Prices Soar

In the front hall of the Chen Residence, two middle-aged men were pacing back and forth in restless unease.

One wore a dark blue patterned silk robe. Round-faced and broad-foreheaded, with a string of amber prayer beads around his neck, he was Zhang Yuanshou, head of the Zhang Family in the north of the city.

The other wore an ocher brocade robe. Lean and wiry, with a sharp mouth and monkey cheeks, his eyes darting ceaselessly about, he was Qian Yongfa of the Auspicious Abundance Silk Shop on South Street.

The moment Shen Hui entered, he saw the two men wearing anxious expressions, repeatedly cupping their hands and bowing to him.

Zhang Yuanshou rushed to speak first:

"Daoist Master, last night I, Zhang, failed to recognize Mount Tai before my eyes and slighted an immortal's carriage. I beg you to show great mercy and save my son's life!"

Qian Yongfa hurriedly added, "Daoist Master, that old steward was ignorant yesterday. This humble one has already punished him severely. I beg you to be magnanimous and save my son!"

Shen Hui did not answer at once. He merely sat down in the grand master's chair in the main hall.

He lifted the tea served by the Chen Residence servants, blew gently on it, and did not even raise his eyelids.

"You two... came empty-handed?"

Zhang Yuanshou froze. The smile on his face stiffened slightly as he said:

"This... we came in too much of a hurry and did not prepare a generous gift. I hope Immortal Master will forgive us. So long as Immortal Master is willing to act, consultation fees and gift money are all negotiable!"

Qian Yongfa hurriedly echoed:

"Yes, yes, yes! Negotiable, all negotiable!"

With a fawning smile, he pulled a banknote from his robes and offered it