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Inside the manor hall.

"Good day, honorable Lord."

Marcus's voice trembled slightly, filled with respect,

"What are your orders?"

Marcus lowered his head, hands clenched, not daring to look directly at Luo De.

"Marcus, you did a good job on your last mission."

Luo De's tone was calm,

"Not only did you safely bring those refugees to Black Pine Ridge, but you also made a detailed inventory; Lawrence said you saved him a lot of trouble."

"Thank you for your recognition, my Lord!"

A hint of joy appeared on Marcus's face, but he still nervously clutched his clothes.

Marcus didn't know what was wrong with him, unable to suppress his nervousness and excitement.

Luo De waved his hand, and the Guard quickly brought up a box of animal pelts and two bags of grain.

"Black Pine Ridge has no gold or silver treasures, so I reward you with some daily necessities and goods."

Luo De smiled slightly,

"I also had Lawrence arrange a separate residence for you, so you can bring your family over in the future."

"Thank you for your generosity, honorable Lord!"

Marcus hurriedly bowed in gratitude, his throat tightened, and he hesitantly said:

"But, my Lord, I… I still have my own house in Oakland Town…"

Marcus's voice grew smaller, as if afraid of angering Luo De.

"Marcus, you need to understand the difference between a temporary residence and a home."

Luo De frowned, waving to interrupt him,

"You've been here for quite some time; you should understand the speed of Frost Leaf Town's development, shouldn't you?"

"Yes, my Lord, your abilities are amazing!"

Marcus nodded repeatedly, "No one can turn a territory like this in such a short time!"

"These aren't important, Marcus."

Luo De said seriously, "What matters is that many people received opportunities during this process that they could hardly dream of in a lifetime."

"And you, Marcus, only if you move to Black Pine Ridge can I give you more opportunities."

"Or,"

Luo De leaned forward, "Do you simply not care about the chance for such ascension?"

"I understand what to do, my Lord!"

Marcus swallowed, gritting his teeth, he said loudly, "I will sell everything in Oakland Town, convert it into goods, and bring them to Frost Leaf Town!"

"Hmm."

Luo De leaned back in his chair, the chair creaking,

"You mentioned before that your caravan was destroyed, and everyone scattered."

Luo De said nonchalantly, "I will provide the goods and personnel, and you will be in charge; your salary will be 20% of the profits."

Marcus's eyes suddenly brightened.

Just running the trade, without providing goods himself, and receiving 20% of the profits?

His lips parted slightly, almost unable to speak.

"If you do well, I will give an additional reward."

Luo De's voice turned slightly cold, "But if you neglect it because it's not your goods, it won't just be a matter of Gold Coins."

"Understood, my Lord!"

Marcus responded quickly, solemnly assuring, "I will definitely be more diligent than before!"

"Additionally, I will give you a procurement list, and when you return, you must purchase the goods I need."

Luo De's gaze became deeper.

"And there's one more important matter, Marcus."

"I want you to gather refugees along the way, especially those who are young and capable of work and bring them back."

Marcus was taken aback, "That's completely fine, just… are you really willing to share food with them?"

"Black Pine Ridge and the Razor Plain have vast lands, as long as they can work, they won't starve."

Luo De's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable pressure,

"They will start as the lowest tier of slaves, and after making sufficient contributions to Black Pine Ridge, they will have the chance to become commoners."

"I understand your intentions."

Marcus bowed deeply.

During these days, Marcus learned a lot about Frost Leaf Town.

The food for slaves here wasn't worse than that of commoners in other noble territories, there's no worry about daily meals.

Commoners lived even easier lives.

No need to worry about land yields, no risk, just work honestly for the Lord.

Even slaves had opportunities for promotion, like being selected into the army reserves, or having special artisan skills, they all had chances to escape slavery.

The only restriction was that once slaves were promoted, they were prohibited from relocating.

In such a good place, who would want to leave?

In Marcus's moment of contemplation, Luo De raised his hand for Vivian to bring out a list,

"This is a list of materials needed by Frost Leaf Town, as well as seeds needed for the summer and autumn seasons; bring them back on this trip."

"Understood, my Lord."

Marcus stepped forward, respectfully receiving the list, carefully keeping it,

"Then, my Lord, when do you want me to set off?"

"As soon as possible."

Luo De ordered, "Lawrence and Durant will assist you with the preparations."

"Yes, my Lord, I will begin preparations immediately."

Marcus bowed respectfully, then slowly withdrew.

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Besides gathering refugees, Luo De instructed Lawrence to spread word about purchasing some slaves.

Due to the southwest war, slave prices have also plummeted.

Most of the cost for slave traders lies in transporting the slaves.

Of course, since they were buying slaves, Luo De naturally wanted ones of good quality.

The golden age range of thirteen to twenty-five.

For physical labor, ages 15 to 25 have the greatest strength, strong recovery, less prone to sickness, and highest efficiency.

As attendants and servants, especially women, aged twelve to eighteen, are easier to tame, train, learn efficiently, and show strong obedience.

Apprentice slaves are even younger, from twelve to sixteen years, and must be smart, nimble, and talented.

Then there are mature craftsmen and soldiers, anything else Luo De doesn't want.

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