Great Wilderness Demon Lord

What Xiao Yunlan least expected was the reaction from the Jackal Camp.

Since the news of the celebration reached the jackal camp, those jackals who were usually quiet and rarely smiled became more lively, and their eyes lit up.

When working, they no longer just bury themselves in their work; they occasionally speak in a low voice in the barbarian language, talking about things related to the celebration.

I heard we'll get an extra portion of meat that day? I heard we'll get a day off and won't have to work in the fields? I heard we'll even be able to watch the excitement in the square with the general?

Xiao Yunlan saw this and sent Zhao Meng to the jackal camp to spread the word: On the day of the celebration, the jackals will also receive a sufficient amount of meat, and each person will be given two extra white flour buns.

Anyone who wants to come and watch the excitement is welcome, but they must not run around or cause trouble; they must abide by the rules of the fort.

After the news spread, the jackals worked even harder, cutting grass, chopping firewood, and carrying things. Everyone put in their best effort, and the smiles on their faces became much more genuine.

While preparations are proceeding at full speed, invitations to guests are being sent out one after another.

Following Xiao Yunlan's instructions, Xiao Yu drafted a detailed list of invitees.

The first column of the list consists of leaders of friendly neighboring tribes: Helian Jinzhang of the centaur tribe, the old chieftain of the gray-horned deer tribe, Shigen, the leader of the digging tribe, and several small tribal leaders who frequently trade at the market and have always maintained good relations.

The second column consists of important figures from Zhenhuang Pass: Her Highness the Eldest Princess, Deputy Commander Han Zhong, and several captains and lieutenants who had interacted with and helped Wangbei Fort.

After reviewing the list, Xiao Yunlan gently wrote a few words next to the names of the Eldest Princess and Han Zhong: "Behave politely, but don't force it."

Xiao Yu understood what Xiao Yunlan meant.

Princess Chang and Han Zhong are of high status and have many responsibilities, and the affairs of Zhenhuang Pass are complicated, so they may not necessarily come to Wangbei Fort for the banquet in person.

However, the invitation must be delivered; this is both a rule and Wangbeibao's attitude—neither humble nor arrogant, and to fulfill the proper etiquette.

Xiao Yu personally took charge of sending out the invitations, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

He had the message to the centaur tribe written neatly in the common language of the barbarians, and asked a waiter at the inn who frequently dealt with the centaurs and was familiar with their customs to personally ride a horse to deliver it to the centaur camp.

The messages to the Grey Horned Deer and the Digging Tribe were also delivered by people they knew from the tribes, ensuring they reached the leaders.

The other smaller tribes asked the manager of the market to deliver the invitations together.

The letter to Zhenhuang Pass should be given to Xiao Duo so that he can deliver it along with the letter when he goes to Zhenhuang Pass.

Xiao Duo handled this task efficiently and effectively.

He led his guards and rode fast horses, traveling day and night without stopping, and arrived at Zhenhuang Pass in three days.

After entering the city, he went directly to the Xiao Family Chamber of Commerce, found Liu Heyang, and handed him the purchase order and Xiao Yunlan's handwritten letter.

Liu Heyang opened the letter, read it carefully, and a gratified smile appeared on his face. He patted Xiao Duo on the shoulder and said, "Second Young Master, are you going to add to the joy of Wangbei Fort by holding a celebration?"

This is a good thing, it should be done! I will arrange for people to prepare the purchased items immediately, and the truck will definitely depart within three days to ensure delivery to Wangbeibao before the celebration.

If you need anything else, just let me know, don't hesitate to ask.

Xiao Duo cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Manager Liu. Just make sure everything on the list is ready; we don't need anything else for now."

Liu Heyang then inquired about the recent situation in Wangbeibao, and Xiao Duo answered earnestly one by one, mentioning that the summer harvest had yielded four hundred shi of grain, the mines had begun producing copper, and the market was becoming increasingly bustling. Liu Heyang listened, nodding repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration.

"The Second Young Master is so young, yet so capable. It's truly remarkable," Liu Heyang remarked. "Go back and tell General Xiao that the Xiao Family Chamber of Commerce will fully support Wangbei Fort."

