Chapter Twenty-Three: Bridging the Divide (Part I)

Internet Content Provider License Number: Xiang B2-20100081-3
Internet Publishing Qualification Certificate: New Internet Certificate (Xiang) No. 11
Network Culture Operation Permit: Wenwangwen [2010] No. 128

In a small forest not far from Acacia Town, twenty bandits from the Wild Wolf Gang gathered, their eyes filled with confusion as they stared ahead.

They were members of the Wild Wolf Gang’s Death Squad, the most loyal to Brian Buckler and the strongest in combat—each at least a first-class warrior. For some unknown reason, Brian Buckler had suddenly summoned them all into the jungle today.

Nearby, forty-six others stood in neat formation, like a line of noble soldiers awaiting inspection.

Further off, they could see their leader, Buckler, engaged in a close conversation with that new young man. Not far from them stood Lilith, Hodin, Ashlyn, and a few others—the entire leadership of the Wild Wolf Gang had assembled.

What astonished them was their usually arrogant and unruly leader earnestly listening to the youth’s words, nodding from time to time.

This left everyone stunned.

Never before had anyone managed to make Buckler nod repeatedly in agreement.

“So, the plan is settled then,” Xiuyi said. “Does anyone have anything to add?”

“I have an idea, Xiuyi,” Hodin said.

“Speak.”

“I think your plan has some flaws that need to be addressed.”

“Go on.”

“First, I must acknowledge your remarkable leadership in transforming a bunch of savages into gentlemen. Achieving this in just a few days is impressive. But you must admit, nobles are noble because of their deep-rooted heritage; it’s not something that can be learned in a matter of days. They are raised to embody noble temperament from childhood, shaped by decades of subtle influence, forming unique lifestyles and habits deeply ingrained within them. Such habits cannot simply be acquired through instruction.”

“Yes, that is exactly the challenge I face. Although they study hard and show obvious progress, these men are physically imposing and fierce by nature, which severely limits them. The family I intend to form lacks strong and vigorous servants and warrior roles, but I cannot find a suitable candidate to serve as the family’s patriarch. You know, the patriarch is the family’s core figure. His every word, habit, and preference undoubtedly influences the entire clan. An excellent patriarch can conceal the shortcomings of other family members. Conversely, a poor patriarch will expose the family’s facade regardless of how capable the servants or warriors are. Due to my age, I am destined not to play this role myself. That’s why I must seek help in Acacia Town.”

“That is only part of the problem. In fact, Brian himself can play the role of patriarch. Don’t forget, he comes from a noble family. Though he is now a bandit, he still carries the noble blood and pride deep within. And he has his own attachments to the past. But the problem is, Brian alone cannot support all your future plans.”

“Then do you have any better suggestions?”

“Yes. I believe expecting them to fully impersonate true nobles is impossible. To integrate into high society, you must adopt a compromise—methods suited to their nature.”

“What kind of methods?”

“New money.”

“New money?”

“Yes, precisely. We should be grateful you have enough wealth to support all this, because money is the best solution to many problems. It can transform trouble into opportunity. We no longer need to fabricate ancient genealogies or elaborate family histories, nor do we require a web of lies. We just need a simple lie—a story that makes us wealthy. For instance, a favored individual who inadvertently discovered a treasure and became rich overnight. But having money alone doesn't grant entry into high society; such a person desires to learn noble manners and grace. When a vulgar nouveau riche tries to play noble and fails, their childish ignorance is very similar to that of a wild bandit. Nobles merely smile knowingly at these slips without suspicion.”

“Interesting and sensible,” Xiuyi admired Hodin.

“Of course, this nouveau riche must spend lavishly to enter high society, and money is exactly what many nobles lack. You see, each noble is sustained by vanity. Behind their glamorous facade lies perpetual financial embarrassment. When a nouveau riche boldly throws money around, I believe such a family will be welcomed by many.”

“That’s the difference experience makes. You’ve opened my eyes, Hodin.”

“Binding interests is always the best way for nobles to connect. Don’t worry about that—I can handle it.”

“No one is better suited for the steward’s role than you.”

“I think so too. Iggle can serve as the accountant, minimizing his exposure to outsiders—no matter how much makeup he wears, he can’t hide his deathly aura. Releyesa can be the commander of the family warriors. You and Lilith are siblings, both nephews and niece of Brian. I guess you wouldn’t want to call him father.”

