Silver Fox.

Summary

The refugees led by Wang Rouhua from Heng Mountain have settled after a season of planting, but those from Golden City remain impoverished. Qingxiang Valley, once affluent, has returned to poverty, with Wang Rouhua sharing porridge with her son. Supporting thirty thousand people is costly, and banditry is rampant, threatening caravans. A new trade route was found, adding three hundred miles to the journey, crucial for tribal survival. Caravans exchange goods like salt, cattle, and pottery, essential for tribes. Tie Xin Yuan allows caravans to trade in his territory, benefiting locals. Bandits demand tolls, but some caravans refuse to yield, risking deadly encounters. Profitable long-distance trade continues despite dangers. In August, the Gobi Desert is ideal for trade, though bandits are numerous. Tie Xin Yuan's group, including Li Qiao and Huo Er, prefers staying in the valley rather than robbing poor caravans. They enjoy the thrill of robbery but have lost interest in bullying the impoverished. Tie Xin Yuan doesn't allow them to continue, as tolls collected are less than what they give away in charity. They consider sending a caravan to Zong Ge City, but the Tibetans' martial prowess deters them. Instead, they plan to send Ze Ma, avoiding dishonor for Zhuo Ma, Li Qiao's wife.

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