Chapter 302: Curious 343
The meeting discussion lasted for a full three days.
Since there was no confidentiality requirement, the entire Bay Territory quickly learned the news.
Most people were eagerly discussing, curious about who would be sent to the village.
"If you ask me, it should be the newly arrived refugees who will go..."
"I don't think so. They still need someone to lead them, so they'll definitely choose some experienced hands."
"I think the same. With the lord's style, if something is to be done, it must be done to the best."
"Exactly, I heard from some managers that the villages will implement unprecedented agricultural planning, so they'll definitely need elite personnel."
"Then I might have a chance! There's bound to be higher pay and rewards!"
"I agree. Otherwise, no one would be willing to go."
"..."
These were just rumors from the previous days.
Although people were curious about the news, as there was no detailed public notice, it remained in the discussion stage.
Until an official announcement appeared:
"Selecting Village Chiefs!"
"Starting today, anyone with a contribution score over 200 and experience in planting, patrolling, or animal husbandry can apply."
"Every week, all applicants will undergo an assessment. Those who pass can begin professional knowledge training."
"After a month of training, Ralph the Steward will designate those with excellent assessment results for the position of village chief."
"All village chiefs will officially manage the newly developed villages!"
As soon as this announcement was made, it immediately caused a huge stir in the Bay Territory.
Almost everyone became quite excited.
Especially those involved in related work, they put in more time and effort, striving for better results and achievements to meet the assessment requirements.
For most people, holding power was something unattainable.
Perhaps in their view, becoming a village chief would be their first step toward nobility.
They were not wrong to think so.
If they performed well enough, Matthew would not be stingy with rewards.
After all, if you want the horse to run, you not only have to feed it grass, but also eggs and quality feed.
What surprised everyone even more was that for those who wanted to participate in the assessment, the territory would provide them with a booklet for the test.
It detailed what duties the village chiefs and defense officers would have.
Most people took a look and suddenly realized that it didn't seem difficult at all!
Those who were already interested became more motivated, and those who hadn't considered it began to wonder if they should give it a try.
Then, everyone who had been working hard became even busier.
When 343 arrived at the Bay Territory, what they saw was this bustling scene.
Every person in the territory was in a hurry, their faces filled with faint excitement and joy.
If it had just been a few people, 343 wouldn't have thought much of it, but seeing everyone like this, they couldn't help but become curious.
As a steward assisting Harley in handling the affairs of Bloodmoon City's territory,
343 was well aware that each citizen's desires and thoughts were vastly different.
Initially, they might just want enough to eat and wear.
Then, they would want a house of their own.
Next, the pressure of raising children would drive them to seek higher wages.
Once their needs were met, their swelling hearts and desires would often lead them to pursue other things.
Like chasing power, satisfying desires, indulging in beauty?
Most people wouldn't reach that stage, but they seemed unable to escape this pattern.
How did the Bay Territory manage to make everyone so enthusiastic?
If 343 could uncover the secret, could it be applied to Bloodmoon City?
With this thought in mind, 343 went to the lord's mansion and found Matthew in the study, having just finished the meeting.
"Hey? Where's the beautiful Yaya?"
Hearing 343's curious question, Matthew had no intention of hiding it:
"She's in hibernation, absorbing nutrients to enter the next stage."
The red light that briefly flashed in his eyes became particularly captivating. 343 pursed their lips and, very consciously, didn't continue to ask, instead silently noting in their mind:
"Yaya is about to break through the high-level limit, advancing to an extraordinary rank. The hibernation duration is unknown, location: Bay Territory."
Matthew set aside the registration documents in his hand and casually drafted another set of exam questions.
The exam content was quite rich, covering all aspects of the village and various possible situations.
Although the powers of village chiefs and others were limited, Matthew was happy to give them more autonomy in other areas.
True talent cannot be nurtured; they must go out, face challenges, and be honed!
These village chiefs from the Silvermoon River Plain will one day set foot in places like the Dark Forest, the East Coast region, and the offshore islands.
What awaits them will be an incredibly rich and exciting world!
Hopefully, they won't feel too much pressure by then.
"Hmm, luckily spells can cure baldness!"
Matthew suddenly blurted out, and 343 instinctively wrote it down, even though they didn't quite understand it, but it didn't stop them from continuing the conversation:
"Are the citizens of the Bay Territory always so enthusiastic and hardworking? Why?"
Matthew glanced at 343, feeling that his illusionary clone still had room for progress.
He had no intention of using the data display to gather detailed insights.
Matthew wouldn't do such a reckless thing in person, so he smiled and raised an eyebrow:
"The reason is simple. I gave each of them a piece of cake—precisely 80% of the one they made!"
343 understood!
But because of that, they couldn't help but be amazed, scrutinizing Matthew repeatedly and asking in a slightly doubtful tone:
"Can this really work? Where does the territory's money come from?"
Matthew chuckled, pointing to himself, then to her:
"I used my own cake, along with 20% of everyone's cake, to make an even bigger cake."
343 was deeply shocked!
They even instinctively squinted, wondering if Matthew was bluffing and tested him with a comment:
"I'm not foolish, and I'm very smart, you know!"
Matthew wholeheartedly agreed, nodding and immediately responding:
"Yes, we're all very smart, but human greed knows no bounds—especially among more powerful lords."
Matthew had no intention of continuing this conversation with 343, handing over a parchment he had already written with a serious tone:
"This is my research material. Although I'm unsure of its value, it should cover the tuition."
343 took it, glanced at the confident Matthew, and couldn't help but say:
"You're as confident as the lord of the city."
Matthew's smile immediately froze, and he quickly shook his head, saying:
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"