"Come in."
An aged voice came from within.
Chen Qing pushed open the door and entered.
The private room was quite spacious, furnished with elegant simplicity and refinement.
By the window stood a broad rosewood couch, upon which rested a low table with a chessboard laid out on top.
A man sat upright on the couch. He appeared to be in his fifties, his hair already streaked with gray, gathered behind his head with a simple wooden hairpin.
He held a dark brown cane in his hand. It looked ordinary, but with Chen Qing's discerning eye, he could tell its material was anything but common. The connection between the cane's head and shaft was exquisitely constructed, clearly concealing mechanisms within. It was an unusual weapon meant for fending off enemies.
The man was blind, yet the instant Chen Qing entered the room, his ears gave an almost imperceptible twitch.
"A distinguished guest has arrived, and I failed to welcome you from afar. My apologies for the discourtesy."
The man smiled. "I am Wen Buyu, master of Listen to the Wind Tower in Tianbo City. May I ask how to address this honored guest, and what brings you here?"
Chen Qing clasped his hands. "I am Wu Qiren, merely a traveling merchant. I have long heard that Listen to the Wind Tower is exceptionally well-informed and knows all there is to know. I came today seeking your guidance."
"Please, have a seat, Mr. Wu." Wen Buyu raised a hand in invitation, then slightly turned his head toward the doorway. "Serve tea."
The attendant who had led the way entered at once and presented two cups of tea.
The tea was limpid and bright, a faint amber color. Its first fragrance resembled orchid and osmanthus, while its flavor seemed to carry the