"I understand." Wang Shouzhe already had a plan in mind. Changing the subject, he said, "Wang Shoulian, your Fourth Sister-in-Law made some pastries for me. I couldn't bear to eat too many, so I saved some for you."
Wang Shoulian's expression changed slightly, and he forced out a smile. "Thank you for your consideration, Fourth Brother. I already ate some dry rations on the road."
"You're a grown young man. How can you live on dry rations alone?" Liu Ruolan mildly reproached him. "Have some pastries to tide you over first. In a while, your Fourth Sister-in-Law will personally cook for you."
Wang Shoulian's face turned utterly pale, but he forced himself to smile. "Th-thank you, Fourth Sister-in-Law."
Even Wang Zongchang's calves were trembling as he said, "Fourth Uncle, I'll go complete the mission right away."
"What's the rush?" Liu Ruolan looked every bit the elder sister-in-law and aunt. "You young, strong men need to fill your stomachs before doing anything. None of you are allowed to leave. Stay and eat."
Then Liu Ruolan went to prepare the meal.
She had said that she would cook personally today.
The three Wang Clan men all wore grave expressions. The atmosphere was oppressive, as though the end of the world were imminent.
Almost at the same time.
Northwest of Changning Guard City lay a vast ranch, lush with water and grass and stretching as far as the eye could see.
Here were herds upon herds of cattle and sheep, as well as groups of strong, sturdy horses galloping and training under the guidance of herdsmen.
This was the renowned Huangfu Ranch, one of the principal pillar industries of the Celestial Huangfu Clan.
The Huangfu Family Clan had been rooted in Changning Guard for centuries and had already completed one succession of