Chapter 2: The Coiled Serpent

"I know exactly what to do." Shen Fangxu already had a plan in mind.

Three days later, Shen Fangxu set off with the team. It was perfectly normal for a father to see his young daughter off as she headed out to open up new land. What was unusual, however, was the sheer scale of this group of mortals and their cargo—seventy full wagons in all.

He had borrowed these wagons from the local stable, and even recruited a squad of cultivator escorts from a friend.

Their grand convoy slowly and neatly departed from the Shen estate, while a servant from the Ren family, who had been watching them all along, snorted coldly before turning and running swiftly back to make his report.

Because mortals traveled slowly, the long convoy took a full half month to reach Serpent Coil Mountain, just before the end of June.

They were received by a minor county official from Mei County, surnamed Zhao—a plump, amiable man with a ready smile.

Truth be told, Officer Zhao had a favorable impression of this new Shen family. He thought to himself: At least they're earnest about cultivating new land, bringing people, supplies, and all manner of farm tools. They're far better than those so-called pioneers who turn up alone, intending to lay about on Mei Mountain, idling their days away.

"This here is the great lake atop Serpent Coil Mountain," Officer Zhao said, gesturing toward the vast expanse before them.

The lake was truly immense, shrouded with a hazy mist that lent it an ethereal, boundless beauty.

At that moment, patches of faint white fog rose from the lake's surface—manifestations of the lake's abundant water spiritual energy. Through the drifting mists, one could vaguely see countless islands scattered like chess pieces upon the water.

"This lake is huge!" Qinghu exclaimed in awe.

"Indeed, Lord Shen," Officer Zhao replied with a smile at the young girl. "This lake is enormous—don’t be fooled by its mountaintop location. It stretches a full three hundred li in circumference."

Qinghu immediately asked in surprise, "That large? I’ve never seen such a vast mountaintop lake in any of the geographic records of the human provinces."

"Of course! Otherwise, how would this be the Eastern Wilds? In the great wilderness, anything unusual is possible. The lake is over eighty zhang deep, and at its bottom runs a massive channel connecting to an underground river.

The Eastern Wilds aren’t immune to drought, but the water level of this lake has never once fallen."

Officer Zhao’s introduction wholly captured Qinghu’s interest.

"A direct connection to an underground river, with an unwavering water level, immune to drought—this place truly is ideal for building a domain," Qinghu praised.

But inwardly, she thought: Perfect for my family’s fish to thrive! We’ll never have to worry about running out of food in the lake—there’s an underground river, an endless food source. We can feast our way down the river if we like.

"Exactly, exactly," Officer Zhao beamed. "This really is one of the ten best sites for new settlements in the whole county." Except, of course, for the rather unfortunate problem of the frequent, inexplicable emergence of ferocious beasts...

Ahem, that single flaw was frightening enough. No less than six previous lords had died here, none surviving even half a year.

"We’ll take this place," little Qinghu declared with a grand sweep of her small hand, quite like a child sure her father would cover the bill.

The sight nearly made Qingzhen burst out laughing.

Shen Fangxu stroked his beard, but refrained from scolding her—there were outsiders present, after all.

"If you have no objections, that’s wonderful. I really do believe this is a particularly good territory. And, unlike other domains with merely half a year’s tax exemption, you’ll enjoy a full year free of taxes here."

"What? We have to pay taxes?" Qinghu asked in astonishment.

"Ahem, didn’t your family mention that every new domain owes a pioneering tax of a hundred thousand jin of grain and fifty thousand jin of meat each year?" Officer Zhao asked, equally surprised.

"No, and that’s far too much! Our family only harvests three hundred thousand jin of grain and eighty thousand jin of meat in a year," Qinghu replied.

"Enough. Officer Zhao, rest assured, our family will pay the pioneering tax in full by next autumn," Shen Fangxu hastily interjected, bowing in apology.

Officer Zhao glanced at Qinghu, then at her father, thinking this must be another daughter causing headaches for her old man.

"Do remember, annual tax payments are mandatory."

"Of course, of course, we’ll pay in full," Shen Fangxu replied at once.

"Previous lords have built many houses around the lake—some on the shore, some on the islands. The most recent are those on the peninsula, constructed by your immediate predecessor. They're nearly new," Officer Zhao said, leading them onto the peninsula.

The peninsula was slender, like a pointing finger. Its "wrist" joined the lakeshore, not far from the mountain pass they’d used to arrive.

Looking across the small island, one saw forests of ironwood everywhere.

Eastern Wilds ironwood was prized for building bows, arrows, and houses. Judging by the size and girth of these trees, they must have grown for fifty or sixty years.

"These ironwoods were planted sixty years ago by a pioneering lord," Officer Zhao explained.

Skirting the outer edge of the peninsula’s ironwoods, they came upon a clearing scattered with the ruined shells of peasant cottages—a filthy, ramshackle village.

Qinghu stepped right over the broken half of a hoe. Just a few paces away, half a skull lay in the grass.

Xiaobai nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight, but was quickly pulled away by Qingzhen’s attendant, Clear Spring.

"In the Eastern Wilds, skeletons are a common sight. Don’t let it trouble you. These houses, though battered, are still serviceable with a bit of repair," Officer Zhao reassured them.

The three members of the Shen family fixed their gaze on the stained walls, marked everywhere with filth and dried blood.

"None of that affects the structural materials," Officer Zhao added helpfully.

The Shen family: "..."

"Ahem, of course, you could always tear them down and rebuild."

"We’ll rebuild," Shen Fangxu decided at once. "Seeing those things every day would be sickening."

"Very well, do as you see fit. Every month you manage to hold this new domain, Mei Mountain offers a reward. I’ll return after you’ve been here a month—if you haven’t given up and still intend to continue, I’ll provide a small batch of seeds on behalf of Mei County."

"That’s wonderful news. Many thanks, Lord of Mei County."

"We’re all human here—diligent pioneers deserve their rewards," Officer Zhao replied. "By the way, my name is Zhao Housheng."

"Lord Zhao," everyone saluted in unison.

Officer Zhao waved off their bows. "Until next month, then." Shen Fangxu saw him off with courtesy—and a generous gift of twenty red gold coins.

Officer Zhao departed, well pleased.

As soon as he was gone, Shen Fangxu began giving orders.

"Qingzhen, take some of the strapping lads you’ve gotten to know these past weeks and pitch your sister’s tent first. Then set up the others. However many tents you need before dark, make sure they’re up."

"Yes, sir," Qingzhen replied, gathering a few sturdy youths to help.

"Old Zhao, you take your team and start rebuilding the houses for Qinghu and her brother. Move out all the materials we brought and work fast—I want the foundations dug by nightfall."

"Yes, sir," Old Zhao answered, and left with his crew.

"The rest of you, come help unload the wagons. Once these carts are empty, they’ll be leaving. I’ll take some people to escort the carters and escorts back to Mei County, and pick up more daily necessities. If you need any farming tools, tell me now—I’ll get them while I’m there."