The portly man let out a mute laugh at that, but he also realized this was not the place to talk.
"Silver Embroidery, let's enter the city and talk at leisure."
"Mm."
The portly man made an inviting gesture. The carriage slowly moved forward and merged into the queue ahead.
This displeased many timber merchants, but upon seeing the portly man's face, they all promptly shut their mouths.
"Who could make Chu Ya of the Jewel Pavilion come personally to greet them?" someone wondered, brows furrowed.
Quite a few merchant stewards had evidently recognized the portly man's identity.
When the minor official at the city gate saw Chu Ya, his expression changed. Without another word, he had the city guards clear the way.
The carriage proceeded unimpeded all the way into Zifeng City.
Only after the carriage had completely vanished from sight did the youth belatedly come back to himself.
He stacked the two bowls together, scratched his head, and looked rather gloomy.
"H-He still hasn't paid?"
"What do you mean, he hasn't paid?"
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind him. When he turned around, it was his own father.
"What's that in your hand?"
The youth froze. The hand scratching his head hurriedly opened.
Two brand-new Tonghe coins lay quietly in his palm.
"Kid, did the heat scramble your brains? Isn't the money right there in your hand?"
Within Zifeng City, in its bustling district.
An antique six-story pavilion stood there.
On the high-hung plaque, written in ancient script like silver hooks and iron strokes, were the words: Jewel Pavilion of Splendor.
Martial men in neat, fitted attire, as well as elderly men with aged faces, streamed in and out without cease.
The pavilion had six floors. Three red load-bearing pillars stood at its center, while each