind him stood up and expressed their willingness to follow.
"Princess Princess, I, Chen Jingshan, have never admired anyone in my life except my adoptive father, the old boss of Black Wind Ridge. All the actions you have done since you came to Black Wind Ridge have won my submission. I, Chen Jingshan, am willing to follow Princess Princess to Lingcheng tomorrow to rescue the people. A man should have ambitions, and my brothers and I are willing to do something meaningful." Chen Jingshan went on, his eyes full of admiration for Yun Yuxi.
At this moment, the entire lobby was silent, and everyone was looking at Yun Yuxi, waiting for her response.
"Zero One. Help Chen Jingshan and the brothers up," Yun Yuxi said with a nod.
"Princess, I'm just an unknown little soldier in Black Wind Ridge. I'm the only one left in my hometown because of the flood. I'm willing to follow you to do things that benefit the country and the people, so that my parents in heaven can feel comforted. I'm finally not a bandit." As he said this, the soldier actually started to cry.
Yun Yuxi walked up to him, patted his shoulder, and said gently: "Don't cry, men don't cry easily. Follow me and do my work well in the future. I won't treat you unfairly."
The soldier wiped his tears and nodded gratefully: "Thank you, Princess!"
At this time, the other bandits began to discuss. Some said, "Since the princess said so, we are willing to follow her." Others said, "Yes, instead of being bandits, it is better to do good things that benefit the country and the people."
"As long as you are willing to give up evil and do good, no matter what you did before, this princess will forgive you." Yun Yuxi said generously.
Hearing this, more bandits stood on the left and expressed their willingness to follow Yun Yuxi.
Ji Lanchen looked at everyone and said loudly: "Brothers, I will have someone count the property of Black Wind Ridge in a while. I will distribute it to everyone. Those who are willing to follow us will get 10 taels of silver each. Those who are willing to leave on their own will get 50 taels of silver each. From now on, we will disband Black Wind Ridge."
As soon as these words came out, the place suddenly fell silent. After a while, someone shouted, "I am willing to follow the princess!" Then, more and more people responded.
Yun Yuxi watched this scene with a smile, secretly relieved in her heart. Although these bandits had done evil in the past, they were also a group of flesh and blood people. As long as they were given a chance, they could also reform themselves and become useful talents.
"Brother, do you and second brother really want to follow this woman?" asked the third in command, Li Musheng, a little angrily.
Chen Jingshan took Li Musheng's hand and said, "Third brother, I know you are used to freedom. If you don't want to go with me and my eldest brother, you can stay in Black Wind Ridge with the rest of the brothers."
"Brother, I don't want to follow that woman. Please forgive me, brother and second brother," Li Musheng said to Yun Yuxi.
"Brothers, I want to take the remaining property to Lingcheng and distribute it to the people affected by the disaster so that more people can have a chance to survive. Do you have any objections?" Ji Lanchen said seriously.
"Boss, although we are subordinates of the Third Boss, there is something I don't know whether I should say to you or not," said a black-faced man.
"Erhei. You can talk as much as you want," Ji Lanchen said calmly.
"This Black Wind Ridge was left to our eldest daughter by the old master. May I ask the first and third masters, have you ever asked the eldest daughter?" said the man named Erhei.
"Erhei, I agree." Xia Furong was carried out by the maid at some point and lay on a small couch beside her. No one noticed Xia Furong's arrival.
"Brother Chen, help me lie down halfway, I have something to say to everyone," Xia Furong said to Ji Lanchen.
With the help of Ji Lanchen, Xia Furong slowly half-lay down and looked at the people in Black Wind Ridge and said, "Dad has established Black Wind Ridge for more than 20 years. He has never bullied the common people and has always helped the rich by robbing the poor. Do you all remember how you came to Black Wind Ridge? Now Dad is gone. Dad's original intention was to help more people in need. As the young master of Black Wind Ridge, I also want to be as upright as Dad and lead everyone to do more meaningful things."
After Xia Furong finished speaking, her eyes gradually became moist, and tears slid down her cheeks. The crystal tears were like pearls, sparkling with light, dripping on the ground, splashing tears.
Her voice trembled slightly, with deep sadness and longing: "Dad... I miss you so much!"
At this moment, the entire Black Wind Ridge seemed to be immersed in Xia Furong's emotions, and everyone felt her deep grief and endless longing for her father.
I don’t know if it was because she was too excited, or because the longing for her father was surging like a tide in her heart, but Xia Furong’s tears kept flowing, as if they would never stop.
She swept her eyes over everyone present, her eyes full of determination and resolve: "I want to be a brave and righteous person like my father, leading everyone to keep going and make Black Wind Ridge better and better!"
Yun Yuxi glanced at Xia Furong. This woman was indeed knowledgeable. It seemed that it would depend on how she could make everyone in Black Wind Ridge submit to her.