Cheng Zongyang took the paper from Li Lu’s hand and looked it over.

The restrictions and points of emphasis were the same. Only the tribute requirements were different.

The strongest member of the Celestial Break Gang was Li Lu, with an Eighth Grade Cultivation. This was information Cheng Zongyang had provided. As a result, the gang was designated as an Eighth Grade Gang, while the Cheng Family was designated as Seventh Grade.

The Celestial Break Gang was required to pay an annual tribute of 9,000 pounds of grain, 9,000 silver taels, and 900 pounds of Medicinal Materials.

The Medicinal Materials weren’t just any kind; they were specific, designated types. There were three varieties, requiring 300 pounds of each.

Before the announcement of territorial autonomy, this amount would have been considered substantial, even extremely high.

But now, with their territory being self-governed and all income belonging to them, it didn’t seem like much when you did the math.

The Cheng Family’s quota, however, was a third higher than the gang’s.

12,000 pounds of grain, 12,000 silver taels, and 1,200 pounds of Medicinal Materials.

If they couldn’t pay this year, they could pay next year, but with an added "penalty interest."

Of course, if they were short on grain or Medicinal Materials, they could use silver taels to cover the difference, and vice versa.

But two years’ worth of tribute plus the penalty interest would be enough to cripple even a former Noble Race.

"Just from the Seven Clans and one gang in Jade Peak County, that’s an annual income of over 90,000 pounds of grain and over 90,000 silver taels."

"And that’s not even counting their other territories. The amount of resources the Royal Family collects each year is staggering!" Li Lu said, shaken. "With resources like these, it’s no wonder they can train so many Martial Artists. If it were us, we could do it too. You could just pile up resources and create them!"

His body swayed slightly with the carriage’s vibrations. Cheng Zongyang adjusted his posture and shook his head.

"They collect a lot, but they also spend a lot. The Royal Family has a huge operation and many people to support. In two days, it will be May. Including this month, there are only eight months left in the year."

"The grain isn’t a problem, and we still have plenty of Medicinal Materials in the warehouse, so we can gather enough. The silver taels, however, are another matter. I’ve already sent all my silver to be exchanged for medicine. If we need more, we’ll have to borrow some."

Li Lu said, "There’s still time, no need to rush. The priority right now is to take complete control of the entire West City."

Cheng Zongyang nodded. "Since we’ve dropped all pretenses and can no longer keep a low profile, let’s proceed with the gang’s backup plan."

After hearing this, Li Lu pondered for a moment before nodding. "I understand. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

The backup plan involved recruiting new members without restriction to rapidly expand the gang’s manpower. Although the recruits would be of mixed quality, at least their numbers would be large. With a bit of control, they could win over and manage a good number of loyal people.

Cheng Zongyang thought for a moment before speaking:

"First and foremost is the village’s Defense. To prevent the other six families from causing trouble behind our backs, pay close attention to the farmlands. Set up day and night patrols. I’ll also send a few people to assist until the harvest."

Li Lu nodded, taking note.

"Second, now that the territory is self-governed, we call the shots. We need to consolidate and investigate the status of all houses in West City. Find out if they have land deeds and property titles, and clarify ownership."

"Keep the vacant houses, register them, and we’ll deal with them later. All houses are for rent only, not for sale. We also need to register the population of West City. Don’t drive anyone out, regardless of who they are, as long as they can afford to pay rent."

"Establish another hall and create a gang patrol team specifically to maintain order in West City and resolve conflicts among its residents. We’ll handle the rest as it comes."

Li Lu frowned. "Is all that necessary?"

Cheng Zongyang glanced at him. "If people can’t stay in West City and run off to other places, how are we supposed to make money? Think about it from the opposite perspective."

Li Lu thought for a moment and understood, smiling. "Got it."

Cheng Zongyang continued, "Repair the abandoned houses in West City and build new ones on the empty lots. There is only one goal: to make use of all idle space and increase the population in our territory."

"Establish a trading market in West City. As for a black market, brothels, and Gambling Houses, there’s no rush for those. Right now, people don’t have enough to eat and have no money in their pockets. No one is thinking about going to places like that..."

Cheng Zongyang explained his ideas one by one.

Only by making West City orderly, improving it, and attracting others to come and spend money could they hope to profit.

The final problem was money. After all the turmoil, which families still had spare cash? Even if they did, it wouldn’t be much.

Without money and resources, there was no engine for growth. Therefore, the County Town’s economy had to be revived.

But this wasn’t something his family could achieve alone. It required the full cooperation of the other six families.

After listening to Cheng Zongyang’s detailed explanation, neither of them spoke again on the way back.

Li Lu was busy digesting and mentally recording the instructions he had just received. After returning, he would have to draw up a detailed plan to be used at tomorrow’s meeting, which Cheng Zongyang would also attend.

’This needs to be handled quickly!’

Cheng Zongyang, meanwhile, was considering whether he should approach the other six families for a talk.

When it came to profit, no family would act against its own interests. If they wanted to revive the County Town’s economy, they couldn’t do it without West City’s cooperation, and vice versa.

Fighting was one thing, but development was another. Unless they had truly become mortal enemies!

Only when the economy was revived and they had the resources to pay their tribute could they have the confidence to talk about future development.

Upon entering West City, Li Lu got out of the carriage and headed back to the gang’s headquarters to get to work.

Cheng Zongyang, on the other hand, returned to his home on Yunli Lane in West City.

He went to his study, wrote six letters, and then summoned Ma Yue and Xu Dong.

"Ma Yue, deliver these six letters to the six families, including the Xu Family and the Qiu Family. After they’ve read them, wait for a quarter of an hour. If they don’t give you a reply by then, you don’t need to wait any longer."

"Yes, my lord."

Ma Yue took the letters, acknowledged the order, and left.

"Xu Dong, before Noon tomorrow, take the estate’s cook and some ingredients to Cheng’s Restaurant on West Main Street. Tell the people there to arrange a banquet with tea and snacks for eight people."