Peaceful days never last long. Early on the second day of the Lunar New Year, Yang Jie notified them that they had to arrive in Jing City by the evening of the third day, citing an important mission.
Without delay, the two began packing. Their route would take them through Jiang City, where they still had some matters to settle.
Before they left, Yu Xiaowen bombarded them with endless reminders—seemingly trivial things, but Su Mo committed every word to heart.
Su Wenjun, on the other hand, said nothing. He simply smiled and watched as they entered the airport.
…..
Upon arriving in Jiang City, their first stop was the Qingyu Association. They found that Tang Hu and his crew had integrated surprisingly well—thanks largely to Wang Er’s arrangements.
Apparently, Liao Yu had been applying constant pressure. If not for the weight of “Ye Qingyi’s” name, Tang Hu’s group might have already been expelled from the association.
Because of this, Tang Hu and his men had grown increasingly respectful and reliant on Su Mo. Wang Er had even spoken privately with Tang Hu, advising him that if he still wanted to achieve great things, he should wholeheartedly follow Su Mo. Otherwise, missing this opportunity would mean no such luck in the future.
Tang Hu acted decisively. He immediately held a “thought education” session for his men, convincing them that loyalty to Ye Qingyi and the Qingyu Association was their only path forward.
So when Su Mo and Ye Qingyi stood before them, every member stood at attention, their expressions screaming “We’d march through fire for you!”
“Relax, everyone. We’re all on the same side here. As long as you do your jobs well, resources won’t be an issue.” With that, Su Mo pulled out a large bag of spirit stones and began distributing them alongside Ye Qingyi.
Every single person present received a share—including Wang Er and his men.
“Things were hectic before the New Year, so I didn’t get a chance to check in. Consider these spirit stones my apology.”
Then he produced a stack of red envelopes: “It’s the holidays, and I didn’t prepare any fancy gifts. Hope you don’t mind something a little… traditional.”
One by one, he handed them out.
As if anyone would complain about “traditional” gifts…
…..
Once that was done, Su Mo pulled Wang Er aside and handed him two mid-grade spirit stones. “You’ve been working tirelessly since I arrived, and I’ve never properly thanked you…”
Wang Er hadn’t expected this. Though he refused outwardly, inwardly, he was deeply moved.
“Don’t turn them down. The Qingyu Association’s success—and the support I’ve gained as Ye Qingyi—wouldn’t have been possible without you. This is just a small token. Take it, so I can keep troubling you in the future.”
So this is how leadership works, Ye Qingyi mused silently. Even small gestures, if sincere, can go a long way.
Wang Er finally accepted the stones. “Whatever Second Miss needs, Wang Er will see it done.”
Su Mo thought for a moment. “Which factions in Jiang City still pose a threat to the Qingyu Association?”
Wang Er answered without hesitation: “None left in the north. The south still has a few, though they’re not particularly strong. Their longevity gives them some influence, but that’s about it.”
“Keep an eye on their recent movements.”
“Does Second Miss plan to expand our territory into the south?”
Su Mo shook his head. “No. We’re just staying vigilant. No need to provoke them.”
Wang Er’s eyes cleared in understanding. “Understood!”
After settling matters at the Qingyu Association, they went to pay New Year’s respects to Shen Hong—only to find Li Wenhui there as well.
“Uncle Li, what a coincidence! You’re here too?”
Li Wenhui beamed at the sight of Ye Qingyi. “Just discussing some matters with Commander Shen. But we’re done now.”
With that, he made to leave.
Shen Hong didn’t bother with the usual polite protests, suggesting their conversation hadn’t gone well.
Before stepping out, Li Wenhui suddenly turned back. “You should visit home sometime. You’re father and daughter—no conflict is beyond resolution. If you just apologize, he’ll surely forgive you.”
Su Mo let out a cold laugh. “Sorry, but he’s not my father. There’s nothing to reconcile.”
Li Wenhui was taken aback by the icy detachment in his tone. With no choice, he left with a sigh.
Why must family be like this…
The moment Li Wenhui was gone, Shen Hong’s mood visibly improved.
“Honestly, not a single one of them is any—” She cut herself off mid-sentence, shooting a furtive glance at Su Mo.
Beside him, Ye Qingyi instantly guessed: “Not a single one is any good” probably includes Ye Zhongwen.
“Hong-jie, we came all this way to see you. Don’t let it ruin your holiday mood,” Su Mo said smoothly, pouring her a cup of water.
Shen Hong took a sip, her expression softening. “Too many frustrations lately. Hard not to be angry.”
“What’s wrong? Has the Red Leaf Society been making moves?”
Shen Hong frowned, thinking for a moment. “Not just them. The Ye family, too.”
Ye Qingyi couldn’t hold back. “What’s the Ye family up to now?”
Shen Hong smirked at her urgency. “Qingyi, your little boyfriend here is quite something. He’s genuinely worried for you.”
“Hong-jie, stop teasing me…”
Su Mo’s voice dripped with exaggerated shyness.
Ye Qingyi, however, played it straight. “It’s my duty. Of course I’d be concerned.”
“Oh, so now you’re putting on the ‘perfect couple’ act for me?” Shen Hong rolled her eyes. “Fine. Back to business.”
(10,000 words of political intrigue omitted)
“So, the Ye family and the Red Leaf Society jointly demanded access to the ancient tomb ruins—and that’s why they approached you?”
“Exactly. Since I oversee Chu Province, it’s not wrong for them to come to me. But this isn’t something I have the authority to approve.” Shen Hong sighed. “They could’ve gone straight to the Elder Council if they wanted. I really don’t get it.”
“Could they be avoiding suspicion?” Su Mo speculated. “Ye Qingwen’s grandfather is Elder Liu. Maybe he doesn’t want to leave any evidence of favoritism, so he needs someone else to propose it?”
“That’s part of it, but not the whole picture.” Shen Hong tapped the table. “The Ye family and Red Leaf Society have more than just Elder Liu on the council. Elder Han is even close friends with the Red Leaf Society’s leader.”
Su Mo fell silent.
If that were the case, there’d be no need to involve Shen Hong… Unless—
A chilling realization struck him. “They’re not… using this to target you, are they?”
Shen Hong smiled wryly. “Sharp as ever. That’s exactly it. The Ye family once saw me as an ally. But now that you and Qingyi have left, I’ve become an obstacle in their eyes. They want a new ally to take over as Jiang City’s commander.”
Even though he’d guessed it, hearing it confirmed was still jarring. To these families and factions, it seemed everything boiled down to cold, hard interests.
“If that’s true, then the Qingyu Association is also at risk.”
“Which is why you need to prepare. Talk to Liao Yu. Don’t lose the bigger picture over minor gains.”
Su Mo nodded. It was time for a serious conversation.
“By the way,” Shen Hong added abruptly, “Yang Jie called you back early, didn’t he?”
A sense of unease prickled at Su Mo. “Is something big about to happen?”
Shen Hong drained her cup in one gulp, as if trying to wash down the bitterness in her chest.
“Yeah. The Great Xia is about to change.”