The rest of the journey passed quietly. The roads widened as they neared the general's territory. Villages dotted the hillsides, tidy and lively. Farmers bowed respectfully when they saw the flags of the Iron Wolf Battalion, and children ran to the road to wave.
Chun Tao peered through the carriage curtains. "Miss, look at this place! It doesn't look poor at all!"
Su Lin leaned closer, genuinely surprised. The streets were clean, the markers busy, and the merchants wore silks instead of rough hemp.
"This is supposed to get the 'edge of tge empire'? Looks more alive than the capital."
"The General built half of it," said Shuang He.
"The soldiers told me. The General and the prince turned this place into a trade route. People come from all over to sell goods here."