"Ban Lian, you're back!" Zhu Changle's voice, as usual, arrived before she did.
"Lady Zhu, I've come to bid you farewell," Ban Lian turned and bowed to Zhu Changle as she entered. "The journey is long, and it takes considerable time to travel back and forth. Factoring in the time to pack, it might take several months before we can relocate here."
Zhu Changle swallowed the playful words that had been on the tip of her tongue. "So, you've already made your decision?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind telling me how you came to this decision? To be honest, I haven't yet seen what makes Yunbei so attractive to settle in."
Amusement flashed in Qiuli's eyes as he walked to the side and sat down, watching the once-enthusiastic person turn into a humble learner.
Ban Lian stepped back, inviting Zhu Changle to sit, and poured her some tea. "Yunbei is indeed poor, but as you mentioned before, it's vast, and there are no other factions here, so there's no need to worry about dividing territory."
Zhu Changle nodded; this was true, and it was one of the points she had used to lure them here.
"The first thing a sect needs to solve is basic necessities, especially for a large one. Although Yunbei is poor, it's by the sea, which is a natural supply source. I may not know much about the Dragon-Breaking Sect's other affairs, but I do know they have several skilled shipbuilders. Once they build ships, what are sea bandits to fear? Once the ships are in the water, the food problem will be solved."
Zhu Changle nodded repeatedly, finding it all very logical.
Ban Lian took a sip of tea and continued, "Not far from here, about five or six miles outside the city, there's a mountain with a flat top, as if it had been cut. You've been to the Dragon-Breaking Sect, so you'll understand what I mean."
Zhu Changle naturally understood; the terrain was so similar to the Dragon-Breaking Sect's!
Ban Lian smiled, "When I reached the top, I felt it was destiny. This mountain seems tailor-made for the Dragon-Breaking Sect, and it's higher, more treacherous, and easier to defend than our previous base. A-Long will surely be pleased, and even other sect members will feel a sense of belonging due to its familiarity. With unity of hearts, other problems that come with relocation will be easily solved."
Zhu Changle gave a thumbs up. It was clear why this person had been valued by Immortal Lady Wen for so many years, to the point where she'd rather kill her than let her go.
"Moreover, Yunbei will be under Lord Zhu's governance. The problems we can't solve shouldn't be difficult for Lord Zhu. It's best to claim such a good place early."
Ban Lian stood up and bowed, "Please discuss this matter with Lord Zhu. We'll await further instructions when the Dragon-Breaking Sect members arrive. I also ask Lady Zhu to keep us in check, to ensure we don't gain a reputation of being used by officials, which could be exploited by ill-intentioned people."
Zhu Changle returned the bow, solemnly agreeing, "I understand. You can trust me on this; I won't let it come to that."
"I may not trust Lord Zhu as an official, but I trust you, Lady Zhu." Ban Lian glanced outside. "I won't delay any further. I'll set off now."
"Alright, have a safe journey."
Zhu Changle saw her off at the side gate, watching her mount her horse and disappear from sight. She felt relieved and expectant at the same time. Once the Dragon-Breaking Sect settled here, Yunbei would gain a powerful protector. Those sea bandits would be nothing...
Looking around, Zhu Changle let that last word fade into a whisper before turning back inside. Seeing a face that hadn't had time to retreat, she waved her hand with exaggerated friendliness, forcing the person to come out and return the enthusiastic greeting.
"This servant is Madam Xu, greetings to Miss Zhu."
"Hello, Madam Xu. Did I block your way? I'm sorry, I just saw off a friend. I'll go inside now, please carry on."
"Not at all, I was just going to buy some things. It doesn't matter when I go."
Zhu Changle smiled, "Go on then, the sun is getting quite strong."
"Yes, I'll take my leave."
As Madam Xu walked past, Zhu Changle cheerfully ran inside and called over Lady Li, who was directing the cleaning of the garden. She whispered, "That Madam Xu is the one who took you shopping yesterday, right?"
"Yes."
"I just saw her outside, she's probably monitoring me. She said she's going shopping. Go out and intercept her, ask what she's buying and go with her. Say you need to buy things too."
Lady Li covered her mouth and laughed, "You just don't like being watched by the neighbors, so you're deliberately making her go shopping, aren't you?"
"As expected of my mother's right-hand woman, you're so clever." Zhu Changle grinned, pushing her towards the door. She even took out a piece of silver from her pocket and gave it to her. "Go quickly, don't let her turn back."
Lady Li didn't refuse, "Then I'll buy some good wine and meat for the Fourth Miss."
"Lady Li is the best!"
After pushing her out the door, Zhu Changle waved to Qiuli behind her. They leaped onto the roof and saw that Madam Xu had indeed turned back, only to be intercepted by Lady Li.
"What a coincidence," Lady Li said with a smile, linking arms with Madam Xu. "Where are you coming from, sister?"
Afraid that her story might not match up if Lady Li mentioned it casually later, Madam Xu didn't dare to lie. She said, "I was planning to buy some things, but the sun got quite strong, so I was thinking of going later."
"I didn't find it that strong. I was just about to buy some food and supplies too. Let's go together."
"Ah?" Now Madam Xu really couldn't go back. She asked proactively, "What do you need to buy? Shall we go to the same place as yesterday? They have the best things there."
"I don't think they had wine there yesterday? My mistress likes to have a few drinks, and she asked me to bring back some good wine."
"I know a place with good wine. Come, I'll take you there."
Watching the two walk away arm in arm, Zhu Changle chuckled and turned to whisper to Qiuli, "She's clearly monitoring me but claims she's going shopping. So I'm making her actually go shopping."
Qiuli glanced at her, wondering if this counted as immediate revenge, instant venting of frustration?
"Hmph, from now on, I'll have the ladies of the house go out shopping for things frequently, with or without reason. Let's see how many people they send to follow them around."
Standing up and stretching, Zhu Changle turned to see her father discussing something with a group of officials in the main hall. She ran to the edge of the roof and waved, shouting, "Father, Father, look here!"
Zhu Maonian looked up at the sound, feeling both joy and a headache. He pointed at her in the air, "What kind of behavior is this!"
Zhu Changle pretended not to hear, waving again, "I'm going out to play! I'll bring you back something delicious!"
What kind of talk is this! Zhu Maonian shook his head helplessly as he watched his youngest daughter disappear, running across the rooftops.
"Miss Zhu is truly spirited," Clerk Li remarked.
Zhu Maonian looked at Clerk Li. If he remembered correctly, this was the second time he had said this.
Clerk Li clasped his hands behind his back and smiled. "It's rare to see such spirit."
County Deputy Magistrate Luo agreed, "Indeed, it's rare. To have such a daughter, Lord Zhu is truly fortunate."
Hearing their words, Zhu Maonian's face showed a hint of a smile. Such honest praise was truly pleasing to hear.
