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Hearing her younger siblings' words, Song Yuhua's eyes welled up with tears again. She quickly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and whispered, "It is my fault for being unfilial, for not being able to stay by our parents' side often..."

Seeing this, Xie Wenlong gently took her hand and comforted her, saying, "Your father-in-law is knowledgeable, reasonable, and righteous. He would never blame you. Now that we are safe and sound, that is the greatest filial piety we can show to our elders."

Song Yuhua nodded, her emotions calming down slightly. She then inquired about the recent situations of several clan elders and stewards in the family. Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi answered patiently, recounting the trivial and interesting stories of their Lingnan family. Song Yuzhi's clear laughter and Song Yuhua's gentle whispers echoed in the hall from time to time, making the atmosphere even more harmonious.

Song Shidao sat quietly to the side, holding a teacup, occasionally adding a word or two. Watching the two sisters' joy at their reunion, his gentle eyes were also full of warmth.

Upon learning that everything was alright at home, Song Yuhua's face was filled with a mixture of relief and homesickness. She sighed softly, "I'm relieved that my father is in good health. It's just that I feel guilty for not being able to be by his side often."

"Don't worry, elder sister, everything is fine at home," Song Shidao comforted her gently.

Song Yuzhi nodded vigorously: "Yes, eldest sister, everything is fine at home! It's just that Father always talks about you, saying it would be great if you could go back and visit more often."

Song Yuhua's eyes dimmed slightly, then she forced a smile and said, "In this world, the roads are not safe, so it's not something you can just come to whenever you want."

After a pause, as if remembering something, she turned her gaze to Song Shidao and asked softly with a hint of curiosity in her voice, "Shidao, although I am in the inner quarters, I have heard that the situation in the south has changed drastically recently. Our Song Clan... seems to have formed an alliance with a new force, the 'Heavenly Dao Alliance'?"

Mentioning this matter, Song Shidao's expression turned serious. He put down his teacup and nodded: "That's right. Eldest sister is well-informed. This matter concerns the future of our Song clan; it is indeed true."

Song Yuhua leaned forward slightly, her eyes revealing concern: "This Heavenly Dao Alliance... I've heard that its leader is extremely mysterious, called 'Nameless'? Just who is this person? How could he make Father... and... well, all the various forces pay such attention to him?"

Although Song Yuhua had lived in the inner quarters for a long time and was not completely out of the loop, she was naturally particularly concerned about such a momentous event that shook the world, especially since it involved her own father. She also trusted her brother's personal confirmation.

Upon hearing the name "Nameless," Song Shidao's expression immediately turned serious. He put down his teacup and said solemnly, "What my elder sister said is true. Mr. Nameless... his talent and martial arts skills are truly unfathomable. He once stayed in Lingnan for several days and discussed martial arts with my father in the Sharpening Knife Hall..."

After a pause, Song Shidao's eyes still held a trace of the shock he felt when he heard the result that day, and his voice lowered a bit: "Afterwards, my father said that he... was no match for Mr. Wuming."

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, not only did Song Yuhua cover her mouth and gasp, but Xie Wenlong, who had been listening with a smile, also suddenly changed color and almost stood up from his seat.

"This...how is this possible?"

Xie Wenlong exclaimed, “Father-in-law, the name ‘Heavenly Blade’ has been renowned throughout the world for decades, and is recognized as the pinnacle of martial arts! That Nameless… could actually…”

He simply couldn't imagine that his father-in-law, whom he considered almost invincible, would personally admit to such an outcome.

Upon hearing this, Song Yuhua's eyes widened. She knew better than anyone her father's pride and strength in martial arts. The words "not a match for him" carried enough weight to overturn anyone's understanding when uttered by Song Quekou.

"It's true."

Song Shidao spoke with certainty and deep admiration: "Although I did not witness that martial arts competition myself, my father never speaks lightly. The realm of the nameless gentleman is beyond the comprehension of us mere mortals. Not only is his martial arts divine, but he is also proficient in everything from learning, economics, systems, craftsmanship to agriculture and water conservancy. The knowledge he possesses is like a vast sea of ​​stars, inspiring awe and inspiring aspiration."

At this moment, Song Yuzhi, who had been unable to contain herself any longer, excitedly interjected, "Yes, eldest sister! You haven't met that nameless gentleman. He doesn't look very old, but his eyes seem to see through everything! I was the one who accompanied him and Sister Wanjing around Lingnan for those few days!"

