Huali concluded the morning court session at Victory Palace and rode a carriage back to his own residence.
In high spirits, Huali pursed his lips in a faint smile as he watched the streets through the window. Berely had developed faster and faster over the past two years. With the city districts constantly expanding, Huali had received more than one petition to expand Berely City's walls.
Naturally, the walls had to be expanded. Even moving the existing walls outward by five li would be a massive public works project. The resulting expansion and development of the urban districts would bring in an endless stream of money.
But this matter had to be planned carefully. The profits hidden within it were far too great; he had to find a way for his family to reap the greatest benefit. Of course, he also had to consider the interests of other families. Take Marshal Beian's family, for instance—they had tens of thousands of private soldiers, a bottomless pit that swallowed money. If he did not give them a share of the benefits, they would surely make trouble for him.
Noble ladies carrying little parasols came and went from one exquisite shop after another along the street. Smiling, Huali watched these graceful, lovely-faced young women. The blood throughout his body surged and swelled, and an impulse known only to the young made him feel the beauty of life.
"Very effective medicine!" Raising his hand, Huali carefully examined the age spots on the back of it, which were gradually fading away, then nodded in satisfaction. It truly was effective. In order to regain a youthful body, certain sacrifices were unavoidable.
Through the window, Huali saw Yu Lian, dressed in a black cloak, wearing a tricorne hat trimmed with silver thread, and carrying an eagle-headed staff.