Chương 58: Arriving in Qinghe County

That evening. Song Que, bringing Xiong Ba and Li Xin along, met up with Wu Yi and Zhong Hong at the appointed time. With no conflicts or power struggles between the parties, and a steady supply of fine wine, everyone except Xiong Ba and Li Xin—who were busy stuffing their faces—happily raised their glasses, sang loudly, and chatted animatedly. Having tasted strong liquor for the first time, Lu Ji and Liang Jing were practically poured into a stupor.

The banquet only dispersed then, and everyone parted ways to head home. After instructing Zhong Hong to have everyone ready the next morning, Song Que returned to the inn to rest.... The next morning. The West City of Yellow Leaf Town was a hubbub of horses and carts. Over twenty carts loaded with goods and nearly sixty people and horses were gathered there.

Song Que, Xiong Ba, Li Xin, and Zhong Hong rode horses, accompanied by two carts carrying Aunt Li, Zhong Hong's lackeys, and the rest of the group, slowly making their way over. Wu Yi, who had arrived early, was talking to a burly man. Seeing Song Que's group, he waved them over.

"A'Que, this is Brother Yun Jiu, the captain of this merchant caravan. Brother Yun, this is my brother, Song Que. I'll trouble you to look after him on the journey." As they met, Wu Yi introduced the two sides.

"Young Master Wu, rest assured. I have heard Young Hero Song's great name like thunder piercing my ears! On this journey, I might even have to rely on Young Master Song's help!" As a caravan captain, Yun Jiu's social skills were top-notch. He spoke with a hearty, straightforward tone that made people feel comfortable. Song Que's favorable impression of him increased, and he smiled, cupping his hands:"I'll have to trouble Brother Jiu on this journey.

If we encounter any bandits or robbers, just give a shout; this little brother won't stand on ceremony!" Hearing this, Wu Yi burst into laughter:"A'Que, you're overthinking it! Those mountain bandits on Huanglian Mountain only dare bully ordinary folks. With the reputation of the Yun Family Caravan, even if you gave them ten guts, they wouldn't dare come rob us! You can set off with absolute peace of mind."

Yun Jiu also smiled, his face brimming with pride:"I appreciate Young Master Song's good intentions, but you can rest assured. In this little Huanglian Mountain, there isn't a single mountain bandit who dares lay a finger on our Yun Family Chamber of Commerce! I guarantee I will deliver you and your family safely to the County City, without missing a single hair!" The Yun Family Chamber of Commerce. This was the second time Song Que had heard this name.

Previously, Feng Han had also shown extreme reverence toward it. This must be a massive faction, but I've never heard Wu Yi mention it before. Perhaps its headquarters isn't in the County City. Secretly memorizing the name, Song Que piled a bright smile onto his face:"Then this little brother was just showing off his meager skills before an expert! I'll be troubling Brother Jiu on this journey!" After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Yun Jiu, who still had to prepare the entire convoy, they parted ways.

Returning to Zhong Hong and the others, Song Que asked curiously:"Brother Yi, what kind of sacred entity is this Yun Family? Their influence is this massive?"

"Hah! They're a major Chamber of Commerce! One of the top Chambers of Commerce in the entire Lingnan Circuit! The Yun Clan Patriarch is even a First-Tier expert!

'Golden Abacus' Yun Tianchang is famous across the four southern Circuits! Heroes from all paths give them face, let alone a few bandit dens who wouldn't dare provoke them. If you upset them, they could wipe you out in minutes, just watch!" Hearing this introduction, everyone felt a wave of secret apprehension. A Second-Tier martial artist was already at the pinnacle in a County City. A faction with a First-Tier expert holding down the fort... that was truly something they couldn't afford to provoke!

"That's truly impressive. No wonder he spoke with such confidence."

"Haha! Otherwise, how would they dare charge ten taels of silver per person? It's a bit expensive, but it's safe—you get what you pay for! I told you I had arranged everything perfectly. You can set off with complete peace of mind, kid!" Looking at Wu Yi's smug expression, Song Que smiled:"It's all thanks to you going out of your way, Brother Yi."

"Haha, minor matter, not worth mentioning!" At this moment, a commotion arose in the distance. A few people on horseback were galloping toward Song Que. Upon seeing him, the two leaders immediately dismounted and cupped their hands: Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"Young Hero Song, our Lords have prepared a few gifts for you, wishing you a safe journey!" It turned out to be from Lu Ji and Liang Jing. After an explanation, he learned that the two were still completely hungover and couldn't come to see him off, so they sent their servants to deliver gifts. Song Que and the others smiled happily and accepted the gifts. Since it was purely wealth, he didn't examine it closely, handing it to Li Xin for safekeeping and politely asking the servants to relay his thanks.

When Yun Jiu signaled the departure, Song Que and the group finally bid a reluctant farewell to Wu Yi.

"You guys go on with peace of mind. We'll meet again in the County City soon! And A'Que, don't worry about whether that man will teach you martial arts. At worst, I'll go back and convince my eldest uncle! With your aptitude, I believe my uncle will make an exception and teach you our family's martial arts!" Watching Wu Yi grow further away, Song Que felt a surge of emotion. He waved vigorously:"I know, Brother Yi! Thank you! Take care!"

"Take care!" The sorrow of parting quickly faded. Traveling far from home for the first time, Song Que and the others curiously observed the scenery along the road. Although it was still just forests and rocky mountains, they never grew tired of looking, nor did they feel fatigued. Just as Yun Jiu had said, the journey was incredibly peaceful.

