Water Margin: I am Zhu Biao

Chapter 104 Tsk, no wonder she's born with a seductive nature.

Zhujiaji has only one shop.

Qifu Residence, a property owned by a clan elder.

The place isn't very big; besides the shops in front for eating and drinking, there are only seven courtyards in total.

However, the largest courtyard has five rooms, all of which are large communal sleeping areas that can sleep ten people, enough to accommodate all the selected soldiers.

No, they should be called local militia now. Once they leave the Zhu family, they will never go back.

The remaining courtyards each had three rooms. Luan Tingyu, Lin Chong's family, and Wu Song's family each had one room, while Ruyi and Pang Qiutang each had one room.

Zhu Wu and his wife, along with Zhu San, Zhu Jiu, and several other injured people, were all hospitalized in the same hospital.

Zhu Biao lived alone in the smallest courtyard, while the next room was left to Su Fang, who had now been promoted to his only personal attendant.

These local militiamen were all exceptionally strong men, each with thick skin and tough flesh.

Luan Tingyu, along with the soldiers who had been beating him, were biased towards Zhu Biao and knew their limits. They simply applied some wound medicine and he was back to his usual lively self.

Moreover, they were in extremely high spirits at this moment, because everyone had received a book.

From now on, they will be freed from slavery and can move freely, buy land, marry, and have children.

This kindness is like being given a second life!

If they had even a shred of conscience, they would never have betrayed Zhu Biao.

So, after these guys settled down, they started coming to Zhu Biao's courtyard in twos and threes to kowtow and express their gratitude.

Just as they had managed to get rid of the bronze bull, who was crying like a child with tears streaming down his face, a few more red-eyed fools arrived.

"Commander!"

They rushed straight to Zhu Biao and bowed deeply in respect.

After leaving Zhu Family Village, the title of Young Master was naturally changed. He should have been called the Militia Commander, but everyone felt that it was not prestigious enough, so they called him the Military Lord.

"Get out of here! Get lost!"

Zhu Biao waved his hand impatiently.

"Don't bother me! You've been too lenient with the beating. You may not feel the pain, but I am!"

Even after being scolded, the village soldiers weren't angry. They just kowtowed several times before turning away, full of gratitude.

"Third Brother, you just casually handed over something so dangerous?"

Pang Qiutang peeked out from the neighboring courtyard and asked curiously.

This young lady has been completely led astray by Zhu Biao. Now she no longer likes women's clothing and wears a large leather robe, a leather cap, and no makeup on her face.

Zhu Biao took out a piece of dried meat from his satchel and chewed it.

"Something that could kill you? You mean slavery?"

"yes!"

Pang Qiutang nodded.

"Once they were freed from slavery, they were free men, and if things didn't go their way, they could simply walk away."

"Leave? Where to?"

Zhu Biao chuckled.

"He had no special skills, no military rank or fame, no relatives or friends, and didn't even speak the local dialect."

"Qiu Tang, you know what it's like outside. How do you think they'll make a living after leaving Zhu Family Village?"

"Uh~"

Pang Qiutang was speechless.

Previously, she had followed Zhu Biao south, west, and east, traveling through most of the Central Plains, and had already experienced the hardships of this rotten world.

Not only were there vicious mountain bandits and highway robbers, but also corrupt officials and bureaucrats who preyed on people's marrow and bones.

They were a group of people with bows and horses, formidable fighting power, and bulging pockets. Their leader, Zhu Biao, was also a master strategist.

Even so, they encountered dangers repeatedly along the way. If an ordinary person were to travel alone, they would probably be reduced to ashes.

Seeing that she had come to a decision, Zhu Biao asked again, "Qiu Tang, what do you think of their fighting strength if they were to form an army of slaves?"

Pang Qiutang blurted out, "Then it must be strong!"

Zhu Biao raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? Why?"

She replied matter-of-factly, "If they are all slaves, then loyalty is nothing to worry about."

"Ha~ Loyalty?"

Zhu Biao smiled.

"Slaves have no land, no property, no home, and no descendants. They may be obedient in ordinary times, but when faced with life and death, why would they fight desperately?"

"That's right. Those who have constant property have constant ambition. My lord, you are insightful and far-sighted. I admire you greatly."

At this moment, Ruyi also came over and sincerely praised.

Leaving that scheming home, Zhu Biao felt a sense of relief. He bowed slightly to her and joked, "Biao is crude and unworthy of Ruyi's praise."

"My lord, please don't tease me."

Ruyi blushed and said coquettishly.

