Kill to Unseal

Mingxi Town was threaded with a dense network of rivers. Several main streets ran alongside the waterways, winding and twisting through countless turns.

Walking along the main streets, one found a new scene every hundred paces and a new vista every thousand. The scenery was wonderfully varied and exquisitely elegant.

Literary Pavilion stood near the end of the main street. A stone arch bridge lay several dozen paces diagonally across from it, and the bustling stream of pedestrians on the bridge brought the bookshop no small amount of business.

Zhao Sheng soon arrived before the bookshop and stepped inside.

The moment he entered, the shopkeeper spotted him. He hastily came around the counter and greeted him with eager warmth. "This morning, I heard magpies chirping nonstop and wondered what happy event was coming. So Young Master Zhao was arriving."

The bookshop shopkeeper was handsome enough and possessed an elegant, scholarly air, yet his words carried the thick flavor of a merchant, unpleasant to the ear.

"I see Young Master's face is glowing with health. It seems your body has fully recovered. Truly, congratulations!"

Zhao Sheng waved a hand and said calmly, "Shopkeeper Chen, I came today to pay Old Shopkeeper Chen a personal visit. Could Shopkeeper Chen announce me for me?"

Shopkeeper Chen's expression changed sharply at once. After hesitating, he said, "The old gentleman is somewhat unwell and cannot receive visitors at present. Young Master Zhao, perhaps you should come another day."

Zhao Sheng's brows knit slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled. "No matter, no matter. Since that is so, once the old shopkeeper's health improves in a few days, I shall certainly come calling with generous gifts."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands and was about to take his leave.

Suddenly, a Blue-Clothed man