Chapter 22: The Final Visit
Lu Fang noticed the improvements before he reached the gate.
The fields were ahead of schedule again.
The fence line had been reinforced with iron fittings at the joints. Iron. A farming village with iron construction fittings. That was new.
He'd brought twelve soldiers this time and one cultivator, a hill clan fighter named Shan who hadn't spoken a word since Meishan. The larger force was justified. Hekou's grain quality from the last collection had raised eyebrows at the Prefect's compound. He'd been promoted since his last circuit to the second-best horse now.
This village had potential. The young men he'd seen during the last visit had been organized and fit. A settlement that could produce soldiers of that quality was worth more than grain to a Prefect fighting a two-front war.
Lu Fang was already composing the recruitment proposal in his head when he saw the banners.
Black field.
Red sigil.
His hands tightened on the reins.