Chapter 118: Installing the Prefabricated Houses

The four large villages and three small hamlets mentioned by Magistrate Chen were likely based on outdated statistics. Due to this year’s severe drought, the loss of the populace had been significant, particularly in the smaller hamlets; with only a hundred or so residents each, those left with no means of survival were forced to flee as refugees.

By the afternoon, Wang Keyue returned to the estate. At the entrance, a plaque bearing the five golden characters of the "Taoist Crescent Sect" shimmered with dazzling brilliance.

The sect grounds were vibrant with activity. The census conducted by Cheng-San and Qing-Yi was nearing completion, while on the other side, Wen Dali, assisted by the members of the Red Class, was busy organizing children under the age of twelve into their respective groups. Looking at the sea of children of all sizes before her, many faces appeared unfamiliar.

"My Lady," Wen Dali stepped forward to report. "These children were brought over by villagers from other areas this afternoon. They had heard the news early on that we offer free education, so they brought their children here."

He had not expected the servants within the estate to be so efficient at spreading the word; in a short time, over a hundred children had arrived. Most were accompanied by their parents, who were also looking for work on the estate.

"My Lady, the population has grown by nearly a thousand in this short time. I expect even more to arrive in the coming days," Wen Dali added.

Given what she had seen today, Wang Keyue decided to dispatch Cheng-Yi and Cheng-San to conduct a field survey of the surrounding villages and assess the number of remaining villagers. She needed to ensure everyone was properly settled before the harsh winter arrived.

"Xiaobao, do you still have any basic infrastructure kits?" Wang Keyue had been quite fond of the kits she used in Wang Village; they allowed her to build a beautiful home without exhausting any resources.

"Little Yueyue, basic infrastructure kits can only be obtained through missions and are not available in the system shop. However, you can purchase prefabricated modular housing directly from the shop," Xiaobao replied.

These modular homes, made from high-tech materials, were popular for their seismic resistance, durability, waterproofing, fire resistance, and thermal insulation. They were assembled using a modular, block-like method, making the process simple and fast. After learning about them in the shop, Wang Keyue decisively placed an order for 200,000 units of prefabricated housing.

Considering the current influx of people, Wang Keyue decided to plan two residential zones, one commercial zone, and one industrial park on the outskirts of the sect. The first phase of the residential zone would primarily consist of single-story brick-and-mortar structures.

Each unit would be approximately 40 square meters, designed to house ten people with bunk beds, individual lockers, and tables and chairs—resembling a communal dormitory. Each row would contain 30 such units, and by building 20 rows, she would have 600 rooms, capable of sheltering 6,000 people. These dormitories were intended primarily for the severely wounded. Thinking of the wounded, Wang Keyue realized she needed to contact Xiao Hongyu to warn him about the coming winter and coordinate the logistics for their transport.

Once the communicator connected, Xiao Hongyu’s voice came through: "Yue'er, you haven't called me in two days. I thought you had forgotten about me."

"Brother Xiao, I am so sorry. I’ve been incredibly busy since I returned and didn't have a chance to let you know I was safe. I’m sorry to have worried you," Wang Keyue remembered that she hadn't replied to his messages for two days.

"As long as you are safe, that is all that matters," Xiao Hongyu’s voice remained low and magnetic, as pleasant as ever to the ear.

"Brother Xiao, I have just received news that we will face blizzard conditions this year. The winter will be exceptionally severe and long, potentially leading to a snow disaster. I have already begun preparations for the sect’s defense, and you must prepare as well. If you encounter any difficulties, tell me directly, and I will find a solution for you," Wang Keyue said with great magnanimity.

"Yue'er, you only need to ensure your own safety. Things are well enough here, and you have already helped me tremendously, truly!" Xiao Hongyu sighed. He felt as though he were living off her support, but he found he didn't mind that feeling at all. He smiled to himself, slightly distracted.

"Brother Xiao, don't stand on ceremony with me! There is no need for that. By the way, I have decided to come and pick up the wounded myself. I fear the weather will turn colder by the time they reach me, and I don't want to jeopardize their recovery," Wang Keyue said.

Xiao Hongyu paused, then laughed. "Very well, I won't stand on ceremony then. If you have the means to collect them, it will certainly spare them the exhaustion of the journey." He did not ask further questions, a trait that Wang Keyue found highly satisfactory.

"Good. Once I have settled matters here in a few days, I will come," Wang Keyue said, and after finalizing the details, she hung up.

With tasks being assigned one by one, everyone was as busy as a spinning top. By the time Cheng-Yi handed the final list of personnel to Wang Keyue, Wen Dali had also finished the class rosters for the children under twelve.

Glancing over the lists, Wang Keyue felt the weight of the ancient bias against daughters; out of over 300 children, only about 20 were girls, most of whom were likely already part of the estate.

Sighing heavily, Wang Keyue realized that changing the villagers' preference for sons would not happen overnight. It seemed she would have to cultivate a few images of heroic women to shift the perspective.

In the following days, through announcements made in every village of Kangle County, the Taoist Crescent Sect officially made its presence known to the public. The census and outreach work conducted by Cheng-Yi and Cheng-San in the surrounding villages proceeded with great intensity. Within two days, the status of all neighboring villages was clearly mapped out.

Around the Taoist Crescent Sect, only three large villages remained: Tangjiaba, Huishui Village, and Luojiawan. The smaller hamlets were essentially deserted, or inhabited only by a dozen or so elderly people waiting for death. Others had fled as refugees toward Changbai Prefecture or Kangle County, while some, hearing of the Crescent Sect, had arrived with their entire families.

Among them, the villagers of Baishu Village had arrived in their entirety to seek survival. Though they said "the whole village," in reality, it amounted to only 80 people, mostly elderly and children.

When the prefabricated houses were unveiled, the people were stunned. Under Wang Keyue's guidance, they watched as the materials in their hands transformed into rows of habitable homes. Their expressions of shock were indescribable, and they looked at Wang Keyue with eyes full of shimmering stars, as if they were ready to kneel in worship. With this, Wang Keyue earned a massive wave of gratitude points.

She would have to keep earning these points; 200,000 units of housing would likely not be enough.