"Sister Wanjing?" Song Yuhua looked at Song Yuzhi with a puzzled expression.

"She is Shan Wanjing, the daughter of Princess Shan of the Dongming Sect. She is now a disciple of Master Wuming!"

Song Yuzhi explained, her face beaming with pride: "Mr. Wuming had no airs at all. He followed us around the market, visited the workshops, and even chatted with the old farmers in the fields! He asked very detailed questions: how was the harvest, were the taxes heavy, how many people were in his family, and were his children in school..."

She became more and more excited as she spoke, her words flowing like pearls falling onto a jade plate: "Elder sister, brother-in-law, you have no idea how much Lingnan has changed since the Heavenly Dao Alliance and our Song Clan started cooperating! Mr. Wuming has implemented so many new systems!"

"Take the 'Equal Land Distribution Order' for example! It investigated and dealt with the land hidden by powerful families, distributing it to landless refugees and tenant farmers. It also distributed new farming tools and supposedly 'preferred' grain seeds. This year, the harvest in many places has doubled!"

"And there's the 'Performance Evaluation System'!"

Song Yuzhi continued, “All officials, regardless of their background, must be evaluated on their performance. Those who do well are promoted, and those who do poorly are dismissed! Those who used to rely on their family connections to get by now dare not slack off! Efficiency has improved a lot!”

"And that's not all! He established elementary schools and vocational schools in various places! He taught not only the Four Books and Five Classics, but also arithmetic, physics, and even craftsmanship! He said, 'A skill can provide a livelihood and contribute to the prosperity of the country and its people.' Many children from poor families, even those from ordinary households, had the opportunity to study and learn a trade!"

"He also improved the iron smelting method, and the new 'Song steel' is much stronger than before, making the weapons and farm tools it's made from very useful! There are also new looms, which make spinning and weaving much faster! And..."

Song Yuzhi recounted the various changes she had witnessed in Lingnan with great familiarity, from systems and technology to people's livelihoods and the military. Although some of her descriptions were not entirely accurate, the vibrant energy and profound changes she conveyed captivated Song Yuhua and Xie Wenlong, who seemed to see a new Lingnan undergoing dramatic transformation and brimming with vitality through her descriptions.

Song Shidao, smiling, supplemented and corrected his sister's imprecise remarks, his eyes also shining with admiration for the alliance leader. He concluded, "The nameless gentleman once said, 'The old system's accumulated ills are like a malignant tumor clinging to the bone; only by scraping the bone to remove the poison and using strong medicine to cure the disease can new life be achieved.' His ambition is not limited to one city or one place, but rather to reshape the world's order and create an unprecedented new situation. Now, the southern half of the country has already shown amazing vitality under his plan. Given time, its momentum will be unstoppable."

Listening to her younger siblings' stories, Song Yuhua's initially slightly melancholy expression gradually relaxed, her eyes filled with surprise and an indescribable longing. Living in the strict and somewhat stifling Duzun Fortress, she had never heard of such earth-shattering changes and hopeful blueprints. She seemed to see an irresistible torrent of the times rising from Lingnan, sweeping across the south, and perhaps… eventually reaching this land of Sichuan.

Xie Wenlong remained silent for a long time before letting out a long sigh and saying in a complicated tone, "Hearing your words is better than reading for ten years. This nameless gentleman is indeed a genius, beyond the reach of reason. His ambition and ability are truly... astounding."

Just then, steady footsteps sounded outside the moon gate, followed by a dignified voice that broke the slightly lively atmosphere in the courtyard: "What has made Wenlong so amazed that even your father heard it from outside the courtyard?"

Before the words were even finished, Xie Hui's figure appeared at the garden gate. He was still wearing that dark blue brocade robe, his face solemn. His gaze swept around the courtyard, taking in the lingering shock on his son's face, the strange light in his daughter-in-law's eyes, and the expressions of the Song siblings, before finally settling on Song Shidao.

“Father.” Xie Wenlong quickly stood up.

"Uncle."

Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi also rose to greet them. Song Yuhua subconsciously straightened her skirt, reverting to her usual gentle demeanor.

