Chapter 84: Governor Cheng Yuan

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The Governor’s Mansion of Moleng City.

The NPC Governor, Cheng Yuan, was a spry old man in his sixties, his silver-white hair meticulously combed without a single strand out of place, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight pouring through the window. His equally silver-white goatee was neatly groomed and rested naturally on his chest.

At this moment, Governor Cheng Yuan sat comfortably in the grand master’s chair, head resting against the backrest, eyes closed, humming softly with ease. In front of him crouched a charming young woman, cleverly observing his expressions while gently tapping his legs with her small, rosy fists.

Seeing Cheng Yuan so relaxed, the young woman smiled proudly, pursing her lips, then stopped tapping and wrapped her arms around his legs, speaking sweetly:

“Dad, are you going to agree or not? Say something!”

She shook his legs, bringing him back from his reverie. Cheng Yuan opened his eyes and looked at his precious daughter, his only child born late in life—truly a treasure he cherished deeply, afraid to harm her or let her melt away. He affectionately reached out to stroke her head, then suddenly remembered her request and quickly withdrew his hand as if burned, covering his face and saying:

“No, no matter what, not this time.”

He deliberately turned his face away, afraid that if his daughter put on a pitiful act, he would immediately soften and agree.

His daughter, well aware of her father’s temper, knew that if she employed her tried-and-true methods of persistence, her father would never refuse. She quickly stood up, walked beside the grand master’s chair, and hugged Cheng Yuan’s neck, shaking him gently:

“Dad, are you still mad at me? Be careful, anger can harm your health.”

Cheng Yuan’s fragile defenses crumbled instantly at her tender words. He sighed helplessly and said:

“Ling’er, I really don’t know what to do with you. But when will you ever grow up and stop causing trouble everywhere?”

Cheng Ling pouted, feigning indifference:

“Dad, how can you blame me for this? Those people were leering and speaking vile words to me; I only taught them a lesson so they’d behave in the future.”

Cheng Yuan narrowed his eyes, looking at his beloved daughter and thinking: Good! No wonder you’re my daughter—inherit my proud bloodline, daring to love and hate fiercely, just like I was when I was young!

But he said aloud:

“Ling’er, though your intentions are good, you shouldn’t have hit them so hard. Besides, those were all players, and you left them hanging on trees like kites, scattered here and there. They died disgracefully. Now those players sit outside the mansion every day, cursing; it’s a bad influence.”

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Cheng Ling huffed and stood up, saying:

“Exactly because they’re players, I hit them deliberately. Dad, you don’t know how hateful those players are—corrupt morals, bullying commoners, never doing good deeds but all bad. Teaching them a lesson is too mild, in my opinion.”

After speaking, Cheng Ling shook Cheng Yuan’s neck again:

“Dad, let’s not talk about those hateful players. I’ve been cooped up in the mansion for days, almost suffocating. Please, have mercy and let me go out for a walk—please, Dad~”

Cheng Yuan was dizzy from the shaking and about to agree when a knock came at the door. An attendant outside announced:

“Governor, I have a report.”

Cheng Ling released Cheng Yuan’s neck and stepped aside. Cheng Yuan sat upright in the grand master’s chair and said:

“Come in.”

The attendant entered, bowed to Cheng Yuan and Cheng Ling. Cheng Ling, never shying from political affairs, listened as the attendant spoke directly:

“News has come from Danyang County: the Yanhuang Tribe under its jurisdiction has been upgraded to Yanhuang Village, becoming the first among the three counties (Danyang, Fuling, Qua) under Moleng City, and the ninth in the entire China region, to advance to a feudal-era village. I came to report this.”

Hearing this was player-related news, Cheng Ling snorted and looked away. Cheng Yuan, however, was very interested, leaning back in his chair and murmuring to himself:

“Heh, just as I said—Moleng is rich in resources and full of outstanding people; no other city could surpass us. This upgrade to a feudal-era village sets an example for nearly seventy tribes under the three counties of Moleng City. Excellent, very good!”

After a moment’s thought, he said:

“Hmm, it seems I haven’t gone out undercover for visits in four or five years. This Yanhuang Village intrigues me; it’s just the opportunity to go see it.”

The attendant quickly said:

“Governor, that might not be advisable. There are many wandering players outside, some with ill intentions. It could pose a threat to your safety.”

Cheng Yuan smiled:

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“That’s nothing to worry about. The wandering players’ levels aren’t high enough to pose much of a threat to me. Besides, Ling’er will be by my side; I have nothing to fear.”

Hearing her father say she would accompany him on the visit, Cheng Ling was so happy she immediately hugged his neck and gave him a big kiss. The attendant, after analyzing the situation, felt his worries were indeed excessive. With Miss Cheng Ling by Cheng Yuan’s side, malicious players wouldn’t dare come near.

Afterward, Cheng Yuan and the attendant discussed the visit’s route and departure time in detail.

...

Yanhuang Village, Danyang County.

Li Zhan found himself surrounded by seventy or eighty wandering players and over a hundred villagers under his command at the shipyard. Listening to the players’ clamorous questions, his head felt like it was spinning three times over. He raised both hands and shouted:

“Stop! Everyone, please ask your questions one at a time. It’s best to choose a representative—don’t all speak at once.”

The wandering players exchanged glances, and one named Yao Daomingchu stepped forward:

“Um… if no one objects, I’ll serve as the representative since our questions are quite similar.”

Seeing the players nod in agreement, Yao Daomingchu turned to Li Zhan and said:

“Mayor Li, I have many questions, so please prepare yourself. The first is: we’d like to use Yanhuang Village’s military buildings to learn skills. What military buildings does Yanhuang Village have? What skills can be learned? And what are the costs?”

Li Zhan led the players down from the shipyard, instructing Zheng Jun to lead villagers in moving food supplies back to the village hall, and replied:

“Currently, Yanhuang Village has a barracks and a training ground where you can learn swordsmanship, shield techniques, archery, spear fighting, horsemanship, and concentration skills. The costs are consistent with official rates. However, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to begin training. Today, we must focus on constructing some essential buildings and re-planning the village.”

The players brightened at the news, eager to start. Yao Daomingchu continued:

“Players need to level up nearby, recover stamina, and engage in trade. When will Yanhuang Village build an inn and market? Also, if players’ villagers want to work within the village, can arrangements be made?”