Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

He swallowed hard in disbelief. Then he received a large, round, white thing that looked like bread but wasn't. The aroma on it was simply irresistible.

This was naturally the white flour steamed bun that Link had introduced, since it was much simpler to make than bread.

Link knew that these slaves were malnourished and needed to eat easily digestible and energy-rich food, so he specially ordered white flour buns and rice porridge to be prepared.

"Delicious, so delicious."

The slave took a big bite of the steamed bun, and the soft texture and sweet taste spread in his mouth. This was the most delicious food he had ever eaten.

His eyes were filled with satisfaction and happiness, as if at this moment he had forgotten all the suffering and torment.

"Hey, there's one more. Take it quickly, I still need to distribute it to the people behind me," the city guard in front urged.

"This is mine too?" The slave took another steamed bun in disbelief. His hand trembled slightly, as if he were receiving an incomparably precious treasure.

"One bowl of porridge and two steamed buns for everyone. You don't have to if you don't want them," the city guard said as he continued to distribute the food to the people behind him.

129. Arrangement

In the square of Winterfell, sunlight bathed every inch of the land, casting a warm golden glow on this area that had just undergone new changes.

A crowd gathered, filled with both anticipation and uncertainty.

At this moment, Bai rushed over with several soldiers, carrying a pile of wooden bowls in their arms and hands, their steps hurried yet filled with excitement.

“Sir, I borrowed a bowl from the townspeople,” Bai said loudly.

Link stood on the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the pile of wooden bowls. He frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, "These were given voluntarily by the city's residents, not forcibly taken by you, were they?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority that made Bai and the soldiers straighten their backs.

Bai put down the basin containing the wooden bowl, which collided with the bowl, making a crisp sound.

She smiled and said, "My lord, don't worry. We just went out and told the city lord that you needed a bowl, and everyone brought out their own bowls. Everyone was very kind and said they would go back to their homes to find more if it wasn't enough."

Link nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. He looked at Bai and earnestly reminded him, "After you're done using it, be sure to wash it clean and return it to them. They need to eat lunch. If there's any damage, you have to compensate them. We can't take things from the people for free; that's a principle."

Bai nodded vigorously, his eyes resolute, and said, "Sir, don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'll go help distribute the food now."

“Okay, go ahead. Be careful not to rush, and keep things in order,” Link said.

Bai responded and then led the soldiers to get to work.

They arranged the wooden bowls neatly one by one, then ladled food from a large pot beside them. The food was steaming hot and emitted an enticing aroma, causing the people below to crane their necks to look.

Link stood on the high platform, watching as the people in front of him began to eat. Their faces were filled with satisfaction; some were wolfing down their food, while others were savoring it in small bites.

Link's lips curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile. He said loudly, "You must be very curious about what that white thing is, right?"

Upon hearing Link's words, the people below the stage stopped what they were doing and looked up at him.

A somewhat disheveled old man, with messy hair and a bit of dust on his face, was biting into a steamed bun and said indistinctly, "Lord City Lord, what is this? It's so delicious. I've lived this long and never eaten anything so soft and sweet."

Link smiled and said, "This is called a steamed bun, a specialty of our Winter City. It's made from the finest flour through careful fermentation, kneading, and steaming. You're in for a treat from now on. Now, eat while you listen to me." Link continued.

This time, everyone's attention was focused on the city lord on the stage. Even those who were eating slowed down, looked up, and listened intently, while still putting food into their mouths.

Link took a deep breath, his expression turning serious. He slowly said, "I know you were all slaves before you came here, and I'm the one who bought you. You must have suffered a lot along the way."

Perhaps it was the word "slave" that caused the people below to react in different ways.

Some sighed, their sighs filled with helplessness and bitterness; some clenched their fists in resentment, their knuckles turning white from the force, their eyes flashing with anger; others had already become accustomed to it, their faces showing little expression, simply lowering their heads silently.

Link felt a pang of pain in his heart as he looked at their reaction. He continued, "However, what I want from you here is not just obedient tools of labor. I know that everyone has their own thoughts, their own dreams, and they all yearn for freedom and dignity. I can tell you now that after I finish speaking and you finish eating, if you want to leave, I won't stop you."

