Chapter 819

Since parting in Jinyang, more than a year had passed.

Although they had not met, they had exchanged letters constantly.

Compared to last year, Zhen Jiang had grown even more graceful and elegant.

Perhaps because of the experiences of this past year, Zhen Jiang, who had taken up the burden of the Zhen family, appeared increasingly mature; although she was not yet twenty, her demeanor was steady, making her appear extremely dignified and beautiful.

Yet, no matter how mature she became, there was always a longing and expectation for that love in her heart.

In the year since she parted from Duan Yu, although they had not met again, the longing for Duan Yu in her heart and the figure in her mind had never blurred in the slightest.

Every time she received a letter from Duan Yu or news about him, Zhen Jiang would be happy for a long time.

Since being placed under house arrest in the back residence last time, Zhen Jiang had hardly stepped out of the side courtyard at all.

But today, Zhen Jiang had taken the initiative to step out.

Not for anything else, but because the person she had been thinking of day and night was coming.

"Former General?" Zhao Yun's eyes widened immediately.

Zhen Jiang nodded with a smile and said: "Zilong, you and your brother both possess great martial arts; if you serve under the General in the future, you will surely be valued."

Anticipation shone in Zhao Yun's eyes.

"Let's go, let's go to the front residence to see Mother," Zhen Jiang said.

Zhao Yun nodded and hurriedly followed.

The Zhen clan's fortified manor occupied a vast area within Wuji County.

The Zhongshan Zhen clan had been officials for generations and were the wealthiest in Jizhou.

On ordinary days, the carriages and horses of those coming to visit the manor would line up for an entire street.

However, today, the gates of the Zhen clan's manor were tightly closed.

It was not just the Zhen clan.

The entire Wuji County was the same.

At this moment, in the front hall of the Zhen clan's second branch—the branch of Zhen Jiang's father, Zhen Yi—several people were sitting.

Zhen Jiang's mother, who came from the Zhang clan of Changshan State, was facing the other three branches of the Zhen clan.

Zhen Jian of the first branch, Zhen Ren of the third branch, and Zhen You of the fourth branch.

The three of them sat on either side of Lady Zhang, drinking tea while talking to her about something.

Zhen Jiang's mother, Lady Zhang, sat there with her head lowered.

"Sister-in-law, it's not that we are making things difficult for you, but you can see the situation now."

Zhen Jian of the first branch set down his teacup and said to Lady Zhang: "Those Yellow Turban thieves are only a few dozen miles from Xiaquyang to Wuji County."

"One could say they could arrive in an instant."

"Our Zhen clan has been rooted in Wuji County for hundreds of years; we cannot let this massive family business be destroyed in a single day."

"Once the thieves attack, Wuji County will not be safe, and the Zhen clan will be finished."

"I am not doing this for myself; I am doing this for the entire Zhen clan."

"Before, it was fine that Jiang'er refused to hand over the formula for snow salt and white paper."

"After all, Jiang'er is also a member of our Zhen clan."

"But now, it won't do."

Zhen Jian said to Lady Zhang with a troubled expression: "It's not that I want it now, but we need to use it to ensure the continuation of the Zhen clan."

Zhen Ren and Zhen You, sitting opposite Zhen Jian, both nodded in agreement.

"That's right, Second Sister-in-law, it's not that the Zhen clan wants Jiang'er to hand over the production methods for white paper and snow salt; it's the Inspector who wants them!" Zhen Ren said.

"That's right, Second Sister-in-law, I can guarantee that what Big Brother and Third Brother say is true."

White paper, snow salt.

Lady Zhang's hand, hidden in her sleeve, pressed firmly against the corner of the table.

Ever since this white paper and snow salt appeared, the other three branches of the Zhen clan had been like leeches that had discovered blood, watching their family every single moment.