I Have a Dice Left by a God

Chapter 673 - 265: Setting the Rules

The morning after the black market regulation, Dragon Capital was shrouded in a light fog. Newspaper boys shouted themselves hoarse, hoping for good sales, but the newspaper was uninspiring. Last night’s black market events were only briefly mentioned in three Hex Bird Reports, summarizing that the Night Patrol would maintain the security of secret transactions and charge a portion of management fees.An official report.

The lives of ordinary people remained calm as ever, whereas turbulence in the upper ranks was another matter.

Li Xin slept in, having had an exceptionally good sleep last night. He woke up to find the sun almost scorching, and thinking of work made him nostalgic for Hedan’s simple life.

After freshening up, he went to the restaurant where breakfast was already prepared—Sister Kathy’s hearty breakfast—which was evidently store-bought, thankfully.

After breakfast, Lu Shuimo was already waiting at the door. Upon seeing Li Xin, he promptly saluted, "Captain, where are we going?"

"Old Lu, no need to be so formal. Let’s go to Shadow Owl and check the results," Li Xin said with a smile.

"Yes, Captain!" Lu Shuimo was clearly in a clean and tidy outfit, with neatly combed hair, looking full of spirit.

Most Night Patrol members had lived half their lives in obscurity, resigned to their fate, but Shadow Owl welcomed a new captain who retrieved the dignity that had fallen to the ground for the Night Patrol.

The building of Shadow Owl remained the same, yet bustling. Remarkably, Meng Po wasn’t knitting at the door; with jurisdiction and intimidation, many things have changed.

In the captain’s room, Li Xin enjoyed a cup of tea while Meng Po, radiant and glowing, looking nothing like an old lady, said, "Captain, yesterday each of the Five Great Sanctuaries at Gold Market paid 18 Gold Coins, totaling 90; Silver Market had 18 main entities, including Hundred Martial Hall, Adventurer Association, Treasure Pavilion, Gourmet Association, Magic Potion Association, Hex Society, Holy Light Hall, etc., each paying 10 gold monthly, totaling 180 gold. Besides the main entities, there were 26 subsidiary-related ones, charging 5 gold each, totaling 150 gold. Copper Market had 89 organizations of varying sizes charging 1 to 2 gold monthly, not counting those involved in stalls. Total revenue is 158 gold, reaching 578 gold in total. With more detailed statistics in the future, there is room for upward adjustment!"

Meng Po, as the head steward of Shadow Owl, had never seen so much money in her life.

Li Xin shook his head, "577 gold."

Meng Po paused, confused, as Li Xin explained, "I spent one gold yesterday on a reward for the Immortal’s hard work; it’s official business and needs reimbursement."

Meng Po chuckled, "Captain, everything is up to you."

Li Xin waved his hand, "No, rules must be clear, accounts must be transparent. No matter who becomes the captain, they must follow them; every expenditure should be clearly documented. When you’re busy, get someone to lend a hand; just maintain clarity. Shadow Owl will definitely need more staff. Any incidents yesterday?"

Li Xin had no intention of remaining captain forever, thus setting rules was essential.

"No issues. Seeing the fees of the Five Great Sanctuaries, many were thrilled, with several wanting to pay more. I didn’t accept; those powerful organizations can be quite adaptable," Meng Po said, torn. Although she really wanted the money, having been poor for half a lifetime, she restrained herself.

"Keep public affairs separate. Accepting more would weaken our stance. Allocate one-fifth to establish a special incentive fund, distribute the rest among the other brigades proportionally," Li Xin instructed.

"Incentive fund?"

"Yes, besides seeking commendation from the Cabinet and Church Court, we should internally reward Night Patrol members for meritorious work. Also, compensation for casualties will come from here, ensuring every Night Patrol member is without worries," Li Xin said.

Meng Po’s eyes reddened, "Captain, surely Moon God sent you to save us!"

Li Xin wanted to say not to believe in superstition, but it seemed inappropriate, as this wasn’t really superstition.

"By the way, there’s another important matter. Although Luo Yan didn’t immediately agree, she hinted that Moon in the Well earns over a hundred gold monthly," Meng Po said.

Li Xin was surprised. Is it that lucrative? No wonder Hundred Martial Hall doesn’t want to let go—controlling the black market is a huge win.

