Execute the Merchants

The issue with the bandits was solved and the mole also gave up his accomplices.

"How did it go?" a young prison soldier asked.

"That guy can't stand any torture. He pissed himself in fear before I even started," the older prison soldier said.

The young soldier handed a cigarette to the older soldier, who lit it. Both of them took a deep puff almost simultaneously.

At the next moment, smoke enveloped their faces, before slowly rising higher into the air.

"Do you have the list of names already?" the young soldier asked.

"No, Damien is still finishing it up. Don't worry, that guy can handle it himself. I'll just wait here!"

"Why do you think those merchants are still retaliating against the baron? I think the baron is a lot wiser than many other people."

"Don't be ridiculous. When the time comes to give you a sentence, you will know the reason."

"I'm just speaking the truth.

"Do you think I say that because I'm the son of a merchant? You're wrong. My useless dad abandoned me a long time ago."

"Don't say that, mate."

The cigarettes in the two men's hands ran out as they spoke.

"Hey, why are you two blabbering about?"

"Damian, is the name list sorted?"

"Yes, it's done. Who's going to give it to the baron?"

"Jamie, you go! Young men should meet more big shots in their life."

Jamie threw his cigarette on the ground and stomped on it a few times, saying, "It's not like I've never met one."

"At least take a trip to the city hall! Staying in this damn jail for too long isn't good for a young man like you!"

Jamie grabbed the list from Damien's hand. "Fine! I'll go then."

***

Bran led the young soldier into the plaza inside the city hall. This was the soldier's first trip to the city hall, so it went without saying that he was a little curious. Despite that, he was able to suppress the excitement in him.

"Go in! The baron is waiting for you inside." Bran stood in front of the door of the study and said to the soldier behind him.

"Aren't you going in with me?" the soldier asked.

Bran shook his head and turned away without saying a word.

The soldier looked at Bran's departing back and shook his head. He muttered a few words before stepping inside the study.

The study didn't have the crisscrossing bookshelves he had expected. Or perhaps it did, but he hadn't seen them yet.

As soon as the soldier entered the study, he saw a table already set up not far in front of him. A man sat there, reading a book. The soldier had seen the city lord, so he could tell the man's identity at a glance.

"Greetings, my lord!"

The young soldier bowed.

Wang Lun put down the book, looked up, and asked, "Got the names?"

"Yes."

"What is your name?"

"Jamie, my lord."

"Okay, Jamie. Give me the list!"

Wang Lun sat straight up and put his hands on the desk.

Jamie took out a list from his chest pocket and respectfully put it on the desk.

Wang Lun took the list and scanned the names on it. "Is that all?"

Jamie nodded and said, "That's all, my lord."

"Good job, soldier. When the time comes, head to the office to record your military merit."

No matter what the soldier's role was, they could claim any military merit. The only difference was a matter of how much.

However, military merit wasn't important to a prison soldier like Jamie who didn't need to go to war. Although their job was lackluster, they were glad enough to be able to survive.

The merchants who colluded with the bandits had surfaced, and Wang Lun had no intention of banishing them from Yale City.

Banishment was too kind for the merchants. Not only did Wang Lun send men to raid their homes and take in their guards, he also ordered for those merchants to be executed according to the law.

Moreover, the execution table would be set up in the market for a public execution, so more people would know that Yale City was a civilized city and also one of principle.

This would be the consequence to someone who harmed the interests of Yale City.

At the same time, the defeated baron of the other city ordered their gates to be closed and no one was allowed to enter or leave.

Meanwhile, he expanded his army and prepared for a comeback at any time.

The war in the territory of Yale City temporarily stopped, which meant that things could enter a short period of stability.

Wang Lun wasted no time. From Earth, he brought a large number of vegetable seeds, which included potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and so on.

These vegetable seeds weren't available in this world. He distributed them to the people.

He ordered his men to put up notices telling the residents that the vegetables grown from these seeds could be sold freely. Not only that, but if they were also to trade with the outside world, a new and large trading system would be in place.

"Bran, who are these guys that you found?" Wang Lun frowned at the big men in front of him.

The puzzled Bran asked, "My lord, aren't you looking for a labor force? Are they too fit for the job?"

Wang Lun was caught between laughter and tears, saying, "Of course, their physique is the best for a labor force. But I want a female labor force."

Bran wanted to comment, but eventually swallowed his words.

"Do you guys have female family members at home?"

Wang Lun's words were apparently addressed to the several big men.

The men exchanged looks with each other and said, "Yes, my lord."

Wang Lun said, "All right. In that case, inform the women in your families to report to the city hall tomorrow."

After Wang Lun made himself clear, he walked out of the humble meeting room, followed by Bran a moment later.

"Bran, come with me to see how the construction of the hothouse is going!"

Bran nodded and said, "Yes, my lord. The construction is a few days ahead of schedule and shouldn't take much longer to complete."

"But what is that about raising silkworms you mentioned, my lord?"

Wang Lun said, "It is a kind of amazing worm. You will be shocked when you see it."

As Bran re-employed the same workers who had built the greenhouses, the construction of the hothouse went much faster than expected.

While waiting for the hothouse to be built, Wang Lun personally taught the women how to raise silkworms, harvest the silk, and eventually make whatever they desired.

The women's learning ability exceeded Wang Lun's expectations. They were able to skillfully complete each step after being taught once, and the results were better than Wang Lun's.

Wang Lun felt a little ashamed of his skills, but that was apparently not a bad thing.

Time passed day by day, and Yale City was a peaceful scene.

The growth of food and agricultural products was wonderful. The farmers rejoiced at the sight of the ripe products. Many merchants saw the business opportunity and bought a lot of products from the farmers.

The merchants then traded the products with the outside world. It was always true that novelties sold better and this time, the merchants felt the thrill of making a lot of money.

Some of the merchants began to develop a good impression toward the city hall.