If twenty thousand taels of gold were to flow into the jerky market all at once, it could easily cause fluctuations in the price of high-end jerky.
In the past, Zhao Ya might not even have been able to buy the amount he wanted.
After all, although the jerky market in the Yan Capital City was vast, high-end jerky was ultimately limited.
But there’s no need to worry about that anymore.
With the help of the Capital Prefecture, the Golden Saber Institute, and even the Yun Family, Zhao Ya quickly exchanged the two hundred thousand taels of gold for high-end jerky suitable for his consumption.
Looking at the large bag of jerky in front of him, Zhao Ya finally understood why some people liked to hoard food.
Because having food in hand, he felt extraordinarily at ease.
Though he was very tempted to challenge his limits and see what it would feel like to eat jerky until he was stuffed.
Ultimately, Zhao Ya couldn’t bring himself to do it.
After organizing his luggage into categories, Zhao Ya reserved some tables at an outside venue, inviting his master Lu Dingtai, Shang Jingchuan, and his senior brother Miao Shaocheng among others.
Of course, Wang Tiancheng of the Golden Saber Institute and Xu Niannian of Wunian Academy were also included.
There were even many who weren’t invited but came running upon hearing the news.
As a result, the tables were completely full, and it was only after Shang Luoluo hurriedly arranged for two more tables that everyone could be seated.
The clinking of glasses and exchanges during the banquet need not be mentioned, but hardly anyone dared to drink with Zhao Ya.
Because they had all heard of Zhao Ya’s drinking capacity, which was legendary, able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, so who would want to embarrass themselves like that?
Just as the banquet was in full swing, Chen Xiao’Er suddenly ran in from outside.
"Zhao, someone’s here outside."
"Oh? Who’s here?"
Zhao Ya was a bit puzzled because Chen Xiao’Er’s expression was quite peculiar.
But when he got up and went to the courtyard, the confusion cleared.
Because the person who came was indeed somewhat unusual.
Yan Xizhao set down the gift she was carrying, a slight smile on her face.
"I heard you’re leaving, so I came to see you. What? Not welcome?"
Zhao Ya laughed heartily, stepping aside to let her through, "How could you not be welcome? Your presence is most welcome, please come in."
At this time, the people in the room also noticed Yan Xizhao’s arrival, causing a low stir.
If anyone was considered the most powerful person in Yan Capital City at this moment, it would undoubtedly be Yan Xizhao.
After all, she commanded a seasoned troop, had the backing of Washing Sword Manor, and was a member of the Great Yan royal family. Combining all these factors, one could imagine how strong her power was.
There were even rumors in the streets that she was about to ascend the throne and become the first female emperor since the founding of Great Yan.
Nobody expected her to come, naturally, it was quite unexpected.
Unexpectedly, Yan Xizhao simply shook her head, "I won’t go in, can I take up some of your time? I have a few words I want to say to you."
"Alright!"
Zhao Ya followed Yan Xizhao outside the courtyard, walking slowly along a small path.
By this time, the leaves had already fallen, the grass by the roadside had withered, presenting a scene of desolation.
Yan Xizhao walked quietly, head down.
She said nothing, and naturally, Zhao Ya kept silent as well.
Because he knew that Yan Xizhao wouldn’t seek him out without reason.
Sure enough, after they had walked a short distance, Yan Xizhao raised her head and asked, "Are you planning to go Beyond the World this time?"
"Mm."
"I really envy you. Actually, I’ve always wanted to go out and have a look, but unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance." Yan Xizhao’s face revealed a look of yearning.
"You can’t go now, but you can go later." Zhao Ya said.
"Later..." Yan Xizhao smiled bitterly, "Do you really think I’ll have the chance later?"
As she said this, Yan Xizhao raised her head to look at the moon in the sky.
"Nowadays, many people look at me holding great power, and they think I must be very glamorous, very enjoying it. But what do they know, if I could, I’d rather have nothing, just to be a simple martial artist."
Zhao Ya remained silent, because this was not something outsiders could judge.
Yan Xizhao felt this was a kind of torment, but she didn’t know how many people wanted to endure such torment yet lacked the qualifications, and some even lost their lives for it.
For instance, Prince Qi, Yan Sifu.
But Zhao Ya still didn’t understand what exactly Yan Xizhao was planning to do by finding him.
Was it just to simply complain?
"My purpose in coming is actually quite simple, I just want you to help me find out what the Prefect of the Capital, Shang Jingchuan, is really thinking."
"What is he thinking? What do you mean?" Zhao Ya asked, puzzled.
"I mean whether he has any aspirations to control the government, reach the pinnacle of a minister’s career, or even... aspire to the throne." Yan Xizhao said seriously.
Zhao Ya never expected Yan Xizhao would ask such a question; he was stunned at first, then amused.
"I don’t even need to ask. Do you really think he might have such thoughts?"
Yan Xizhao hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, "Probably not."
"No need to guess, he surely won’t have such thoughts. For him, taking good care of the common people in the Capital City is his greatest responsibility. As for the rest, he definitely hasn’t thought about it."
Saying this, Zhao Ya glanced at Yan Xizhao, "What? Is your sect putting pressure on you?"