“That’s right. Then who will play my father?”

“No need for a father. Brian has two brothers who died on an expedition. One brother left two children—you and Lilith. Your mother died of grief. This expedition brought Brian great rewards; grateful for his brother’s sacrifice, he designated you as his family’s heir. From that day on, you stopped adventuring and started doing business, striving to climb into high society. See? It’s that simple. You start spending money everywhere. You can engage in various trades, such as your specialty—alchemical materials.”

“Sounds fantastic.”

“Then we have only one last problem.”

“What problem?”

“Women. No family stands on men alone. We need women with performance talent. You may lack a mother, but the family cannot lack women; even your uncle should have a woman.”

This troubled Xiuyi. He was aware of these issues but unable to solve them. Fortunately, Hodin said, “If you lack suitable candidates, I have a good recommendation, and they’re right here in Acacia Town.”

“What kind of women?”

“Prostitutes.”

“Are you joking?”

“No. Believe me, Xiuyi, women are natural performers; they excel at coaxing men. Compared to noble ladies, they have seen the world, are equally experienced, and know how to seduce men while enjoying luxury. They are easier to train. Often, prostitutes and noble ladies differ little. At least to me, engaging with a prostitute is just like with a noble lady if money is exchanged for favors—just substitute money with jewels and sweet talk. If there is any difference, prostitutes often have a nobler character. Trust me, with some training, they are the best candidates for these roles. Essentially, the only difference between noble ladies and prostitutes is… ladies cost more.”

Xiuyi thought for a moment and asked Hodin, “How many noble ladies have you been with?”

“I’ve lost count,” Hodin smiled. “I don’t even know if I have one or more heirs.”

“Then… I agree with you, Hodin. Perhaps you are my greatest asset since arriving in the Bilias Mountains. It’s a pity I didn’t realize this sooner.”

“That’s the fatal flaw of scholars—they always need time and opportunity to prove themselves,” Hodin laughed.

“Then… allow me to warmly welcome you again to our cause,” Xiuyi said, opening his arms and embracing Hodin tightly.

After speaking with Hodin, Xiuyi revised the parts of the plan that needed adjustment. Holding a roster, he approached the bandits who had been waiting in formation for some time.

“By order of your leader, I will be your new captain. You’d better have no doubts about this, as your leader stands right behind me. If you have questions, you can ask him afterwards.” Glancing around at the twenty bandits, all appearing calm, Xiuyi admired Buckler’s effective training. He continued, “I told Buckler I needed some capable men. He recommended you, and I hope his recommendation was right. Reley, these twenty brothers of the Wild Wolf Gang are now under your command. Teach them all you’ve learned as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, master,” Releyesa answered gruffly. “We’re leaving here, right?”

“Yes,” Xiuyi nodded. Then he asked, “Reley, do you have family?”

Reley paused. “No, master. My family is all dead.”

“How about the rest of you? Any wives? Children? Are your parents still alive?” Xiuyi asked loudly.

Most of the bandits answered yes.

“How are their lives?” Xiuyi pressed.

One local bandit lowered his head and said, “Not good. This winter, our business has been poor.”

“Business?” Xiuyi chuckled softly. “You call robbery business?”

The bandits fell silent.

Xiuyi waved his hand elegantly. “Perhaps I should tell you what true business is.”

The bandits exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what he meant.

Xiuyi said calmly, “From today on, you no longer need to be bandits. I will lead you out of these mountains into a prosperous city, where you will live truly wealthy lives. I mean… the lives of the upper class. Every month, you’ll send plenty of money home. No more worrying about your family starving, your children being unable to attend school, or your parents still living under leaky roofs.”

The bandits looked stunned. One dared to say, “That sounds good.”

“Yes, very good. But that doesn’t mean you won’t pay a price.”

A bandit nicknamed “Fierce Fist” sneered, “You mean learning noble etiquette? If you can really bring us the life you promise, I might consider the training.”

Turning a savage, brutal, uncouth, and primitive gang of bandits into refined, civilized, cultured nobles is no less difficult than teaching a hen to fly.

Human habits are so deeply rooted that changing how one speaks, sits, walks, conducts affairs, and even thinks requires tremendous external force.

Forcing them to change by violence is only a temporary measure. Cutting off their retreat is another method.

But the most important is to lure them with the luxurious lifestyle of nobility—to let them experience it deeply, to feel that this life is far better than their old one, that even the costs are enjoyable. Only then will they lower their resistance to learning and greatly improve their efficiency.

