Chapter 115: Reform

After the meeting, each army began handling postwar affairs under the instructions of their respective chiefs.

The supplies in the warehouses were all carried out for inventory. Then the Bloodfang, Claw, and Witchwood Tribes each took one-fourth as spoils of war.

On the high platform in the central square, Lusha publicly announced the disposition of the Black wind Tribe people.

Upon learning they would become members of the Sinking Sand Tribe, the Black wind tribesmen generally thought this was the beginning of hell.

Just as the Black wind Tribe had enforced a hierarchy over conquered tribes, they had no doubt they themselves would now be treated and ordered around as inferiors by the Sinking Sand Tribe.

The result, however, was somewhat unexpected. The Sinking Sand Tribe people did not arbitrarily bully the Black wind tribesmen. Instead, they normally maintained order in the village and even intervened to stop members of other tribes from picking on them.

Of course, their relationship could hardly be called good—the attitude still remained rather cold.

That was normal. After all, no one would warmly smile at their former enemies. How to get along in the future was still a long road ahead for both sides.

Even so, this was enough to make many Black wind tribesmen feel remorse and shame.

Compared to the Sinking Sand Tribe, the things they themselves had done to defeated tribes in the past were far more excessive.

Two days later, all postwar matters were resolved, and the Blood fang, Claw, and Witchwood Tribe troops lined up their formations, preparing to return.

Before departing, the three chiefs made a major decision: they agreed to Lusha’s proposal to form a Lizardman Alliance.

The four chiefs made a pact that once their tribes had stabilized, they would gather together again to further discuss establishing the alliance.

For Lusha, this was the greatest achievement of the entire campaign.

Once the alliance was successfully formed and the tribes systematically developed large-scale breeding industries, the lizardmen would end their days of relying on the heavens for food and would never again have to worry about famine.

That evening, Lusha summoned Kerman and Xilong to his quarters—he had something to tell them.

“Tomorrow, I plan to take some tribesmen back to Bianshu Town, and at the same time return the cannons we borrowed.”

Lusha slowly voiced this decision in front of them.

“That must not be done, Chief!”

Kerman hurriedly tried to stop him. 

“We’ve only just taken over the Black wind Tribe’s village. Their elders have all committed suicide, and many matters require handling. You are our chief—the backbone of us all. At such a time, you cannot leave casually.”

He paused, then suggested: 

“Why not let me lead a few tribesmen back first? The clansmen stationed in Bianshu Town also need to be prepared for relocation in batches.”

“You yourself said there are many matters here that need handling. That’s all the more reason you need to stay.” 

Lusha said firmly. 

“Because you are better at handling these affairs than I am.”

Back in Bianshu Town, Lusha had learned some management skills from Owen—to boldly entrust certain tasks to capable people.

“But…”

Lusha raised his hand, cutting Kerman off.

“I also have my own considerations.”

He asked in return: 

“Kerman, in Bianshu Town you not only managed the temporary settlement well, but also privately studied human writing, didn’t you?”

“Yes, that’s true,” 

Kerman admitted.

“In the future, this place will engage in various exchanges with humans. It is most suitable for you, who are familiar with them, to take charge of such matters. As for me staying in Bianshu Town as chief, that will further strengthen ties between the two sides. This will benefit not only the Sinking Sand Tribe, but the entire lizardman race.”

To put it bluntly, Lusha wanted to take the easier job and let Kerman handle the complicated matters.

“Therefore, I want to appoint you as Acting Chief.”

“Acting Chief?” 

Kerman was shocked. 

“The chief is not dead, yet you want to establish such a position? This… there has never been such a precedent.”

“Wasn’t cooperating with humans itself something without precedent?”

Lusha didn’t mind at all. On the contrary, he felt the lizardmen placed too much emphasis on ancestral traditions.

It’s not that the ancestral teachings were wrong, just that some things are best seen and experienced firsthand.

“Well, that’s true.”

Even so, Kerman still felt very hesitant about serving as acting chieftain. He didn’t think he was fit for the role.

“Kerman, you’ll be fine.” 

Lusha continued to encourage him. 

“I trust in your abilities, and the tribe people trust you as well.”

He even gave an example: 

“The bonfire dance during the Spring Festival was your idea with me, and it greatly strengthened our friendship with the humans. I believe you can handle relations with the Black wind Tribe just as well.”

“…Alright then,”

After much thought, Kerman accepted the heavy responsibility.

“Don’t let me down.”

Patting Kerman on the shoulder, Lusha said cheerfully.

“I’ll return later to see how well you’ve managed the village. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll strip you of the position.”

“I won’t let the chief down.”

Kerman copied human etiquette, placing his right hand over his chest and bowing slightly.

Thus, the matter was settled. Then Lusha turned to Xilong.

“And you too, Xilong. As one of our finest warriors, I want you to stay behind as Kerman’s assistant and give him your full support.”

“I will, Chief.”

Was this truly farewell to Bianshu Town? Xilong’s eyes dimmed slightly. Perhaps he would never again share laughs with Brother Maddie.

Noticing his reluctance, Lusha added.

“Once the elders arrive and Kerman’s burden is lighter, I’ll transfer you over. With your skills, Xilong, you might even be of great use in Bianshu Town.”

“Thank you, Chief!”

Hearing this, Xilong’s eyes brightened once again.

“Oh, that’s right.”

Finally, Lusha turned back to Kerman, reminding him: 

“Kerman, remember to take a group of Black wind tribesmen to our old village. Bury the remains in the central square with proper land, and set up a stone monument to commemorate our fallen.”

“I understand, Chief.” 

Kerman nodded.

The next morning, Lusha set off quietly from the village with several strong tribesmen, pushing the cannons along with them.

…

Bianshu Town.

While Rusha led his people into battle, Owen—drawing on Winston’s experience—carried out sweeping reforms of the Town Hall, setting up several departments to handle the affairs of Bianshu Town.

• Finance Department, in charge of financial management and policy implementation, with Clive as minister.
• Construction Department, in charge of construction and engineering projects, with Viru as minister.
• Industry Department, in charge of industrial production, with Jita as minister.
• Military Department, in charge of planning the army’s training and external defenses, with Viscount Jarvis as minister.
• Education Department, in charge of education and cultivating future talents. For now, Owen himself would serve as minister. Later, once a teacher proved outstanding, the role would be reassigned.

In addition, there were plans for an Agriculture Department and a Science Department, though both were pending.

They weren’t yet established due to a lack of suitable talent.

For the Agriculture Department, Owen planned to recruit skilled farmers after the autumn harvest. They wouldn’t immediately promote their methods, but would instead be gathered to learn the agricultural knowledge of this other world. Once successful results were achieved in trial fields, the better techniques would then be spread widely.

As for the Science Department, there were no concrete plans yet. They would have to wait until the schools trained capable talent. The construction of relevant laboratories had only recently been put on the agenda.

Even with the advanced science and technology of this world, much still needed to be re-tested in laboratories before it could be used safely and reliably for industrial production.

That was all for now. If needed in the future, new departments would be added.

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