Chapter 19: The Liberation of the Servants Within the Residence

After resolving the matter with Zheng Xing, Du Chengfeng continued as usual to purchase coarse wine. The several proprietors, upon seeing Zheng Xing’s downfall and realizing they had lost their backing, no longer dared entertain thoughts of resistance.

Even though they had discovered that Du Chengfeng was the mastermind behind the Immortal Wine, and knew he bought large quantities of coarse wine to refine it into Immortal Wine, what could they do? The fate that befell Zheng Xing was plain for all to see. Though they could not be certain whether Du Chengfeng was directly involved in Zheng Xing’s demise, the warning was clear: Zheng Xing had been destroyed precisely because he coveted Immortal Wine. None dared wager their lives again.

Thus, the proprietors had no choice but to flatter Du Chengfeng, humbly imploring him to continue patronizing their businesses, for his bulk purchases of coarse wine brought them considerable profit. In fact, the popularity of Immortal Wine benefitted them all, a truth they understood once they learned Du Chengfeng’s purpose for the wine.

No matter how unwilling they were, they could only swallow their grievances. After all, Du Chengfeng remained their most important customer.

Du Chengfeng held no intention of pursuing the matter further. The ringleader had been punished; as long as the others cooperated in the future, that would suffice. He issued a mild warning and let it rest.

After completing his purchases, Du Chengfeng returned to his newly acquired residence. He realized his estate lacked a signboard, and that the maids, stewards, and servants had not formally met him. He instructed the steward to gather everyone in the front courtyard. Quietly, he released the two hundred cloned soldiers from his system’s space, lining them up on either side.

Du Chengfeng planned for these two hundred cloned soldiers to disguise themselves and take up residence as guards of the estate, protecting his new home.

Upon hearing the new master’s summons, the maids and servants hurriedly put aside their tasks and gathered in the front courtyard. There, the imposing presence of the two hundred cloned soldiers left them speechless and trembling.

Du Chengfeng gestured for Steward Sun to approach. Sun, with some unease, carefully stepped forward and bowed his head, awaiting the new master’s instructions.

Du Chengfeng smiled calmly. “Steward Sun, you need not be afraid. These are my newly hired guards, loyal only to me. They will reside here and protect everyone.”

He beckoned one of the soldiers forward. “This is Zhao Long, their commander. You’ll get acquainted with him shortly.”

“Yes, yes,” replied Steward Sun, reverently.

Du Chengfeng surveyed the assembled crowd, his expression solemn. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Du Chengfeng. However you served your previous master, now that you remain, you are mine. My expectations are simple: absolute loyalty. For betrayal, there is only one outcome—death. Do you understand?”

“Understood!” the crowd cried, startled by Du Chengfeng’s sudden authority, their minds dispelling any thought of rebellion—the sight of two hundred soldiers with gleaming bayonets was certainly intimidating.

“Very well.” Du Chengfeng withdrew his aura, his tone softening. “I am a fair man. Here, there will be no distinction between master and servant, no superiority of men over women. All are equal.”

“I will have the government remove your slave status, and your contracts of servitude will be returned to you. When you address me, simply call me ‘young master.’ You need not refer to yourselves as slaves. Work earnestly and manage the estate well—I will not treat you poorly.”

He paused, then continued, “As for wages, ordinary maids and attendants will receive forty coins per day, stewards one hundred coins. Each person may take four days off per month. If you need leave, request it through the steward.”

“Most importantly, be united and respectful. Do not insult others, nor demean anyone for their origins. Anyone found doing so will be severely punished.” With that, he handed the slave certificates and contracts to Steward Sun for distribution.

The maids and servants listened as if entranced, staring at one another in disbelief.

Under centuries of feudal indoctrination, they had never imagined such a day would come. They had longed for freedom, but believed it a hopeless dream.

Moreover, Du Chengfeng had granted them such generous wages. In Chang’an, no wealthy household offered such pay to servants—a few coins a day was standard, ten or so was considered magnanimous.

One maid grabbed another’s hand, uttering emotionally, “Xiao Hong, pinch me, see if I’m dreaming!”

Xiao Hong delivered a sharp slap to her companion’s head. “Does it hurt?”

“It hurts a lot!” she replied, grinning through tears. The two instantly embraced, weeping with joy. “It’s real—we’re not dreaming. The young master truly cares for us.”

Their tears moved all who received their contracts; soon, everyone was crying, hugging each other in relief.

Steward Sun, a man of experience in his fifties, was himself moved to tears.

Du Chengfeng did not immediately stop them, allowing their emotions to flow. He understood well: after a lifetime of oppression, their sudden liberation was overwhelming.

He was a man from the modern world, brought here by fate to change the Tang Dynasty, to rewrite history.

He wished to build his ideal nation from this starting point, to consign those ancient, corrupt traditions to history, beginning with his new home.

After ten minutes of catharsis, the crowd gradually calmed. Du Chengfeng, seeing they had vented enough, spoke warmly, “The shadows of the past have gone. Many good days await you. Never forget—you are dignified human beings, with your own dreams, and the right to pursue happiness.”

“From now on, treat this place as your home. Love and care for one another. If anyone bullies you, tell me. If I am absent, tell Commander Zhao. I will stand up for you, remember?”

“Young master! We will remember!” They responded in unison.

In that moment, all grievances vanished. They felt fortunate to have been kept on.

They sensed that the young master truly accepted them as family, forbidding anyone to mistreat them.

With so many protectors, everyone silently vowed to fulfill the young master’s every command—even to sacrifice their lives, if necessary.

“Good!” Du Chengfeng, seeing their tearful smiles, felt a surge of pride. He smiled contentedly, cleared his throat, and continued, “Now, for arrangements: Steward Sun, I’ll write a signboard for the gate, which you’ll have crafted and hung up. Make sure it’s grand. Also, arrange for a large cellar to be dug in the rear courtyard—the bigger, the better. Build some simple wooden houses for the guards, to be improved later. Everyone else, tidy and repair the estate.”

He handed Steward Sun a thousand strings of coins for the signboard and construction.

Steward Sun, receiving the money, was deeply moved by the young master’s trust and kindness, determined to manage the estate well.

The previous master had not treated them badly, but they were merely servants. Du Chengfeng, though a young man, truly regarded them as equals. Such a day had been beyond their wildest dreams.

The maids and attendants went joyfully about their tasks, their laughter filling the air and breathing new life into the estate.

Du Chengfeng quietly savored it all, deeply satisfied. This was the home he had dreamed of—a place of warmth and shelter, where one could find comfort and belonging.