The rain poured down.
Seven li away from the Green Wood Stronghold, on the side of the road at the bottom of the Huochuan Mountain Range, there was a long row of sheds. Because of the sudden rain, the sheds weren't big enough. Corpses were spread out from the ground of the wooden sheds.
These were not the corpses of the people of the Green Wood Stronghold.
In the battle at the Huochuan Mountain Range, the Lu Liang Bandits' allied forces were defeated very quickly. In the end, the entire mountain was filled with killing and fleeing. In the Huochuan Mountain Range, the allied forces of the Lu Liang Bandits left behind more than nine hundred corpses. Among the ringleaders who started the battle, Fang Yiyang was killed, Luan Sanlang was captured, and Chen Zhenhai fled in a sorry state, disappearing without a trace. Everyone was scared out of their wits. Basically no one dared to go back and clean up the battlefield.
After collecting the corpses of their own people, Ning Yi suggested that they collect the corpses of other people as well, so that they wouldn't be eaten by the wolves. Then, the Green Wood Stronghold sent out a team of messengers, telling the people of the Lu Liang Mountain Range to quickly collect the corpses of their family members, relatives, or brothers. As for the battle at the Huochuan Mountain Range, the Green Wood Stronghold didn't pursue it any further. If no one came to collect the corpses after three days, the Green Wood Stronghold would cremate all the corpses and bury them together at the Huochuan Mountain Range, so that the rest of the people would have a place to mourn in the future.
After the battle, showing their benevolent side was naturally a way to show their muscles. On the other hand, the Huochuan Mountain Range was not far from the Green Wood Stronghold. Ning Yi didn't want the mountain full of rotting corpses to cause an epidemic. Of course, even though the Green Wood Stronghold showed good intentions, there weren't many people who dared to collect the corpses. Those who did come were mostly old people and women. They gathered their courage and came. Some of them thought that they would have to pay to collect their children and men, and even prepared some valuables. However, the people of the Green Wood Stronghold didn't want them, so they brought the corpses away while weeping.
As for Ning Yi's suggestion, the people of the Green Wood Stronghold could naturally understand it. As for the soldiers of the Green Wood Stronghold, they were more or less displeased. So many people died on the other side, and we also lost some of our own. Wouldn't it be better to leave the corpses on the mountain for the wolves to eat? However, when the order was given, especially when it was revealed that it was Ning Yi's order, the soldiers still chose to carry it out. Of course, the expressions of the families of the deceased were not good, but it was also because of this that no one dared to cause trouble here.
In the heavy rain, one could occasionally see groups of people walking past the Huo Chuan Ridge towards the Green Wood Stronghold. These people were either returning from the great battle, or they had heard about the great battle and came to seek shelter in the Green Wood Stronghold. As a result, the Greenwood Gathering, which was several kilometers away, was already overcrowded.
Bandits, hooligans, scoundrels, gangsters, in this era, many people felt helpless, but basically, it was still a light meal. Usually, everyone looked forward to drinking and eating. Even if they couldn't do it that well, they could at least have fun with their companions and pass the time. In the past, the Green Wood Stronghold was not small, and when they trained the soldiers, they also prepared enough food and vegetables. However, when many people came, they still couldn't bear the harsh requirements of the Green Wood Stronghold: I have strength, I am fierce, I dare to fight, I am a hero who kills without blinking an eye. No matter where I go, I won't be able to get a high position, but you actually want me to train every day?
Because of this, many people expressed their displeasure towards the Green Wood Stronghold. Sometimes, although the gathering was open to recruit people, it would still cause some disputes and people would cause trouble. During the battle of the Huo Chuan Ridge, there was a portion of people who tried to join the Green Wood Stronghold. After being rejected, they came to take revenge.
However, after the battle, more people came to the gathering, and fewer people raised their opinions and threw a tantrum. Some people at most scolded the Green Wood Stronghold for not knowing what was good for them, but when they saw a row of murderous Green Wood Stronghold soldiers maintaining order, they turned around and resentfully left. In two or three days, there was a large group of people who were willing to accept the training of the Green Wood Stronghold, who had a good physique and excellent craftsmanship.
At this moment, the Green Wood Stronghold, which was next to the Green Wood Stronghold, was immersed in a harmonious and joyous atmosphere. Everyone was in high spirits, and the neighbors got along well. While they were discussing the battle of the Huo Chuan Ridge, they were also filled with optimism and longing for the future. Without a doubt, the Green Wood Stronghold was the most powerful place in the Lu Liang Mountain Range. Living here, they would definitely have a bright future.
In the midst of such longing, there was only one matter, which was like a small fishbone stuck in everyone's heart. For the residents, although it wasn't a big deal, they still felt uncomfortable when they thought about it. It was the matter of the marriage between the Stronghold Master and Ning Rentu that had been spreading in the stronghold these past few days.
