Under Cheng Xu's careful supervision, the artisans of Gao Family Village gradually shifted away from their previous disorderly methods and began producing equipment according to structured plans and clearly defined priorities.
In the past, Li Daoxuan would simply give general instructions and leave the details to the villagers, having neither the time nor the inclination to involve himself in operational management. While his guidance provided direction, it lacked the refinement necessary for efficient production, resulting in situations where artisans worked enthusiastically but without coordination, often producing items that were not immediately needed while more urgent equipment remained unfinished.
Cheng Xu's arrival changed that completely.
"I require fifty small hand crossbows," Cheng Xu ordered calmly.
At once, several carpenters were reassigned from their previous tasks. Furniture and door construction were temporarily halted as these craftsmen redirected their full attention toward crossbow production, their efforts now guided by a centralized command rather than individual initiative.
Previously, such coordination would have been impossible, as the artisans had no comprehensive understanding of Gao Family Village's strategic needs. Each man worked according to his own assumptions, resulting in wasted labor and uneven output. Now, with proper leadership and planning, every effort served a clear purpose.
As Gao Family Village continued to grow and attract capable individuals, the importance of organizational hierarchy became increasingly apparent.
Recognizing this necessity, the artisans unanimously nominated Li Da to serve as Master Artisan, believing his technical knowledge and experience made him the most suitable candidate for the position. However, Li Da declined without hesitation, as his personal research already consumed all of his attention, leaving him unwilling to shoulder administrative responsibilities.
The role therefore passed to Gao Yiyi.
From that moment onward, Gao Yiyi assumed full authority over the Craftsman Well, his status elevated significantly within the village's internal structure.
While Gao Family Village flourished in preparation for the Spring Festival, far beyond its walls wandered a man whose circumstances could not have been more different.
His name was Flat Rabbit.
He was a bandit.
The name itself was proof enough.
Months earlier, when Wang Er ignited his rebellion, Flat Rabbit had eagerly joined the movement, convinced that this was his opportunity to achieve greatness. Unfortunately, he possessed neither reputation nor followers, and without influence, he could not secure a place within the rebel hierarchy.
Undeterred, he set out alone, armed with nothing more than a rusted sword passed down from his grandfather and two dry biscuits for sustenance. In a reckless display of defiance, he assaulted a tax collector who had come to his village, thereby condemning himself to a life from which there was no return.
His original intention had been simple.
He wanted to find Wang Er.
Even serving as a minor subordinate would have satisfied him, for proximity to such a renowned rebel leader promised future advancement.
Fate, however, had other plans.
Before Flat Rabbit could locate him, Wang Er was captured and executed by Patrol Inspector Cheng Xu, and with his death, the rebellion in Chengcheng County collapsed almost overnight.
Flat Rabbit was left stranded.
He could not return home, as he had already attacked a government official and would certainly be arrested. He could not enter the county town, where authorities maintained strict surveillance. Nor could he find another rebel force willing to accept an unknown wanderer.
He was alone.
To survive, he scavenged wild vegetables, gnawed on grass roots, and occasionally stole small amounts of grain from landlords when opportunity permitted. Each day was a struggle against starvation, and over time, his body grew weaker as hunger steadily consumed him.
Eventually, even walking became difficult.
Then, one day, through blurred vision and fading consciousness, he saw something unexpected.
A village.
Green wheat fields stretched outward in orderly rows, their vitality forming a stark contrast against the surrounding desolation. At the center stood a fortified manor, its walls strong and imposing, accompanied by several smaller settlements nearby.
Hope ignited within him.
Summoning the last of his strength, Flat Rabbit staggered toward it, driven by pure instinct and the desperate desire to survive.
If he could beg for food, he would beg.
If he could not beg, he would steal.
Survival left no room for pride.
As he entered the village, a voice called down from above.
"Newcomer?"
Flat Rabbit looked up and saw a guard standing atop the fortress wall.
It was Gao Laba.
Recognizing that provoking armed retainers would be foolish in his current state, Flat Rabbit lowered his posture and spoke honestly.
"I came to beg for food."
Gao Laba observed his emaciated appearance briefly before pointing toward the manor gate.
"Go there. Steward Tan is distributing food."
Flat Rabbit was momentarily stunned, uncertain whether he had heard correctly, but his hunger left no room for hesitation. He stumbled toward the gate, where he soon saw a platform surrounded by assistants distributing steamed white flour buns to the gathered refugees.
They were real white flour buns.
Not husks.
Not substitutes.
Real food.
Flat Rabbit rushed forward, his voice trembling with exhaustion.
"I'm hungry…"
Steward Tan studied him carefully, his expression softening as he recognized the unmistakable signs of prolonged starvation. Without comment, he handed Flat Rabbit three buns, then paused briefly before adding a fourth.
"Eat slowly," he advised gently. "Do not choke."
Flat Rabbit collapsed onto the ground and devoured the buns with desperate urgency, nearly choking in his haste. An assistant quickly handed him a bowl of water, allowing him to swallow and breathe again.
Warmth gradually returned to his body.
For the first time in months, he felt alive.
After he finished eating, Steward Tan spoke again.
"Brother, did you come here seeking work?"
Flat Rabbit hesitated.
"There is work here?"
Steward Tan explained the situation patiently, describing how newcomers could remain in Gao Family Village, receive food, and earn wages through honest labor.
Flat Rabbit listened in silence, his thoughts turbulent.
These were good people.
Kind people.
He could not bring himself to steal from them.
He had his principles.
He only robbed those who oppressed the common folk, not those who fed the starving.
But working under someone else's command…
That was another matter entirely.
Impossible.
Never.
Not in this lifetime.
He would rather join a rebel army and earn glory through battle.
Just as he reached this conclusion, a voice rang out nearby.
"Carpenters needed urgently!"
Gao Yiyi stepped forward and announced loudly,
"The Craftsman Well requires carpenters. Monthly wages include one hundred catties of grain, ten catties of meat, one catty of salt, one catty of sugar, and one catty of oil. Apprentices are also accepted. Training apprentices will receive food, and once skilled, they will receive full wages equal to master craftsmen."
The crowd erupted immediately, as refugees surged forward to volunteer.
Flat Rabbit froze.
His heart pounded violently.
Such wages were beyond anything he had ever imagined.
Before he could stop himself, his hand shot into the air.
"Me," he blurted out.
"I am willing to learn."