Chapter 2162 - 2164: Mother and Son Pass Each Other by

"Yunchuan is just ahead."

Ye Zi’an lifted the curtain to take a glance forward; the people entering the city were being inspected one by one.

"Hasn’t this city wall of Yunchuan been repaired in years?"

"At first glance, it seems like a remote place devoid of activity, doesn’t it?" Ye Zi’an looked at the city gate not far away. A corner had chipped off, and he continued, "Actually, that’s not the case. It’s all for show to outsiders. Yunchuan relies on the mountain, living off its bounties. There are plenty of wild animals and herbs here, and many families cultivate medicinal herbs. You could say that the main source of herbal medicine for the Great Zhou is from here. How could such a place be so poor that its city wall hasn’t been repaired for long?"

"How long has it been since they changed the prefect here?"

"Three years," Ye Zi’an replied, "Yunchuan is different from Zhejiang, where officials collude. Here, it’s collusion between officials and businessmen, deeply rooted and complex. The previous frequent changes of prefects were attempts to resolve the issues here. Unfortunately, in recent years, despite several changes, it only led to one outcome, which was filling each prefect’s pockets."

Each new arrival would soon be won over by the locals’ sweetened bullets.

Just as Yang Chuxia also leaned forward, an inconspicuous carriage exited Yunchuan.

Perhaps through intuition, Yang Chuxia glanced at that carriage.

"What’s the matter?"

"It’s nothing." Yang Chuxia looked at the carriage again before turning her head away.

It was soon Yang Chuxia’s turn for their carriage, and they still went under the alias of the Bai family merchants.

They entered the city and first went to an inn. Just as they dismounted the carriage, Yang Chuxia realized there was an issue.

"What about him?" She asked Ye Zi’an, her tone quite helpless.

These past few days, besides eating and sleeping, Lele had been inside the carriage studying chess games, becoming completely obsessed. Now that they were about to enter the inn, he couldn’t just stay inside the carriage, could he?

"Son, get off!"

Ye Zi’an called out to him, but clearly, Lele was so absorbed that he didn’t hear it at all.

"Lele, we’re in Yunchuan!"

The little rascal still didn’t move.

"Once we’re upstairs, I’ll set up the chessboard for you again." Ye Zi’an added.

Finally, Lele moved, but instead of standing up, his little hands danced across the chessboard, quickly placing the last piece.

"Haha..." The crisp laughter attracted passersby to glance at the carriage.

"Dad, how about that?" Lele smugly looked at Ye Zi’an, "Isn’t it amazing to have a son like me?"

Ye Zi’an glanced at the chessboard, snorted, "What’s there to be proud of? It’s already good enough that I didn’t say you’re a disgrace. I solved this puzzle in just four days back then, and you took six whole days. How can you be so cocky?"

"Pfft..." As Lele was about to get off, he nearly stumbled. His dad was truly too ruthless, his words too sharp. "Dad, you’re ruthless!"

"Hmph... hurry and get off! Your mom’s been waiting for you for a long time."

Outside the city

That inconspicuous carriage continued heading west, meeting up with a large convoy fifty miles away.

"How’s it going? No traces left, right?"

"Master, no traces." The coachman responded, "But when we left the city, we saw Ye Zi’an and his group entering."

"Hehe, they’re quite fast."

Just then, a thumping sound came from inside the carriage.

Prince Le lifted the curtain and saw a little child inside vigorously kicking the carriage. Upon seeing him, the child’s eyes widened in shock.

"Pfft," Prince Le couldn’t help but laugh.