They continued toward the gates. But as they walked, Master Qiao's expression grew more serious. He'd been thinking about something since his earlier tour."Village Chief Yun," he said in an elder's teaching tone, "I noticed today that your students carry two texts. The Analects of Confucius is appropriate as it contains the words of sages that are essential for moral education. But the other text concerns me.""Mathematics?" Yun Kai asked, sensing where this was going."Precisely. Mathematics is a craftsman's tool, suitable for merchants and accountants. But elevating it to the same status as Confucian classics? That's inappropriate. It's the minor path, not the great way." Master Qiao's voice carried genuine concern. "I hope you'll reconsider this curriculum choice. Abolish the mathematics requirement and focus students' limited time on proper scholarly subjects."Yun Kai hesitated. As someone with a more modern ideology and way of life, he understood mathematics' fundamental import

[WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT]Since player villages have exceeded 1,000 worldwide, the Player Ranking System is now active. Rankings will be calculated based on military strength, economic power, and cultural development. Prepare for evaluation.Yun Kai had expected this. The ranking system was a major feature that activated once enough settlements reached certain development thresholds. It would create competitive dynamics, driving players to improve their territories.The second announcement appeared:[WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT]The system will enter maintenance mode for one hour. During this time, all player functions will be suspended while updates are implemented. Please prepare accordingly.That was... unusual. System maintenance happened occasionally in game worlds, but it was typically scheduled far in advance with clear communication. This felt abrupt.The third announcement made Yun Kai's blood run cold.[WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT]Following maintenance completion, the world timeline will advance

Yun Kai hadn't been seen in Spiritrock Village for nearly three months. During that absence, much had occurred — some expected, some not. But Jiang Lao had managed everything with steady competence."I'm back," Yun Kai confirmed, returning the bow. "Tell me everything. How has the village fared?"Over the next hour, Jiang Lao provided a comprehensive report. Yun Kai listened carefully, occasionally asking clarifying questions, mentally cataloging every detail.The young administrator's capability impressed him deeply. Jiang Lao was handling responsibilities that could easily occupy a county-level official. Managing a village of this size — even an exceptionally large one, was honestly beneath his talents. But that overqualification meant everything ran smoothly."No major incidents?" Yun Kai asked. "No conflicts, disasters, or threats?""Nothing serious, my lord. A few civil disputes like property boundaries, water rights, that sort of thing. I adjudicated each according to the legal

After leaving the village, Yun Kai headed directly toward Cloudville City. Léi Shén accompanied him — a necessary precaution given the complicated relationship between Yun Kai and the county magistrate.The magistrate wouldn't give up easily. Especially after witnessing Spiritrock Village's current prosperity, his greed would only intensify. He coveted what Yun Kai had built — that much was obvious from his transparent attempts to extract taxes ahead of schedule.But the magistrate didn't know the village's true military strength. If he did, his covetousness would transform into fear. Spiritrock Village hadn't quite reached parity with the county's forces, but the gap was closing at alarming speed. Even an incompetent administrator would sense the crisis in that trajectory.The primary purpose of this trip was meeting with Master Qiao to finalize wine business details. Basic pricing had been established during their last discussion, but implementation specifics remained unresolved. Di

Meanwhile, in Cloudville City, Master Qiao sat in his private study examining a sheet of dark yellow paper. His eyes scanned the elegant calligraphy repeatedly, each reading bringing fresh appreciation.The poem was extraordinary. Genuinely extraordinary. Master Qiao had studied classical literature his entire life. He recognized brilliance when he encountered it.And this poem — "Bring in the Wine" — was brilliant.The imagery was vivid. The emotions were powerful. The technical execution was masterful. Whoever had composed this possessed literary talent of the highest caliber.The fact that it came from Village Chief Yun was shocking. The young man seemed preoccupied with commerce and administration — practical concerns that suggested a mind focused on material success rather than artistic achievement.Yet here was proof of extraordinary cultural refinement. The contrast was fascinating."Don't you see the Yellow River's water come from heaven, rushing to the sea, never to return? D