Chapter 11: A Nighttime Conversation

As for whether these people would obey when Ning Ye was not around, that too was a form of selection. Many truths only reveal themselves in one’s absence.

Thus, Ning Ye merely sent Lin Qinshu home first and then left alone once more. With only three rooms in total, it was quite easy to keep these people from noticing his presence.

Fortunately, these people finally understood a certain truth: many choices seem available, but in reality, they do not exist.

After obediently boiling several large pots of hot water and cleaning thoroughly, they gathered all the provisions from the carts into one room before returning to rest.

Having observed them quietly, Ning Ye knew he wouldn’t need to expel anyone again for the time being.

Upon returning home, the meal was already prepared, though it looked as if the process had been fraught with difficulties.

Ning Ye laughed wryly, saying, “I already told you, I can handle these matters myself. There’s no need to force yourselves.”

Xiao Yuan, a little nervous, replied, “Young master, I have made some pastries before, so it won’t take long for me to get the hang of cooking.”

Xiao Qing nodded in agreement, “Master, no matter what, we can’t just eat for free at home. We should try our hand at these things.”

“Very well, if you want to try, then try. But don’t let me suffer, alright? Tomorrow, Xiao Yuan, you cook for those people we’ve brought here. How does that sound?”

“Master, I have to cook for so many at once. Aren’t you worried something might go wrong?”

“Don’t worry. It’s better to trust than doubt. Besides, those rough men should be grateful to have a meal made by you. There’s no room for excessive picky complaints.”

Lin Qinshu spoke up, “Since my husband has said so, let’s follow his wishes. Let’s eat first.”

Unfortunately, the meal was indeed somewhat difficult to finish, with Ning Ye taking on most of the effort to consume it all. At least it wasn’t wasted.

After the meal, Ning Ye went out once more. At his command, the others quickly emerged from the house.

Ning Ye nodded with satisfaction. “From now on, you must be this quick. I’m going to set some new rules for you. Don’t worry, they won’t be many, but you must remember each one firmly.”

Everyone pricked up their ears, ready to hear what new rules Ning Ye intended to establish.

Essentially, Ning Ye’s focus was on strict discipline and obedience—principles long passed down through the military. Learn the army’s rules first, and everything else will follow.

Their current task was simple: every morning before breakfast, they must run three laps around the village. This applied to morning, noon, and evening. At other times, Ning Ye would lead them in other training.

Though they didn’t understand the purpose of these exercises, since their new leader had given orders, they naturally obeyed.

“Just remember three commands: assemble, attack, and dismiss. That’s all.”

The group nodded, half understanding, unsure if they truly remembered.

“Alright, you may be dismissed now. When you hear that order, you may do as you please. I won’t interfere anymore.”

Though he sent the others away, Ning Ye kept Wang Wu behind.

Wang Wu stood before Ning Ye with neither arrogance nor humility, which made Ning Ye wonder how such a man had become a refugee.

“Aren’t you curious why I kept you here alone?” Ning Ye asked.

Wang Wu replied, “If Your Excellency wishes to tell me, I will listen. If not, my questions would only trouble you.”

Ning Ye nodded approvingly. “I like people like you—those who don’t ask about matters they shouldn’t. Such people often live longer than others.”

“Thank you for your praise, Your Excellency. I have no great talents; if I couldn’t even obey, I wouldn’t deserve to live.”

“Would you mind taking a walk with me? I want to hear your story. Whatever it is, you can tell me. Today is the only chance you have to speak to me.”

With that, Ning Ye turned and walked away. Wang Wu naturally followed.

“I’m rather dull and don’t know what exactly you want to hear, so I’ll start from the beginning,” Wang Wu said.

After listening, Ning Ye finally understood why Wang Wu had fallen into such a state. Obedience was valuable, but being too dull-witted was not a blessing.

Wang Wu’s former unit had been ambushed by the Turks. That night, Wang Wu was on night watch and was the first to spot the enemy, shouting warnings to his comrades.

However, the unit’s commander had been heavily intoxicated that night. Hearing the chaos vaguely, he fled immediately with his personal guards.

Without their commander and caught by surprise, Wang Wu’s unit faced a desperate battle.

Enemy reinforcements surged like a tidal wave, overwhelming them. When Wang Wu crawled out from the pile of corpses, he was the only survivor.

The fleeing commander refused to admit that his drunkenness caused the defeat and instead blamed the soldiers.

Wang Wu became a refugee, wandering until he arrived at Qingyuan County.

After hearing his story, Ning Ye stopped walking. “After being betrayed by your superiors, would you still want to join the army again?”

Wang Wu, expressionless until then, finally gave a bitter smile. “My lord, I have no parents. I just want to live—nothing more.”

A smile curved Ning Ye’s lips. “Work hard. I have high hopes for you. I want you to become my right-hand man.”

Those words moved Wang Wu somewhat, though he still found it hard to believe a young man of seventeen or eighteen could truly be his support.

Still, he knew clearly whom he should serve now. “Rest assured, Your Excellency. I will follow your orders without question.”

Ning Ye nodded and sent Wang Wu back. Everything would begin anew tomorrow, and for them, tomorrow would be a new beginning.