Jie Hui waved his hand, indicating that everyone should refrain from formalities, and slowly walked into the garden, saying lightly, "It seems that you siblings had a pleasant conversation. Just now in the hall, we hadn't discussed the salt affairs in detail, and I was concerned about it, so I came to check on you. I didn't expect to hear you talking about...the interesting things in Lingnan?" Song Shidao's mind raced, and he respectfully replied, "Yes, Uncle. My elder sister has been living in Sichuan for a long time and is concerned about the situation at home. Yu Zhi and I were just telling her about what we had seen and heard in Lingnan, and we didn't mean to disturb you, Uncle."

Jie Hui walked to the stone table, and a maidservant quickly brought over a stone stool with a soft cushion. After sitting down, he looked at Song Shidao and said, "It's alright. The Heavenly Dao Alliance has risen in the south with unstoppable momentum, and its leader is even more mysterious and unpredictable, capable of making your father look at you differently, and even... willingly admit defeat."

When Xie Hui mentioned "willing to admit defeat," he paused slightly, clearly indicating that even with his composure, he was still unable to calm down when the matter was brought up.

"Such figures and such power are related to the overall situation of the world, and also to the future of our Bashu region. Master, since you have personally witnessed the changes in Lingnan and had contact with that nameless person, you might as well tell me in detail. I am also very curious about this."

His words brought the topic to the forefront, and in a manner of equal discussion, even bordering on seeking advice. This was not only because Song Shidao was the young master of the Song clan, but also because he had direct contact with "Nameless" and could provide firsthand information.

Song Shidao collected his thoughts, sat down again, and began to speak:

"Since you have asked, I will answer to the best of my knowledge. There are indeed many things about Mr. Wuming and the Heavenly Alliance that are beyond the imagination of ordinary people."

"First and foremost, there is the person and martial arts of Mr. Wuming."

Song Shidao said in a deep voice, “He looks to be no more than twenty years old, but his demeanor and elegance are as profound as the sea, and are not limited by his apparent age. I once felt his aura up close. It was a unified whole, perfectly harmonious and flawless, as if he were one with the surrounding world, yet also independent of it. That feeling... I am too ignorant to describe it accurately.”

Glancing at Jie Hui, who was listening intently, Song Shidao continued, "As for his discussion of martial arts with my father, my father's original words were 'not even a match for him.' This is absolutely true; my father was not lying. Based on my father's brief remarks afterward, it seems that the martial arts practiced by the nameless gentleman transcended all known categories in the martial arts world today, reaching a certain realm of 'supernatural power,' rather than a simple contest of martial skills. He didn't even take the initiative to make a move; my father's 'Heavenly Blade' intent naturally disintegrated under the pull of his aura."

Jie Hui's eyes were sharp, and his fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the stone table, revealing his inner turmoil. Having reached the level of a grandmaster in martial arts, he knew the terrifying power of Song Que's "Heavenly Blade." The concept of "not a match for him" completely exceeded his understanding of martial arts. He asked in a deep voice, "Do you know his lineage? What kind of martial arts does he practice?"

Song Shidao shook his head: "No one knows his lineage. He seems to have appeared out of thin air, and is well-versed in all schools of thought. The cultivation method he practices is unheard of. It is said that his foundation is a supreme mental technique called 'Hun Yuan Yi Qi Gong,' which seems to be related to the Taoist lineage, but is even more profound and mysterious. He even has unique insights into 'Ci Hang Sword Canon,' having reached the state of 'Sword Heart Clarity.'"

Upon hearing this, Xie Hui's eyes twitched almost imperceptibly. After a moment of silence, he let out a long breath, as if to release all the shock he had been holding in his heart:

"If that's true, this person's talent is beyond description; it's almost...almost godlike."

The tone shifted abruptly: "What is this person's style of conduct like? How does the Heavenly Dao Alliance operate under his command?"

Song Yuzhi couldn't help but want to interject again, but Song Shidao stopped her with a slight look. Song Shidao knew that dealing with a shrewd and ruthless figure like Xie Hui required a more systematic and rational analysis.

"Mr. Wuming's actions seem unconventional, but in reality, his goals are extremely clear, and his methods are endless."

Song Shidao replied, "He consolidated his power not solely through military force. As for the operation of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, its core lies in a completely new system and philosophy. The 'Equal Field Order,' 'Performance Evaluation System,' and the establishment of 'Elementary Schools' and 'Technical Schools' that Yu Zhi mentioned earlier are all part of this. He highly values ​​practicality and efficiency, vigorously supports craftsmen, and improves technology, such as refining steelmaking methods and looms, which has greatly improved the efficiency of material production and the level of military equipment."

