Inside the prefect's residence, Ning Yao found Lin Qingyu alone.

Lin Qingyu now regards Ning Yao not only as her savior, but also as her benefactor, and treats her with utmost respect.

"Miss Ning."

Ning Yao nodded: "Sit down."

Lin Qingyu sat down opposite her.

"You must know what kind of opportunity the trip to Kunlun Ridge was. The reason for leaving you in Nanjiang City is due to many considerations. From now on, you and Qinglan will stay in Nanjiang City."

Lin Qingyu nodded: "That's right. Qingyu will definitely study hard with Master Wen and live up to Miss Ning's expectations."

Ning Yao smiled and said, "Of course I believe you, but I came here for Qing Lan."

Lin Qingyu was taken aback, but not surprised.

He learned from the few words his sister Lin Qinglan had spoken that Miss Ning liked him very much.

"If Miss Ning likes Qinglan, why not let Qinglan accompany you south?"

Ning Yao shook her head: "No, you are her blood relative, it would be better for you to be by her side. I do like Qinglan very much because she is very similar to an old friend from my childhood, but she is no longer here, which is why I chose to take you with me when I left Songyang City."

Lin Qingyu said upon hearing this, "Please accept my condolences, young lady."

"Let's not talk about that. There's something I need to return to Qinglan, but she's young and I'm afraid she won't be able to keep it safe, so I'm giving it to you."

Ning Yao took out the leaf that Lin Qinglan had given her.

Lin Qingyu was clearly surprised; he hadn't heard his sister say that she had given the leaf to Ning Yao.

"This thing is useless to me. It was given to her by the sacred tree, so it's better to return it to her."

Lin Qingyu nodded: "In that case, I will accept it on Qinglan's behalf."

—

Outside Nanjiang City, Ning Yao and her entourage bid farewell.

"The extra 30,000 soldiers recorded in the dossier are all at Bailong Ridge. After we leave, Lord Wen must immediately investigate the matter."

"Your humble servant understands."

Finally, Ning Yao looked at the little girl next to Lin Qingyu.

Seeing this, Lin Qingyu pushed her forward: "Go and say goodbye to the young lady."

Xiao Qinglan stepped forward, wearing the dress left to her by Madam Ning, with a small cloak draped over her shoulders, her hair tied in two buns, her face delicate and beautiful, filled with reluctance to part with Ning Yao.

She bowed respectfully to Ning Yao: "The journey south is long. I hope you take care and have a safe and smooth journey, Sister Ning."

Ning Yao squatted down, patted her head, took out the pendant she had prepared beforehand, and put it around her neck.

"Licheng isn't far. You can come to Licheng to find me after things are peaceful. You must always wear this on you; it will protect you, understand?"

Ning Yao's gentle voice brought tears to Xiao Qinglan's eyes, and she couldn't help but let them flow.

The little girl cried and said, "Qinglan will remember Sister Ning's words. I will come to find you when things calm down outside. Sister, please don't forget Qinglan."

"Yes, I won't forget you. Qinglan, be a good girl and listen to your brother. I'll be waiting for you in Licheng."

Ning Yao stood up, clasped her hands in a fist salute to the others, and said, "Farewell, everyone!"

The convoy slowly set off, and Wen Yuan watched the figures gradually disappear into the distance, a new determination appearing in his eyes.

"Let's go, there's still a lot to do."

The city gates closed, separating the two groups of people.

After Ning Yao and the others left, Wen Yuan and Lin Qingyu were extremely busy.

First, the city lord's mansion, the governor's mansion, and the residences of those convicted officials were cleaned up and the refugees on the street were arranged to move in.

Ning Yao didn't take any of the items seized this time; they were all stored away by Wen Yuan.

All the grain was used to provide relief to the disaster victims, and for the first time, the lives of the disaster victims and ordinary people in Nanjiang City were guaranteed.

That morning, Wen Yuan got up and heard magpies chattering outside.

While they were having their meal in the front hall, they heard some shocking news.

"My lord! The men sent to Bailong Ridge have returned. They not only found 30,000 soldiers, but also a water source. Nanjiang City is saved!"

Wen Yuan didn't even have time for breakfast and scrambled out of the house.

"Find Young Master Lin and set off for White Dragon Ridge immediately!"

The horse galloped at full speed, kicking up a trail of dust.

Bailong Ridge is one of the mountain ranges in the Kunlun Mountains, located on the outermost southeast side, and is less than 100 li away from Nanjiang City in a straight line.

Some say it got its name from the shape of its mountain ridge resembling a dragon, while others say it got its name from a deep abyss in the mountain inhabited by a white dragon.

But no matter which legend it is, nothing can stop Wen Yuan's footsteps now.

The drought lasted for half a year, leaving bones scattered everywhere and people suffering terribly.

If there is a water source in Bailong Ridge, at least Nanjiang City will be saved!

If Nanjiang City can be saved...

Wen Yuan became more and more excited as he thought about it.

Lin Qingyu, walking alongside him, also looked ready for battle.

Whether Nanjiang City can become a turning point depends on this trip to Bailong Ridge!

When the horses stopped where there were people, soldiers immediately came to take them away.

Where is the water source?

"My lord, please follow me!" A soldier in armor approached, his voice rough and gruff.

The newcomer was over nine feet tall and had a robust build. His entire body, except for his eyes, was covered in armor, making it impossible to see his true face.

Wen Yuan looked at him, then followed.

"What's your name? Tell me about it."

As they walked, a soldier replied, "This humble general is Zhou Kui, the leader of the vanguard."

Wen Yuan nodded: "So it's General Zhou."

Zhou Kui continued, "All 30,000 soldiers are here at Bailong Ridge. We were sent here by the Lin brothers three months ago to find a water source."

Wen Yuan was surprised: "Three months ago?" He thought it had been at least a few years, but he didn't expect it to be so short.

It seems that because of the constraints imposed by these two brothers, I am unaware of many things.

"Go on."

Zhou Kui is tall with long legs, and he is familiar with the mountain paths, so he walks on the mountain trails as if on flat ground.

Lin Qingyu also has long legs, is familiar with the mountains, and can keep up with Zhou Kui.

The two were quite fast, but it was tough on Wen Yuan, a weak and scholarly official.

My legs weren't long enough, I wasn't familiar with the mountain paths, and I didn't have the stamina to keep up. I was exhausted and panting for breath.

Lin Qingyu asked him with concern, "Sir, are you alright?"

Wen Yuan's face flushed red, and he gritted his teeth as he said, "I can manage. You all go first."

Zhou Kui and Lin Qingyu exchanged a glance and slowed down, which made Wen Yuan feel a little more relaxed.

"Nanjiang City suffered a severe drought, and even the Nanjiang River dried up completely. The Lin family was extremely anxious, like ants on a hot pan. Suddenly one day, I received an order to lead 30,000 soldiers to Bailong Ridge to find a water source."

Lin Qingyu exclaimed in surprise: "Thirty thousand people searching for water? Isn't that a bit too much of a fuss? It's already a year of famine, wouldn't this just make things worse?"

No one saw the sarcastic smile playing on Zhou Kui's lips. All they heard him say was, "Thirty thousand men mobilized? Even if there were three hundred thousand, what would the Lin brothers have to worry about if they could achieve their goal?"

"Adding insult to injury only affects us and those ordinary people; it doesn't apply to them at all!"