This resulted in the complete disappearance of the post station system, with each commandery seemingly transformed into an independent kingdom.
Under these circumstances, once ordinary people part ways, it’s almost like a final farewell.
Although Tan Ziwang knew that Zhao Ya was no ordinary person, the idea of him traversing such a great distance to Wanshou County alone was still somewhat unimaginable.
Tan Dong also knew his father was comforting him, but his heart felt somewhat soothed.
In this Danfeng Town, everything was fine, except it was too boring.
Although there were indeed brothels specially serving traveling merchants in the town, they were too small; the same few faces over and over again made Tan Dong feel bored after a few visits.
Therefore, he immensely missed the days when he accompanied Zhao Ya on guard missions.
Even though his skills were weak at the time and he didn’t have much money, life was exciting back then.
Unlike now, where opening his eyes every day was nothing but tedious waiting.
Meanwhile, Song Linqing had arrived at the back courtyard gate.
This courtyard was specially partitioned, with layers of barriers set between the gates, barring idle people from entry.
Residing here was Song Linqing’s sister, Song Peiwan.
Song Linqing adjusted his mindset at the gate, put a smile on his face, and then stepped inside.
As soon as he entered, he heard the melodious sound of the piano from the house.
Song Linqing didn’t rush in but stood quietly in the yard, listening until the tune ended.
Only then did he gently clap his hands, "Wonderful, sister, your piano skills are getting more and more exquisite."
He said as he stepped into the house.
"Brother, how come you’re free to visit today?" Song Peiwan raised her head from behind the desk, her face pure and unadorned, yet exuding a unique aura.
"Haha, there’s nothing much today, so I came to check on you," Song Linqing replied with a smile.
But he quickly conceded under Song Peiwan’s cold gaze.
"Actually, there’s a bit of a matter. Today, a letter arrived from the Commandery."
"What letter?"
"It’s from an elder in the clan, saying you’re not young anymore, and there’s a relative about your age on his side, asking if you’re interested. If so, he’s willing to discuss this match..."
Before Song Linqing could finish, Song Peiwan firmly said, "Directly tell that so-called elder not to worry about my affairs, and he’s not the one to introduce men to me."
Although this outcome was expected, Song Linqing still secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Song Peiwan’s resolute refusal.
He actually intended to tear the letter up and pretend it never happened.
But on second thought, it was better to ask.
After all, such matters will occur more frequently in the future; understanding his sister’s thoughts beforehand would make them easier to resolve directly later on.
Song Linqing understood better than anyone that the letter was just a probe.
Pretending to arrange a marriage for his sister, the real intention was to covet the increasingly prosperous Danfeng Town.
In reality, Song Linqing had anticipated this.
Being someone who came from afar, although he was indeed a member of the Song Clan, he had little emotional connection with the clan members.
Now that he had such a small town capable of generating huge profits, it was inevitable some people would be envious.
But because they belonged to the same clan, those people couldn’t go too far, so they turned their attention to Song Peiwan, hoping to achieve both personal and financial gains.
"Alright, I understand. If there’s anything like this in the future, I’ll directly refuse it for you," Song Linqing said.
Afterward, the brother and sister chatted casually before Song Linqing took his leave.
After he left, Song Peiwan sat absent-mindedly behind the desk.
She didn’t even notice when her maid, Xiaoman, brought her tea.
"Miss, what’s wrong?" Xiaoman asked worriedly.
"Oh, it’s nothing. Just that brother mentioned someone in the clan wants to propose marriage for me," Song Peiwan said.
"What? Those bad guys actually set their sights on you, Miss?" Xiaoman said angrily.
Though Xiaoman was just a maid, she was sharp enough to understand the situation upon hearing it.
"Miss, there’s no need to be too upset by this. The Patriarch loves you dearly and won’t let those guys’ sinister plans succeed," Xiaoman comforted her.
Song Peiwan smiled faintly, "I’m not upset, I was just thinking about what he’s doing now."
Though she didn’t mention a name, Xiaoman, who had been with Song Peiwan since childhood, knew exactly whom ’he’ referred to.
"Miss, I guess Commander Zhao is probably already well cultivated by now; he might even be making his way here as we speak!"
Song Peiwan remained silent, but a lonely expression spread across her face.
Xiaoman became a bit anxious.
She knew too well her Miss’s temperament.
Usually everything was fine, but if she encountered an emotional block, she wouldn’t cry or fuss; she would just sit there looking forlorn, which was quite heart-wrenching.
"I was telling the truth, Miss! My mouth is indeed sharp. When my mother was alive, she used to say I had the tongue of a noble person despite my humble origins; I’m picky with food, and my words always come true,"
Song Peiwan chuckled, then playfully spat.
"Pff, so unserious."
Xiaoman laughed along, finally easing her heart a little.
She was most afraid of seeing Song Peiwan sitting there motionless like a wooden doll.
At the same time, Song Linqing arrived at the central courtyard.
The place was heavily guarded, with the remaining members of the Black Armor Army who had come with Song Linqing to Wanshou County almost all stationed here.
Of course, the number of Black Armor Army members had decreased since they first arrived in Wanshou County.
This was because, upon reaching Wanshou County, many were disheartened by the deaths of comrades and chose to leave voluntarily.
Others were lured away by other factions.
Yet, regardless of the reason, Song Linqing did not stop them but allowed them to leave.
Because Song Linqing understood a principle: a forced melon is not sweet, especially within a crew that required utmost loyalty.
If someone harbored disloyalty but remained, the hidden risk would be even greater.
At least after this round of trials, those who remained in the Black Armor Army were the elite of the elite and were absolutely loyal to Song Linqing.
"Patriarch!"
The Black Armor Army guards at the gate stood straight and saluted.
Song Linqing nodded kindly and then stepped inside the courtyard.
This place was another world, with shade-providing awnings erected above, and underneath, miniature Meat Fields were cultivated.
At that moment, people were busily working inside.
This was Song Linqing’s strongest backing and the key reason he had rapidly developed Danfeng Town into such prosperity.
Meat Field cultivation.
"Patriarch," Song Renqiang, who was in charge of the Meat Fields, hurried forward upon seeing Song Linqing.
"Hmm, how was today’s yield?"
"Very good, especially those newly acquired Exotic Beast Meat Fields, which have produced high-grade jerky," Song Renqiang reported.
Due to the vast Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, a variety of Exotic Beast Meat Fields were abundant.
Utilizing this advantage and through unique breeding techniques, Song Linqing had accumulated great wealth over the past two years.
"Good. Make sure to reward those assigned to cultivate those Exotic Beast Meat Fields."
"I understand," Song Renqiang nodded.
Besides the Black Armor Army, these Meat Field cultivators were Song Linqing’s greatest assets.
For such talents, Song Linqing was never stingy with rewards.
Meanwhile, as Song Linqing inspected his own Meat Fields, two people were ascending the mountain path leading to Danfeng Town.
In the lead was a valiant man, followed by a charming young woman.
When they neared Danfeng Town, the two paused, and Zui’Er couldn’t help but step forward excitedly, asking, "Is this the place, Ya?"
Zhao Ya nodded, "This should be it."
Indeed.
The travelers were none other than Zhao Ya and Zui’Er.
After dealing with the matter of the Five Poison Sect, they journeyed eastward, encountering no further hindrances.
They finally arrived in Wanshou County yesterday, but upon entering the Commandery, they discovered that Song Linqing and the others were not there but in Danfeng Town, a hundred miles away.
So, after resting for a night, Zhao Ya promptly hurried with Zui’Er to this place.