As the night deepened, Lanxi hurried back and went to the backyard to request an audience with Song Jinzhao.
Qingshuang led him to the adjacent study.
Song Shixue, who was just about to step out, stared at the suddenly appearing Lanxi, her mind going blank for a moment.
"Second Miss," Lanxi bowed with cupped hands, his heart beating uncontrollably.
They had not seen each other for more than half a month; it would be a lie to say he was not overjoyed to suddenly see her.
Sitting on a chair inside the room, Song Jinzhao glanced at the two who were gazing at each other and could not help but sigh inwardly.
Song Shixue nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Her feet, which were originally stepping out, turned around, and she sat back down on her chair.
Lanxi placed the drawn route map on the desk in front of Song Jinzhao.
"Your subordinate took the portrait to Qingxia County and Yanshan County to ask around, and found that the people transporting the salt are from the Fang family in Qingxia County."
"The Fang family's ancestors used to run a salt shop. After the establishment of the Dongzhao Kingdom, their signboard was taken down and they switched to the grain business."
"The Fang family's smuggled salt is transported from the Wumeng tribe. The most recent shipment was three days ago, but they did not sell the salt; instead, it is stored in the warehouse of the Fang Manor."
"Your subordinate secretly sneaked in to take a look. Judging by the quantity, their previous batch of smuggled salt probably has not been sold either."
The Wumeng tribe had marriage ties with the Yang family of Panzhou. The Fang family was clearly colluding with the foreign tribes in the southwest.
If this matter were exposed, it was unknown whether the imperial court would hold Panzhou accountable, but the Fang family would definitely face execution of their entire clan.
Song Shixue looked at Song Jinzhao. "Sister, could it be that the Fang family does not dare to sell the salt because of the bandit suppression?"
According to the original plan, after figuring out the salt transport route, Song Jinzhao would send people disguised as bandits to rob the smuggled salt.
But if the Fang family did not transport it out, this business could not be done.
Song Jinzhao memorized the route on the map.
"They are not afraid of bandits; they are worried about running into the government troops heading out to suppress the bandits."
As she spoke, she raised her eyes to look at Lanxi. "As long as the Fang family still wants to make this money, they will naturally take action once the situation stabilizes. Have your people keep a close eye on them."
Lanxi nodded. "Yao Ye is keeping watch outside the Fang Manor. If there is the slightest sign of trouble, he will send a message."
After coming out of the study, Song Shixue just wanted to say a few private words to Lanxi, but they were bumped into by Song Qiming, who had returned late.
Having left early and returned late to guard outside the city for consecutive days, Song Qiming had not only lost weight but also tanned.
"Lanxi, when did you get back?"
Song Qiming knew about the smuggling of illicit salt. Since Lanxi was back, he must have found something out.
Lanxi nonchalantly took a small step to the left, distancing himself a bit from Song Shixue.
He respectfully lowered his eyes and replied, "This lowly one just returned not long ago."
Seeing the candlelight on in the study, Song Qiming waved his hand to dismiss Lanxi.
"You must be tired after being out for so many days. Go back and rest early."
Since he had already reported to his elder sister, he could just go and ask her later.
"This lowly one takes his leave." Lanxi stole a quick glance at Song Shixue before walking away briskly.
The man left before she could even say a few words. Song Shixue was quite unhappy in her heart, and even the look she gave her own brother became filled with disdain.
"It has been several days already. Has the wasteland not been fully reclaimed yet?"
Song Qiming shook his head weakly.
"That wasteland is as hard as a brick. It is incredibly strenuous to dig, and we also have to improve the soil. It cannot possibly be finished in less than a month."
Song Shixue's eyes widened.
"Then will we not miss the spring planting?"
Song Qiming replied, "The potatoes will be planted first. The rice will be delayed by a month, otherwise the yield will be very low if we plant it now."
Rice paddies need to be fertile. These past few days, he had been constantly ordering people to collect plant ash and various livestock manure to mix into the soil, just hoping to improve it. There was also the matter of watering. It was all a time-consuming and labor-intensive massive project, and they were running a bit short on manpower.
