Chapter 6, The Target of Thousands

After Li Yulong arrived alone at the Xiao family, Xiao Shilong also brought Xiao Hao over

Therefore, we do not agree to any conditions! Not even a single coin, not even a handful of rice, we do not agree!

The gentry, that is the true upper class of the Eastern Victory Divine Continent! Killing slaves, commoners, and others does not constitute a crime; at most, the slave owner may receive a slight compensation if requested; commoners must provide a greater compensation.

No! Xiao Hao is right! However, Li Yulong disagrees, saying that this is a dangerous business, one that involves bloodshed. In this incident, our two families are not only innocent but have also contributed! If anyone dares to be blind to this, I will take care of him!

The reason for this, based on my knowledge and speculation, is likely that certain individuals, typically from relatively large families, have consumed a significant amount of fortune in exchange for two years of drought in Haizhou. Moreover, they have succeeded in their endeavor

Ungrateful! Compared to Zhang Yun, Han Sheng has a somewhat straightforward personality; however, although Zhang Yun did not speak, his expression was clouded with anger. The attire of everyone now clearly reflects the colors of the Xiao family, while the commoners of Kaoshan Town are currently cursing at Xiao Hao and his group.

Just now, Xiao Shilong had decided to lead the cavalry to ambush the personnel evacuating from the Lü family

It is precisely because of the understanding and recognition of the seriousness of the situation that his expression became even more somber. Xiao Hao seemed to envision the desolate scene of the entire eastern part of Haizhou.

It was our idea that thwarted the Chancellor's plan

Indeed, for the time being, Xiao Shilong and Li Yulong have not considered anything else; what they have in mind is merely to consolidate their own factions. Moreover, if they can provide relief to 200,000 people, the accumulation of such fortune, coupled with the opportunity presented by the chaotic times, would be sufficient for both families to achieve the transition from humble origins to aristocracy

Upon hearing Xiao Hao's words, Xiao Shilong and Li Yulong exchanged glances, both seeing the brilliant light in each other's eyes! This matter is indeed feasible! Xiao Shilong is a salt trader, and Li Yulong is the leader of a bodyguard group, neither of whom are engaged in legitimate professions; naturally, neither of them is known for being law-abiding.

In the end, Li Yulong was on the verge of losing his sanity in a somewhat frenzied state

However, by the time they reached Kaoshan Town, which is seven miles northwest of Xiaojia Town, the expressions on Xiao Hao and the guards' faces had turned grim

"Do not worry about these matters, let us go to the mansion." Xiao Hao, though young, was composed and calm

There is also a celestial book, or rather, a half-remaining scroll! To this day, it remains unopened

Ah, this is also our opportunity, Father and Uncle. We can take this chance to gather some of our people; moreover, we can also use this opportunity to identify those traitors who usually do not show their true colors!

Hmm..." Xiao Hao blinked innocently and said, although you are an elder, you should at least clarify the matter clearly

Hmm... both adults momentarily turned their gaze towards Xiao Hao, as everyone had deep feelings for this little prodigy

Thus, in today's world, as the Great Li royal court is on the verge of collapse, seizing this opportunity to gather all the people of Haizhou for one's own use and to establish a foundation is a fundamental means of survival in chaotic times

Tsk tsk, we have become wealthy in recent years, and the cavalry unit of 50 people that we just formed should also make its debut!

Forget it, let's not discuss that. The current issue is that for the next two years, Haizhou will truly experience no rain! There will not even be a trace of mist! Not a single white cloud will be seen! Do you know that from now until the same day two years from now, Haizhou will not see a single drop of rain!

In the face of such a great river, we are not at all worried about water. Moreover, the topography here is influenced by the mountains, with the northwest being higher and the south and southeast being lower. The overall topography presents a situation where the northwest is uplifted and the southeast is depressed

This... is it too absolute to say that the *illustration* book is not harmonious? Xiao Shilong hesitated somewhat. After all, Xiao Shilong is a salt trader, and he always needs to emphasize a bit of amiability—after all, merchants believe that amiability brings wealth

Seeing two people listening, Xiao Hao continued to explain, "And our opportunity lies in the Youlong River. The Youlong River, known as one of the top ten long rivers in Dongsheng Shenzhou, flows through more than a dozen countries; here, it reaches the estuary, and from this side, one cannot see the opposite bank. If it were not for the mountain range blocking the view, the area across the river would not be considered part of our Haizhou, but would instead fall under the jurisdiction of the rear Yunzhou.

