Chapter 85

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After a burst of laughter, Liu Jun spoke calmly.

"I have already figured out what happened, and I believe both of you are well aware of it. Now, I think we should handle this matter properly."

Zhang Tuhu, with his large belly, said, "A bunch of riffraff, trying to extort me. Lock them up for ten to fifteen days, and they'll behave."

Liu Jun laughed again, his laughter tinged with mockery.

"Uncle Zhang, take a good look. There are hundreds of people on the other side, all of them from other places, refugees. To put it bluntly, they have nothing left, their lives are worthless. A cornered dog will jump over a wall, and a desperate rabbit will bite. If you really plan to do this, what do you think they will do when pushed to the limit?"

Zhang Tuhu's face turned awkward.

"A cornered dog will jump over a wall, and a desperate rabbit will bite. Desperate people can do anything. Look at the bandits all over the country; they are all people who have been pushed to the limit. Brother Zhao, you don't want to provoke a rebellion, do you?" Liu Jun looked at County Magistrate Zhao.

County Magistrate Zhao shook his head quickly. He couldn't bear the responsibility of provoking a rebellion, not even a bit.

Liu Jun smacked his lips and tsked.

"This matter is very delicate. Those refugees are like a powder keg, and we are the ones sitting on it. If we're not careful, a spark could ignite the keg, and we'll all fly into the sky. Do you agree, both of you?"

County Magistrate Zhao nodded, and Zhang Tuhu nodded with a grim face.

"Some things can't be forced. If it were just one or two refugees, it would be fine, but now there are hundreds. Bandits are everywhere, and these refugees are also restless. You heard someone just now shouting about rebelling. That's a dangerous sign. If we don't handle it well, it could become a fuse."

"What do you suggest, Jiyeh?"

"Turn a big issue into a small one, and a small one into nothing. Try to resolve this peacefully," Liu Jun said straightforwardly.

"How do we turn a big issue into a small one and a small one into nothing?"

"Simply put, we need to pay some money to resolve the issue." Liu Jun smiled brightly. "Don't be stingy with money. If money can solve the problem, it's a small matter. The worst thing is when you're willing to pay, but the other party isn't willing to settle. The most terrifying thing is having the means to make money but not the means to spend it!"

Zhang Tuhu shivered, suddenly feeling a chill down his back.

Liu Jun didn't want the situation to escalate. If it did, and it reached the higher-ups, neither County Magistrate Zhao nor Zhang Tuhu would benefit, and the refugees would suffer even more. He wanted to help those people, so the best way was to resolve the issue peacefully.

However, there were different ways to resolve it peacefully. For example, he planned to extort some money from Zhang Tuhu, making him pay a price for his actions.

Liu Jun's solution for Zhang Tuhu was simple: he didn't need to admit to using fake silver. Instead, he could say he felt sorry for Zhao Shun and was willing to give some money to treat Zhao Shun's child. Of course, this would be done privately and not publicized.

After some discussion, Liu Jun went back to talk to Zhao Shun. To his surprise, Zhao Shun refused Zhang Tuhu's money. "I just want to clear my name. I didn't frame them or try to extort money. They used fake silver to deceive me."

"Of course, I believe you, but everyone should take a step back and resolve this. Let Zhang Tuhu pay some money to improve the conditions in the shantytown."

After some persuasion, Liu Jun led the negotiations, and Zhang Tuhu, representing the pawnshop, reached an agreement with Zhao Shun. The pawnshop returned Zhao Shun's lightning gun and compensated him with fifty taels for medicine, fifty taels for lost wages, and fifty taels for reputational damage, totaling one hundred and fifty taels. In reality, this money was to appease the hundreds of refugees.

Zhang Tuhu didn't want to pay, but County Magistrate Zhao saw that Liu Jun was clearly siding with the poor, and Li Chunjiang was standing by silently. He knew the issue couldn't be covered up. If it wasn't resolved, his fake silver business could be in trouble, so it was a loss either way. After weighing the options, he agreed to pay one hundred and fifty taels to settle the matter privately.

"Let's agree that this is the end of it. Neither side can pursue further action. Do you agree?" Liu Jun asked Zhang Tuhu and Zhao Shun. Both glared at each other but nodded in front of Liu Jun.

After both sides agreed, the one hundred and fifty taels were handed to Liu Jun.

Liu Jun, holding the money, asked Zhang Tuhu, "Is this silver of good quality?"

Zhang Tuhu looked embarrassed but was smart enough to know he couldn't afford to offend Liu Jun. Despite his anger, he answered seriously, "It's pure silver, I swear."

"Good, let's end this here. Everyone go home. Dismissed."

Liu Jun returned to the refugee group and gave the money to Zhao Shun.

"I don't want this money. Since you said you could help improve our conditions, could you please help us request that the county allocate the land of the shantytown to us for living, and use this money to build some simple houses so everyone can have a real home?"

One hundred and fifty taels wasn't a huge amount, but it wasn't small either. If divided among hundreds of families, each would get only a few taels. But if pooled together, it could build some simple houses, at least one for each family.

Autumn was approaching, followed by winter. With houses, they could have a shelter from the cold and rain, instead of leaky shanties.

Liu Jun said, "This isn't a long-term solution. Without regular work, it's hard to support your families."

"We know, but most of us are refugees. Many of our homes were burned by bandits or destroyed by the Tartars. Even if we had homes, we couldn't return," Zhao Shun sighed. Like him, his family had no food for the next day and no money. How could they return to Jinan, a thousand miles away?

Liu Jun sighed, "That's true. I have an idea. I see many young and strong men among you. From their behavior today, they are brave and full of spirit. I am the patrol captain of Tiger Head Pass, and I have a Nine-Headed Bird unit. We are planning to recruit a hundred or so local soldiers."

