Thousand Chess Lake
At dusk, ox carts arrived at the shore one after another, and small boats ferried their passengers out to the pleasure barges on the lake. The constant traffic made for a lively scene. A fresh breeze carried the fragrance of flowers into the faces of the neatly dressed scholars, and many wore looks of rapture.
"Thousand Chess Lake's night scenery begins here."
At times like these, a boatman could often collect a considerable sum in tips over a single evening. Lowly though their station was, these men had sharp eyes. They could distinguish scholars who slapped their faces swollen to pass for fat men from young gentlemen of distinguished birth. Even when someone dressed to conceal his identity, they could still make a fair guess.
Just then, Wang Lao'er and his eldest son had finished rowing two examination candidates over to a barge. An old acquaintance in the same trade passed nearby. Glancing at the young man aboard the old fellow's boat, Wang Lao'er needed only a look at his clothes and folding fan to recognize a wealthy young gentleman.
"Not one of those old Provincial Graduates who eat nothing but tofu and greens."
Provincial Graduates were not poor, but traveling from their hometowns to Capital City cost a good deal, and living in the great capital was no easy matter either. Many dared not squander their travel funds. This passenger was clearly different-a rich man.
There would probably be a tip soon enough. Wang Lao'er felt a little envious.
"That bastard's landed another generous passenger... eh?"
As the thought crossed his mind, Wang Lao'er suddenly raised his head and stared. His words stopped short, and surprise rose in his eyes. A tiny bird-shaped silhouette was flying toward him. In a blink, it drew close enough to