"Will they really let us go?" A timid voice came from below the stage, a voice tinged with doubt and surprise.

The slaves below the stage erupted in uproar, whispering amongst themselves and wondering if the lord on the stage had gone mad.

"They bought us, and now they say they can release us? Is there such a good thing in this world?" someone muttered.

Link didn't rush to explain. He waited until the audience quieted down a bit before saying, "But outside, you will still be living as slaves, constantly on the run and wandering. You have no legal status, like rootless duckweed, and you could be swallowed up by the storms of life at any time. Who knows when you will be caught by those human traffickers again and fall back into that endless darkness."

Indeed, these people had no legal status, and most of them even bore various marks of slavery, which acted like shackles, imprisoning their freedom and future.

Link changed the subject, his tone becoming impassioned: "But here, I will give you a different life. You will have your own place to live, though it will be a simple house, but it will shelter you from the wind and rain and give you a warm haven. And I can guarantee that you will have three meals a day, and you will no longer be insulted or whipped. Here, you are equal, and your dignity will be respected."

"Of course, this life isn't free. There's no such thing as a free lunch; you have to pay for what you want. You can choose to work for me. If you're good at farming, my territory is vast, so you can cultivate and harvest your own food. If you have any other skills, feel free to mention them—whether you're a carpenter, blacksmith, or tailor, we need all sorts of talents here. If you really don't know anything, that's okay too. There's a mine in the west of the city where you can work. You'll receive a monthly wage, although it's only a few copper coins a day, but it's yours to use to buy what you want and improve your lives."

Upon hearing Link's words, the crowd below erupted in cheers. They were like people who had been lost in the darkness for a long time, suddenly seeing a glimmer of light, and the flame of hope ignited in their hearts.

"Can we eat this kind of food every day?" a young slave asked cautiously, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"I'm a carpenter, is there any work for me?" A middle-aged man stood up and asked loudly, a confident smile on his face.

"I used to be a farmer. I know how to farm, and I can grow a lot of delicious vegetables," an old farmer said excitedly. His hands were calloused from years of hard work, but they were clasped together tightly, as if he could already see himself working hard in the fields.

……

Link raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, looking at the eager eyes of the people below the stage.

He laughed and said, "Yes, all of this is true. Not only that, I, the Lord of the North and Princess Safina's husband, hereby declare that as long as you work diligently in Winterfell for two years, I will revoke your status as slaves. You will be able to become commoners of Winterfell, my citizens. Your descendants will no longer have to bear the burden of slavery, and you will begin a new life with your own future."

A lord of a territory has the right to release his slaves from their slave status and take them into his own people.

However, most people are unwilling to do this because it means they are losing a source of free labor.

In the eyes of many, slaves are tools that can be used at will without paying too much of a price, and no one would be willing to give up such "convenience" easily.

If the previous words made these people feel that their food and shelter were guaranteed, then Link's current offer to free them from slavery rekindled their hope for life.

This hope was like a fire, igniting their deepest longing for freedom and dignity.

"Really? If we work hard for two years, you're willing to free us from our slave status and make us your citizens!"

Several people stood up excitedly in an instant, their voices trembling with excitement.

An old man in his forties tightly gripped the hand of a twelve or thirteen-year-old child next to him. His cloudy eyes were misty with tears, and his lips trembled slightly, but he couldn't utter a single word.

The child opened his big eyes and looked around curiously. He then looked up at the old man and seemed to sense the old man's excitement. He also gripped the old man's hand tightly in return.

"This is my promise to you, and also a promise to those who will come later, who will share your status as slaves."

Link drew his sword from his waist, the blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight. He pointed to the sky and said, "I swear that if I break this oath, may I be struck down by the heavens and the earth."

"Alright, that's all I wanted to say. Those who still wish to leave after eating, please go to the main gate. You can get a few steamed buns as food for your journey. It's not many, but hopefully they'll keep you from going hungry. Those who decide to stay, please stay put after you finish eating. Someone will come to register your information shortly, and then..."

