The fiefdom was shrouded in a thin layer of morning mist. Fine dew covered the leaves of the Blue Silver Grass Sea, glinting like scattered silver in the rising sunlight.
Lan Tian stood on the second-floor terrace of the castle, gazing at the grass sea and medicinal fields faintly visible through the morning fog. He stood there quietly for a while before turning and heading downstairs.
After breakfast, he did not hurry to meditate in the Blue Silver Grass Sea. Instead, he first sent someone to summon Old Ke.
Old Ke had changed considerably over the past few years.
When he had first arrived at the fiefdom, he had been a diligent but quiet mason. Now, after serving as chief steward for so long, he had become much more composed. His back was straight, and he spoke with more order than before.
He hurried to the castle entrance and stopped below the steps. "Master Lan, you summoned me?"
Lan Tian stood at the doorway and looked at him. "I'm planning a long journey and will be taking Louise and the others with me. We may be away from the fiefdom for some time."
Old Ke did not ask further questions and merely listened attentively.
Lan Tian said, "While I'm away, you will manage everything in the fiefdom. Plant and harvest the medicinal fields according to the season, pay the workers as usual, and inspect the walls and formations every few days. If anything comes up that you cannot decide on, go discuss it with the people at Blue Medicine Hall. I'll leave a letter at the City Lord's Mansion. If there is an emergency and I need to return, you can send word through the City Lord's Mansion."
After hearing him out, Old Ke nodded heavily. "Rest assured, Master Lan.