The wheels rumbled over the flagstone road, making a dull, monotonous sound.
Inside the splendid carriage, the spacious interior was laid with a thick, soft Persian carpet. In the corner, a bronze beast-shaped incense burner filled the air with wisps of exquisite agarwood fragrance.
Liu Zhong knelt across from Gu Shen, personally pouring him tea.
Boiling water flowed into the white porcelain cup. The tender green tea leaves unfurled and tumbled in the water, like little spirits waking from sleep.
His movements were steady, his arm not trembling in the slightest, as though the chill he had felt on the street moments ago had never existed.
But inside, a storm was already raging.
Just who was this Gu Shen?
The emperor's secret edict had said only that this man was richer than a nation and could relieve the treasury's urgent needs. His Majesty needed money and a sharp blade to carve the flesh from those powerful clans.
But now it seemed this was more than just a blade.
He was clearly a ferocious beast wearing a human face. Even His Majesty and Prince Yan had become pieces on his chessboard.
"Mr. Gu, you seem to know the situation in the Capital City inside and out?" Liu Zhong gently pushed the teacup toward Gu Shen and ventured the question. His voice was high-pitched, yet had a metallic edge that rang especially clearly in the quiet carriage.
Gu Shen lifted the teacup but did not drink.
He merely rubbed his thumb over the warm porcelain, gazing at the streets rushing past outside the window with an indifferent expression.
"I wouldn't say I know it inside and out," he replied evenly. "A businessman has to keep his eyes open and his ears to the ground. The Capital City is the biggest marketplace in