41 Recruitmen (1/2)

Ouyang Shuo was now ready to go to the barracks and see the newly selected recruits.

On the way, he saw that little Blackfang had grown up quite a bit. He followed Ouyang Shuo out of the courtyard, his feet rustling behind Ouyang Shuo. Since Er Wazi was in the private school, he had no one to play with during the day, the little dog could only chase himself around the courtyard.

Since Gu Sanniang was presiding over the manor’s kitchen, Blackfang’s food had improved greatly, always having meat in his meal. In less than a month’s time, he had grown quite big and sturdy.

Ouyang Shuo, as the master, every time he wasn’t managing the affairs of the territory, he was back in his room reading, never playing and spending time with Blackfang. Seeing how often its owner ignored it, Blackfang had built up some resentment. Seeing its owner going out, Blackfang moved pitifully along after him, not wanting to be separated from him.

Ouyang Shuo did not care about this, letting the dog follow, heading straight out. Along the way were many construction sites, a busy scene. On the commercial street, a bakery, butcher’s shop, and clothing shop had already been started being built.

The wave of privatization was intensifying and it was being talked about everywhere. At the bakery’s construction site, two teens were in deep conversation.

“Hey, Little Wang, why do you seem to have so much energy today?”

“Haha, it's all because of privatization. Yesterday, I talked to Cui Hua secretly. She said that, as long as I can buy a house for us, she would marry me and be my wife.”

“Hey yo, boy, that's amazing. Usually, you’re like a dull kid, how did you suddenly hook up with such a pretty girl like Cui Hua. You really hide your skills deep you kid!!”

“What.. what hook up? We love one another, do you understand!”

“Others aren't sure of you but I'm very sure! You little brat have so many flowery tricks! I see, those little ladies all fall for your tricks! Usually so serious and honest, and at the crucial time, you're methods are aplenty!”

“What, do not discredit my image, you are just jealous of me!”

“Jealous of your good luck, ah, you are my good brother, you find a wife, I am only happy for you. Even so, brat, teach me a couple moves, so I can find myself a beautiful girl, live with her and lead a happy life, that's called bliss!”

“What kind of move, it’s called moving her heart with sincerity! If you don’t know, go worship in the temple to Mazu and pray earnestly, she will help you.”

“Bah, what nonsense. Mazu is the goddess of the sea, she doesn’t control marriages.”

“If you do not believe, then forget what I said. Let's quickly finish our work. Later, I have to ask about how much a small courtyard cost.”

Ouyang Shuo, listening to the two talk about their love lives, moved towards them and asked, “What is your name, and where do you belong to?”

“Answering the lord, this is Wang Er, I belong to the craftsmen, and I am a mason,” one of the young men answered stiffly.

“Mason, mason is a good craft. You wanted to know the price of a small courtyard? I can tell you now, it is about 600 copper coins. As long as you want one, you will be able to get one sooner or later.”

“Thank you, lord!” Wang Er said excitedly.

“Do not thank me, this is what you deserve. Did you say, you wanted to take a wife? Very good, wow, this is a big thing! When you marry, I will personally be there as a witness!”

Wang Er was so excited words could not describe it.

Ouyang Shuo patted his shoulder, smiled and said, “Ok, get back to work! Remember my words. When you have your wedding, make sure you come to the manor and invite me!”

Wang Er rapidly nodded his head, his companions giving him envious looks all around.

Yesterday, the Construction Division had begun to upgrade the barracks, working overtime, and it had been successfully completed this morning. The new barracks had five times the area of the old one, and even if it is fully staffed, it would no longer appear crowded.

On the brand new training field, General Shi was out there with Lin Yi, busy picking out troops. This time around, he needed 73 recruits to expand the military, and so his workload was large. Yesterday the recruitment announcement had been posted. After defending the town during the Siege of Beasts, the General was more enthusiastic than ever.

Ouyang Shuo estimated a bit, the total force of the army would be about 120 people. Without any surprise, he found out most of the candidates were from the ex-militia reserves team.

Because of the demands on soldiers, in order to select the best out of the best, General Shi set guidelines for height, weight, vision and physical fitness. Only by meeting all the minimum requirements could one be admitted.