"Zian, is this the central town of Qiangfeng Kingdom?" Wei Shuxuan sized up the surrounding scenery. She found that the prosperity of this central town was actually similar to that of the capital city. Maybe because it was close to the desert, all she could see was a vast expanse of yellow. The houses here were all built with yellow sand, a completely different style of architecture from that in the capital.
"Since this place is close to the desert, sandstorms occur frequently. So, building the houses like this can resist the sandstorms."
Ge Zian saw the doubt in Wei Shuxuan's mind at a glance and took the initiative to explain it to her. Wei Shuxuan thought for a while. "So, they invaded Yulong Kingdom because they wanted our land? In this way, they wouldn't have to live in constant fear of sandstorms."
"...... You're not entirely wrong. But more often, it's the expansion of power that drives the growth of greed."
"Zian, I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable. I thought you were just a military general who only knew how to fight battles."
"...... Nowadays, winning battles requires brains. Relying solely on brute force and momentum is not a long - term solution. Also," Ge Zian told Wei Shuxuan, "call me by my courtesy name, Qingshi, here. Do you understand?"
"Got it. Then you have to call me Wei Luo."
Since Ge Zian said not to use their real names, she wouldn't use her real name either.
After making this agreement with each other, the two of them strolled around Fengwei Town. According to Ge Zian, Sima Tianhai also lived in Fengwei Town, and he seemed to have many houses. Wei Shuxuan thought that Sima Tianhai probably used these houses to cover his tracks.
"Wei Luo, the most important thing for us now is to find my men and join them. They've been lurking in Qiangfeng Kingdom all along and are much more familiar with this place than we are. With their guidance, we'll have an easier time."
"Where are your men now? Where can we find them?" Wei Shuxuan turned to look at Ge Zian who was walking beside her.
"They're scattered, each with their own tasks. They only gather together when there's something important. I'll take you to their secret base where they usually gather."
"Okay," Wei Shuxuan had just agreed, but then she thought that she was new here, so she wanted to take a stroll before going to meet them. "Wait a minute, Zian. I want to take a walk around here first, and then we can go."
"...... That's okay."
Considering Wei Shuxuan's curiosity about new things, Ge Zian agreed to let her take a walk around first.
There were many small stalls selling handicrafts on the main street of Fengwei Town. Wei Shuxuan especially liked these small trinkets. As soon as she saw them, she couldn't help but rush over to take a look. Ge Zian had no choice but to follow her helplessly. Just then, someone shouted, "Make way, make way!" But nothing could distract Wei Shuxuan's attention at this moment.
Ge Zian turned his head and saw someone pushing a cart full of sacks. There were also two guards walking in front of the cart. It seemed to be official goods. He quickly patted Wei Shuxuan on the shoulder. "Look at this quickly."
"What is it?" Wei Shuxuan turned her head and saw a cart full of sacks passing in front of her. But there seemed to be nothing unusual from the outside. "Do you want to follow it?"
"Aren't you going to follow it and take a look?" Ge Zian asked her in return.
"...... I want to enjoy my shopping."
Although there was a bit of resentment in her tone, Wei Shuxuan still put down the handicraft in her hand. "Let's go and take a look over there."
The two of them couldn't use their light - foot skills on the street, so they had to pretend to be shopping and follow the wooden cart. But the two guards led the cart to the exit checkpoint. It seemed that they were about to leave Fengwei Town.
"Qingshi, should we follow them?" Wei Shuxuan whispered to him. There weren't many people at this checkpoint, and they should be able to pass through quickly.
"No, we can't pass through here. This is a special checkpoint for Qiangfeng Kingdom to transport food, fodder or weapons. If we chase after them from here, we'll definitely be caught."
Ge Zian whispered to Wei Shuxuan. Wei Shuxuan nodded, with a look of annoyance on her face. "Why is it so troublesome? Then we won't chase them? This is a rare opportunity!"
"...... If we go back to the entrance checkpoint we just passed and then chase after them, they'll already be out of sight."
"Your expression clearly tells me that there's no way out, right?"
"Not really. We can first find some people to learn about the situation. Maybe they know some inside information."
"Fine, fine. Let's go."
After being tossed around by Ge Zian like this, Wei Shuxuan even lost the mood to go shopping. She had no choice but to follow Ge Zian to a mansion. She glanced at the plaque above. "An Mansion?"
"Yes, this is the home of one of my partners. He's doing quite well here."
"If he's doing so well, why would he do such a dangerous thing for you?" Wei Shuxuan asked Ge Zian in confusion. "If people find out that he's colluding with you, he definitely won't be able to stay here. Then he'll have to give up everything here and start all over again in Yulong Kingdom. Have you ever thought about why he would do such a disadvantageous thing?"
Ge Zian was really at a loss for words when asked by Wei Shuxuan. He didn't know how to answer her. Was it because of that person's loyalty to him? Or was it because their friendship was more important than anything else?
"Because Qingshi has been kind to me. Naturally, I have to repay him."
A deep male voice suddenly interrupted their train of thought. Wei Shuxuan was so frightened that she quickly turned around. She saw a man about the same age as Ge Zian standing behind them. "Qingshi, you're really not being fair. We've known each other for so long, and after just a few words from this little guy, you start to doubt me?"
"Sorry, An Yan. I didn't think much about it at first. When this little one asked me, I was caught off guard..." Ge Zian felt that his momentary hesitation just now was an insult to his good friend An Yan.
"Hello, I'm An Yan. May I ask your honorable name, sir?" An Yan looked at Wei Shuxuan with a smiling face, his attitude very amiable.
This man could tell at a glance that she was a woman. He was really amazing. Wei Shuxuan grinned. "I'm Wei Luo. Just call me Young Master Wei."
"Qingshi, your friend is really interesting."
"An Yan, let's go inside and talk."
In the main hall of the An Mansion, Wei Shuxuan was eyeing the snacks in front of her covetously. An Yan smiled. "Young Master Wei Luo, please help yourself."
"Sorry, An Yan..."
"It's okay. But, Qingshi, what brings you here this time? You were just here not long ago. Why are you here again?"