But as he spoke, he lowered his head, his clenched fingers revealing a sliver of golden light peeking out from within, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.
He quickly clenched his fingers again to conceal his expression and continued to introduce himself to the two.
“The best mining areas in the middle belong to warlords, while those on the periphery belong to wealthy merchants,” he said.
“Merchant caravans that come to select goods usually choose from each mining area. Of course, some only cooperate with fixed mining areas. Boss Zuo’s caravan is the former type.”
"Warlords and wealthy merchants all have their own warehouse districts. I'll take you to the warehouses, and perhaps we'll be able to meet Boss Zuo's caravan."
Qiao Lian'er noticed that Dan Suo glanced at the little girl again as he left.
The two look somewhat alike; they might be siblings.
However, she did not expose him. She followed Danzor around the hill and saw a large flat mountaintop with several warehouse districts.
The commoners lined up, carrying baskets filled with the best stones they had selected, and headed towards the various warehouse districts.
These stones, no matter how many, are valuable, at least twenty or thirty taels each. Those transported to the jade gambling stalls can at least recoup some of their costs.
The warehouse area features stilted houses for living and receiving guests, supported by sturdy pillars, with houses built on top, exuding a strong local flavor. There are also spacious warehouses made of sheds, where you can see many caravans selecting goods.
But Suo first told Qiao Lian'er and the others to wait a moment. He saw a familiar shopkeeper and ran over to him, asking in the local language, "Uncle Yin, where did Boss Zuo's caravan go?"
Uncle Yin was a stern man with a serious expression and two scars on his face. He looked at the two men who had come with him and pointed in a direction.
“It’s just around the corner from the military governor’s place in Zaga,” Danso said, and continued leading the men there.
Qiao Lian'er felt as if someone was watching them. She turned her head and saw it was Uncle Yin. She couldn't tell what emotion was in his eyes.
She noticed that the people here were indeed much more savage. Uncle Yin didn't look away at all, as if he were a wild animal he had encountered, subtly provoking her.
Qiao Lian'er didn't care; she wouldn't bother others unless they bothered her.
This place is obviously full of ruthless people, but she'll be even more ruthless.
Qiao Lian'er turned back as if nothing had happened, and her calm and indifferent demeanor surprised Uncle Yin for a moment.
Two kids who are only teenagers dare to come to a place like this; they must really have some skills.
The warlord's warehouse was more heavily guarded, with soldiers standing guard on both sides, their faces grim and vigilant.
"You guys wait outside for a bit, and don't move around too much. After all, it's your first time here, and they don't trust you yet." Danso then took a few quick steps and ran inside.
These warlords were already used to Danso and let him run into the warehouse district.
A moment later, a man in his fifties, with a distinctly Central Plains appearance, strode out. Beside him was a general dressed as an adjutant, several soldiers, and two of his own men.
"Is the young lady looking for our caravan?" The man didn't directly ask for the crucial information.
“Yes, I am Miss Chen’s friend. I’m here to help Boss Zuo’s caravan select stones.” Qiao Lian’er handed over a letter.
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