A couple of times, mountain bandits popped out, but the moment they saw the banner of the Yun Family Caravan from afar, they immediately bolted, not causing the convoy a shred of trouble. After a brief rest at noon, by late afternoon, the group could see Qinghe County in the distance. Song Que calculated silently. At their pace, traveling for over ten hours, the maximum distance covered was only a little over 100 kilometers. It was just because the mountain roads were rugged that it took so long.

If they had galloped at full speed on horses, they would have arrived in less than two hours. It was only the harsh terrain and rampant mountain bandits that made Yellow Leaf Town almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world. Sighing inwardly, Song Que looked at Qinghe County in the distance, and his heart also trembled slightly. Compared to Yellow Leaf Town, he didn't know how many times larger this place was! The city walls were over ten meters high! Truly majestic!

It was even more expansive than the ancient cities he had seen in his past life! It was hard to imagine that this was merely a small county city on the southern border! Having experienced grand spectacles before, Grandee Song was no different from the people beside him, curiously evaluating the various buildings on both sides as they entered the city. It wasn't until the convoy stopped at a large plaza that he nodded in satisfaction and retracted his gaze.

"Young Master Song, Young Master Wu instructed me to tell you to wait here. Someone will come to pick you up shortly." Yun Jiu approached and told him. Song Que cupped his hands and smiled at him:"I understand. Thank you for your care on this journey, Brother Jiu."

"Young Master Song is too polite! In the future, if you have free time, you can come find me at the Sea of Clouds Pavilion! If you ever want to buy any natural treasures, you can come there too! I trust the Yun Family Chamber of Commerce will leave you satisfied!" Hearing the words 'natural treasures', Song Que's eyes lit up. Brother Jiu is really scratching the exact itch I have! But then he remembered his completely empty Storage Space, and Grandee Song could only secretly shed a tear.

"Many thanks, Brother Jiu. This little brother will definitely visit."

"Excellent! Then I will take my leave for now."

"See you around, Brother Jiu." Watching him leave, Song Que felt a secret pang of regret. Money is a wonderful thing! A hero without a penny is truly stumped! The 'Gambling King' Song had already begun scheming how to shear another flock of sheep. My blade is already thirsting for it! Just as he was immersed in his fantasies, a voice interrupted:"Is this brother Song Que, Young Hero Song?"

Turning his head, he saw a handsome young man dressed in yamen runner attire, a saber hanging at his waist, cupping his hands toward him.

"I am indeed Song Que. You must be Brother Wu Fan, correct?" The young man shook his head in denial:"Young Master Song misunderstands. Brother Fan was busy and couldn't come, so he sent me to help everyone." Hearing this, Song Que raised an eyebrow, but quickly smiled:"Then I'll trouble you, Brother. May I ask your name?"

"I am Guan Yu. Young Master Song, you can just call me Little Guan or A'Yu." Hearing the man state his name, Song Que nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. Did the Second Lord Guan transmigrate too?! Seeing the man looking at him in surprise, Song Que smiled awkwardly:"It's just that... I know someone with the exact same name as you. I wonder, what is your birth order in your family?"

"Ah, I see. Thank you for your concern, Young Master Song. I am the eldest son." As long as he's not referred to as the 'Second Lord' later, it's fine. Song Que smiled and said:"I'll trouble Brother Guan to lead the way. Tonight, you must allow me to host a banquet! I also want to ask a bit about Qinghe County." The man was also straightforward and didn't act coy, smiling and nodding:"I'll follow your arrangements, Young Master Song. I will absolutely tell you everything I know, hiding nothing.

Everyone, please follow me first. I'll take you to your new house." The group followed Guan Yu, taking several turns before arriving at a new neighborhood. Song Que evaluated the surroundings, and confirming it through Lightning's aerial view, he could safely say that this street was among the top tier in all of Qinghe County. The houses on both sides were spacious and imposing. The street was clean, fresh, and free from any chaotic noise. Song Que was secretly very satisfied. Truly worth the money spent!

Brother Yi really put his heart into securing this house. Following Guan Yu inside, it was another fairly spacious compound. It had a main building including a reception hall, an annex, two side rooms, and two courtyards. For their current needs, it was more than enough. Guan Yu took the opportunity to introduce it:"The owner of this house accumulated gambling debts and was forced into a corner, so he had to sell this place. Young Master Song, being able to buy it for ten thousand taels is a massive win!

Even if you flipped it right now, you could earn at least a thousand taels."

"Haha, it's all thanks to Big Brother Wu Yi for helping me buy it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how to handle it."

"So that's how it is! It was because the Wu Family stepped in that those local thugs didn't dare come here to cause trouble. The owner tried to sell it many times before, but those thugs kept finding ways to force the price down or drive buyers away. I wonder how Young Master Wu Yi is doing in Yellow Leaf Town now?" Hearing Guan Yu's explanation, Song Que believed him 80%. Wu Yi had probably faced no small difficulty helping him buy this place.

He temporarily etched this favor into his heart, then turned to smile at Guan Yu:"Brother Yi is doing wonderfully. Brother Guan knows Brother Yi as well?"

"I wouldn't say we're well-acquainted. Young Master Wu Yi used to be my colleague. But not long after I joined, he was transferred to Yellow Leaf Town. I don't even know if he still remembers me."

"Haha! Brother Yi loves making friends! Someday when he returns to the County City, I'll introduce you two!"

"Then I thank Young Master Song in advance!" Guan Yu hurriedly expressed his gratitude. Following that, the group continued to tour the new house and allocate the rooms.