By the time Zhou Lin returned from handling the matter, it was already afternoon. He entered the room, stood beside the table, and told Sun Desheng that the warehouse goods had been released.
Sun Desheng made no comment after listening. Zhou Lin added, "City Lord, another shop on the street closed today. It was a general store. The owner said there had been hardly any business this month, and he couldn't hold on any longer."
Sun Desheng's brow twitched. He stood and walked to the window, glancing outside. There were far fewer people on the street than usual. At this hour in the past, all the shops would have their doors open, with people eating, shopping, and resting their feet. The streets had been bustling.
Now, half the street stood empty. The shutters of several shops were closed, and dust had settled on the steps outside.
After watching for a while, he returned to his chair and sat down. Once the trade route was cut off, Sun Desheng had nothing left to offer.
As he sat in the room considering this, another guard entered from outside and stopped at the doorway. "City Lord, someone has arrived at the city gate. He says he is from Luofeng City and wishes to see you."
Sun Desheng raised his eyes to the guard.
"Who?"
"He says his surname is Lin. He came alone and carries no weapon."
"Bring him to the main hall."
Lin Taichu waited outside the main hall of the City Lord's Mansion for a while. Sun Desheng emerged from the rear hall and took the main seat. He neither offered Lin Taichu a seat nor spoke, merely staring at him with both eyes.
Lin Taichu walked over and seated himself in the guest seat. No sword hung at his waist,