“Not at all, Mr. Parker, my surname is Li. If you don’t mind, just call me Old Thompson.” Mr. Thompson hurriedly declined. The title “师爷” wasn’t an official position, and to be addressed this way by someone even the great general treated with such respect—he truly didn’t dare accept it.

“Heh, Old Thompson.” Evan Parker didn’t stand on ceremony and immediately changed his address: “Let’s forget about this manor. If you’re willing, why not set up a proper inn here? That way, travelers passing by will have a place to rest.”

“Absolutely, Mr. Parker, you always think of everything. All the travelers will benefit from your generosity.” Mr. Thompson dared not go against Evan Parker’s wishes. After all, this was his territory—whatever he said, went.

After a half-day’s rest, the bustling craftsmen got back to work. There wasn’t much else here, but there was never any shortage of timber. The local wood was of excellent quality, and supplying enough for an inn was a mere trifle. As for lime, clay, and other materials, everyone had come fully prepared—it seemed everything had been arranged well in advance. This county magistrate was quite an interesting character.

The craftsmen began their work, and Evan Parker didn’t stay to watch. He went up the mountain alone, sitting idly and gazing at the Fist Mark Lake below. Mr. Thompson didn’t have to do manual labor, but he had to supervise everyone and didn’t dare say much. Since Evan Parker had only mentioned building an inn, they simply followed the head craftsman’s lead and constructed a replica of the best inn in the county town.

Naturally, it couldn’t be finished in a single day, so everyone had to stay here. After sitting for a while, Evan Parker went alone into the dense forest, hunted some game, and brought it back to his simple tea shack. After all, these people were working for him—a small reward was only right. As for the tea shack, with so many people around, it simply became the place for meals and drinks.

It seemed the county magistrate had already given everyone a pep talk, as they all treated Evan Parker, who looked like an ordinary young man, with great respect and worked at a brisk pace. Despite the speed, the quality was excellent. In less than two days, an inn rivaling those in the county town stood by the official road. Of course, it was just the framework—nothing had been furnished inside yet.

But that was no problem for these skilled craftsmen. All the tables, chairs, benches, and other furniture were made on-site from freshly gathered timber. While the furniture was being built, the painters and decorators began carefully working on the inn’s interior.

Perhaps feeling that a lone inn here looked too abrupt, Mr. Thompson didn’t wait for Evan Parker to say anything and simply instructed the craftsmen to build several courtyards nearby. Together with the inn, it now resembled a small village by the roadside. This looked much more natural than a solitary inn—at least, it was easier on the eyes. Of course, all these courtyards and houses belonged to Evan Parker.

This time, in order to curry favor with Evan Parker, the county magistrate had spared no expense. Once the houses and inn were finished, Mr. Thompson eagerly came to report his success to Evan Parker. Everything was complete, all funded from the county’s coffers and presented as a gift.

Chapter Four: Sudden Windfall (Part Two)

As for these benefits delivered right to his door, Evan Parker gladly accepted them. After so long mingling among common folk, he’d learned a thing or two about social customs. If he refused, the county magistrate might think he found the gift too meager and could end up wasting even more resources, which would be a real shame. Besides, it was all for the general’s sake. If the chance arose, he could always put in a good word for the magistrate with the general.

When Mr. Thompson was about to leave, he repeatedly conveyed that the county magistrate had been very busy lately and was deeply apologetic for not being able to visit in person. He asked Mr. Thompson to apologize on his behalf, and promised to come personally as soon as he had time. Evan Parker understood the etiquette and, without any fuss, gave some of the fresh game he’d just hunted to Mr. Thompson as a token of thanks, along with a little extra.

With that, both host and guest were pleased. Mr. Thompson was quite happy—the task had gone well, a connection had been established, and both sides had exchanged gifts, making for a good start. This gentleman was very amiable, much easier to deal with than those bigwigs, and could get along with the servants. At least, Mr. Thompson had a very good impression of Evan Parker.

All these places and things now belonged to Evan Parker. According to Mr. Thompson, a few households would soon be relocated here to form a real little village. Of course, these people would be Evan Parker’s tenants, and the county magistrate had taken it upon himself to register the surrounding land in Evan Parker’s name. What’s more, this land was tax-exempt—the most thorough care possible.

Evan Parker didn’t care much about any of this. There wasn’t much arable land here to begin with, and having a few paces of land by the road was already good enough—he wouldn’t farm it anyway. But with an inn, the place would be a bit livelier. As long as the people around were all ordinary folk, there was no need to worry about any monsters or demons.