Zhu Yu and Lu Qing quickly exchanged a glance.

Their previous encounter on the side adjacent to Lan Land and Shuo Land was also related to the farmlands of the Lan Land civilians being forcibly seized.

At that time, it was the Fake Castle Master and his group who forcibly took over the Immortal Castle and caused harm to many households within, and Zhu Yu and others speculated that it was due to Prince Lan’s lack of oversight, resulting in local officials being either incompetent or colluding with bandits.

Now, after hearing the remark from the innkeeper’s wife, they have a new suspicion—could it be that behind this chaos, it’s not just Prince Lan’s ignorance, but even his tacit approval or involvement?

But what advantage does this bring?

Of course, there’s a timeline Zhu Yu cannot help but notice—all of this chaos traces back to over twenty years ago.

And the upheaval in Lu Qing’s family occurred over twenty years ago as well.

The family servant who "died at the Jin Shuo Border" was also found over twenty years ago.

Although none of them ever mentioned a specific year, they could at least confirm that the timeline was within a few years of one side or the other.

Now that is interesting.

If one can see the whole leopard from the spots, then from the fact that people here would rather cling to an "Earth Spirit" or "Evil Spirit" that made them drink talismanic water for over twenty years without moving away—it’s because the government probably also fears the tales of evil spirits and would not want to come near. This chaos in Lan Land over the past two decades could be considered another version of "tyranny is fiercer than a tiger."

Zhu Yu recalled that during her days living in Shuo Country before being sent in marriage to Jin Country, she had never heard of any absurd rumors from Lan Country.

In this light, it cannot be said that Prince Lan and his subordinates did nothing.

They were evidently diligent in blocking information, preventing the chaotic happenings in Lan Land from reaching outsiders.

While Zhu Yu was pondering, Lu Qing seamlessly continued conversing with the innkeeper couple.

"So in these past twenty years, did that ’Earth Spirit’ never bring you any trouble again? This implies that the Taoist you consulted was quite effective." He inquired of the couple, "Do you know where the temple is? Since such things often happen in Lan Land, maybe we should visit the temple after leaving here to obtain a Spirit Talisman for safety on our journey."

The innkeeper’s wife burst into laughter, "If it were me, I wouldn’t waste that merit money. Instead of spending it there, you’d better give it to me. I’ll make you some extra pancakes to take on the road, maybe there’ll be some left to buy a couple of thick coats in town.

On this journey, don’t be too particular about food and clothing, being too particular might just cause trouble for yourself. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

As for that temple, I’d say forget about it. The Taoist who led people to exorcise evil spirits is now the head, and if he were truly capable, back then his clothes wouldn’t have been torn every which way by others.

It’s just some elders in town scared out of their wits seeking talismans from him for peace of mind."

"Yes, yes," chimed in the innkeeper eagerly, "Beyond our town, if you head south or east, you won’t find any bustling towns far off. And my wife’s skills are the best, that’s no exaggeration.

It’s not even certain there’s a place to buy a coat."

Lu Qing looked at Zhu Yu, and Zhu Yu gave a slight nod. Lu Qing then pulled out a piece of silver, slightly larger than before, and handed it to the innkeeper: "Then I’ll trouble you two to prepare pancakes and thick coats for us.

Furthermore, we plan to stay here for a day or two, rest, and then continue our journey. Do you have any guest rooms available?"

"Yes! Of course, we do!" The innkeeper smiled so widely that his eyes squinted into slits, "We’ll just tidy up for you to rest comfortably!"

"Then could you please arrange for two rooms close to each other?" Lu Qing nodded in satisfaction.

"Naturally, rest assured, I’ll ensure these two young masters are placed next to your rooms for convenience," the innkeeper nodded repeatedly, calling his wife to arrange.

In no time, the couple tidied up two adjoining rooms in the backyard for them, and though it wasn’t realistic to expect much from these rooms, they were overall clean and neat.

This was already more than enough for Zhu Yu.

In the previous two nights, despite being knocked out by the seductive fragrance, that kind of unconsciousness was a far cry from true rest. The fatigue only compounded.

They stayed there for the night, slept soundly, and the next morning, the innkeeper couple prepared hot soup and meals for them, which, though not extravagant, were satisfying and comforting.

This town probably rarely had outsiders, especially generous merchants, so encountering them as "Gods of Wealth," the couple was extraordinarily attentive and enthusiastic, worried they hadn’t adequately served their distinguished guests.

Zhu Yu and her group had modest expectations; during their stay, they leisurely drank hot water and chatted with the innkeeper couple, maintaining a cordial attitude. Even the straightforward innkeeper’s wife and the comparatively cautious innkeeper gradually relaxed, becoming more casual in conversation.

Gradually, Lu Qing and Zhu Yu unraveled some matters from their conversations.

Though residents here had gathered together for over twenty years, nearly none originally came from the same place.

A while back, Lan Land was peaceful and stable, abundant in resources, allowing people to live prosperous lives.

The beginning of all chaos was indeed when the present Prince Lan ascended the throne.

Those gathered here were mostly people whose lands were seized for planting spices and who, unwilling to work their own lands, fled from such forceful measures.

The escape was arduous; some were captured and returned, others were recruited by government officials from other places and sent to nearby estates for farm labor.

This area, known for its dense humidity and abundant mountains, offered no arable land or mines to exploit, thus was neglected, giving these people a place to settle.