Silverbrook Village

Wudi Egun sat in his office, leaning back in his chair, deep in contemplation. The morning sun filtered through the wide windows, casting warm golden light across the room, but his mind was far from at ease.

Lord John's words still echoed in his thoughts.

"If you want to live in peace, pledge loyalty to my family."

The arrogance, the threat—it was clear that Lord John and the Count's family wouldn't leave him be. It was only a matter of time before conflict arose.

Seated before him were five knights—the leaders of the five Companies assigned to him by the King. These men were all battle-hardened warriors, each of them experienced in warfare and leadership. Among them was Sir Leon, a solemn and trustworthy knight who had already proven his loyalty.

The atmosphere in the office was tense.

"Lord John's arrogance knows no bounds," said one of the knights, crossing his arms. "But more importantly, the Count's family might not simply rely on threats. If they feel their influence slipping, they may resort to force."

"We cannot underestimate them," Sir Leon added. "Count Mark's family ruled this territory before. Even if the King granted it to you, my Lord, they still hold lingering influence over the nobles and merchants. If they truly desire to make trouble, they have the means."

Wudi Egun tapped his fingers against the table, his sharp eyes glancing over each knight. "Then the question is, what's our best course of action? We cannot openly declare hostility, but we also cannot bend to their will."

A long silence followed as the knights exchanged looks.

Sir Leon was the first to speak. "For now, we must strengthen our control over the territory. The people must recognize your rule as absolute. If they see you as a weak ruler, they will be more inclined to side with the Count."

Another knight nodded. "And we should be wary of spies. If Lord John went so far as to personally issue a threat, it means they may already have men within our borders watching our every move."

Before the discussion could continue, a knock came at the door.

"My Lord," a guard entered, bowing. "Urgent news. There is trouble in Silverbrook Village."

Wudi Egun frowned. "What happened?"

"There are reports of local leaders harassing the villagers. The situation is escalating."

Wudi Egun's gaze sharpened. He turned toward the knights. "We ride for Silverbrook. Sir Leon, you will accompany me."

Sir Leon nodded immediately. "As you command."

Without wasting time, Wudi Egun ordered his carriage to be prepared. A small group of guards mounted their warhorses, forming an escort as the Viscount and Sir Leon boarded the family carriage.

The carriage moved steadily along the dirt road, its wheels creaking lightly as they rolled over uneven terrain. The warm afternoon sun bathed the landscape in a golden hue, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves of the towering trees lining the path.

Neil Forest stretched on either side of the road, a vast sea of green with tall, ancient trees whose branches intertwined above, creating a natural canopy. Birds chirped in the distance, and small animals darted between the bushes as the carriage passed by.

Inside the carriage, Wudi Egun sat with his eyes closed, resting his mind. Across from him, Sir Leon maintained his usual upright posture, his expression calm yet observant.

Sir Leon sat across from Wudi Egun, his posture relaxed yet alert. 

"Viscount, this could be a test," he mused.

Wudi Egun leaned back slightly. "Likely. If these local leaders are former subordinates of the Count's family, then their actions may be more than just a simple power play."

Sir Leon nodded, glancing out the window as the carriage passed through the lush greenery of Neil Forest. "If they are testing your response, then how you handle this situation will set a precedent."

"Exactly," Wudi Egun replied. "If I show weakness, it will embolden them. If I am too forceful, it will give the Count a reason to act."

Sir Leon smirked. "A delicate balance, indeed. But I have no doubt you will manage it."

"This is the first time you'll be personally dealing with a village matter, my Lord," Sir Leon said after a while. "What do you expect to find when we arrive?"

Wudi Egun opened his eyes, glancing out the window at the forest passing by. "A mess."

Sir Leon chuckled lightly. "A fair assumption."

Wudi Egun leaned back against his seat. "I've read reports about Silverbrook. It's a small village, around three hundred people. The villagers are simple folk, mostly farmers and craftsmen. But power struggles exist everywhere, even in remote places."

Sir Leon nodded. "And this troublemaker we're dealing with?"

"The leader of the Fan Family, Frank Fan." Wudi Egun's voice was cold. "A merchant who used to serve under Count Mark. Even after the Count lost this land, Frank still clings to his former master, hoping for his favor."

Sir Leon's expression darkened slightly. "Then it's possible he's acting under orders from the Count's family.

"Possible," Wudi Egun admitted. "Or he could just be a greedy opportunist. Either way, we'll handle him.

Silence followed as the carriage continued its journey. The natural beauty of Neil Forest was peaceful, but Wudi Egun's mind was anything but. He knew that this was only the beginning.