Xiao Hao said here, raising his head to look at his two elders. In this place, the government usually conducts statistics on the populace by household rather than directly by population.

The area surrounding the Haizhou coastline is at least 3 li of saline-alkali land. In other words, the prosperous region of Haizhou spans an area of 27 li from east to west and a certain distance from north to south.

"It is clearly the work of the Lü family!" Xiao Hao suddenly felt a surge of anger, "The Lü family has always coveted the wealth we possess here. If they truly come here, we, the impoverished families, will all be driven out!"

In recent years, our Li family has not committed any murders in Haizhou, and it is likely that some people have forgotten about it

Hmm! Xiao Hao's expression gradually darkened; he is not foolish, especially with other memories and experiences; the reason he was previously unclear about this matter was due to insufficient experiences and accumulation here. However, now, after his uncle's explanation, he has roughly understood everything.

Xiao Hao, however, did not share the same distress as the two of them. Instead, after a moment of thought, he suddenly spoke up: "Father, Uncle, in fact, this matter is not as severe as it seems."

Ah! Li Yulong sighed, "The insatiability of human nature is even more pronounced than that of a python swallowing an elephant"

According to my estimation, the local population of Haizhou, if gathered together, should be less than 200,000. I am referring to the population, not the number of households.

Cough, cough, Li Yulong suddenly woke up and said, "Let's first see what everyone's attitude is. Shi Long, your family is responsible for the northwest direction, while our family is in charge of exploring the southeast direction. The focus is mainly on those small families and the like.

However, unlike Xiao Shilong and others, these are all native "indigenous" people, especially Xiao Hao's maternal uncle, Li Yulong, who has traveled the world as a bodyguard and has heard all sorts of rumors. At dawn, he jumped up directly, riding his horse and clattering all the way to the Xiao family, truly rolling and crawling in that manner. This matter has indeed become quite serious

Regardless, we need help now. It would be even better to receive assistance from everyone. After all, we in Haizhou have 14 relatively large forces that hold a significant amount of resources. If we can unite these forces, we can ensure the safety of Haizhou

Afterward, Xiao Shilong and Li Yulong dispersed, each instructing their relatives and family retainers without further mention

Xiao Hao naturally took out a simple map from his father's arms, "Father, Uncle, look, Haizhou is very small, measuring 50 li from east to west and 40 li from north to south. Among them, the western part has 20 li of high mountains and perilous valleys, desolate and uninhabited, while only the eastern part is the prosperous area of Haizhou. Moreover, the western part is not a disaster-stricken area.

And now, it is even more of a reckless move made by the Lü family! On what grounds do they accuse us!

All the way, I analyze that it is for the sake of the Lü family. They have left the court of the Great Li, and the local fortune cannot be taken away. It is better to go all out; perhaps there will be some other gains.

Seeing the look in Xiao Hao's eyes, Li Yulong suddenly realized, "Ah, still a child. Never mind, never mind, listen to me, I will analyze the possible situations.

Can you imagine what that scene will be like! By then, the entire eastern part of Haizhou will become a wasteland

"Hey, you really are calm, aren't you?" Li Yulong, seeing his nephew's composed demeanor, became furious. "Kid, do you know that by tomorrow at the latest, your family, the Xiao family from hetushu.com, will be the target of public scorn, criticized by the entire Haizhou populace!"