"In military terms,"

Song Shidao glanced at Xie Wenlong, who was also listening intently: "He integrated the elite troops of my Song Clan, the iron cavalry of the Flying Horse Ranch, and the various troops that had submitted to him, and established a completely new military system that emphasizes discipline, coordination, and equipment. His soldiers are not only brave, but also literate and reasonable, and know how to operate various new machines, which has more than doubled their combat power."

"In intelligence and domestic affairs, the Yin Kui faction's transformed network is all-pervasive, coupled with a rigorous surveillance system, ensuring smooth government orders and a clean bureaucracy. Today, the five towns under the Tiandao Alliance—Baling controlling Jingchu, Jiangling locking the Yangtze River, Jingling connecting the Central Plains, Xiangyang occupying the Han River, and Lingnan as its base—have formed a perfect strategic posture that allows for both offense and defense. People's livelihoods are stable, commerce is prosperous, treasuries are full, and the army is well-trained and well-supplied."

Song Shidao concluded: "The nameless gentleman once said that his ambition was not to establish a regional power, but to 'reshape China and usher in an era of lasting peace.' Everything he promoted, whether it was institutions, technology, or education, served this goal. His momentum has been established, and now in the south, no one can stand against him."

The garden was completely silent, with only the rustling of the wind through the bamboo leaves.

Jie Hui remained silent for a long time, his gaze deep, as if piercing through the bamboo forest before him, seeing the land in the south undergoing earth-shaking changes, and seeing that behemoth rising like a comet.

Although he already knew that the Heavenly Dao Alliance was powerful, it was only now, through Song Shidao's systematic and in-depth description, that he truly realized how terrifying this opponent (or potential ally) was.

In comparison, the Li clan's so-called advantages, aside from the geographical advantage of Guanzhong and its existing military strength, seem to be completely inferior in terms of institutional innovation, technological breakthroughs, and the personal charisma and ability of its leaders. Moreover, the Heavenly Alliance is already deeply intertwined with the Song clan.

Jie Hui spoke slowly, his voice slightly dry: "So... this Wuming is truly an extraordinary person with extraordinary talent and ambition to encompass the world."

"Master, in your opinion, is the cooperation between the Song Clan and the Heavenly Dao Alliance a temporary expedient, or... a long-term national policy? What is your father's attitude towards this?"

Song Shidao met Jie Hui's gaze and said frankly, "Uncle, my father once said, 'The old system of clans is like rotten wood, unfit for great responsibilities. This unnamed strategy, though unprecedented, aligns with the Way of Heaven and points directly to the source. Rather than clinging to the old ways and sinking with the old system, we should go with the flow and help it succeed. Perhaps this can create a new world for our Han people.'"

"Therefore, the cooperation between the Song Clan and the Heavenly Dao Alliance is by no means an expedient measure, but a well-considered strategic choice concerning the fate of our family and even the Han people of the world. My father... has decided to give his full support to Mr. Wuming."

"Full support..."

Jie Hui repeated it softly, the last trace of hesitation in his eyes seemingly vanishing. He stood up, hands behind his back, gazing at the desolate lotus pond in autumn, and fell silent once more.

The autumn wind swept through the bamboo forest, bringing a chill, but it could not dispel the somber atmosphere in Jinse Garden.

Finally, Xie Hui turned around, his face regaining its usual composure and decisiveness, and looked at Song Shidao: "Shidao, after you go back, please pass on my message to your father, and... that nameless gentleman."

"Please speak, Uncle." Song Shidao's spirits lifted, knowing that the crucial moment had arrived.

"Duzun Fortress and the Song Clan are bound by marriage alliance, sharing weal and woe. The Sichuan region is crucial to the stability of the South. I will handle the salt route matter immediately and give the Song Clan a satisfactory explanation. As for the overall situation of the world..."

He paused slightly, as if making his final decision: "I, Jie Hui, am willing to stand with Brother Song through thick and thin. If given the opportunity, I would also like to meet this...unnamed gentleman in person."

Although it did not explicitly state that it sided with the Heavenly Alliance, its inclination to "advance and retreat together" and "want to see it with its own eyes" is self-evident!

A great weight was lifted from Song Shidao's heart, and he bowed deeply: "I will certainly convey your words, Uncle!" (End of Chapter)