Chapter 317: Managing a Whole City!
Bai You was quite impressive—even drunk, he still remembered to ask Yu Shanhe to sign an IOU.
But this was a good thing. They had all been exiled together, and if they could actively help each other, it was far better than just Yu Luo’s family always playing the good guys. It was important for everyone to learn mutual support, rather than relying too much on a single benefactor. If one side always gave without return, people would start taking it for granted over time.
Since the drunk men weren’t going home, their families were likely to worry. Yu Luo had someone prepare some pastries, brown sugar, candy, and fruit for them and instructed a few people to escort them back safely. Only then did she feel reassured.
Yu Haojie was also quite drunk. Fortunately, he wasn’t the type to ramble nonsense—he only clung to Ye Jiamei, insisting she go back to their room with him. Seeing this, Yu Luo quickly fled the scene. If she stayed any longer, she feared her father, emboldened by alcohol, might do something inappropriate right in front of her mother.
As expected, Zhang Hu’s group arrived in the middle of the night. However, knowing the late hour, he didn’t want to disturb Yu Luo. The city guards opened the gates and let them in, and as Zhang Hu’s team walked through the streets they had left just ten days ago, they couldn’t help but feel that something had changed.
Even though it was late, the newly opened shops, with their signs hanging in front, caught the attention of the weary travelers, instantly waking them up.
“Luo City has shops now? But there are only a few of them… Do they even get customers? I mean, all of us brothers eat, live, and dress under Miss’s care—none of us need to spend money. Who would these shops even sell to?”
Tao Ming frowned as he observed the storefronts, voicing his concern about the city’s economy.
Wu Er, however, remained optimistic. “Don’t worry, it’s only temporary. Miss is a business genius—she’ll make Luo City famous. Even though we’re in the wilderness, people still flock to Feng City, don’t they?”
“That’s true!”
As they chatted, the carriages finally arrived at the City Lord’s residence. Zhang Hu had instructed his men not to wake Yu Luo, but he didn’t know that she had already left orders to be informed of their return immediately.
The thirty-plus men who had just unloaded the carriages were gathered in the front hall, eating a late-night meal of egg and tomato noodle soup prepared by the kitchen. Just as they were halfway through their bowls, Yu Luo entered, fully dressed.
“Miss!”
One by one, the men put down their chopsticks and stood up, respectfully cupping their fists in greeting.
“There’s no need for formalities. You’ve all worked hard. Eat first—tomorrow, I’ll have them prepare a proper meal for you.”
“It wasn’t too difficult. Everything went smoothly on the way back. The only trouble we had was shaking off master Ye Lu—they were ridiculously persistent,” Wu Er reported, clearly still annoyed at the encounter.
“It’s fine. I assume you all noticed the newly opened shops as you came in. Go ahead and eat—I’ll explain everything while you do.”
Seeing the steaming bowls of noodles, Yu Luo smiled and took a seat nearby. The men, reassured by her relaxed demeanor, quickly finished their food.
She then briefed them on the latest developments in Luo City, including the upcoming martial arts tournament and the city’s rental market.
When they heard that several hundred people had already settled in Luo City, the thirty-plus men were stunned. And when she mentioned the martial arts competition, those among them with combat skills immediately grew excited.
“Miss, can I ask… Are we allowed to participate in the tournament?”
Wu Er’s eyes lit up with anticipation.
“Of course,” Yu Luo replied, already anticipating the question. “However, the entry fee is ten taels of silver per person. This is the first competition we’re hosting, and even though you’re my people, I still have to charge you. But for Luo City residents, I’ll reduce it to five taels. This will be clearly stated in the official announcement at the city gates.”
“That makes sense. Otherwise, Miss would have to personally cover the entire ten-thousand-tael prize. Collecting entry fees helps offset the costs, and it also boosts the city’s economic flow. But… do you think people will actually come?”
“I believe so. The main purpose of this tournament is to spread Luo City’s name. While ten thousand taels might not be much for the top martial artists, it’s still a significant sum for most fighters.
“Besides, many martial artists compete not just for money but for prestige. Even if we don’t attract elite masters, we’ll at least draw a crowd from the mid-tier fighters. Once the competition gains traction, word of Luo City will spread, and my goal will be achieved.”
Hearing this, Zhang Hu nodded seriously. After a brief moment of hesitation, he spoke up. “Miss, I’d like to request a shop—would that be possible?”
Yu Luo was surprised that Zhang Hu was the first among her men to make such a request. But considering that he had a wife and children to support, she understood his motivation.
He wanted to earn enough silver to make up for the years he had been away from his family and to give them a better life. It was a good goal, and she fully supported it.
“Of course. You can pick whichever shop you want. Take as many as you need. Also, Zhang Hu, you won’t need to deliver goods anymore.
“Now that Luo City has opened its gates, we need proper management. The city needs oversight for business operations, property sales, and rentals.
“We’ll also need to organize a patrol force of one thousand men. Currently, we’ve only opened one of the four city gates, but as the population grows, we’ll open all four.
“The management of these patrols and all administrative arrangements—I want you to handle them.”
As Yu Luo finished speaking, everyone’s eyes widened.
The room fell silent for a moment before all the men turned to Zhang Hu with looks of admiration.
Zhang Hu, stunned, shot up from his seat. Then, with a deep bow, he dropped to one knee.
“Thank you for your trust, Miss! I will do my utmost to manage Luo City properly!”
Yu Luo smiled, pleased that he understood her intentions. “It’s late, and I’ve just given you a huge responsibility. Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, draft a list of personnel you’ll need and any tasks that require immediate attention.”
“Yes, Miss!”
As soon as Yu Luo left, Zhang Hu was instantly swarmed by his fellow men.
Not a single one of them felt tired anymore.
Every single one of them was in awe—Zhang Hu had just been given an incredible position!
Managing an entire city!
It was second only to the City Lord herself!
Even though Luo City wasn’t officially recognized by the imperial government, here in the wilderness, they made the rules.
“Zhang Commander, you’ve really made it big! Miss trusts you so much—you have to do your best! And listen, when you’re appointing leaders for security forces, patrol units, and other positions… you’d better consider your brothers first!
“We swear—we won’t let you down!”
