The village head and others were as amazed as Liu Laolao when entering the village, finding everything extraordinary.
As they entered the village head's house, they felt awkward, not knowing where to place their hands and feet.
The room not only had a high and spacious roof, but the floor was also paved with smooth stones, clean and tidy. Two rows of tables and chairs were neatly arranged, with fruits and other snacks placed on the tables.
High-footed braziers burned at the corners, casting a bright and vivid light across the room.
This place didn't seem like a dwelling for humans; it looked more like a temple.
Everyone was shocked, thinking Yu Village must lead a comfortable life, but they hadn't expected it to be this affluent.
"Please have a seat."
Yu Su invited the village head and witch doctors from the five villages to sit down. His smile was gentle, and he spoke without any airs, gradually making the people from the five villages feel more at ease.
"You've been on the road for a day and must be hungry. Have something to eat first, and then we can chat while eating."
Yu Su had food brought in, including meat and rice. The white rice and fragrant meat instantly stimulated the appetites of the people from the five villages. Seeing the exquisite food, their eyes couldn't look away.
The village head from Bee Village swallowed audibly. Everyone heard it, but no one teased him because he wasn't the only one salivating.
Yu Su considerately started eating first. Only when they saw him did the others let go of their restraint and quickly began eating.
When they took the first bite of the soft white rice, their hands trembled.
Damn, it wasn't fair to blame them for having no self-control.
None of them had ever eaten rice this delicious in their lives!
Although it was said to chat while eating, no one really paid attention to the conversation. Everyone was too engrossed in their food.
After a few bowls of rice and when their stomachs were full, they suddenly realized there was no sound in the room except for the noise of eating. Their faces immediately turned red with embarrassment.
Fortunately, Yu Su quickly spoke, resolving their awkward situation. He had the remnants on the table cleared away and brought a bowl of warm soup. Then, he slowly began discussing matters related to the caravan.
"Yesterday, our caravan visited the Five Villages for the first time. I wonder if everyone is satisfied with our salt and other goods?""Satisfied, very satisfied! Lord Yu Su, I've never seen salt so finely crafted!"
"Yes, yes, and the grains and other goods we haven't encountered are truly practical."
Everyone praised Yu Village's caravan, commending their journey, especially the smooth road. They had never seen such a well-paved path, making walking incredibly comfortable. With a bit more speed, they could reach Yu Village before noon if they set out in the morning.
Yu Su smiled, "In the future, our caravan will frequently visit. Items like honey, quality animal skins, and herbs can be exchanged. If there's nothing to exchange, you can work in our village and receive food or other goods in return."
Work?
The villagers didn't quite understand. Yu Su explained in detail, mentioning Yu Village's plans to continue cultivating the land east of the great river and the need for manpower like carpenters.
After Yu Su's explanation, the villagers were in awe. Working for Yu Village meant receiving food, and most importantly, they could learn Yu Village's skills – a rare opportunity.
"Lord Yu Su, can we really come to work for food, just work, without doing anything else?" the village head of Bee Village couldn't help but confirm.
Yu Su nodded, "Certainly, the work is not easy, and our tasks are demanding."
"We're not afraid of hard work!" The Bee Village head immediately declared. "As long as we can exchange it for food, we can do any task."
Similar sentiments echoed from the heads of the other four villages, expressing their readiness to endure any hardship.
Shanyang, the witch doctor from Bee Village, couldn't help but feel excited. Food was their most scarce resource, especially during winter. Yu Su assured them that even during winter, there would be work available, ensuring a supply of food in exchange. This meant they wouldn't have to worry about starving in winter as long as they worked in Yu Village.
Shanyang, however, looked beyond. If Yu Su intended to cultivate the land east of the great river, wouldn't it affect their territory? Moreover, Yu Village was growing stronger, making the five villages seem insignificant. In time, would they be able to hold onto their land? The villagers couldn't help but envy Yu Village's prosperity.
Shanyang felt a sense of worry, but he couldn't refuse Yu Village's proposal. Food was crucial, especially after the long winter that claimed many lives in the five villages.
During this contemplation, Yu Su caught Shanyang's eye, offering a warm smile and a gesture to share a sip of hot soup.
That night, the leaders and witch doctors from the five villages stayed in Yu Village. They were provided with spacious and clean accommodations, marveling at the soft animal skins on the beds.
Shanyang, feeling the softness, praised Yu Su's craftsmanship. The village head of Bee Village, Shanshen, speculated about the wealth and importance of Yu Village compared to Feng City.
The next morning, the villagers awoke to the daylight of Yu Village, experiencing an even greater shock than the previous night. The nighttime glimpse was just the tip of the iceberg – Yu Village resembled a fortress with wide, intersecting streets, towering bright houses, and water flowing into every household from the great river. Yu Village had even constructed two enormous waterwheels on the river and developed vast farmland on the east bank.
Shanyang stood in front of Yu Su's house, gazing at Yu Village with profound inner turmoil. The previous night's optimism seemed naive; Yu Village had the potential to become a powerful city. It was a land full of possibilities, and the five villages would inevitably be absorbed into this transformation.
Shanyang thought of Xindong's words about the smooth road connecting the east bank of the great river to the northern canyon plain, fostering close ties with villages like Ironforge Village along the way.
He foresaw significant changes in the land and predicted increasing prosperity. These territories would eventually fall under the dominion of Yu Village.
Devout to the deity, Shanyang rarely had visions, but this time, he felt as if he had received divine guidance. The brief glimpse disappeared, and he stumbled.
"Be careful." A hand supported him – Yu Su.
Shanyang hastily saluted, "Lord Yu Su."
Yu Su steadied him, "No need for such formality; we're both witch doctors. You don't have to be so polite."
Shanyang felt uneasy. How could he compare to Yu Su? Yu Su possessed formidable magical abilities, while he was just a small witch doctor. Perhaps Yu Su had foreseen everything himself?
Misunderstanding Yu Su, Shanyang held a deep respect for him, believing that Yu Su's mysterious actions were guided by divine forces.
Considering Yu Village's future growth into a formidable city, Shanyang thought that the five villages would inevitably merge into it, along with other surrounding settlements. If this was a divine prophecy, then there was nothing to worry about; they just had to wait for that day.
Subsequently, Yu Su noticed a more respectful attitude from Shanyang and other village leaders. Yu Su found it perplexing, attributing it to the awe-inspiring size of Yu Village. He couldn't fathom the true thoughts lingering in their minds.
Later, the village leaders and witch doctors from the five villages explored Yu Village, discussed the details of the arrangement for their people to work in Yu Village, and then returned to their respective villages in pairs.