******

By the time they reached the village, the sun was up in the sky.

Silverbrook Village was small but well-kept. Wooden houses lined the dirt streets, and the villagers, who had been going about their day, quickly turned their attention to the approaching carriage.

At the center of the village, a crowd had gathered. Angry voices could be heard, along with the sound of a man's arrogant laughter.

Wudi Egun and Sir Leon stepped out of the carriage, their guards following closely behind. The moment they approached the crowd, the villagers turned, eyes filled with curiosity and hope.

At the center of the commotion stood a tall man clad in luxurious robes. He was broad-shouldered, with a smug expression on his face. Surrounding him were a group of rough-looking men—his personal guards.

This was Frank Fan.

The moment Frank spotted Wudi Egun and his group, his expression shifted slightly, but arrogance quickly returned to his face.

"And who might you be?" Frank asked, his tone dismissive.

One of the older villagers, a frail-looking man with gray hair, stepped forward and bowed. "Lord Viscount, this is the leader of the Fan Family. He has been extorting the village for years."

Whispers spread through the villagers as realization dawned upon them.

"Viscount?" Frank's eyes narrowed as he studied Wudi Egun. "Ah, so you're the new ruler of this land. Forgive me, I simply assumed you were another traveling noble." His tone was mocking, his smirk never fading.

Wudi Egun remained calm. "What is happening here?"

"Oh, nothing much," Frank replied casually. "Just a simple business transaction. These villagers owe me for the goods I've provided, and I'm merely ensuring they pay what is owed."

A woman in the crowd cried out, "You're charging us ten times the normal price! We can't afford it!"

Frank rolled his eyes. "That's the price for convenience. If you don't like it, feel free to find another merchant willing to travel all the way here."

Anger flared in the villagers' eyes, but fear kept them from openly protesting.

Wudi Egun's gaze remained locked onto Frank. His voice was cold. "You believe you have the right to exploit the people of this land?"

Frank laughed. "Exploit? I am running a business. If these peasants cannot afford to pay, that is their problem."

Sir Leon took a step forward, but Wudi Egun subtly raised a hand, signaling him to hold back.

"A business, you say?" Wudi Egun's tone remained even. "A business that operates through extortion, threats, and manipulation?"

Frank shrugged. "Call it what you will. I have the support of Count Mark's family, so I have no reason to fear a newly appointed Viscount."

A heavy silence fell over the village. The villagers looked between Frank and Wudi Egun, anticipation in their eyes.

Wudi Egun smiled faintly, but the coldness in his gaze remained. "I see."

Frank crossed his arms. "If you wish to challenge me, Viscount, know that Count Mark does not take kindly to those who interfere with his men."

Another silence followed. The air was tense.

Then, Wudi Egun spoke, his voice calm but firm.

"You are mistaken about something, Frank."

Frank raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Wudi Egun's gaze sharpened.

"This is my land."

The weight of his words sent a visible shiver through the crowd.

Frank's smirk faltered slightly. "W-What?"

"You claim protection under Count Mark," Wudi Egun continued, stepping forward. "But you forget that I am the ruler here. I will decide what is tolerated in my lands."

Frank gritted his teeth, his arrogance flickering for the first time.

The villagers held their breath.

And at that moment, Silverbrook Village bore witness to the true authority of its new ruler.

A tense silence stretched over the village square. The villagers held their breath, eyes darting between Wudi Egun and Frank Fan, unsure of what would happen next.

Frank, though momentarily shaken by Wudi Egun's declaration, quickly regained his composure. He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, his arrogance returning in full force.

"Hah! My lord," Frank sneered, emphasizing the title mockingly. "Do you truly think you can act against me without consequences? You may be the ruler of this land, but I am the one who controls its economy."

His voice grew louder as he turned to address the gathered villagers.

"I am the only merchant who brings supplies to this village! Without me, where will you get your food? Your clothes? Your tools?" He smirked as he saw some villagers lower their heads, fear creeping into their eyes.

Frank turned back to Wudi Egun, his confidence growing. "Even if you try to replace me, do you think other merchants will dare step into this land? I have connections across the entire Viscountcy, my lord. If you offend me, I will ensure no merchant dares to trade in your lands. The people will starve, businesses will crumble, and you will have nothing but a failing territory under your rule."

His voice rang with certainty, and his guards behind him smirked, clearly believing their master had the upper hand.

The villagers murmured amongst themselves, their expressions filled with hesitation. They had long suffered under Frank's tyranny, but at the same time, they knew the truth in his words. If he truly used his influence to stop trade, the village would suffer.