Zhao Shun's eyes lit up, and he asked Liu Jun excitedly. He had heard of the Nine-Headed Bird. The unit, established only two months ago, had already defeated bandits several times and received many rewards. The treatment was excellent, with a base salary of two taels of silver and monthly rations, plus additional rewards for good performance in training and battles.

If he could join the Nine-Headed Bird, life would be much better.

"Liu Gongzi, do you think I can join the Nine-Headed Bird as a local soldier? I am very strong. I used to be a blacksmith and lifted hammers every day, so I have great strength. I also learned to swing a large hammer from my father."

Liu Jun looked at Zhao Shun and shook his head.

Zhao Shun's spirits sank, feeling very disappointed. Then he forced a smile, "Can you select some young men from the shantytown? I know I am old, but there are many young men there."

"No, you misunderstood me. You are a craftsman, a skilled firearms craftsman. You are a valuable talent, and it would be a waste to have you as a local soldier. I want you to join my unit as the chief craftsman."

Zhao Shun was stunned. He had a chance, and he could even be the chief craftsman? The title sounded impressive, and the待遇 must be good.

"The chief craftsman will be the head of the craftsmen in the Nine-Headed Bird unit, with a monthly salary of five taels of silver and a monthly ration of one dan of rice!" Liu Jun offered a generous salary. Technology is the primary productive force, and a master of firearms is a treasure. Five taels a month was already low, but Liu Jun was afraid a higher salary might scare him. He would reward him in other ways after he joined the unit.

Back in front of the refugee group, Liu Jun first explained the outcome. Most refugees were satisfied with the result. Before coming, they were angry and ready to fight. But now, many were hesitant and afraid, as they had families to consider. They knew the saying, "The people do not fight the officials," and they were worried after learning that the pawnshop owner was the county magistrate's father-in-law.

Only a few young people shouted about rebelling; most were more cautious.

Now that the matter was resolved, everyone was very happy. This was the best outcome.

"Now, let Liu Gongzi announce some good news!" Zhao Shun had agreed to join the Nine-Headed Bird unit as the chief craftsman, with a monthly salary of five taels and a monthly ration of one dan of rice. The big man from Shandong was extremely excited. His face, once filled with worry, now showed hope.

Liu Jun scanned the refugees.

Most of them were young and strong, with some older children and elderly people. Looking at them, Liu Jun felt proud. Despite their hardships and being at the bottom of society, they still maintained their integrity and spirit. They were not numbed by life.

When their companion was oppressed, they bravely stood up. Such people were exactly what Liu Jun needed for his unit. Such people could be trusted to watch each other's backs in battle.

Maintaining their spirit and hope.

"Brothers and uncles, I am Liu Jun, the captain of the Nine-Headed Bird unit. The Nine-Headed Bird is expanding and plans to recruit one hundred and twenty new members. I saw your performance today and admire you. You are all brave and righteous. The Nine-Headed Bird needs men like you. Join us, and you will receive a monthly salary of two taels and a monthly ration of six dou of rice. Come, those who want to join can sign up."

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in excitement. Everyone was moved. Here, they struggled to find odd jobs, often working hard for just a few cents a day, not enough to feed their families.

Now, joining the Nine-Headed Bird meant a monthly salary of two taels, which was about seven cents a day, plus six dou of rice, which was about two sheng a day, enough to feed a family.

No one expected such a good opportunity to come their way.

Many people signed up enthusiastically.

Liu Jun's family, including Zhang Shan, began accepting applications and conducting evaluations. The evaluation was simpler than before. Liu Jun directly stated that the one hundred and twenty new recruits would be chosen from these refugees, so it was a selection process, roughly one in three.

Liu Jun valued their spirit and determination, their refusal to be defeated by life. Such soldiers were highly trainable.

One hundred and twenty people were quickly selected, the youngest and strongest among the refugees.

Many others were disappointed at not being chosen.

Liu Jun stood up again, "Congratulations to those who have been selected as new members of the Nine-Headed Bird. At the same time, I want to tell those who were not selected not to be discouraged. We are also recruiting craftsmen. Anyone with a skill can sign up, whether you are a blacksmith, carpenter, stonemason, or can play a horn or drum. Please sign up here."

Among those not selected, some had skills, such as masons, bricklayers, horn players, and cooks, about a dozen in total. Liu Jun accepted all of them, as they would be useful.

The remaining people didn't have to worry. Liu Jun told them that if they were willing, they could follow him to Tiger Head Pass. There, the Nine-Headed Bird would establish workshops, and they would be workers, with a basic monthly salary of one tael and three dou of rice. If they performed well, they would also receive rewards.

Almost everyone was willing to go, no one wanted to stay.

Liu Jun counted the shantytown residents: there were three hundred and sixty-seven households, totaling over a thousand people.

Liu Jun added several hundred taels to the one hundred and fifty taels from the pawnshop, giving each household one tael for resettlement. Each new Nine-Headed Bird recruit received five taels for relocation, each craftsman received three taels, and each worker received two taels. Each new recruit, craftsman, and worker also received two bolts of cloth.

The rewards and resettlement money and cloth were distributed that night. Liu Jun took the cloth and money from the Lu family's shop and would repay them later.

The refugees were extremely excited, holding torches and lining up to receive the money and cloth. Those who received the money thanked Liu Jun loudly. The street was as lively as during the Lantern Festival.

That night, the local residents, who had come to watch, envied the refugees from the shantytown, whom they had previously looked down upon.

"This is the best doctor in the city. Let's go back and treat your son first." Liu Jun handed the distribution to Zhang Shan and returned to the shantytown with the doctor and Zhao Shun.

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