Chapter 287: Chapter 177: Personnel Arrangements; The Matter of Digging a Tunnel

In the evening, the Cheng and Zhou Families had a meal together.

Cheng Zongyang didn’t bring up the major events happening outside during dinner. Instead, he only spoke of things like farming and the new village.

Tiantuan Village was to be a future hub. In a while, he would also bring the Mole Beasts to dig an Earthly Dao leading there.

After dinner, the women took the children for their Foundation Establishment Medicine Bath, while Cheng Guanghai and the other men headed to the ancestral hall.

A small meeting mid-month, a general meeting at month’s end.

The small meeting had already been held two days prior. Tonight was primarily for Cheng Zongyang to discuss a few things and plan for the future.

Cheng Zongyang didn’t ask what was discussed at the small meeting, as there was no need. Once everyone was seated, he stood at the front and began.

"Elders, let me first brief you on the overall situation outside."

Cheng Zongyang dispensed with the pleasantries; they had already handled the small talk over dinner.

"According to the intelligence I’ve received, Da Liang seems to have abandoned the Four Mansions: Haining, Xichuan, Linchuan, and Xiangyang."

This declaration shocked everyone present.

They were no longer the illiterate, ignorant farmers of the past. Thanks to Cheng Zongyang’s periodic briefings on the outside world, they understood exactly what this meant.

"Da Liang just gave up, just like that? Yang’Er, is that Fiery Sun Bird you mentioned really that important?" Cheng Guanghai frowned.

Cheng Zongyang was the one who had told them about the Fiery Sun Bird.

But abandoning the Land of Four Mansions for a Demon Beast of unknown origin seemed to them a terrible trade.

Cheng Zongyang shook his head. "We’re not in a position to judge its importance. Different people in different positions will act differently. We don’t understand the situation in the Imperial Court, nor do we need to concern ourselves with it.

Now that Da Liang has essentially abandoned the Land of Four Mansions, the forces of the Thirteen Royal Families will likely begin to claim their spoils and occupy the towns, counties, and County Mansions within the region!"

At this, Cheng Zongyang’s expression turned grave.

"We don’t know when they’ll reach Jade Peak County, but with our grain and medicinal materials not yet harvested, we can’t afford any mishaps! Father, how is the progress on the tasks I assigned before I left?"

Cheng Guanghai nodded slightly. "I’ve finished screening a total of fifteen Eighth Grade Martial Artists. They’ve all signed contracts and are trustworthy.

But there’s one issue. Who do you plan to put in charge of external affairs? As you know, we’re all juggling multiple duties, on top of mentoring your younger siblings."

At Cheng Zongyang’s request, Cheng Guanghai had screened and selected these Martial Artists. Through Body Refining Medicine Baths, supplementary medicines, and high-intensity cultivation, they had all been raised to the level of Eighth Grade.

They should have no problem assisting with various tasks.

Cheng Zongyang had already made his decision on this matter. "The situation outside is unstable right now, and none of you are very familiar with it. For the time being, I will personally handle the affairs in the County Town and the initial rollout of our plans.

Once the situation in the County Town has completely stabilized, we’ll make other arrangements.

Furthermore, villagers and members of the Earth Branch Lineage who meet the requirements must be sent to Tiantuan Village and other locations to temper themselves. There will be many tasks for them to handle in the future.

The younger generation of the Cheng and Zhou Families must do the same, so they can learn how to handle problems when they arise.

This home base is the foundation for cultivating our talent and our Martial Artists. In the future, I will also find suitable orphans and bring them to the village."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Cheng Family Village needed time to develop and mature before it could produce a large number of talented individuals and Martial Artists.

And thanks to their various defensive measures, they didn’t have to worry about ordinary people being able to get anywhere near Cheng Family Village.

Cheng Guanghai said, "In that case, we’ll arrange for your cousin Zhendong to go with you. He can work by your side and handle things for you. Once he’s familiar with the operations, he can take over matters in the County Town or Tiantuan Village.

We elders will manage the home front for you, so don’t worry. As for the outside, it’s a place for you young people to charge ahead and brave the dangers. That’s how you’ll grow quickly."

After speaking, Cheng Guanghai looked to Zhou Zhendong, who was seated at the far end, and asked with a smile, "Zhendong, any objections?"

Zhou Zhendong rose to his feet, his expression serious and solemn.

"No problem."

Cheng Zongyang, for his part, had no objections. ’So what if he doesn’t understand things at first? You always improve by learning. Not everyone is a natural.’

"What about our older cousin, then?" Cheng Zongyang couldn’t help but glance in the other direction.

Cheng Guanghai laughed. "He’s getting married soon. It won’t be too late to give him an assignment after the wedding."

But Zhou Hansong interjected, "That can wait. The clan’s development is the top priority."

But Cheng Guanghai countered, "Getting married *is* the priority. If you don’t start families, where will our fourth generation come from? Zhendong is seventeen now, too. He’s about ready for marriage as well."

Seeing the topic turn to him, Zhou Zhendong could only smile helplessly. He didn’t really have an opinion on the matter; he would just go along with whatever his parents arranged.

Seeing the conversation straying—and fearing his father would turn the subject to him next—Cheng Zongyang immediately steered it back on topic.

"Since my older cousin is getting married, which is a wonderful occasion, we can discuss his role later. Now for the second matter: the issue of the Earthly Dao."

As he spoke, Cheng Zongyang drew a rough map on a wooden board, showing the general layout of Cheng Family Village and the location of Tiantuan Village. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Naturally, the more hidden Cheng Family Village is, the better. But with the constant movement of supplies and personnel, we’ll eventually be discovered.

This will become even more likely once Tiantuan Village is established. Therefore, I plan to dig an Earthly Dao from the direction of the Ministry of Works Hall to Tiantuan Village."

As he spoke, Cheng Zongyang drew a line on the board connecting Chenglai Village and Tiantuan Village. After finishing the line, he circled an area in the middle and explained,