Just as Zhu Biao was about to reply, he suddenly heard a flurry of footsteps outside. It was Zhu Jiu, leading dozens of peasant women in quickly.

"Young master, everyone has been found. These women are all skilled seamstresses from the surrounding villages."

Zhu Biao glanced at it briefly.

These women were mostly around thirty years old, in their prime. Although their clothes were simple, they were exceptionally clean, showing that they were quick and efficient.

"Where's the cloth?"

"I just went back to the old house, and Butler Zhu Fu has already prepared it. It will be delivered shortly."

"it is good."

Zhu Biao nodded in satisfaction. Zhu Jiu always handled things so well, making people feel at ease and leaving no room for criticism.

These women, along with the cloth they had begged from their homes, were rushing to make new clothes for the fifty-odd local soldiers under their command for the New Year.

Previously, Zhu Biao decided to make new clothes for all his confidants.

Pan Jinlian volunteered to take on the job and is now sewing intensively, having not slept for two days and two nights.

The departure of these local militia members from the Zhu family before the Lunar New Year was unplanned.

Zhu Biao didn't want them to feel disheartened, so he gathered dozens of skilled seamstresses, determined to ensure everyone had new clothes before the New Year.

Never underestimate a new piece of clothing.

In the present day, this thing is considered a major asset, second only to farmland, houses, money, and grain. In case of emergency, it can be directly exchanged for money at a pawnshop.

By this time, the local militia had already heard the commotion and were gathered outside the courtyard, their eyes gleaming.

"Heavens above! Why are there so many women here? Could it be that the commander is going to give us wives?"

The bronze bull's eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets.

Zhu Biao's face darkened instantly, and he snapped angrily, "You idiot! Shut your mouth! If you dare spew filth again, you'll get a beating! These women are here to help you make new clothes."

"Buzz! New clothes? The commander is actually going to make us new clothes! Does the commander really consider us human beings?"

The local militiamen immediately erupted in chaos.

Zhu Biao waved his hand impatiently: "Stop yelling here, all of you get back to the yard and line up, waiting to be measured!"

After chasing away those fools, Zhu Jiu led a group of embroiderers to take measurements. Zhu Biao thought for a moment, then turned to Pang Qiutang and instructed, "Go and find Madam Pan. I have something to discuss with her."

"oh."

'

Pang Qiutang had no other thoughts, so he responded and left.

A subtle glint flashed in Ruyi's eyes, but she didn't say anything more and silently turned and went back to her own courtyard.

With her keen observation skills and sharp judgment, she had already sensed that Pan Jinlian was not a docile woman and began to be wary of her.

However, she had neither the standing nor the authority to offer advice.

"Ruyi, bring me a pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, and come to my room to discuss the militia uniforms."

Just then, Zhu Biao suddenly spoke behind her, and Ruyi's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this.

"Here you go!"

She responded cheerfully.

"My lord, are you looking for me? What are your orders?"

A moment later, Pan Jinlian swayed in the door like a willow in the wind and called out shyly.

She was still holding a black satin leather bag in her hands. Her eyes were terribly red and swollen, and her pretty face had thinned out, making her even more pitiful. However, when she caught sight of Ruyi standing by the table with a half-smile, she immediately lowered her eyes and her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"My lord, this is a new dress that I made for you. Try it on, and if it doesn't fit well, I'll get it altered right away."

""

"Good stitches."

Zhu Biao took the cloak, gave a perfunctory compliment, casually placed it beside him, and then changed the subject.

"Don't rush to try it. Right now, I have something urgent to discuss with Madam Pan."

Upon hearing his reply and noticing his actions, a hint of sadness flashed in Pan Jinlian's eyes.

However, upon hearing that there was something to discuss with her, her eyes suddenly lit up with a strange light. She bowed slightly to Zhu Biao and said softly.

"My lord, if you need anything, just give the order, and I will do my best."

"Tsk!" Zhu Biao clicked his tongue inwardly.

At first glance, her words seem harmless, but upon closer examination, they evoke a sense of romance and ambiguity.

Combined with her pitiful appearance, soft voice, and graceful figure, she was even more captivating.

Tsk, no wonder she's born with a seductive nature!

The word suddenly popped into his mind, but Zhu Biao quickly suppressed it and said seriously.

"Madam Pan, I want to design a uniform for the militia camp, but I'm not good at needlework, so I'd like to ask you to come and discuss it with me."

""

"Clothing? Such an important matter, how dare I say more?"

Pan Jinlian's eyes widened suddenly, and her body trembled slightly.