Xiao Fan Chooses a Sister-in-Law, Madam's Business

On arriving in the Prefectural City, they saw jade palaces and splendid towers, with countless gateways. It was bustling beyond compare. Shops along the streets hung red lanterns and colorful decorations, and crowds streamed past like a river.

The cries of hawkers and sellers rang without end.

The alley mouth was damp and stank of fish. The Prefectural City's Fishery Guild was taking in the catch, all river fish. Madam Wen frowned and quickened her pace. Li Xian followed behind, leading White Cloud.

Only after they had turned out of the alley did he ask, "Madam, where are we staying? Should we find an inn?"

"No need." Madam Wen spoke as she walked. "I have several residences in the Prefectural City. We can stay at whichever one we please."

The Prefectural City was vast. In his past and present lives, Li Xian had never seen such a great city. They had not gone far before rows upon rows of restaurants came into view, where young masters and daughters of Aristocratic Clans were drinking wine and chatting about interesting matters.

He could not help exclaiming, "These towers are so tall. In this world, strange things appear one after another. There's timber sturdy enough to support hundred-zhang towers, and construction techniques that wrest beauty from Heaven."

The Heavenly Prodigies Tower Banquet was a particularly popular topic.

Passing a restaurant, he heard people talking upstairs. "This year's Multi-Story Banquet will be quite a spectacle. I hear that the renowned weapon-forging master Ouyezi, from Yunan Circuit, passed through here a few days ago."

"He heard about this grand event for the young, and wanted to add to the festivities. He's offering a River-Sinking Sword as the stake. Whoever stands out and overwhelms the rest can take the sword!"

"Really? Ouyezi is incredibly skilled. Anything