#403 - Chapter 403: The Shadow of the Blackwood Mansion

The hurried movements of the armored soldiers around the Blackwood Manor made Cai'er and her group's pleasant mood somewhat heavy.

Even someone unfamiliar with the ways of the world could tell that something major had likely occurred within the Blackwood Manor.

Cai'er said with concern, "Sister Wei, Sister Miao, judging by the looks of things, something big must have happened at the Blackwood Manor. Should we still proceed with...?"

Zhao Wei furrowed her brow and pondered for a moment before saying, "Don't rush. We're only here to settle the residence. Our priority is Master's important matters; everything else can wait."

Upon hearing that Master's affairs would be handled first, Cai'er seemed to find her backbone.

She nodded emphatically: "What Sister says is right."

The group maintained a low profile, careful not to attract attention.

After passing through the city gate of the Blackwood Manor, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The scrutiny at the gate was simply too strict.

Cai'er was afraid of becoming a burden and didn't dare to look around recklessly.

Fortunately, there were many people at the city gate, and after being inspected by the soldiers, they were allowed to pass.

The group passed through the city gate of the Blackwood Manor and entered its outer city.

Although the hustle and bustle and the tension outside seemed to be isolated by crossing the city gate, the atmosphere within the manor did not relax in the slightest.

The armored soldiers inside the manor hurried back and forth, each wearing an expression as if facing a great enemy.

Occasionally, one could hear faint conversations and the subtle sounds of weapons clashing in the distance.

Cai'er tightly gripped Zhao Wei's hand, her eyes filled with unease. "Sister Wei, is it... is it really safe here?"

Her voice trembled slightly, clearly shaken by the scene before her.

Zhao Wei gently patted the back of Cai'er's hand to reassure her. "Don't worry, Cai'er. As long as we act cautiously and don't cause trouble, we'll naturally be safe and sound."

Her tone was firm, trying to stabilize Cai'er's emotions with her own calmness.

This also calmed the hearts of the accompanying maids.

Xu Miao, on the other hand, looked around, her eyes flashing with a mixture of curiosity and worry.

"This Blackwood Manor is truly different from the rumors. I hope we can complete his instructions as soon as possible."

The group advanced along a relatively secluded path, trying to avoid encountering the armored soldiers inside the manor head-on.

Along the way, all they saw were closed doors and locked courtyards, as if the entire Blackwood Manor was shrouded in an invisible haze.

Leng Feng, however, was not surprised.

The Blackwood Manor army's entry into the city had only happened in the past few days.

At that time, the people were panicked, and rumors were rife.

Later, the Manor Lord issued a notice, making it widely known.

As long as one wasn't involved with the Red Lotus Sect rebels, there would be no major issues.

Only then did the people feel somewhat at ease.

The turbulent situation was thus eased.

Those with money would at most have to give some silver to the searching manor soldiers.

The Blackwood Manor army benefited from the Blackwood Manor Lord's strict governance.

Apart from some initial disputes during the initial screening,

after the Blackwood Manor Lord severely punished the corrupt soldiers who caused trouble,

the people saw an example.

If you're upright, you don't fear a crooked shadow.

Naturally, they weren't afraid of the manor soldiers' search either.

Their cooperation became much more active.

Leng Feng stopped at the entrance of the Four Seas Trading Company with Cai'er and her group.

"In this way, my task is complete. Someone, please ask a female manager to come out."

Leng Feng stood before the towering gate of the Four Seas Trading Company, a sense of relief welling up in his heart.

The gate of the Four Seas Trading Company was as bustling as ever, with a constant stream of guests of various identities, lively and extraordinary.

The people in the carriage also put down their prejudices.

After all, they were here to do business.

A familiar maid suggested, "Madam, we've been traveling all this way; shouldn't we get out and stretch our legs?"

Cai'er was about to refuse when Zhao Wei and Xu Miao thought it was a good idea instead.

Zhao Wei: "Sister Cai'er, shall we go down for a walk?"

Xu Miao: "Sister Cai'er, I want to stretch my muscles and bones."

Seeing that the two highly skilled sisters said so, what else could Cai'er say!?

She instructed, "Just go for a walk; don't cause trouble."

The others replied, "No problem."

Leng Feng's carriage was originally inconspicuous,

but seeing a row of pretty girls getting out of the carriage one after another,

the eyes of the people around couldn't help but linger.

"Hey! Whose young ladies are these, traveling with so many maids?"

"Being able to go out in this situation, they must not be ordinary people."

"You don't need to say it. Look at the appearance of their maids; they're prettier than your newly married concubine!"

"Shi Lao San, what do you want to say?"

A middle-aged man next to Shi Lao San laughed, "Hahaha, look, you're getting anxious."

Shi Lao San was furious. His newly married concubine was the apple of his eye.

How could he let his old friend tease him like this?

"Come, come, I'll have a drinking contest with you for three hundred cups; let's see who falls first."

The middle-aged man, who couldn't hold his liquor, repeatedly begged for mercy but was dragged away by Shi Lao San.

However, more than just one or two people were discussing the group before them.

Leng Feng was not in a hurry until a young woman in a gorgeous dress came out to greet them.

She wore a smile, her eyes revealing a hint of scrutiny and curiosity.

The young woman cupped her hands, her tone tinged with indifference, "My surname is Zhang. Which one of you needs me to attend to?"

Leng Feng nodded slightly and led the young woman to Cai'er: "This is Madam Cai'er. Today, she's fully in charge of the matters Master has entrusted. I hope Manager Zhang will take good care of her."

With a big deal coming, how could there be any displeasure?

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Manager Zhang's eyes, and she quickly cupped her hands again, neither humble nor arrogant: "So it's Madam Cai'er, my respects!"

"Please rest assured, Madam. The Four Seas Trading Company has a complete range of goods, everything you could want. I believe it won't disappoint you."

Cai'er bowed slightly, a proper and gentle smile on her face: "Manager Zhang is too kind. My Master often says that the Four Seas Trading Company has an outstanding reputation and handles matters reliably, which is why he felt comfortable sending me here. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to its name."

Manager Zhang waved her skirt: "Madam is too kind. Please, let's talk inside."

As the person in charge of the Cheng family's inner courtyard, receiving guests and returning courtesies were Cai'er's strengths.

Looking at Manager Zhang, who was also a woman, with a welcoming smile,

Cai'er felt a little more at ease.

The long journey had made Cai'er somewhat tired,

but Master's arrangements had to be settled.

These were not things that Zhao Wei and Xu Miao, who were single-mindedly focused on martial arts, could handle.

Only Cai'er could do it.

Seeing someone from the trading company come out to greet them, the maids naturally knew to quickly stand in their positions,

behind the three madams.

At this time, Zhao Wei and Xu Miao were also fulfilling their duties, standing to Cai'er's left and right,

thus highlighting Cai'er's position and status.

Watching Cai'er converse freely with the trading company's manager,

Leng Feng silently retreated. Everything would wait until the matters were settled.