Wudi Egun, however, remained completely calm

He looked at Frank with a faint, unreadable smile. "You seem very sure of yourself, Frank."

Frank grinned. "That's because I know how the world works, my lord. Power isn't just about holding a title—it's about control. And I have control over something even you cannot touch: commerce."

Wudi Egun let out a soft chuckle. "Commerce?"

Frank's grin widened, thinking that the Viscount was finally beginning to realize his predicament. "That's right. If you want to maintain stability in your territory, you need merchants. Without them, the economy will collapse, and even your soldiers will lack the resources to fight. You can't kill me, nor can you expel me, unless you wish for your people to suffer."

A few villagers sighed in resignation, believing that Wudi Egun would have no choice but to back down.

But then, Wudi Egun took a step forward.

"I agree." His voice was calm and smooth. "Merchants are essential to any land's prosperity. They ensure trade flows, wealth grows, and people's lives improve."

Frank nodded smugly. "Exactly—"

"But," Wudi Egun continued, his voice turning colder, "merchants are also the most replaceable class in any society."

Frank's smirk froze.

Wudi Egun's eyes gleamed as he studied the merchant before him. "Do you truly think you are indispensable? That you alone control all trade in my Viscountcy?"

Frank's hands clenched into fists. "You—"

"You underestimate me, Frank," Wudi Egun interrupted, stepping closer. "I have traveled far and wide, seen countless trading hubs, and dealt with merchants of all kinds. Let me tell you something about your kind."

He raised a finger. "A merchant's loyalty is not to a lord, nor to a people—it is to profit. As long as there is money to be made, merchants will come, no matter the risks."

Frank's expression darkened. "That's where you're wrong! I have built my network over decades! The merchants in this land are under my influence—they will not trade here without my approval!"

Wudi Egun chuckled. "Is that so?"

He turned slightly, glancing at Sir Leon. "Sir Leon, tell me—what do merchants value most?"

Sir Leon smiled slightly. "Gold, my lord."

Wudi Egun nodded. "Gold. Profit. Opportunity." His gaze returned to Frank, who was now looking uncertain. "So tell me, Frank, if another merchant sees the opportunity to profit in my lands, do you truly think they will refuse? Do you think they will ignore an open market just because you tell them to?"

Frank gritted his teeth. "I—"

"I can personally send word to merchants in other territories, those outside your influence. And when they arrive and see the untapped potential here, they will flood in like starving wolves."

Wudi Egun's smirk widened. "Once they see the wealth my lands have to offer, do you think they will care about your so-called 'connections'?"

Frank's face turned pale.

Wudi Egun stepped even closer, now only a foot away from Frank, his voice lowering into a whisper. "And do you know what happens to a merchant who tries to stand in the way of profit?"

Frank swallowed hard.

"They get trampled."

The villagers, who had been watching in silence, suddenly erupted into murmurs. For the first time, they saw Frank's confidence waver.

Frank clenched his fists, but no words came from his mouth. He knew Wudi Egun was right. He had relied on Count Mark's influence for years, believing himself untouchable, but in the grand scheme of commerce, he was nothing more than a small-time merchant in a backwater village.

If a powerful noble backed trade in his lands, merchants from everywhere would come running.

Seeing Frank's hesitation, Wudi Egun gave him a final push.

"Tell me, Frank, what do you think will happen when merchants from outside your influence start pouring into my lands?" He tilted his head slightly. "Do you think they will sell at the same outrageous prices as you?"

Frank's lips parted, but he found no answer.

"They won't," Wudi Egun answered for him. "Because competition breeds better prices. They will sell their goods cheaper. They will provide more variety. And you?" He smiled faintly. "You will become obsolete."

The color drained from Frank's face.

"I could simply ban you from trading in my lands," Wudi Egun said, his tone turning casual. "But I won't. Instead, I'll let the free market decide your fate. I will invite more merchants, allow trade to flourish, and let the people choose."

His gaze sharpened. "And when they do, do you think they will choose you, the man who has extorted them for years?"

Frank staggered back a step, sweat forming on his forehead. His men, who had once stood confidently behind him, now looked at him with uncertainty.

The villagers, sensing Frank's defeat, erupted in cheers.

"That's right! We don't need him!"

"We've suffered long enough under his greed!"

"If new merchants come, we'll finally be free from his tyranny!"

Frank's face contorted with anger and humiliation. He had ruled over this village for years, exploiting the people without consequence. But now, in the span of minutes, Wudi Egun had shattered his influence.

