Chapter 303: Opened for Business, but No Customers?
From uncertainty to an unexpected stroke of fortune, the people gazed at the neatly arranged row of houses before them. The white walls and black-tiled roofs, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, symbolized their newfound hope for survival.
“City Lord, are these houses really… really meant for us to rent?”
Each house had a chimney on its roof, and even a simple stove had already been built inside. The first room could serve as both a kitchen and a communal area, while the inner room was designed for sleeping.
Additionally, the houses were pre-fitted with kang beds, ensuring that the bitterly cold winters of the wilderness would no longer be a nightmare for these people. Though they had never seen a kang bed before, they would soon come to realize that this so-called “nightmare land” was actually their salvation.
Given the limited conditions, just the kang bed in the inner room alone could accommodate seven or eight people. During the summer, wooden beds could be placed outside, allowing them to sleep more comfortably without crowding together in the heat.
For some of the refugees, these houses were far superior to the mud-walled, thatched-roof homes they had in their homelands—by a thousandfold, even ten thousandfold.
Even the exiled criminals who had once been officials looked at these homes with tears in their eyes. Though they had lost their former glory, after enduring such long suffering in exile, having a shelter like this was beyond anything they could have dared to dream of.
They had never imagined that the very thing they longed for the most would become their new reality.
With a home like this, what more could they ask for?
To start over, let go of the past, and live a decent life—this was now their only hope.
“The tables, benches, and beds are all provided. However, you’ll need to get your own bedding, cookware, and tableware. These items are available for purchase in the city. If you have no money, you can first find work. Once you have a job, you may buy necessary items on credit from Luo City’s general store. The amount owed will be deducted from your wages at the end of the month.
Additionally, rent is collected on the first of each month. Since there are ten days left before the start of the next month, your rent will not be due until then. If you choose to settle permanently in Luo City, once you have saved enough money, you may even purchase your own courtyard home. Those who work under my city administration for at least a year will receive a significant discount when buying a house, saving much more than those purchasing from outside the city.
That’s all I have to say. Find a house and settle in. Officials will soon come to register your names and provide you with city residency. If you register as a resident of Luo City, you’ll be able to buy goods on credit from the general store immediately. However, registering comes with certain conditions, which will be explained later.”
After speaking, Yu Haojie and Yu Luo turned to leave, leaving behind a large crowd of people who had wandered the wilderness for so long. They looked at one another, unable to believe that such good fortune had fallen upon them so suddenly.
An hour ago, they had worried about freezing to death once the last of the wild grass burned out. Yet now, just an hour later, their lives had taken an entirely new path.
A path filled with hope. A path that gave them the courage to continue. A path that allowed them to dream of a stable future.
Watching the figures of the father and daughter disappear into the distance, the group finally snapped out of their stunned joy. Without hesitation, they fell to their knees, eyes brimming with tears, and kowtowed in gratitude.
Hearing the collective murmurs of thanks behind them, the father and daughter quickened their pace, resisting the urge to look back.
Yu Luo stole a glance at her father’s subtly upturned lips and couldn’t help but smile as well.
“Xiao Luo, have you noticed? When we have the ability to help others without expecting anything in return, the sense of fulfillment is something no amount of wealth can buy.”
“Really? Then I guess we share the same sentiment, Father! But first, we must ensure that we don’t bring trouble upon ourselves and take care of our own needs. Only then can we fully enjoy the rewards of helping others.”
Meanwhile, Ye Jiamei’s medical clinic was quiet. Unlike the bustling inn, tavern, and general store, not a single person came through her doors.
“What’s going on?! The inn, the tavern, even the general store are all doing great business—so why is my clinic empty?”
Standing inside, Ye Jiamei stretched her neck out, peering toward the street. She had spent the entire day organizing her medicine, leaving her so exhausted that her back ached. But now, all she felt was disappointment. With so many people flooding into the city, how could it be that her clinic had no business at all?
“Madam, people without money wouldn’t dare to come to a medical clinic. Unless they’re on the verge of dying, common folk usually endure their ailments rather than spend their last bits of silver on medicine.”
Yu Xiangxiang had served by Ye Jiamei’s side for months now and understood her temperament well. Though she had heard about the hardships the Yu family endured in the marquis’ residence, after spending time with Ye Jiamei, she realized that her mistress still possessed an air of refinement and innocence. She simply couldn’t grasp the struggles of the poor.
Hearing Yu Xiangxiang’s words, Ye Jiamei furrowed her brows in deep thought.
“You’re right. If they can’t even afford food and shelter, who would have money to see a doctor? But if that’s the case, then how can I make my clinic stand out in this wilderness? It looks like I need to do something…”
With that, Ye Jiamei pressed her fingers against her temples, contemplating her next move.
“Madam, your medical skills are truly remarkable. I’ve never seen anyone as skilled as you. Over the past few months, you’ve helped even the most severely injured men recover quickly. And those deadly colds that used to claim countless lives? You can cure them in just a few days! If word of your abilities spreads, who knows how many people would come to this wilderness just to seek your treatment?”
Yu Xiangxiang’s words made Ye Jiamei’s eyes light up.
“You’re absolutely right, Xiangxiang! If I want to make a name for myself, I need patients first. Once they experience my skills, my reputation will spread throughout Luo City! Quickly, bring me a large sheet of paper—I’m going to write a notice!”