"If the General needs anything in the future, just send a message, and I will do my best to help without hesitation."

Xiao Duo respectfully agreed, then got up to take his leave and went to deliver the other two invitations.

Although the Princess's residence was heavily guarded, upon hearing that it was a messenger sent by Wangbei Fort to deliver the message, they immediately informed the person inside.

Before long, a palace attendant came out to announce that Her Highness the Princess wished to personally receive Xiao Duo.

Xiao Duo entered the residence with the eunuch, and upon seeing the Princess, he respectfully bowed and presented the invitation with both hands.

The eldest princess took the invitation and read it carefully. A gentle smile appeared on her face. She said to Xiao Duo, "Go back and tell General Xiao that Wangbei Fort has achieved a bumper harvest. This is a great joy. I will remember this celebration."

"On the day of the celebration, if I am free, I will certainly go in person to offer my congratulations to Wangbeibao."

Xiao Duo quickly expressed his gratitude, gave a brief update on the recent situation at Wangbei Fort, and then got up to take his leave.

After leaving the Princess's residence, Xiao Duo went to the military headquarters to visit Han Zhong, and was able to meet him without any problems.

Han Zhong summoned him to the signing room of the military government, took the letter and carefully read it. He smiled gently, patted the letter and said, "Your general is very thoughtful. He thought of holding this celebration as soon as Wangbei Fort achieved its first bumper harvest. It is both to celebrate the hard work and to establish the prestige of Wangbei Fort. He has thought of everything very carefully."

Go back and tell General Xiao that if I can spare the time on the day of the celebration, I will definitely go in person to offer my congratulations; even if I am unable to leave, I will send a gift as a token of my appreciation.

Xiao Duo quickly thanked him and chatted with him for a few more minutes about everyday matters, including the recent situation in Wangbei Fort, which Han Zhong greatly appreciated. Afterwards, Xiao Duo got up to take his leave and went back to finish up the purchasing work.

After finishing these tasks, he went to the market in Zhenhuang Pass and bought all the odds and ends he could find, according to Manager Wu's list.

Crimson silk, lanterns made of fine bamboo strips, bright red paper, and incense and candles for sacrifices were all loaded onto the carts and transported slowly back to Wangbeibao along with the large purchasing convoy behind them.

It was eight days later when Xiao Duo returned to Wangbeibao.

As the sun was setting, the soldiers at the fortress gate saw him return and bowed respectfully. The news quickly reached the general's mansion.

Xiao Yunlan listened attentively to all the news he brought back.

Xiao Yunlan listened attentively to all the news he brought back.

Liu Heyang's full support was exactly what he expected; Han Chong's sincere words and willingness to take time to offer his congratulations were also reasonable; the Princess herself received him and promised to attend the banquet if she had the time—this level of attention had already exceeded his expectations.

"The invitations have been sent, the formalities have been observed, and everyone has shown their sincere appreciation. That's enough." Xiao Yunlan picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and said calmly, "They are busy with their own affairs. Whether they come or not, we don't need to force them. We should just focus on making sure our celebration goes well."

Xiao Duo agreed and had the purchased items brought in one by one.

The crimson silk was spread out, gleaming softly and brightly in the light of the setting sun; the lanterns, made of fine bamboo strips, had exquisitely crafted frames covered with thin white gauze, and could be folded up to be very small, making them easy to hang.

There were also several baskets of fruit wrapped in oil paper. When I opened the paper, the apples and pears were still firm and fresh, with only a little dust on their skins. The persimmons were a little soft, but not rotten. They were all in good condition.

Upon hearing the news, Manager Wu rushed over, excitedly looking around at the items, touching the smooth silk with his hands, and repeatedly muttering, "That's enough, that's enough!"

"When the time comes, hang up the red silk, light the lanterns, arrange the fruit, and set up a few tables for a feast. It will look good without being extravagant, just right."

Xiao Yunlan stood aside, watching the lively scene with a blank expression on his face. He simply nodded slightly.