Encouragement

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A female player carried a wooden tray and handed an item to Zhan Xiaobai, who stood atop the steps at the front of the hall.

On the tray rested a bolt of fine silk—an invaluable commodity. Silk, the essential material for tailoring clothes. At this stage, players could not yet produce fabric, and the prices in big city shops were exorbitant. If someone with tailoring skills used this bolt to craft garments, they would certainly be the first in the system to wear self-made clothing.

Zhan Xiaobai looked around at the assembled crowd, calm in his heart, and declared, “Since the founding of Xiaobai Village, many have made outstanding contributions to its development. But if we speak of merit, Li Asan is undoubtedly the foremost. This first reward belongs to Elder Li.”

Old Li was stunned. He had been guessing who would be the first honored, hoping it would be himself, yet not daring to be sure—after all, there were so many in the village. He was nervous, but upon hearing Zhan Xiaobai’s words, joy exploded within him! Among all these players and NPCs, to be ranked first in merit was a profound affirmation and trust from the lord.

Elder Li hurried forward, took the silk from Zhan Xiaobai’s hands, and trembled with excitement, “Asan thanks the lord for his grace!”

A system notification chimed for Li Asan: “Deputy Village Chief Xiaobai, Level 16 Eminent Li Asan, for meritorious assistance, has received a great reward from the lord, inspiring the resolve to serve faithfully unto death. Loyalty sharply increased by 10, reaching 92. Support ability enhanced, internal affairs +1, now 18.”

Although Zhan Xiaobai did not know exactly how Li Asan’s attributes had changed, he could feel the surge in loyalty and the joy that accompanied it.

Elder Li accepted his reward and stepped down.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd called out, “Well done, Old Li!” The players burst into applause, and Li Asan nodded his thanks repeatedly.

A female player brought forward the second item, handing it to Zhan Xiaobai.

It was a Level 20 Scholar’s Paper Fan, attack +1. Special effects: cool breeze, concealed fine needle.

Zhan Xiaobai took it, opened it, and said, “Though this paper fan doesn’t offer much in the way of attack or special abilities, its craftsmanship is superb. If one were to wave it in our lively village market, it would surely draw all eyes. Why? Because I’ve only ever found this one rare paper fan. Elder Sword Tyrant has been a founding pillar, tirelessly overseeing the village’s construction. I believe this fan is best suited as a gift for Elder Sword Tyrant.”

Sword Tyrant smiled, ascended the steps, and took the fan. He had known he would be the second recipient, even though his contribution was not much higher than others. He waved to the crowd, “I’ve long lacked a suitable weapon, and now I finally have a paper fan. Xiaobai has shown rare generosity today—frankly, I’m undeserving. I’ll work even harder for the village’s prosperity.”

A player below laughed, “Elder Sword Tyrant, don’t be modest! If you don’t accept it, who will?”

Sword Tyrant chuckled and stepped down.

After awarding these two items, a female player brought up the third.

The courtyard erupted in delighted screams from the female players. “Such beautiful jewelry!” “Look, it’s a pair of green bracelets!” “I’ve never seen anything so lovely!”

Autumn Water gazed at the bracelets. Several girls behind her clung to her arm, laughing, “Sister Autumn Water, I’m sure Xiaobai will give those beautiful bracelets to you.” “Except for you, Sister Autumn Water, Xiaobai’s never shown any special affection for another girl.”

Autumn Water blushed, shaking her head, “That’s not certain... There are so many here—it might not be me.”

On the steps, Zhan Xiaobai picked up the bracelets, looked at Autumn Water below, and smiled, simply stating her name, “Autumn Water.”

Male players in the courtyard whistled and shouted, “Autumn Water—!” Female players squealed, covering their faces, “Yes! It’s Sister Autumn Water!”

With complicated feelings, Autumn Water walked up the steps, received the jade-green bracelets from Zhan Xiaobai, but dared not meet his eyes. She subdued the turmoil in her heart, turned to smile at the crowd, “Thank you all for your support and affirmation. And of course, special thanks to Xiaobai! These jade bracelets are the most beautiful I’ve seen in any game.”

