The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

The two continued on their way, passing through a relatively open area. This area had once been a wasteland, but had now been leveled and lined with rows of neat but simple brick and tile bungalows.

"This is 'Craftsmen's Camp'."

Shan Wanjing explained, “Many of the craftsmen recruited from various places brought their families with them, and they couldn’t stay in the work sheds for long. So this land was set aside, and these houses were built for them and rented to them at a low price, which was a way for them to settle down. Although the project is nearing completion, many craftsmen have decided to stay because they value the livelihood here, either by switching to other jobs or by being employed by newly established kilns and workshops in the area. Their skills are a valuable asset in themselves.”

The artisan camp also had a lively atmosphere. Light shone through the windows, and you could vaguely hear women calling children to eat, men talking gruffly about their work, and children reading aloud—it seemed that the promotion of early childhood education had not been neglected here either.

Leaving the artisan camp, the terrain ahead rose slightly, and the night wind picked up, bringing with it a damp atmosphere and the faint sound of flowing water. Climbing a newly constructed stone staircase, the view suddenly opened up before them. They stood on a small riverbank.

Beneath my feet flows the Ancheng River, a major tributary of the Gan River. The river shimmers with a soft glow in the night, its current gentle. On the opposite bank lie the dark silhouettes of mountains.

What was once a mudflat overgrown with weeds has now been transformed into a simple wharf built of bluestone. Several piers extend into the water, and although no boats dock at night, their sturdiness is evident enough to accommodate sizable cargo ships. Next to the wharf stand several tall warehouses, their dark silhouettes resembling crouching behemoths. Nearby, there is a flat area piled with sacks, wooden crates, and other goods, covered with tarpaulins.

"This is a newly built dock and warehouse."

Shan Wanjing's voice was clear in the river breeze: "Boats from the main channel of the Gan River can reach this place directly. Most of the stone, timber, and metal needed for the construction of the statue were transported by water in the later stages, which was much less laborious and time-consuming than by land. Nowadays, local pottery, some grains, and mountain products are also being transported to other places through here. Sugarcane seedlings, new farm tools, and even some exotic items from overseas from Lingnan and Yingzhou are also unloaded here."

She pointed downstream: "If you go down the river for ten miles, there is an even larger wharf that is being planned. The water there is deeper and more suitable for large ships. Once it is built, the connection between Shenglin Town and Poyang Lake and the Yangtze River system will be closer. It will not only facilitate trade, but also make it more convenient to transport troops and supplies when necessary."

Yi Huawei stood with his hands behind his back on the riverbank, gazing at the river flowing in the darkness and the wharf and warehouses that were beginning to take shape. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "The benefits of water transport are vital. This location is well chosen."

Upon receiving her master's affirmation, Shan Wanjing was overjoyed and continued, "I have already had someone survey the area. To the west of here, there is a section of the river that is quite narrow and has a rapid current. If we can find a way to dredge it or build a simple weir, it will not only facilitate navigation, but we may also be able to use the water power to drive mills and blowers for use in workshops."

Leaving the riverbank, Shan Wanjing led Yi Huawei along a secluded path towards a slightly raised hill on the edge of town. The hill wasn't high, but it offered a wide view. There used to be an abandoned local shrine on the hill, but after Shan Wanjing took over, she didn't demolish it, only made some minor repairs. An elderly person usually tends to it and keeps the incense burning.

Standing in the open space in front of the small temple, one can take in the entire night view of Shenglin Town.

Beneath my feet lies the slumbering, distinctly outlined town, its lights scattered like stars, the main streets' stripes of light clearly discernible, outlining the town's expanding fabric. Further away lies the vast construction site, now empty but still bearing the marks of time, and in its center, a towering statue, its silhouette appearing huge and hazy even in the deep of night. Facing south, the statue stands silently in the faint starlight and moonlight, as if guarding the land that flourished because of it.