"You... You think you've won?" Frank hissed. "The Count will hear of this!"

Wudi Egun's smirk returned. "Let him."

Frank opened his mouth to retort, but he knew he had lost. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed away, his guards following behind him.

The moment he was gone, the villagers erupted into cheers once more, celebrating their newfound hope.

Wudi Egun turned to them, his expression calm but firm. "This is only the beginning," he said. "From this day forward, no one will exploit you again."

The villagers knelt, their voices unified.

"Long live the Viscount!"

Sir Leon chuckled. "Well played, my lord."

Wudi Egun smirked. "Merchants may be powerful, but in the end, they are slaves to profit. Control that, and you control them."

With that, Silverbrook Village had taken its first step toward prosperity under its new ruler.

And Frank Fan?

He would soon realize that in the world of commerce, greed without foresight was the fastest way to ruin.

....

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Silverbrook Village as Wudi Egun stood in the village square, his gaze sweeping across the modest homes and fields. The earlier confrontation with Frank Fan had settled, but now a far more pressing concern weighed on his mind.

"Village Chief Man Lee," Wudi Egun called.

The elderly village chief, his back slightly hunched with age, stepped forward. "Yes, my lord?"

"I want to see the full state of the village," Wudi Egun said. "Take me on a tour.

A look of surprise flickered across Man Lee's face before he nodded respectfully. "Of course, my lord. Please, follow me."

With that, Wudi Egun, accompanied by Sir Leon and a few guards, followed the old chief through the village. The narrow dirt paths crunched beneath their boots as they walked past rows of wooden houses, most of them worn with age.

One after another, the villagers noticed them, pausing from their daily tasks to bow or greet Wudi Egun with nervous but hopeful expressions. Some carried baskets of dried vegetables, while others tended to thin, malnourished livestock.

"This is the heart of our village, my lord," Man Lee explained. "As you can see, our people do their best, but times have been difficult."

Wudi Egun nodded, his sharp eyes scanning every detail.

It didn't take long for him to notice one glaring issue—the village had no proper shops or market.

"Where do people trade their goods?" he asked.

Man Lee hesitated before sighing. "We don't have a proper marketplace, my lord. The only place where goods are sold is Frank Fan's house. He turned part of his estate into a shop, but… well, as you already know, he controls all the prices."

Wudi Egun's expression darkened. The entire economy of the village had been placed in the hands of a single greedy merchant. No wonder the people struggled.

"We used to have small vendors who would trade among themselves," Man Lee continued, "but over the years, Frank drove them out of business. He made sure only he could sell goods in Silverbrook."

Wudi Egun let out a slow breath. This was worse than I thought.

As they continued their walk, he noticed that most of the homes were built from rough timber, their roofs patched up with whatever materials the villagers could find. Some houses leaned at odd angles, showing signs of poor maintenance.

Man Lee led them further east, past the fields where struggling crops barely grew.

Wudi Egun frowned. The soil looked dry, cracked in some places. The plants were thin and weak. Even with limited knowledge of farming, he could tell the yield would be pitiful.

"Why do the crops look like this?" he asked.

Man Lee sighed again. "We have no water, my lord. There's no river close to the village, and the nearest water source is three kilometers east. Every day, the villagers must walk there, fill their barrels, and carry them back."

"Three kilometers?" Sir Leon exclaimed. "That's madness! How can a village survive like that?"

Man Lee gave a sad smile. "Barely, my lord."

Wudi Egun's expression grew solemn. No water means poor crops. Poor crops mean food shortages. And food shortages mean hunger.

It was a chain of suffering, each problem worsening the next.

The lack of water didn't just affect farming. It also meant the villagers had difficulty maintaining hygiene, which could lead to disease. If a sickness broke out here, with no proper healers or resources, it would spread uncontrollably.

Man Lee continued to show Wudi Egun around, revealing even more issues. There were no proper storage facilities for food, meaning what little they harvested would rot quickly. Their tools were old and rusted, yet they had no means to replace them due to Frank Fan's stranglehold on trade.

One problem after another.

Wudi Egun couldn't help but feel astonished at just how dire the situation was. How has this village survived for so long under these conditions?

He clenched his fists. I cannot allow this to continue.

His mind raced, already forming plans.

First, the water issue. A well needs to be dug. If we can find a water source underground, it will eliminate the need for the villagers to walk miles every day.

Second, a proper marketplace must be established. The people need an alternative to Frank Fan's monopoly. If a trade hub is created, outside merchants will be encouraged to come, increasing competition and lowering prices.