Yan Xizhao nodded with great distress, "Yes, my master and the others want me to act as regent for a few years and then ascend the throne to become the emperor, but I sincerely don’t want to become this so-called emperor."
"You should also be very clear about the current state of Great Yan. Especially after this great turmoil, Great Yan is practically divided. Even if I became empress, at most, I would only be ruling this one county of the Capital City."
"The key is, in this way, my future in Martial Dao would be completely severed, and I’m really reluctant about this."
On this matter, Zhao Ya simply couldn’t offer any comment.
Because this isn’t something that can be discussed lightly.
Advising her to become emperor isn’t right, advising her to give up isn’t right either.
So Zhao Ya wisely chose to remain silent.
Yan Xizhao naturally understood this as well and couldn’t help but smile bitterly, "Do you think I’m getting a bit too personal given our shallow acquaintance?"
And then, without waiting for Zhao Ya to deny it, Yan Xizhao continued.
"Honestly, the first time I saw you in the Earth Cave in Yunxiao County, you were just a Martial Artist who hadn’t even broken through the Fourth Realm. Yet in just a few short years, you’ve far surpassed me."
Recalling past events, Yan Xizhao was filled with emotion.
Zhao Ya just smiled, "Miss Yan is too kind. I may be able to best you, but it’s not to the extent of having far surpassed you."
Yan Xizhao shook her head, "No need to be modest. Anyway, if I were to kill Xie Tianfeng, I absolutely wouldn’t be able to do it."
Saying this, Yan Xizhao had already regained her composure.
"Since Shang Jingchuan can’t possibly have this intent, please tell him that I’m willing to cooperate with him to jointly ensure the stability of Yan Capital City and the safety of the common people."
Zhao Ya nodded seriously, "Alright, I will definitely relay those words."
Yan Xizhao left.
Zhao Ya returned to the drinking session.
Everyone present was not ordinary people.
So no one asked him what Yan Xizhao had said to him.
After the banquet ended, Zhao Ya met with Shang Jingchuan alone and recounted Yan Xizhao’s words to him.
Shang Jingchuan was not surprised, "It’s only natural that Washing Sword Manor wants Yan Xizhao to ascend the throne as empress. After all, with such a large Capital City, if handed to others, why would Washing Sword Manor be content?"
"Actually, I also support Yan Xizhao ascending the throne. After all, compared to the former emperor and the deceased Yan Sifu, this woman is much more reliable."
"So tell her, I’m willing to cooperate with her, even willing to bow down and serve once she becomes emperor."
"Good!"
After leaving Shang Jingchuan, Zhao Ya encountered Lu Dingtai who had been waiting for him.
"Master."
"Hmm, what did that girl say?" Lu Dingtai had some vague guesses but wasn’t entirely sure, so he asked.
So Zhao Ya recounted the situation.
After listening, Lu Dingtai nodded, "This girl does have some courage. To give up such great power just like that, it’s not something ordinary people can do."
Then he looked at Zhao Ya, "I’ve been thinking these past two days and have decided not to return to Yunxiao County for the time being."
"This place is closer to Beyond the World, Zui’Er would surely be willing to wait for you here. Plus, with Old Mo here too, the cultivation resources here are richer than in Yunxiao County. So I’ve decided to stay here for three years and will return to Yunxiao County after you come back."
Zhao Ya knew most of what Lu Dingtai said were just excuses. The real reason was still for himself.
"What about Yunxiao County?"
"There’s nothing much going on there, and with your senior sister and second senior brother guarding it, there won’t be any trouble."
"Then thank you, Master." Zhao Ya sincerely expressed his gratitude.
"Stop the nonsense. Is there a need for thanks between you and me? Hurry up and handle your affairs, then going to Beyond the World is what truly matters."
"Understood."
After Lu Dingtai left, Zhao Ya didn’t go looking for Yan Xizhao but instead wrote a note, clearly stating Shang Jingchuan’s intentions, and then let Chen Xiao’Er deliver it.
After handling these matters, Zhao Ya stayed in the Capital City for another three days.
During these three days, Zhao Ya was hardly idle, spending time at various drinking parties.
Finally.
After a night of warmth, Zhao Ya quietly got up as Zui’Er slept, picked up the luggage he had long prepared, and left.
But Zhao Ya didn’t know, just as he left the room, the supposedly "sleeping" Zui’Er, had large tears, like pearls, well up at the corners of her eyes, quickly soaking the pillow beneath.
And in another room, Shang Luoluo, who hadn’t slept all night, after hearing the sound of the door opening, softly muttered a sentence.
"Must remain safe!"
By Zhao Ya’s pace, after leaving Yan Capital City and heading west, he would leave the territory of Great Yan in about eight days, entering the chaotic fragmented region.
The environment here is harsh, and no country has ever formed here since ancient times. Only those who couldn’t make it in Great Yan or elsewhere would come here to hide.
Over time, many large and small powers formed here.
But none of these powers were larger than a small city, and some were as small as a village—they couldn’t form a significant force.
Zhao Ya always suspected this was a state of affairs caused deliberately by Great Yan.
Because this chaotic situation is most beneficial to Great Yan.