The hustle and bustle of the town fades into the distance, like the distant sound of the tide. All around are the shadows of silent fields and hills, occasionally broken by the hooting of an owl or the rustling of an unknown insect.

Standing beside Yi Huawei, Shan Wanjing quietly gazed at the town below. Three years of hard work, every single detail, was now before her eyes. From the initial bewilderment upon receiving her master's secret order, to the overwhelming difficulties she faced, and then to the hardships and sense of accomplishment of gradually turning the blueprint into reality... a flood of emotions welled up in her heart.

"Master,"

Shan Wanjing spoke softly, her voice swaying in the wind: "Three years ago, there were only about a hundred households here, a dirt road, and a few thin fields. Now... it has come back to life."

His gaze swept over his much more mature apprentice, Yi Huawei said slowly, "Gathering people to form a town, gathering towns to form a city. Where the people's hearts are, fortune will follow. What you have done is not just building a stone statue, but also igniting a spark."

Her words remained calm, but Shan Wanjing could sense the weight they carried, which stirred her emotions more than any specific praise.

"only……"

Yi Huawei changed the subject slightly: "Once the spark is lit, it must be carefully guarded. Behind prosperity, there are always undercurrents. Your previous statement about the complexity of outsiders is proof of this. In the future, this place will be both a sacred site and a bullseye."

Shan Wanjing's expression turned solemn: "Disciple understands. The Sword Guards and Shadow Guards have increased their surveillance efforts, and military and political arrangements have not been relaxed. We will not allow any villains to ruin Master's important affairs or the peace of this place."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly and said no more.

The two stood quietly on the hilltop for a moment, letting the night wind blow. Shan Wanjing secretly glanced at her master's ordinary profile after his disguise, and felt an immense sense of peace and warmth in her heart. Her master had returned, right beside her. Even if the road ahead held storms, she had no fear.

"It's late, let's go back."

Yi Huawei withdrew his gaze from the distance.

"Yes, Master."

The master and his disciple quietly returned to the mansion along the same route they had come from.

………………

The master and apprentice quietly returned to the inner courtyard of the mansion through the side gate.

Night had fallen, and most of the servants in the mansion had gone to bed. Only the dim, quiet light cast by the lanterns hanging under the eaves cast long and short shadows of the two people.

Shan Wanjing escorted Yi Huawei back to the study door. She paused for a moment, her eyes still showing reluctance, but knowing that her master must have important matters to consider, she obediently bowed and said, "Master, please rest early. This disciple will take her leave."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly: "You should go and rest too."

Dan Wanjing then turned and walked briskly towards her bedroom. Yi Huawei pushed open the door and entered the study. The candle inside was still lit. He walked behind the desk but did not sit down. Instead, he stood with his back to the door, gazing at a simple map depicting the scenery of the Gan River hanging on the wall.

The room was quiet for a moment, with only the occasional soft crackling of the candle wick popping.

Suddenly, Yi Huawei spoke calmly, his voice utterly unwavering:

"Come out, you've been following me all night, aren't you tired?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the air in the study seemed to freeze for a moment.

"Yeah~"

Immediately afterwards, a very soft, alluring, and seemingly hooked laugh echoed from the shadows in the corner of the room.

"Three years have passed since we parted. The Alliance Leader's martial arts have improved, and his spiritual senses are even sharper than before. Yu Yan's little trick of concealing herself is indeed like showing off her skills in front of an expert, and she has nowhere to hide."

As those soft, yet respectful words rang out, a graceful figure emerged from behind the beaded curtain connecting the study to a small suite.

Three years seemed to have left no trace of time on her; instead, it had refined her captivating beauty and the dignified bearing of someone in a high position, making them even more natural and deeply ingrained.

Zhu Yuyan was not wearing her signature black palace dress today, but instead wore a luxurious and exquisite outfit.