Third, farming improvements. If the crops can't grow properly, I'll need to bring in better seeds and proper farming techniques. If necessary, irrigation must be developed.

The more he thought about it, the clearer his path became.

Finally, as the sun began to set, Wudi Egun turned to Man Lee.

"I've seen enough," he said. "Let's return."

The old chief bowed. "As you wish, my lord."

As they made their way back, Wudi Egun's resolve hardened.

Silverbrook Village will not remain in ruin. I will change everything.

And soon, this land will prosper under my rule.

.....

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Wudi Egun and his group departed Silverbrook Village. Their horses trotted steadily along the dirt road, their hooves kicking up small clouds of dust. A cool evening breeze rustled through the trees, but the silence between Wudi Egun and Sir Leon carried a weight heavier than any storm.

Finally, Sir Leon broke the silence.

"My lord, what do you make of Silverbrook Village's condition?" he asked, his voice calm but thoughtful.

Wudi Egun, gripping the reins of his horse, let out a slow breath. "It's worse than I expected," he admitted. "The lack of water, the failing crops, the absolute control Frank Fan has over the economy… If we don't intervene, the village will eventually collapse."

Sir Leon nodded. "It's clear they've been struggling for years. If one village is in this state, I fear others may be as well."

Wudi Egun's gaze darkened. "That's exactly what worries me. This is just one village under my rule, yet it's already on the brink of ruin. If the others are in a similar condition, my territory as a whole will be severely weakened."

Sir Leon furrowed his brows. "But my lord, development takes time and resources. Expanding trade, improving agriculture, and ensuring stability will not happen overnight. Even if we start now, it may take years to see true prosperity."

"I know," Wudi Egun said. "But doing nothing is not an option."

Sir Leon glanced at him. "Have you thought about how this will affect our position?"

Wudi Egun smirked. "Oh, it will benefit us greatly. A strong and prosperous territory means more influence. If my lands are thriving while others are struggling, then my reputation will soar."

He continued, his eyes sharp with ambition. "Merchants and traders will come if they see an opportunity for profit. Farmers will work harder if they know they'll be rewarded for their efforts. And if the people are well-fed and prosperous, they will be loyal to me."

Sir Leon nodded in understanding. "And if we fail to develop the villages?"

"Then we'll remain weak," Wudi Egun said bluntly. "A starving land means a starving army. We'll be vulnerable. Bandits, rival lords, even our own people could turn against us if they lose faith in our rule. And worst of all—Count Mark will exploit our weakness."

Sir Leon's expression hardened. "Then we must act quickly."

Wudi Egun's thoughts shifted to Frank Fan. That man… he could be a dangerous thorn in my side.

Sir Leon seemed to have the same thought. "What about Frank Fan, my lord? He's already proven himself to be a problem. If left unchecked, he may stir trouble."

Wudi Egun narrowed his eyes. "Frank is a merchant, and like all merchants, he values profit above all else. He's arrogant now because he believes his connections to Count Mark make him untouchable. However…"

Sir Leon raised an eyebrow. "However?"

"If we play our cards right, Frank could be either a troublemaker… or an asset," Wudi Egun said. "If he resists, we'll have to deal with him. But if we keep a close eye on him and apply the right pressure, we may be able to use him to our advantage."

Sir Leon smirked. "So, you intend to tame the beast rather than slay it outright?"

Wudi Egun chuckled. "For now. But if he crosses the line… I won't hesitate."

Sir Leon nodded. "I'll have our men keep an eye on him."

Wudi Egun then turned his attention to a larger task. "We need more information. Silverbrook Village is just one of many under my rule. If we are to enact change, we must understand the true condition of every village in our territory."

Sir Leon's expression grew serious. "You're suggesting we send scouts?"

"Not just scouts," Wudi Egun said. "I want well-documented reports. I'll send my men to every village, and they will return with detailed information—population, economy, resources, and current struggles."

Sir Leon nodded. "That will take time, but it will give us the knowledge we need."

"There's one more thing," Wudi Egun said. "Development isn't just about trade and agriculture. The people themselves must improve."

Sir Leon looked intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"Education," Wudi Egun said firmly. "We must teach the villagers essential skills. Farming, geography, trade, agriculture—everything they need to improve their daily lives."

Sir Leon smiled. "A wise decision. If they are better educated, they will be more self-sufficient."

Wudi Egun smirked. "And a strong, self-sufficient people make a strong ruler."

As they continued riding, the flickering torches of the Wudi Family Mansion came into view in the distance.

A long road lay ahead, but Wudi Egun knew one thing for certain—change had begun.