After stepping out, Xiao Hao noticed that there were clearly many individuals outside who were not local residents monitoring the area; judging by their weary appearance, they had evidently just arrived not long ago, and each of them bore a different expression in their eyes. However, a considerable number of local residents had already gathered around, eagerly awaiting the Xiao family's reassurance—they had benefited greatly from the Xiao family over the years and were not ungrateful people. In fact, the thoughts of the common folk are often quite simple. However, a considerable number of local residents had already gathered around, eagerly awaiting the Xiao family's reassurance—they had benefited greatly from the Xiao family over the years and were not ungrateful people. In fact, the thoughts of the common folk are often quite simple.

If it weren't for us, they would have been dead long ago

Therefore, we are about to face the entire issue of Haizhou

First of all, this incident is likely a warning from the auspices of Haizhou, therefore, everyone in Haizhou has just received such a warning

Xiao Hao also took his two personal guards, Han Sheng and Zhang Yun, along with 20 formidable bodyguards, and immediately left through the main gate. At this moment, the sun had just begun to rise above the sea surface

"Uncle, what on earth is going on?" Xiao Hao was still confused; especially seeing his usually composed uncle in such a flustered state, he felt quite perplexed.

It is now the time for winter wheat to sprout! Xiao Shilong anxiously stamped his feet, "The Lü family is truly despicable!"

Some people do not behave honestly unless they are confronted

The population here is filled with curses and accusations against the Xiao family! They have not considered that the Xiao family spared them from the previous catastrophe, allowing them at least two more months of carefree days; all they know now is that the Xiao family has provoked the Lu family, and then the Lu family retaliated against Haizhou! It is as simple as that!

But they are not dead! Xiao Shilong suddenly had a somewhat bitter expression, succinctly highlighting the core issue.

Alright, I will arrange for someone immediately! Xiao Shilong is decisive and efficient in his actions

Xiao Hao did not know what had happened, as such matters had not been widely circulated, and Haizhou was ultimately a remote area, a cultural void, a den of bandits! Moreover, Xiao Hao's limited experience over the past few years was insufficient to assess the situation. Although Xiao Hao's atheism had been shattered, it would still take him some time to fully accept these things. Over the years, Xiao Hao had mainly been tinkering with the few pieces of knowledge he had brought from Earth—let's not forget, he had not brought a computer, nor any personal books or anything like that; although Xiao Hao's atheism had been shattered, it would still take him some time to fully accept these things. Over the years, Xiao Hao had mainly been tinkering with the few pieces of knowledge he had brought from Earth—let's not forget, he had not brought a computer, nor any personal books or anything like that; much of what he remembered had already become somewhat ambiguous.

Li Yulong, however, remained surprisingly calm, "Shilong, it is not advisable. Firstly, the Lü family, as a prominent aristocratic family, wields power beyond our imagination. Moreover, others will not perceive the Lü family as despicable; they will attribute the blame to your family, and possibly to our Li family as well, for the reasons we casually provoke the Lü family! In the future, matters between our two families, tsk tsk ... and moreover, others will not perceive the Lü family as despicable; they will attribute the blame to your family, and possibly to our Li family as well, for the reasons we casually provoke the Lü family! In the future, matters between our two families, tsk tsk ...

Therefore, as long as we excavate the river mouth in the northwest direction, a small flow of water will be sufficient to transform this place into a prosperous land. Of course, even with a population of 200,000 mobilized, it would be difficult to dig enough ditches to irrigate all the fields in a short period of time. Thus, we can only choose a few key areas and take the opportunity to concentrate the population together.

Yulong, we are dispatching a cavalry unit of 30 men to eliminate all those who are about to leave the Lü family! Let the world know the consequences of offending us!

Xiao Shilong no longer opposed; those who can establish a family in a place like Haizhou are certainly not soft-hearted individuals. Do not be misled by Xiao Shilong's good treatment of Xiao Hao, as he is his own son; in reality, Xiao Shilong has also killed people outside! Did you not see the knife he carries with him? That is certainly not a mere decoration!

"Wait, Father and Uncle!" Xiao Hao suddenly raised his head, "I believe there is one thing that needs to be made clear, which is that this matter concerns everyone, not just our two families.

This place appears to be quite large, but do not forget that Haizhou has always been impoverished, with a relatively small population and farmland that is not concentrated.