Over her, she wore a smoky purple Shu brocade cloak with gold-embroidered begonia patterns, the collar and sleeves trimmed with a band of warm-colored black fox fur. Beneath the cloak, a long, darkly patterned silk dress in the same color could be vaguely seen, its hem flowing like water as she moved, outlining breathtaking curves.

Her cascading black hair wasn't styled in a high bun, but rather loosely gathered into a languid, slouching updo, adorned with a gold and kingfisher feather butterfly hairpin. The long tassels swayed gently with her steps, making her skin appear even more radiant and fair. A few strands of soft hair intentionally or unintentionally fell beside her cheeks, adding to her casual and alluring charm.

Her beauty remained undiminished, as if time had spared her. Her eyebrows were naturally dark, her lips naturally red, and especially her eyes, with slightly upturned corners and pupils as black as the deepest night, yet seemingly containing a vortex that could suck in one's soul. With each glance, her eyes sparkled, captivating and alluring.

At this moment, those beautiful eyes, filled with a mixture of amusement, curiosity, respect, and an indescribable complex emotion, gazed gently at Yi Huawei's retreating figure.

Her steps were light and silent, her swaying figure naturally exuding a charm etched into her very bones. Though it was merely an ordinary walk, it seemed to resonate with some strange rhythm; her waist swayed gently, graceful and elegant, each step like a lotus blossom, perfectly embodying the word "allure," yet devoid of any vulgarity. Instead, it radiated a haunting, otherworldly charm that made others feel inferior.

Zhu Yuyan walked to a spot about five steps in front of the desk and stopped at just the right moment, neither too distant nor too overstepping her bounds. She placed her hands together in front of her abdomen and gracefully gave a slight bow, her movements fluid and pleasing to the eye.

"Yu Yan greets the Alliance Leader. We respectfully welcome the Alliance Leader's return."

Her voice was more formal than when she had chuckled earlier, but that unique, languid, and charming tone still seeped into my ears.

Yi Huawei slowly turned around, the feigned composure on his face fading, revealing his true appearance. He looked calmly at Zhu Yuyan:
"You certainly know how to pick your time. When did you arrive?"

Zhu Yuyan straightened up, smiling sweetly, as if the candlelight in the room had brightened a bit: "Yuyan also arrived today. I originally wanted to see my granddaughter first, to see how she's managed this place, but as soon as I entered the town, I vaguely sensed a familiar yet unsettling aura. And then I saw that girl Wanjing being so... close and dependent on a strange scholar, inseparable from him. In this world, who else but you, Alliance Leader, could make her let down her guard and reveal such childlike feelings?"

Zhu Yuyan spoke softly and clearly, explaining how she had deduced Yi Huawei's identity from Shan Wanjing's unusual attitude and the barely concealed aura she exuded. This not only explained her purpose but also demonstrated her keen observation skills and understanding of Yi Huawei.

"So, out of curiosity, Yu Yan followed from a distance, wanting to see what the Alliance Leader's purpose was in making this secret visit to Shenglin Town after disappearing for three years."

Zhu Yuyan's eyes flickered as she glanced at Yi Huawei's face: "Unexpectedly, I still couldn't hide it from the Alliance Leader's discerning eyes."

Yi Huawei remained noncommittal, walked to the chair behind the desk and sat down, pointing to the guest chair next to him: "Sit down. It's been three years, and your 'Heavenly Demonic Appearance' has become even more refined. If I hadn't been deliberately sensing it, even an ordinary Grandmaster might not have been able to detect you following behind me."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuyan's smile deepened, carrying a hint of satisfaction at being recognized, yet also a subtle, almost imperceptible, sternness. The Alliance Leader's cultivation had indeed reached a level she couldn't comprehend. She sat down on the guest chair as instructed, her posture still elegant, but no longer deliberately displaying her allure as before, instead exuding a more solemn air.

"The Alliance Leader flatters me. My meager tricks are nothing but a laughing stock in front of the Alliance Leader."

