"After he passed," Fen Dugong continued, "the clan fell apart. The elders were too exhausted and too divided. Everyone had their own opinion. Some said we should sell our lands. Some said we should beg our old allies. Some said we should force Hualing to return and take responsibility for keeping the clan afloat."
Qing Luan gasped at that. "But she was already married!"
Fen Dugong nodded tiredly. "Yes. Married into a greater clan. Married to a Patriarch. Many thought that was reason enough." His eyes dimmed. "But she did not return. Not because she did not want to. But because… she never replied to our letters."
Qing Luan's breath caught in her throat.
Fen Dugong continued.
"Our debt was taken over by a merchant group connected to the Lushan clan. They bought our estate at a low price, then sold it to more buyers for profit. We were desperate, we had no choice but to accept."
Han Yu leaned forward slightly. "The Lushan clan? You are certain?"