The allied forces that came to attack the Green Wood Stronghold had already been defeated a few days ago. Even a great bandit like Luan Sanlang was beheaded in front of everyone the next day. Only the matter regarding their Stronghold Master made the people of the Green Wood Stronghold feel like they had been slapped in the face. The rumors spread by Sect Leader Lin had caused a conflict between the two people on the mountain. But so what? Could it be that because of the rumors spread by bad people, they couldn't even get married? Wouldn't that be letting the bad people have their way instead?
Because of the scouring of the public opinion over the past few days, the people of the Green Wood Stronghold now had a good impression of this outsider young man. He was capable and had a good personality. At the critical moment, he even intervened in the martial arts competition and saved the Stronghold Master. It was said that the development of the Green Wood Stronghold in the past few years had also been helped by him. But in the end, because of the bad people's rumors, he couldn't even marry the Stronghold Master. It was said that he had already been preparing for the marriage a few days ago.
These kinds of rumors made people feel close and angry at the same time.
After the rain stopped, Huo Chuan Ling's corpse was burned to ashes and then buried. This meant that the whole situation had come to an end.
After accompanying Hong Ti for three days, Ning Yi finally started work. Through Zheng Ashuan, he gathered dozens of people who were in charge of various things in the stronghold for a meeting. This was the first time that some of the middle and lower level members of the stronghold had seen him. It was said that many of them had been warned at home to advise this Young Master Ning when they saw him, so that he wouldn't be bullied by bad people …
But of course, these people didn't dare to spread this kind of news for the time being. Ning Yi's meeting this time was to set up a general plan for the entire Green Wood Stronghold. For the time being, it involved a lot of content, almost including the entire plan for the stronghold's consolidation and expansion. Of course, because the people who participated this time were some craftsmen and farmers in the mountains, Ning Yi didn't expect them to understand everything. He completely divided all the detailed tasks, and then divided everyone into small groups to discuss and plan in batches.
He roughly measured and planned the valley of the Green Wood Stronghold. For example, where the houses should be built, which areas should be occupied. How the ditches, sewage, and water diversion should be arranged. How to expand the existing system, or how to preserve the possibility of expansion. What areas on the mountain or nearby that could be cultivated for farming? Where was the safest and most convenient location for the warehouse? The military defense of the entire Green Wood Stronghold, whether it was possible to choose a better location for the outer wall, how many dangerous places on the periphery could be used for defense, whether it was possible to dig cellars on the mountain, open tunnels, and so on.
The establishment and expansion of a settlement always involved a lot of problems in many aspects. For the original people of Green Wood Stronghold, the development of the stronghold was whatever they wanted. Even though there was a division of areas, there wasn't much detailed planning. In the end, the outer part of Green Wood Stronghold was filled with dirty water, and the inner part of the stronghold was already a little crowded. However, due to military considerations and some secrecy, the construction of houses was not developed from the middle of the mountain. At that moment, all aspects began to be summarized.
Even though the craftsmen and the basic managers in the mountains didn't have much experience, under Ning Yi's simple and clear guidance, they could still say what needed to be said. The craftsmen in charge of building houses gave their opinions, and Ning Yi roughly divided the area. Those who knew how to build ditches were to go along with it, and they did their best to make plans. In terms of internal affairs, the Second Bandit Chief Zheng Ashuan and the Fourth Bandit Chief Peng Yue were both present to hold the fort. In terms of military affairs, Han Jing was also present. He made predictions about the possible military situations that needed to be taken precautions in the future. Then, everyone worked together to plan the outer wall and the entire defense system.
With Ning Yi holding the fort, dozens of people held meetings for three consecutive days. Then, they drew a detailed sketch based on the current situation of Green Wood Stronghold. Based on their initial expectations, this plan was very provocative. A stronghold that could accommodate twenty to thirty thousand people in the future, and every aspect was planned beautifully. Just thinking about it made people's hearts surge with excitement. After that, the practical work had just begun. Ning Yi had all the craftsmen break down the work they were doing at hand step by step. How many materials to use, how to use them, and what order to use them. Those who could read would write it themselves, and those who could not read would slowly recite it according to their memories. Those who could copy it.
In the next few days, for these craftsmen who passed down their skills through traditional methods, it was truly a headache-inducing task to break down their skills. Some people could do it, but they could not say it at all. Most craftsmen had different skills. For them, many steps could be changed flexibly once they were familiar with them, but they just couldn't unify them.
Ning Yi did not intend to break down the division of labor in the assembly line or the rules and regulations of the craftsmen to Green Wood Stronghold. What he wanted to do was very simple. These craftsmen were in charge of the work. Naturally, there were also stewards in charge of managing the supplies in the mountains. Ning Yi called them together to discuss, "What do you think is better to put these things first, and what should be put later?" In the past, these people in the mountains had always cooperated with each other, so they could always solve simple problems.
Next, he arranged for a few stewards in charge of mobilizing manpower to decide which things should be done first, and which things should be done later. He tried his best not to let the entire system stop. He let them coordinate with the people in charge of the supplies and the craftsmen who were working on the tasks …
The so-called scientific management method, when divided down to each step, was actually not difficult. However, when all the steps were operated together, it would become a huge organic system. Often, when you sent people to do something, you would find that the thing needed for the task had not arrived. Half an hour might be wasted in the middle. All sorts of small wastages added up. Even though everyone was working all the time, it had a huge impact on efficiency. As a result, in the first few days, Ning Yi gathered a large group of people to do these trivial and seemingly meaningless things.