Zhu Yuyan straightened up slightly: "Now that the Alliance Leader has returned, he must have made new plans for the world. I, Yuyan, have been in charge of 'Shadow' and some affairs of the Alliance for the past three years. I have not dared to slack off in the slightest. I am reporting to the Alliance Leader."

"Since you went into seclusion three years ago and entrusted Yu Yan and Song Gong (Song Lu) and others to jointly supervise the affairs of the alliance, the alliance has been generally stable and all matters have been carried out in accordance with the alliance leader's established strategy."

"In the Zhennan Governor's Office (Xiangyang), Lord Song (Song Lu) is mature and prudent, while Xu Xingzhi is diligent and capable. The two work together seamlessly. In the core prefectures and counties such as Xiangyang, Jiangling, Jingling, and Baling, government orders are carried out smoothly, and the administration is more transparent than it was three years ago. Last year's assessment resulted in the dismissal of 41 mediocre and corrupt officials and the promotion of 67 capable officials. All records are on file and can be reviewed at any time. The granaries in each prefecture are well-stocked. Last year, the southern region received abundant rainfall, increasing grain production by about 15%. In addition to meeting local needs and those of the garrison, there is a surplus that can be allocated elsewhere or stored in the granaries."

"With the Song clan chief in charge of Lingnan Circuit, he has subdued the powerful Li and Liao clans, including the Feng and Xian families, through a combination of power and virtue. Many of their sons have entered the 'Local Brave Training Institute' or taken up positions in local government offices. The Lingnan prefectures are now under unified administration, and trade routes to Jiaozhi and Linyi have been initially opened, with the import of products such as rhinoceros horn, spices, and jade gradually increasing. Following the previous instructions of the alliance leader, the Song clan chief has selected sites on the Leizhou Peninsula and Qiongya (Hainan) to trial plant 'cinchona' (quinine tree) and several other tropical crops introduced from Yingzhou and Liuqiu. The crops are growing well, and if successful, they may have a remarkable effect on the prevention and control of malaria."

"In the counties of Huainan, Jiangyou (formerly the territory of Du Fuwei and Lin Shihong) and Wuyue (formerly the territory of Shen Faxing and Li Zitong), the primary focus is on pacification. Most of the former officials who surrendered are still employed, but in each county, we have dispatched carefully selected officials to serve as county magistrates, chief secretaries, or inspectors. Ostensibly as assistants, they actually hold key positions, subtly influencing and promoting our alliance's new policies. Last year, we conducted a general land survey in these areas and implemented the 'Equal Land Distribution Order' and tax reduction policies, which quickly won over the people. The stubborn members of Lin Shihong's old forces were almost completely wiped out two years ago. The surrendered generals such as Du Fuwei and Fu Gongshi were all granted residences and honorary titles and allowed to live in Xiangyang. Their former troops were scattered and incorporated into various armies or transferred to local garrison and agricultural settlements, and there are no signs of them rebelling for the time being."

"On the island of Yingzhou, Meixian has done a good job in guarding it. Over the past three years, gold and silver mining has been on track. Last year, a total of 213,000 taels of pure gold and 1,907,000 taels of silver were transported back. The administrative divisions on the island have been initially determined, with three governorates under fourteen counties. Officials appointed by the emperor and naturalized Japanese officials are used together. The policy of forcibly promoting the use of Chinese language and script, changing clothing, and respecting the Way of Heaven has been implemented. Although there has been sporadic resistance, it has been quickly suppressed. The bloodline of the Japanese imperial family and nobles has almost been cut off, and many of the old shrines have been converted into Buddhist temples or 'Xuanhua Halls'. Meixian wrote that the situation on Yingzhou has stabilized and can serve as a permanent resource base and maritime barrier for our alliance."

Zhu Yuyan spoke at a steady pace, providing detailed data, clearly demonstrating her thorough understanding of all aspects of the situation. (End of Chapter)