Black Cloud Mountain, somewhere on its slopes.
This place was the closest to the Outer World. A mountain stronghold had been built there, with several hundred mu of mountain fields reclaimed nearby.
The fields were steep and extremely barren, making it difficult to grow much grain.
The buildings within the stronghold had nevertheless been laid out with great order, and at the very center stood an ancestral shrine.
In the Outer World, Xu Yunlang was a noble young master of an Aristocratic Clan. Here, however, he was so cautious that he scarcely dared breathe too loudly.
He entered a study. Inside was a middle-aged man who resembled him and was holding a brush as he wrote.
"Father..."
Xu Yunlang bowed first. "Today, your son inspected Little Fields Village. The crops in the estate fields are all growing well, and next year should bring a good harvest... The annual accounts for the Great Passage Cloth Shop in the city have also been audited. It made a total profit of one thousand two hundred and sixty-seven silver..."
"Mm, not bad..."
The middle-aged man's expression softened slightly. "The winter sacrificial rites are almost here. Every aspect of the Sacrificial Rites must be prepared thoroughly. There must not be the slightest mistake..."
"Yes, Father. Your son understands."
Xu Yunlang bowed, but the fist hidden in his sleeve clenched tight.
Although all the sacrificial offerings had been prepared, there was nothing particularly novel about them. His branch would still fade into the crowd.
If they could obtain that spirit wine from that day, it would surely delight the Old Ancestor and win his favor. Unfortunately...
He could not say more at that moment. After bowing once more, he backed out of the study.
He had barely left the door when a noble young master in