Above, paradise; below, Suzhou and Hangzhou.
When Fang Zheng stepped down the gangway, he was greeted by the serene, intoxicating scenery of Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Knowing the consequences of heavy industrialization, Fang Zheng had considered every aspect from the very beginning of his planning. He had no desire to turn Chang'an into a city of fog. Thus, he had placed heavy industry in relatively remote areas. Even so, smoke could often still be seen within Chang'an itself.
Suzhou and Hangzhou, however, were much better off. With their clear waters, green mountains, and fresh air, Fang Zheng felt his entire body relax the moment he stepped off the gangway. He stretched luxuriously, then made his way to the Dock, where a carriage was already waiting.
"Excuse me, are you Young Master Fang?"
When Fang Zheng approached, an attendant hurried over to ask. Thanks to the widespread use of steam power in this era, telephones and telegraphs had become commonplace. At the very least, telephones were no longer rare anywhere in the country. There were even public telephone booths at street corners, and all manner of related services had naturally sprung up.
For example, this attendant who had come to collect Fang Zheng had been booked in advance by telephone—at last, Fang Zheng found something that made him feel like he was in modern society.
"That's right. It's me."
Fang Zheng nodded at the man, who immediately broke into a warm smile.
"Please, get in. The proprietor has been waiting for you. We've prepared a superior Heaven-class room for you. This way, please..."
As he spoke, the man ushered Fang Zheng into the carriage. The driver then set off from the Dock and proceeded down the street.
I still can't get used to this.
Sitting by the window and watching the brilliantly