Chapter 27: Everyone Has Their Own Motives, the Ashfell Family Falls Apart

Most of the Ashfell clan's higher-ups shared the same sentiment.

As the saying goes, "A bad life is still better than a good death."

The Ashfell patriarch, hearing their agreement, wasted no time. He retrieved ink and paper and began drafting a letter.

He knew all too well that even if the Ashfell clan ancestor had once done the Song patriarch a great favor, it wouldn't be enough on its own. For the Song family to intervene and help the Ashfell clan weather this storm, the Ashfell clan would need to offer an enormous price.

That was the way of the world—many were eager to add splendor to an already flourishing scene, but few would extend a helping hand in times of dire need.

Once the letter was complete, the patriarch called for a swift falcon, securing the message to the bird's leg. Watching it take flight, soaring high into the skies, many of the Ashfell leaders felt the oppressive weight of despair lift—if only slightly.