Link paused for a moment, a mischievous smile appearing on his face, and joked, "Afterwards, I'll have you take a good bath by the river outside the city. I don't want you to bring other guests, like fleas, into your new house. We need to be clean and tidy to welcome our new life."

As Link spoke, he stepped off the stage and said to Bai beside him, "I'll leave the arrangements for the rest of the time to you. Just do as I say. Make sure every step is well-organized so that everyone can feel our sincerity and enthusiasm."

"Um, sir, what if some of them really want to leave?" Bai asked, a hint of worry on his face.

"Didn't I just say to give them a few steamed buns and let them go?"

Link chuckled, "You can't force a melon to ripen. If I force them to stay, I can only keep their bodies, not their hearts. What I want is for them to genuinely want to stay here and contribute their strength to our Winter City."

"But you paid for them all," Bai said with a touch of heartache. In her opinion, it was such a waste to let these people go like this.

Link shook his head and said earnestly, "Bai, you must understand that money is just an external thing, while people's hearts are the most precious. Only when everyone is genuinely willing to stay here can our Winter City truly prosper. Alright, I'm leaving now. I'm leaving things to you. Let me know if anything happens."

With that, Link turned and left. His steps were firm and powerful, as if carrying an invisible force that inspired everyone around him.

Unbeknownst to Link, a group of people behind him were watching the receding figure with hopeful eyes.

This person brought unprecedented light into their dark lives, allowing them to see the possibilities of the future.

They knew that from this moment on, their lives would undergo a dramatic change.

Bai looked at the slaves on the ground, who had all finished their meals. Their eyes even showed a hint of impatience, as if they couldn't wait to start their new lives.

"You've all finished eating. I'll ask you one last time: if you want to leave, you can come up ahead and get food for your journey."

Bai gave a final reminder, her voice loud and clear, echoing across the square.

But after a long while, no one came out.

Everyone stood there quietly, their eyes filled with determination and expectation. They had made their choice to stay in this place that gave them hope.

Bai nodded with satisfaction. In her mind, anyone who refused the kindness shown to them by the city lord would be incredibly ungrateful.

"Since you have all chosen to stay, someone will go down to find out about you, and then take you to a river outside the city to wash off the filth. From today onwards, you will embrace a new life with a fresh start."

After Bai finished speaking, he began to have people clear away the bowls while saying to the soldiers next to him, "Go and call over the person in charge of registration. Be quick."

"Commander Bai, you can handle things from here on out. If they act ungratefully, just let me know," a soldier said.

"It's okay, I'll handle it."

Looking into those hopeful eyes, Bai thought of the people of Winter City in the past. Didn't they also just yearn for a better life?

Everyone has the right to pursue happiness, regardless of their past identity.

Bai said to the few people he had brought with him, "Go and ask them one by one. The city lord instructed us to write down all those with special skills. Winter City needs all kinds of talents right now, so everyone should take this seriously."

These are all subordinates handpicked by Bai. There are too few management talents in Winter City now, while the number of things that need to be managed in Winter City is increasing, so she can only rely on herself to lead them.

Although they were young, they were full of enthusiasm and energy, and they nodded in agreement when they heard Bai's words.

Having received Bai's order, the group took out parchment and pens and began to record information one by one. They went into the crowd and patiently inquired about each person's situation.

“My name is Tyk, I’m forty-one years old. I used to be a farmer, but I offended the nobles of the territory and was stripped of my property and sent to be a slave,” said a burly man. His face bore a trace of vicissitude, but his eyes revealed tenacity and indomitable spirit.

"What are you good at growing?" the person taking notes asked.

“I can grow all kinds of vegetables. I’ve been working in the fields with my parents since I was a child, so I have a lot of experience in planting. Whether it’s cabbage, radish, cucumber, or tomato, I can grow them big and good,” Tek said confidently, a proud smile on his face.

"Name, age, what you did before, why you became a slave, and any skills you have," the person recording continued, following the procedure.