Charm +1. Wearing the jade bracelets, Autumn Water became even more captivating.

Next was Young Hero of Spring and Autumn.

He received a Level 20 Iron Sword from Zhan Xiaobai, attack +4, far superior to current crude weapons. Young Hero raised the sword high, shouting, “Rule Xiliang, invincible across the world!”

His close player brothers responded loudly, “Rule Xiliang, invincible!” “Young Hero! Young Hero!”

Then came Ah Fei, who approached nervously. He knew the village had only two or three precious weapons, and all had been given out. What could he receive now?

Zhan Xiaobai smiled and handed him a palm-sized object.

Ah Fei looked and was delighted—a Swordsman’s Command Token!

He hastily asked, “Wasn’t this token given to Young Hero?”

Zhan Xiaobai laughed, “We can’t give all the good stuff to him. He doesn’t need the token now, so you take it and lead the fierce militia to level up. If we find something better later, we’ll swap it back.”

Ah Fei grinned, “Great, he doesn’t need it. Let me use it first. I’ve long wanted to command troops.”

The courtyard buzzed with excitement for a long while.

Zhan Xiaobai called everyone to order. “The five main heroes of Xiaobai Village have received their rewards. Now, let the wounded veteran come up. He is the most significant contributing NPC villager, and his martial arts school has benefited everyone greatly. It would be remiss not to reward him.”

The wounded veteran, moved and excited, hurriedly limped up the steps.

Zhan Xiaobai awarded him a pottery item and praised him warmly.

The wounded veteran was overjoyed, “The lord’s praise is far too generous—I am humbled.”

Next came the carpenter.

Zhan Xiaobai gave him a piece of pottery, commending his outstanding contributions to the village’s construction.

The carpenter’s face was full of smiles. To be the seventh to receive a public reward, as an ordinary villager, he was very satisfied. His hard work had not been in vain—it was worth it. Madam Xu [Tavern], Old Bean [Inn Assistant], each received ten copper coins.

Zhan Xiaobai scanned the courtyard, then suddenly called out, “Gou Buli!”

The courtyard fell silent.

The dejected Dog-Head Strategist was startled and looked around, realizing Zhan Xiaobai atop the steps was calling him. He didn’t know why.

Zhan Xiaobai said, “Come up!”

Dog-Head Strategist rushed forward, awaiting instructions.

“There’s a ceramic vase here. Do you want it?”

The strategist was overjoyed and reached out, “Yes, yes! Why wouldn’t I want it!”

But Zhan Xiaobai withheld it and asked, “All the rewards I’ve given are for Xiaobai Village’s villagers. Shouldn’t you do something now?”

Dog-Head Strategist almost jumped in frustration, then had a sudden insight and prostrated himself, “Strategist Gou Buli, pays respects to the lord!”

Wandering Strategist Gou Buli has joined the friendly NPC faction, becoming Xiaobai Village’s strategist. Title changed to “Xiaobai Village Strategist [Xiliang].”

Zhan Xiaobai’s system notification rang: “Player Xiaobai, recruited one strategist, gained two renown.”

Only then did Zhan Xiaobai hand him the vase.

Gou Buli joyfully hugged the vase, sprinting down the steps, fearful it might be snatched, glaring fiercely at anyone eyeing his pottery.

Zhan Xiaobai stepped forward, smiling at the crowd, “Other players will be rewarded according to their contributions: one basic swordsmanship lesson at the martial arts school, ten to thirty medicinal items, ten to twenty copper coins. If someone doesn’t claim their reward, the contribution will be added to their future merit. Also, the village will establish a new skills reward plan. Players with special contributions will receive life skills, hunter skills, archery skills, and so forth. Xiaobai Village!”

Players inside and outside the courtyard cheered, “Yes, long live!”

With the distribution of rewards complete, the players dispersed in groups, chatting among themselves.

Zhan Xiaobai summoned Young Hero of Spring and Autumn, instructing him to send people regularly to observe Grey Sun Village and the mountain fortress, keeping watch for any changes in those places.