Chapter 347

After the Khaenri'ah War, as the seven nations once again returned to peace, trade between the countries grew increasingly prosperous.

And as the commercial trade center of the seven nations, Liyue Harbor's port was naturally extremely bustling and lively.

Seen from afar, ships of varying sizes and colors were docked at the port.

There were also quite a few cargo ships on the nearby sea.

Whistles echoed.

The long sounds never ceased.

From time to time, the Liyue Navy's fleet would sail past on the distant sea, responsible for the safety of Liyue's waters.

Jiang Yan rested his arm on the port's railing, gazing at the gently rippling sea, which glittered golden under the setting sun.

After lingering at the port for a while, Jiang Yangang was about to head home when suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.

His gaze turned to a place not far from the port, where among the coming and going, richly dressed merchants, there was a little girl in tattered clothes.

Jiang Yan narrowed his eyes, looking at the little girl's appearance, feeling a faint sense of familiarity.

That little girl had a head of beautiful white hair, softly draped over her shoulders.

Her delicate face was fair and clean, very pretty, like a porcelain doll.

And those beautiful red eyes were bright and clear, like a sparkling red gemstone, looking extremely lovely.

But such a delicate and cute little girl was wearing a set of ragged, tattered clothes.

It looked as if it was made by dismantling the cloth sacks normally used for transporting goods.

But Jiang Yan knew this kind of fabric wasn't suitable for clothing — not to mention it tore easily, it was also extremely uncomfortable to wear.

(abbh) If the family really couldn't keep the pot boiling, who would willingly suffer this kind of grievance?

Jiang Yan stood there, lingering for a long while.

He blinked, and his mind began frantically scanning through memories.

Suddenly, his eyes widened.

Hiss... could this be Ningguang?

Judging by the appearance, it should be about right.

He vaguely remembered that in Ningguang's introduction, there was mention that her family was extremely poor when she was young.

Little Ningguang looked very frail and thin.

That piece of clothing looked very ill-fitting; the summer evening breeze blew, puffing Little Ningguang's clothes out noisily, and combined with her frail frame, it looked as if a careless gust could carry her away.

The little girl was barefoot, hugging a basket, constantly trying to sell something to the merchants walking along the road.

Barefoot?

Jiang Yan furrowed his brow.

One must know, this was the hottest time of summer, even though evening had already arrived.

But the ground, baked by a full day of sun, was still extremely scorching.

That's not right!

A glint of doubt flashed in Jiang Yan's eyes.

Among the policies he had implemented, quite a few were aimed at improving the welfare and treatment of citizens.

Why was Little Ningguang still like this?

Unless...

A cold glint flickered in Jiang Yan's eyes.

Heh.

Unless the people below were paying lip service to his orders while sabotaging them in secret.

The upper and middle levels wouldn't do this.

But those small officials in towns and villages really might.

Really... tired of living, huh...

Have they gotten too cocky, or can I, Jiang Yan, no longer grip my blade?

A chilling, sinister coldness filled Jiang Yan's eyes.

During his time in office, the one thing he could least tolerate was officials oppressing the common people!

But Liyue had been established for too long, managed for too long, and even he had dark corners he couldn't see.

It seemed it was time to tour Liyue again.

Jiang Yan concealed his cold expression; Ningguang was the successor he had chosen five hundred years ago, and he needed to make a good impression on her.

As Jiang Yan approached, Little Ningguang also noticed Jiang Yan walking over.

Her eyes lit up slightly — this white-haired big brother looked like the well-off type at first glance!

Ningguang had been exceptionally talented in commerce since childhood; for business, she possessed an exceptionally shrewd aptitude.

Immediately, Ningguang's two little white legs went pitter-patter as she ran toward Jiang Yan.

And Jiang Yan, upon seeing Little Ningguang running toward him, was slightly stunned.

But before he could speak, Little Ningguang had already arrived in front of Jiang Yan.

She tilted her head up, blinked her big watery eyes, and in a childish voice, her words reached Jiang Yan's ears.

"Handsome big brother, have you eaten yet?"

GLOSSARY:

【Jiang Yan, Jiang Yangang, White Hair, Golden Light, Jiang Yan, Little Bai, Ningguang, Little Ningguang, A Short While】