“My name is George, I’m twenty-five years old, and I’m a carpenter. But because of gambling, I’ve lost everything. I used to have a happy family, a gentle and virtuous wife, and a lovely child. But because of gambling, I lost all my possessions and incurred huge debts. My wife left me with the child, and because I couldn’t repay the debts, I was sold into slavery.” As George spoke, tears welled up in his eyes, and his face was filled with regret and self-reproach.

"How long have you been a carpenter?" the scribe asked, trying to distract him and ease his sadness.

“My father was a carpenter, and I learned from him when I was little. He was very skilled, and he taught me a lot. But… but he died of anger because I incurred huge gambling debts. I’m so sorry to him, and I’m so sorry to my family.” George said, tears welling up in his eyes.

The person who wrote the record comforted him, saying, "Let bygones be bygones. Now you have a fresh start. In Winter City, you can rediscover your talents and live a new life."

George nodded, wiped away his tears, and said, "I will. I will work hard and live up to the Lord's expectations."

“My name is Hankson, and I’m twenty-two years old. I fled here because of the war, but I had no source of income. I was so hungry that I had to steal, and I was eventually caught and became a slave,” a thin young man said, his eyes filled with fear and unease.

“It’s alright, you’ll be treated fairly here. What are your specialties?” the person recording asked gently.

“I…I don’t have any special skills, but I’m quite strong. I can work in the mine. I will definitely work hard and earn more money,” Hankson said, his eyes revealing determination and resolve.

“My name is Baker, and I’m twenty-eight years old. I’m a soldier in the Western Frontier. Because of the war between the First Prince and the Second Prince, we were defeated, and I became a slave. After changing hands several times, I ended up here,” said a tall, upright man with the resolute and courageous look of a soldier on his face.

"What skills did you learn in the army?" the person taking notes asked.

“I am skilled in horseback riding and archery, and I am an excellent archer in the army. If given the opportunity, I hope to continue to use my skills in the army of Winterfell to protect our homeland,” Beck said, his eyes shining as if he had returned to the time when he was fighting bravely on the battlefield.

As information was recorded, Bai learned that these people, who had once been tormented by fate, were about to begin a new chapter in their lives in Winter City.

And Winter City will become more prosperous and beautiful thanks to their efforts.

130. Request for help

To the east of Winterfell lies a tranquil and beautiful lake, like a dazzling pearl left behind by Mother Earth.

The lake is surrounded by lush mountains, and the surroundings are so tranquil that time seems to stand still.

The lake water is crystal clear, and the fine sand, swaying aquatic plants, and colorful pebbles on the bottom are clearly visible.

Under the sunlight, the lake water shimmered, its sparkling light like countless tiny diamonds dancing, or like a huge, bright mirror, perfectly capturing the surrounding beauty. It complemented the blue sky and white clouds, creating a breathtakingly beautiful picture.

Along the lake shore lies a vast expanse of grassland, lush and green, its tender green hue as if sketched by nature with the most delicate brushstrokes.

Wildflowers of various colors are scattered among the flowers, some as red as fire, some as pink as the sunset, some as white as snow, and some as yellow as gold. They sway gently in the breeze, like a group of fairies in colorful clothes dancing gracefully.

A gentle breeze blows, and the flowers and grasses sway softly, releasing a fragrant aroma. The scent is fresh and pleasant, mixed with the fragrance of the soil and the moist scent of the lake water, making people feel relaxed and happy, as if all their troubles have been swept away by this fragrance.

On this day, a group of special guests arrived at the lake.

This group included both men and women who had been imprisoned and oppressed slaves, living in darkness and suffering for a long time, enduring torment and humiliation.

Their faces were etched with weariness and vicissitudes, their bodies covered with scars and stains, and every step they took was heavy and difficult.

However, they have now encountered a turning point in their fate, as if they have seen a glimmer of hope from the abyss of darkness.

Bai specially invited several local women over and said to them, "Please take these sisters to bathe upstream, so they can relax. They've endured so much suffering; it's time for them to enjoy a moment of peace and comfort."

The women nodded enthusiastically, their faces beaming with genuine smiles, smiles as warm and welcoming as the spring sunshine.

They stepped forward, took the women's hands, and walked upstream chatting and laughing.