"Arrange for me to meet other captains at Guiyun Building tonight," Li Xin said. Despite being prepared for various sudden situations yesterday, the support from Dragon Spine and others was crucial. If doing it, the best would be including all Night Patrol members.

"Should we still give Red Dragon Brigade?" Meng Po asked.

"Yes, Li Chao is Li Chao," Li Xin considered, "we shouldn’t chill the brothers’ hearts."

"Yes, Captain."

"Any moves from Hundred Martial Hall?" Li Xin asked, not believing they would swallow this quietly.

"Snake Skin has set people to follow, Hua Qianzhan gathered four elders and many key members for a meeting; they likely won’t let it go, but we have people watching them," Meng Po said, "Night Patrol deals with risky business, fearing none."

Li Xin didn’t doubt that those willing to work in Night Patrol had some stubbornness and rigidity, "Four elders? Don’t they have Inner Hall Twelve Branches?"

"Hundred Martial Hall distinguishes between inside and outside; Inner Hall reports directly to the Grand Hall Master, and Outer Hall manages daily affairs. Hua Qianzhan is now First Elder but has no direct command over Inner Hall, likely can only negotiate. Inner Hall didn’t participate yesterday," Meng Po explained.

Li Xin nodded, "Has the bar at the black market entrance been handed over?"

"Transfer will complete in the next two days, the bar owner hasn’t been finalized yet."

"If she’s willing, let her continue managing, set someone to supervise and learn; Hundred Martial Hall must’ve accumulated a lot over years of management."

"Yes, Captain!" Meng Po felt a bit ashamed; she thought the captain was indecisive, wondering why not seize the chance to clean up.

The necessary battles must be fought, but Hundred Martial Hall isn’t a sworn enemy; it’s best to merge and adjust.

"Captain, would you like a replacement carriage?" Meng Po asked.

Li Xin chuckled and shook his head, "This is already great, no need to change; spend money wisely. Later, purchase telegraphs, Hex Cameras, and some supplies Night Patrol often uses."

Li Xin gave Meng Po some instructions; the matter was quite cumbersome, occupying him all morning, though it would be much more organized later on. When joining Night Patrol initially, Kathy had explained their regulations, akin to previous life’s eight disciplinary rules, strict and detailed. Managing a team requires strict discipline, fairness in rewards and punishments. Formerly, it was only punishment, no rewards, but things will change, as people can’t run on enthusiasm forever, like old Luo collecting gang money back then.

Now, as captain, he can’t let the team subsist on meager resources.

By noon, Church court members arrived from the Great Cathedral under the Lord Metropolitan, bringing a decree removing the acting title from Li Xin’s captaincy, a matter of course.

"Captain Li, congratulations! I heard about your grand achievements yesterday, quite a windfall," Priest Zhao smiled warmly.

"Lord Zhao, it’s all thanks to Lord Metropolitan’s support. Serving the Church is an obligation; I’m merely implementing," Li Xin responded politely, knowing this Priest Zhao Xianglong was responsible for Night Patrol within the Metropolitan’s circle.

Meng Po naturally slipped a small pouch over.

Zhao Xianglong’s eyes turned into slits, "Captain Li is young and capable, mature and steady. Shadow Owl leads Night Patrol and should shoulder management responsibilities. Lord Metropolitan also mentioned this at this morning’s assembly. I will issue notices; Night Patrol cannot remain scattered, managing the black market requires competence, lest others hold the Church in contempt."

"Certainly, we’ll do our utmost, all for the Moon God’s glory. Lord, would you like a lunch?" Li Xin smiled.

"Captain Li, you all must be busy, I won’t intrude."

Shadow Owl’s meals aren’t palatable to him. He thought this kid was a rash youth, yet he was quite perceptive, and wouldn’t want to offend someone with deep connections, originally a favor to Shadow Owl.

Li Xin and Meng Po watched as Priest Zhao boarded his luxurious carriage and left. Meng Po’s face reflected pained expression, "Captain, when will we stop them from exploiting us? They’ve deducted like this when we went for Night Patrol fees!"

"Easy to meet the king, not the ghosts; no rush."

Li Xin had many tasks ahead, couldn’t quibble over a single issue indefinitely; prioritize wisely, and if this Priest Zhao accepted money for doing things, it would save a lot of trouble.

The world isn’t strictly black and white, but a delicate or rough shade of grey.