The Helan Family ancestral grounds, Gardenia Wilds.
It was the peak blooming season for gardenias. Gardenias had always had an overwhelmingly fragrant scent, and even sitting inside the carriage, He Lan Shangyue could smell the rich, somewhat vulgar perfume. He parted the curtain and watched the gardenias covering the mountains and plains sway in the wind, suppressing the urge to sneeze.
The flower farmers knelt on both sides of the road as soon as they spotted the Helan Banner on the carriage. Nearly a thousand flower farmers tended this wilderness, including more than a dozen Heralds equipped with planting tokens who served as the head supervisors. Only through their meticulous care could this flowerland ignore the changing seasons and remain in full bloom year-round.
When the carriage approached the fortress gate, the mechanisms inside immediately clattered into motion, raising the portcullis. The steward had been waiting for some time and came forward to help He Lan Shangyue out of the carriage.
"How has the Old Ancestor been feeling lately?"
"As usual, but he's been eating a little less at lunch."
"Is the food not to his taste?" He Lan Shangyue's heart tightened.
"The cooks have already tried many different dishes, all of them things the Old Ancestor used to enjoy." The steward lowered his voice. "There have been periods like this in previous years. They lasted anywhere from a month to a season. Perhaps it's simply an occasional change."
He Lan Shangyue pondered for a moment. "Then let's do this. Stop the spirit-jade mining in the mornings and evenings and see if that helps. If it still doesn't improve, stop the spirit-jade mining altogether. The Old Ancestor's health is the most important thing. Everything else can wait."
"Yes, I'll send someone to call it off immediately." The steward asked, "Shall