The Song Clan’s Enlightenment Manor was bustling with activity and its gates never saw rest. Duchess An had no shortage of admirers during her youth, many of whom had become powerhouses with friendly ties to the Song clan. The Duchess was a legend. The way she had supported the Song clan alone in her old age—seeking change through mercy and wisdom—earned the respect of the masses.

The Song clan had been battered by winds and rains as Zhang Boqian rose to power at an incredible speed. The duchess keeping things propped up under such circumstances was a feat worthy of praise. Even Zhang Boqian himself had hinted that he had no intention of tearing the Song clan apart as long as she was alive.

The clan itself was weak, but it was rich and sitting on a pile of rare resources. As traders, they didn’t really possess that many secret technologies to their name, making them a prime target for plundering.

On the contrary, a business like Ningyuan Heavy Industries was highly reliant on Song Zining, and that made it a difficult target. Even if people could snatch Ningyuan from him, the industry would only turn into a money sink. What was the use?

It was a different story with resources. To put it bluntly, there was little...