Along a winding ancient road, a carriage sped past, the sound of horse hooves and wheels intertwining into a moving melody. Suddenly, a tall young man holding a firewood chopper stood in the middle of the road. Though his gaze was resolute, it could not entirely mask his inner panic.
Han Yuling sat in the carriage, a woman of wide experience. She halted the carriage and curiously sized up the man. Seeing his honest and sincere appearance, she wondered what he was doing standing in the middle of the road.
Seeing the carriage stop, the man shouted loudly, "This road was opened by me, these trees were planted by me! If you wish to pass this way, leave behind your toll money!" Though his voice was loud, his tone was clearly timid and lacking in confidence. Han Yuling said, "Ye'er, go ask him if he's facing any hardships."
Chapter 20