Chapter Seventy-Six: The Lady Master of the White Ape Martial Arts School

"Captain Hu, why is the magistrate recruiting soldiers again?" Su Yang asked as Hu Shi arrived with several constables.

"You all head to the next house."

"Yes, sir." The constables led their conscripted militia toward the next household, while Hu Shi approached Su Yang with a sycophantic smile. "How have you been lately, Master?"

"Quite well," Su Yang replied, his spirits high after attaining the sixth rank. He nodded in satisfaction.

"Last night, the rebel army launched a surprise attack. The county's defenders suffered heavy losses—many died. That's why the magistrate ordered conscription. Now, people are selling their daughters and wives just to pay their grain taxes. Those who have no female relatives left to sell are forced to guard the city walls," Hu Shi explained.

"Weren't these skirmishes minor before? Why is the fighting so fierce this time?"

"I heard the rebels, besides their regular attackers, joined forces with a horde of rat demons to storm the city. That's why the defenders took such heavy casualties. Some rat demons slipped into the city amidst the chaos, and I'm afraid many families will suffer tonight. Master, you should strengthen your patrols."

"Most of these rat demons are wild beasts of the ninth rank. They're not your match, but they're hard to guard against. Only patrols and hidden sentries can spot them."

"The magistrate also ordered the rebel factions within the city to patrol for rat demons so that the losses and panic don't spiral out of control," Hu Shi added.

"Rat demons?"

Su Yang's brows rose at Hu Shi's words, a gleam of calculation flashing in his eyes. To others, rat demons were dreadful creatures to be avoided, but to him, they were as valuable as aged medicinal herbs.

Among demons, rat demons were especially known for their bodies harboring poisonous tumors—concealed and difficult to purge. Masters who processed their corpses spent much effort and demanded higher payment, as rat demons were the most likely to retain poisonous tumors.

But with Su Yang's incense technique, he could purge every trace of poison, wasting not a single rat demon body—walking treasures of the ninth rank. If he could find an eighth or even seventh rank rat demon, it would be true fortune.

"Yes, a whole pack of black-furred rat demons," Hu Shi nodded.

"There must be piles of black-furred rat demon corpses left in the city after last night's fighting?"

"Indeed. The warriors in the city killed many, though they suffered losses themselves. All the corpses are now stored with General Zhao Mangong."

"Good, I understand. You may go," Su Yang said, a plan forming in his mind. Perhaps he could strike a deal with the soldiers.

"Wait a moment."

"Did you forget to collect the silver taxes?"

"Well... If you don't pay, that's fine."

"If I don't pay, you'll have to make up the difference. That makes no sense. I have some idle hands at home; I'll send a few, and some grain as well. This time we won't pay in silver."

"That's fine," Hu Shi agreed quickly.

Last time, after subduing a gang of thugs who tried to rob the Wang family, two were left over—he could send them for the taxes now. There was plenty of grain at home, but not much silver, so grain would suffice.

Wang Han took two household servants to fetch the grain and conscripts.

Once Hu Shi left, Su Yang headed for the military camp. To guard against enemy attacks, barracks were set up beneath all four city walls, but General Zhao Mangong was stationed in the courtyard beside the central magistrate's office in Yanggu County, ready to reinforce any direction as needed.

On the way, constables responsible for different districts were busy collecting grain or conscripted men. In the wealthy neighborhoods, households had surplus grain and were willing to submit as long as the collection was fair.

But among the poor, there was nothing but wailing and despair.

"You can't take my son! Please, don't take my son!" An old man desperately clung to his son, while two women behind him wailed and held onto the old man, afraid he'd collapse.

"Out of my way!" barked the constable collecting conscripts, kicking the old man to the ground. "If you don't want to give up a person, grain will do."

"Officer, I have no grain left. Please, have mercy. My eldest died on the city wall; I can't send my youngest too!" the old man pleaded, tears streaming down his face. This was his last son; if he died on the battlefield, the family line would end.

"Hmph. You won't sell your daughter, won't sell your daughter-in-law, won't give up grain, and now you don't want your son to guard the city? What, are you hoping for a miracle?"

"Old fool, out of my sight! If other people's sons can guard the city, why can't yours?"

The officer cursed, pressing his blade against the young man's neck. "If you two keep causing trouble, you won't need to guard the city wall. I'll slaughter him right now and drag you up there myself."

At those words, the old man dared not interfere further. He could only wail with his daughter and daughter-in-law beside him.

"Hey there, old fellow, your daughter is quite pretty. Let her be my concubine, and I'll pay your taxes for you," a constable remarked, eyeing the lovely girl behind the man.

Indeed, the girl was strikingly pretty. Su Yang couldn't help but step forward, grasping her wrist to use his Root Measurement Technique. To his surprise, she had a Class C innate talent.

"Sir, please let go. Men and women should not touch," her father cried, hurriedly pulling his daughter behind him. His gaunt face was filled with anxiety.

The constable nearby noticed Su Yang's fine attire and dared not offend him, standing aside respectfully.

"I am the master of the Su family," Su Yang declared. "Your daughter's talent is impressive. If you wish, she can become a maid in my household. I will give you some silver or grain."

"Alternatively, you may both join my household as servants—there will be no silver or grain, but you will both be fed. Is that acceptable?"

Su Yang asked.

"Sir, from this day forward, Liu Da is your servant. Daughter, kneel and thank the master for saving our lives!" Without hesitation, the man dragged his daughter to his knees before Su Yang, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.

In these times, a bowl of rice meant more than anything. Moreover, this master would provide for both father and daughter.

"Take my jade pendant. Go to the Su house and explain your situation. Someone will arrange things for you," Su Yang said, handing over the pendant from his waist. "Gather your valuables quickly, don't delay. You have the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."

"Yes, yes!" The man nodded frantically, rushing inside to pack his belongings. The constable, seeing this, wisely departed.

A Class C talent—only two maids in his household possessed such a root. To run into one by chance was truly a blessing.

...

White Ape Martial Hall.

A woman dressed in white training attire, her long ponytail swaying, sat with poise in a grand chair. Before her stood rows of martial students.

She was the master of White Ape Martial Hall, a sixth-rank expert. Though already in her thirties, she was well-preserved, exuding an alluring charm. Her legs were long and straight, her figure full and shapely, and her aura commanding.

Her presence was that of a female warrior—noble and striking.

...

PS: One chapter left to make five today; the next will be posted tonight. Sorry for the delay.
Silkworm and Soybean