Moma Liangshan

Chapter 90: The Three Armies Join Forces and Land in Liaodong

Forty days before the end of the year, Di Gongkao returned by ship, bringing back three ships with a capacity of two thousand shi (a unit of dry measure). The ships slowly docked at the port, and one after another, the elderly, weak, women, and children emerged from the ships. Just then, Wang Hao received the news and rushed over. Seeing the scene, he couldn't help but ask, "Why are there so many women and children on the ships?" Di Gongkao replied, "These three ships were all launched within the last two years; they're practically new. But no matter how good a ship is, without skilled sailors to operate it, it's difficult to unleash its full potential. I not only bought these three ships in Mingzhou, but also, in the name of the Laoshan County government, recruited a large number of sailors from the coastal fishing villages and required them to relocate with their families." Wang Hao was very satisfied and looked at Di Chunqiu, saying, "Calculate based on the number of people, regardless of gender or age, five mu of land per person. Select suitable locations and build permanent houses for them, with all expenses borne by us. Provide each household with five months' worth of rations as a welcoming gift. In the future, if any craftsmen, sailors, or other skilled individuals join Jiaozhou, this practice can be followed, but you can adjust the allocation according to their abilities." Di Chunqiu pondered for a long time and said, "Young master is wise! After I return, I will immediately draft detailed documents for reference!"

Di Chuxiang and He Li returned shortly afterward. Wang Hao personally went out to greet them, saying, "It's been a long time! Mr. He, how have you been?" Things were different now. Wang Hao was now in power, while He Li had become a destitute man in the capital. He knelt on one knee and said, "I, He Li, have come to seek refuge. I hope you will forgive my past grievances!" Wang Hao quickly helped him up and said, "If it weren't for your help, I might not have been able to successfully salvage the Flower Stone Tribute. Without completing the Emperor's task, I wouldn't be where I am today. You are my benefactor; how can there be any grudge?" He Li was moved and pledged his loyalty, "From this day forward, I will have no disloyalty. If I break this oath, may I be struck by lightning!" Wang Hao looked at everyone present and said, "I, Wang Hao, share the same ideals as you all, and therefore we will weather the storm together. Our promise is for five years. After five years, the contract can be renewed." "You may go your separate ways, without any hindrance." After saying this, he looked at Di Chunqiu and instructed, "This rule should also be recorded in the plan, and specific implementation methods should be formulated!" Di Chunqiu was astonished, and it took him a long time to recover before he said, "Does the young master know that this rule is unprecedented?" Wang Hao, having transmigrated to the future, was already accustomed to such rules and said, "Over time, you will get used to it. People change. When the five-year contract expires, not only will you re-evaluate me, but I will also re-evaluate you. Lifetime contracts have too many drawbacks and are not fair to anyone!" Di Chunqiu looked at Wang Hao with new respect again and said, "I will certainly live up to the young master's expectations and formulate detailed regulations for the specific implementation of each law!" Wang Hao was very satisfied and said, "Thank you for your trouble, sir!" The people He Li brought were also settled according to the previous rules.

With everything settled, there were only 27 days left until the end of the year.