Chapter 435: You’re Making Me a Bit Uneasy
“Since Lord Linghu has important matters to attend to, I won’t keep you. But know that you are always welcome in Luo City. When you return, I will personally see to your hospitality.”
“You are too kind, City Lord Yu. Before arriving, I had thought of Luo City the same way I thought of Feng City. But after staying here for over ten days, I have come to admire your governance greatly. I have already discussed with Lord Ye—I will purchase three storefronts now and return after the spring thaw to start operations.”
This unexpected surprise caught Yu Haojie and Yu Luo off guard. They had assumed there was no convincing him to stay, yet now he was buying property in Luo City.
Even if it was just three shops—or even just one—it signified that this Western Mo prince recognized Luo City’s potential.
Although Linghu Zhi was merely the Sixth Prince of Western Mo, his investment implied that both Western Mo and Eastern Feng had interests in Luo City. Even if they couldn’t match the power of multiple nations and hidden sects, having support from these two states was better than standing alone.
“We are honored that Lord Linghu sees promise in Luo City. I will ensure that you receive the best prices. Allow me to wish you prosperity in advance—may your business flourish and your wealth multiply.”
Even though he was thrilled, Yu Haojie maintained a composed demeanor.
This balanced enthusiasm, free from any obsequiousness, made Yu Luo feel a sense of pride.
Her father was truly growing into his role as City Lord.
“Haha, may we all prosper together! But before I leave, I have a small favor to ask. Would City Lord Yu be willing to accommodate my request?”
As soon as Linghu Zhi spoke, both father and daughter became wary.
However, his next words made them relax.
“It’s quite simple—our Western Mo Kingdom lacks fresh vegetables in winter. Before I return, I would like to purchase a supply. If this trade proves viable, I hope to establish a long-term partnership with Luo City, much like Lord Ye has. Would this be acceptable to you?”
“Xiao Luo, how much produce do we currently have?”
“We have one greenhouse ready now, and in about ten days, more will be available. If Lord Linghu wishes, you can take one batch back first. If the business proves successful in Western Mo, you can send for more shipments.”
Yu Luo agreed readily, and Linghu Zhi nodded enthusiastically.
On the other hand, Ye Lü shot her a look of playful grievance, pretending to be displeased.
“Before, you only allowed me to buy from one greenhouse. But now that Lord Linghu has asked, he can purchase multiple greenhouses? Xiao Luo, this seems a little unfair!”
“Hahaha, Lord Ye, don’t trouble Lady Yu. I’m sure she has her reasons.”
Ye Lü wasn’t truly upset, of course. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Linghu Zhi entrusted Ye Lü with handling the shop purchases and then departed.
“Lord Ye, you’ve worked hard these past ten days, handling all the arrangements for Lord Linghu. However, I have a question that puzzles me—could you clarify something for me?”
“City Lord Yu, you’re too polite. Please, ask away—I’ll answer to the best of my ability.”
Hearing this, Yu Haojie didn’t hold back.
“It’s like this—Feng City just suffered complete devastation. I had assumed that Lord Linghu would avoid investing here, and yet he suddenly decided otherwise. Do you know why?”
Yu Luo, who had been listening to their conversation, also found it strange.
Shouldn’t Linghu Zhi, like most others, steer clear of Luo City for now? At the very least, it seemed unwise to get involved at this moment.
“I honestly didn’t expect this outcome either. Maybe he just sees the potential in Luo City. After all, even Feng City is gone now. Going forward, Luo City could dominate the region. Perhaps that’s what caught his attention.”
Ye Lü’s response was reasonable, yet father and daughter remained somewhat skeptical.
Still, his expression showed no sign of deceit, only mild curiosity. Seeing this, they chose not to press further.
[A Month Later]
A full month had passed, yet the agents Yu Luo had sent to the Northern Kingdom—Luo Wu and Luo Liu—had found no trace of Shen Chuxue.
Meanwhile, Yu Luo speculated that Chen was likely approaching the end of her life.
She decided to visit Stone Mountain one last time.
However, upon arrival, she found it completely deserted.
There were traces of life left behind—charcoal remnants in the cold fire pits, proving that no one had lived there for days.
Yu Luo frowned and searched every cave but found no trace of the Yu family’s legitimate members.
Abandoned tattered blankets and winter clothes lay stiff from the cold, untouched for days. Some crude food supplies remained in a corner.
“What does this mean? Could it be that the Yu family has truly been pardoned and returned home?”
Yu Luo murmured to herself, baffled.
She still found it hard to believe they had been allowed to leave so quietly.
However, recalling the disappearance of both Lan Shi and Yu Xiaoran, she realized that Yu Zhengqing might have blamed everything on her.
Even if they had returned, they wouldn’t have told her family.
With this in mind, Yu Luo used her qinggong to dash toward the stone house at the edge of the wilderness.
On the way, she didn’t forget to purchase supplies from her system store—white rice, flour, vegetables, cooking oil, salt, winter clothing, quilts, cotton shoes, and boots.
As soon as she landed in front of the wooden door, it swung open from the inside.
Old Man Zhuang stepped out, his eyes sweeping over the newly delivered supplies.
He lifted his gaze to meet Yu Luo’s, surprise flickering across his face before he quickly masked it.
He opened the door wider and stepped outside.
“Didn’t expect you to come in person.”
“Sir, you know who I am?”
Yu Luo was taken aback.
The old man remained expressionless.
“Aren’t you from the Yu family? They’ve all left—are you and your parents really planning to stay and rule Luo City forever? You’re not returning to the capital?”
Yu Luo’s eyes widened.
So it was true—the legitimate Yu family members had returned to the capital!
She felt a pang of frustration.
She had hoped to witness Chen’s final demise, but now she wouldn’t get the satisfaction!
Hearing the truth confirmed by Old Man Zhuang, Yu Luo clenched her fists in irritation.
Though she did want the Yu family to regain its freedom, she didn’t want to let Chen off so easily.
Suppressing her frustration, she fixed Old Man Zhuang with a sharp gaze, her expression tinged with wariness.
“You work for the imperial court. We’ve built an entire city here—aren’t you going to report this? You’re making me a bit uneasy.”
Hearing her words, Old Man Zhuang finally let out a faint chuckle, his face showing the slightest trace of amusement.
“Do you really think the imperial court needs me to report that an entire city has sprung up in the wilderness?”
(End of Chapter 435)