After a series of intimidation, coercion, suppression, and cutting off escape routes, Xiuyi felt it was time to reveal his angelic side.

He smiled softly. “Yes, I can give you what you want, as long as you do your part. Nothing is harder than facing life and death, right? You’re not afraid to die, so why fear becoming upper-class? Now, I will call names. When your name is called, step forward. Alexandra Packnan.”

“Here, master,” a rough bandit stepped out boldly.

Gong Hao glanced up and said, “You should say ‘master,’ not ‘head.’ Nobles don’t use ‘head’ as a title.”

“But we’re used to calling him head.”

“I can make sure you’re just the head.”

“…Yes, master.”

“Family situation.”

The bandit blinked. “I don’t understand.”

Gong Hao looked at him and said loudly, “I mean, your family. Do you have relatives? Are they alive? How do they treat you?”

The bandit grinned, “My father was a dockworker, my mother a prostitute. Honestly, neither I nor they can be sure if Packnan blood flows in me. My mother died of a filthy venereal disease when I was twelve. My father lost a leg in an accident when I was fifteen and died a year later. I saw him off.”

“Age, hobbies.”

“Thirty-two years old. Hobbies… I like gambling, but I always lose. Luckily, I have a knife.”

“What are you good at? Besides robbery, what skills help you survive?”

The bandit thought seriously, then said, “I used to steal vegetables as a kid.”

“Stealing vegetables, huh? Then you know some plants.” Gong Hao thought for a moment and started writing notes about the bandit, saying, “You can keep your name, Alexandra Packnan. From now on, your father is a gardener, and you are a gardener’s son. You must relearn the craft. Your mother was a virtuous and gentle woman, well-educated and polite, but unfortunately died young.”

The bandit was surprised. “That doesn’t sound like me.”

“From today on, it is you. High society does not forbid former prostitutes. Congratulations, you may keep that bad habit, but no more shirking debts. You don’t seem fit for nobility, so you will serve as a gardener for the Dadaniel family.”

“The Dadaniel family? Gardener?” The bandit was puzzled.

“Yes. Remember, this is your new identity. Releyesa will teach you manners; Hodin will teach you how to be a gardener. If you still can’t learn, come to me. Learn quickly and blend with your comrades.” Gong Hao finished recording and called out, “Next, Gary Absolon…”

In no time, the twenty men were assigned responsibilities and tasks, with Reley beginning to teach them basic rules.

Observing Reley’s meticulous work, Xiuyi called out, “Reley, come with me. I have a few words for you.”

“But I’m still organizing them here.”

“Let others take over.”

“Yes, master.”

After arranging for Bas and Fansin to take over, Reley approached Xiuyi.

“What’s the matter, master?”

Xiuyi paced a few circles, then looked up and said slowly, “I have been training you all in etiquette for some time. Even in my absence, I asked Hodin to continue. I guess you were prepared to leave Acacia Town, right?”

“Yes, master. Though rough, I’m not stupid.”

“Well said.” Xiuyi whispered, “Reley, do you have any wishes?”

“Wishes?”

“Yes. If you have unfinished wishes, I can help fulfill them.”

Reley scratched his head, confused. “Usually, I say this right before killing a hostage. Master, are you planning to kill me?”

“No, I don’t mean that.” Xiuyi smiled and led Reley aside, pointing to the still chaotic bandits. “Look, though I spoke sweetly, most understand that once we leave the mountains and enter the city, many things will be beyond our control. In the mountains, if a robbery fails, there’s often a chance to escape. But in the city, if our true identities are exposed, we’re doomed. I can promise you many things, but I cannot change one fact: this is a war—a war without smoke. I will face many challenges and can’t guarantee things will go smoothly. So, much depends on all of you. And you, Reley, are the key to keeping them in line—a bridge between me and them. Understand?”

“I understand, master. Are you trying to bribe me?”

“Sometimes I try to win hearts.” Xiuyi laughed. “If you have any wishes, tell me. I’ll do my best to fulfill them. The only thing I want in return is for you to keep them steady and avoid causing trouble.”

Reley tilted his head, thinking, then said seriously, “A woman. I want a woman, and to have lots of children with her. One with soft, delicate skin, like she’s made of water—pleasant to touch.”

“Then… I promise you, Releyesa, if you do your part well, you will have a beautiful noble lady for a wife.”