Chapter Twenty-Nine: Generous Terms

As soon as the fifty captured guards were brought to the Yang residence, Steward Su took charge of their handover. Following the young master's prior instructions, they were each assigned to the vacant rooms in the west wing. Hot water and new clothes were provided, allowing them to wash and refresh themselves.

Once they were cleaned up, several large tables were laid out with wine, meat, and a variety of dishes, and everyone was told to eat and drink to their hearts' content.

The chain piercing the pipa bone of the burly man with a bushy beard was carefully removed by the physician brought in for the purpose, and the wound was treated and bandaged. Despite his robust constitution, he still winced from the pain.

Their feelings were complicated. Since being captured, they had been given food not fit for humans. To prevent them from having the strength to resist, even that miserable fare was never enough. Now, at last, they were having a proper meal; the host seemed to treat them well.

But what would happen next was uncertain. Customarily, the master would make a show of force to subdue such slaves—usually by picking out troublemakers and beating them severely. They wondered if any of them would catch the master's eye and be singled out.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Yang Cheng had already returned. He took his seat in the front hall and sent word for the guards to assemble.

Soon, all fifty men arrived. They stood quietly in place as Steward Su introduced the master.

Many eyes turned to Yang Cheng—young, with little cultivation. It was the black-clad man behind him who exuded a formidable presence, his face covered in scars, fierce and terrifying, clearly a man who had waded through rivers of blood and corpses, his cultivation unfathomable and not someone to be trifled with.

Yang Cheng also observed the group carefully; they hailed from all corners of the land, all stronger than himself. He did not expect loyalty from them. For now, the outside world would see that he had a formidable force, so there would be no easy coveting of his position.

With this in mind, he spoke frankly: "Gentlemen, you have come to the Yang family today. I do not ask for your loyalty, only that you fulfill your duties and safeguard the Yang family. By convention, purchased slaves do not receive monthly wages, only sustenance. But my rule is that you are paid for the work you do. Here, you will be well-fed and cared for, and each of you will receive one spirit coin per month."

Eyes that had been dull now sparkled. If one worked as a freelance guard, there would be wages, a contractual relationship. But slaves were the lowest of the low, considered the master's private property. Serving as guards was a matter of staking one's life, doing whatever the master demanded. If one could eat their fill, it was already fortunate; rarely would a master pay slaves after buying them. Since they had become slaves, there was nothing for it but to accept their fate, yet this treatment was unexpected.

"My rule is that merit shall be rewarded, and wrongs punished. Steward Su will explain the rules of the Yang residence to you. You are all cultivators, but there are many ordinary people here; bullying the weak is forbidden in the Yang household, and grave offenders will be executed."

Yang Cheng made his position clear.

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"Yes, we shall obey the master's orders," some guards declared on the spot.

Yang Cheng waved his hand. "You needn't call me master, 'young master' will do. You are slaves now, but I will give you a chance to escape that fate. Serve the Yang family faithfully for two years, and unless your conduct is egregiously poor, you will be restored to freedom. I will arrange official registration, returning you to the status of commoners, so you may travel anywhere without hindrance."

"Only two years?" The crowd was astonished. The saying went, 'once a slave, always a slave.' Many had long since given up hope, but now they saw a glimmer of it. Some looked at each other in disbelief, silently confirming with their neighbors.

"Is it true that freedom can be restored in just two years?" Everyone couldn't help but whisper, thinking they had misheard.

The burly, bearded man stood out among the crowd like a crane among chickens, his face fierce and defiant, but now he was shaken. He raised his voice: "Young Master Yang, will everyone truly be freed after two years? Is this real? And what happens then? How will you deal with us?"

Yang Cheng looked at him and replied, "I do not speak in jest. After two years, all may choose freely. If you wish to return to your sects, you may depart, and I will personally provide travel expenses. If you do not wish to go back, or have nowhere to go, you may stay here as hired guards, or pledge loyalty to the Yang family as warriors. Or you can seek your own path elsewhere."

"But understand this: the Yang family's treatment is generous and the rules are not harsh. If anyone violates them, their term will be extended accordingly."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

To Yang Cheng, these slave guards cost less than local freelance cultivators; getting them to serve faithfully for two years was already a good bargain, and perhaps, from among them, he might find some who would become truly loyal.

"Thank you, young master, for your great kindness!" The crowd could not contain their excitement; hope had returned. Many had seen slaves in their own clans or sects, and unless someone performed extraordinary deeds or won special favor, it was rare for a master to restore a slave's freedom. It was almost always a life sentence.

For some, returning home was not important—they were already discarded pieces on a chessboard, and had lost hope in their sects. As long as they could regain their freedom, they might rise again.

Those with family might be reunited once more. Some had survived this far for the sake of loved ones. Eyes grew moist, and gratitude for the young master filled many hearts.

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After the crowd had calmed themselves, Yang Cheng spoke slowly: "Rest well tonight and recover your strength. Tomorrow, you will receive weapons and equipment, and Elder Lu will organize patrols and defenses for the residence. The Yang family has no enemies, but it is always possible that thieves may sneak in. The security of the estate and its people depends on all of you."

All present clasped their hands and replied in unison, "We are willing to serve the young master!"

Yang Cheng dismissed the guards and instructed the burly, bearded man to stay behind.

When only Yang Cheng, Lu Baichuan, and the bearded man remained, Yang Cheng and Lu sat cross-legged and signaled for the man to sit as well.

The bearded man, no longer scornful, stood respectfully, not daring to sit. He did not wish to jeopardize his hope for freedom over the next two years.

Yang Cheng asked, "What is your name?"

The man replied, "Young master, I am Li Tianjun."

"I know something of your dealings in various houses. My place is different from others, but I do not expect you to abide by the rules here. I am simply curious—despite the terms I have offered, you still seem troubled. So I kept you back to ask why."

Li Tianjun was startled, his face guilty. He sighed, "Young master, your heart is generous; how could I be unreasonable? The truth is, I have difficulties I cannot speak of."

Yang Cheng said, "Speak freely."