During this period, all kinds of work in the mountains was naturally carried out. More people from the mountains joined in, and the construction and reclamation work in the valleys never stopped. Ning Yi, on the other hand, often intervened and gave some advice. As for him, everyone was more concerned about the relationship between him and the Fort Master. Recently, a group of people had been circling around him, and the Fort Master was not easy to get close to. Could it be that the two of them were in a cold war? As for the things that Ning Yi intervened in, although they seemed huge, were actually very simple when broken down. Everyone only thought that perhaps the people from the mountains liked to follow the rules in everything they did.
With the intervention and support of the Fort Masters, although everyone was not used to these 'rules', they did not have many objections for the time being. This young and important figure from the outside was very amiable and approachable. It seemed that he would not be bored with anything. If you didn't understand, you could do it. If you really had doubts, he could explain. Every explanation was concise and comprehensive, with a clear direction. It's just that … how many stones and how much wood do I need? I just have to calculate it first and bring it up in advance. Isn't this very simple? I just need to think about it. I seem to have done the same thing in the past. When I need it, I just ask …
In this kind of atmosphere, the gradual changes in the entire Green Wood Stronghold and the various improvements in efficiency were only gradually recognized after half a month to a month.
As time entered the fifth month, the people of Green Wood Stronghold began to become familiar with Ning Yi and the hundred or so outsiders he had brought with him. Zhu Biao and the other martial artists and the elite leaders of Green Wood Stronghold had competed twice in martial arts, and they were very friendly. After the craftsmen they had brought with them started to work, they also received very enthusiastic cooperation.
As for Ning Yi, after being busy at the beginning, he also chose to be idle. He had no passion for practical work. Previously, he had taken the trouble to participate and intervene only to give the people of Green Wood Stronghold some inspiration. Once he had grasped the basic steps, even if it was a little stiff, he would let go and no longer pay attention to it. After that, as long as he maintained the direction of guidance, practice was often the best teacher.
Most of the people of Green Wood Stronghold no longer had any enmity towards him. Han Jing and the others also directly expressed their acceptance of him. There were even many things that they had taken the initiative to come over to discuss and ask for guidance. In a sense, Lin Zongwu's intervention had at least saved him two months of time in the matter of him dissolving into Green Wood Stronghold.
Hong Ti's injuries had long since healed. When Ning Yi was busy, she would stay in the courtyard. Sometimes, she would go over for a walk. Her identity as a Fort Master scared the people who came over to discuss matters into silence. In fact, she was nearby, listening to what Ning Yi had to say. She wanted to understand the meaning of everything Ning Yi said. Often, when it was late at night, she would come over with supper or hot water. She would say a few words in the room, or sit outside in the darkness. She would lean on his side and on his shoulder. Of course, sometimes, she would be hugged by Ning Yi.
Gradually, she finished listening to the story of the Divine Eagle Couple.
As for the influence of their relationship as master and disciple on their marriage, after Ning Yi promised not to hold it, she no longer resisted.
For a woman, apart from the peace of Green Wood Stronghold, the man by her side was perhaps the best thing she had ever received in her life …
Sometimes, in the darkness, she thought that even if she was really his master, she might also be like the master and disciple in the story, wanting to marry him.
On the twelfth day of the fifth lunar month, about twenty days after Ning Yi entered the mountain, the two of them sent wedding invitations to a small group. Since they promised not to hold a big wedding, Zheng Ashuan and the other Fort Masters only gave out a batch of vegetables and meat to everyone in the stronghold as a bonus for the great victory in the battle of Huo Chuanling. But everyone in the mountain secretly knew what day it was tonight. In the joyous atmosphere, in the small courtyard on the mountainside of Green Wood Stronghold, they got married.
The joy in the stronghold lasted for a very, very long time. That night, when Ning Yi entered the bridal chamber, there was still a lot of noise coming from outside. A woman wearing a bright red wedding dress and a red veil sat on the edge of the bed with her hands folded on her knees. No one knew how long she had been sitting in this position. Ning Yi lifted the veil and saw that the woman behind it was smiling, but her eyes were shining with tears. Ning Yi walked over, squatted in front of her, and held her hands.
"The future will be good," said Ning Yi as he listened to the noise outside.
The woman sniffled her tears. "I'm so happy that I can marry you …"
Ning Yi smiled warmly, and an aura called blessings enveloped the entire mountain. Not long after, happiness was mixed with shyness and heat. Hong Ti's clothes were taken off in front of Ning Yi. That night, even though she was a martial arts master, she was still bullied and tortured in front of him for the whole night. And sometimes, she even felt that the man in front of her not only treated her as his wife, but also as his master to bully her. This feeling made her feel especially shy, and sometimes she could not help but cry.
But what could she do?
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