Since the silk shop was a stronghold of the Imperial Demon Hunters, it must have some special features. At Zhu Yi's command, a young shop assistant naturally prepared a clean room.
Inside, Talismanic Arts sandalwood had already been prepared, and calming talismans were placed around the room. There were also fine brocade cushions, a small red clay stove with boiling oil, and several kinds of assorted fruits and snacks that were just right for enjoying.
Zhu Yi certainly put his heart into it.
Su Che quietly sat down on the prayer mat.
The arrival of the Prince of Wuling in Ci Prefecture is no small matter.
According to the court's custom, members of the royal family rarely left the capital, and generally held prestigious but powerless positions in the court.
Titles like Grand Minister of Works, Grand Minister of Agriculture, and Grand General—all with the word "Grand" in their names—were not responsible for specific affairs; these were basically positions held by members of the royal family.
Shanyin County was incorporated into Guobei County, and the Prince of Wuling was appointed to personally govern Ci Prefecture.
Su Che believed that both were for the same purpose.
The emperor must be planning something big.
Su Che has already formed a preliminary assessment of the current emperor.
Like many rulers in his previous life, this emperor's name consisted of four characters.
They lack the principles but possess the skills.
They possess strong political skills and can ensure political stability. However, the common people who fall into their hands are truly cursed.
To put it bluntly, these disaster victims in Ci Prefecture are nothing more than meat on a chopping block. Even if someone were to raise a flag in rebellion, who could withstand the imperial court's thunderous strike?
Even if some great and virtuous leader were to rise up in rebellion, how many days could they hold out against that elite force of the Dark Cloud Guard?
Su Che slowly placed the agarwood into the incense burner, while the wind outside blew even more fiercely.
Su Che released the Mirage Qi from the Chiwen Ring, quietly concealing his figure.
The Imperial Demon Hunters ' private quarters were not exactly safe.
Zhu Yi, a seasoned veteran who had been working in the Imperial Demon Hunters for decades, was someone no one knew who he was connected to.
Better safe than sorry.
Mount Zhong Association is one of the biggest secrets in the world that brought me here; if I can avoid revealing it, it's best not to.
The more I interact with Zhongyuan, the more I can feel Zhongyuan extraordinary nature.
For someone to implement a plan that requires such a complete overhaul, just how powerful are the people who oppose him?
Su Che slowly pushed open the door, suddenly realizing that he must learn a few illusion techniques from the Little Fox at the next gathering.
Thinking of this, he took out the Little Fox's piece of Auspicious Light Hide from the Nine-Curved Yin Spring.
The meeting is about to start, so let's study the spirit of the leader's speech first.
After opening it, Su Che glanced at it briefly and then put the piece of leather back.
It's useless.
There was no useful information above the Nine-Curved Yin Spring.
It contained only some vulgar language.
"Got another lover?" "I knew it! I wish you a baby soon." "Why aren't you saying anything?" "Don't let me see you again, or I'll tear you to pieces." "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that so harshly. Say something back." "You're dead meat, really, to heaven and earth..."
This thing doesn't have any setting to browse past messages, Su Che can no longer see what the Little Fox posted before.
In short, to sum it all up, the Little Fox is very angry now.
Without a second thought, Su Che placed the thing back into the Nine-Curved Yin Spring.
On the streets of Tian'an County, a strong wind howled incessantly, and the stall owners packed up their stalls, while the shop owners took down the signs and banners that had been hanging outside.
People running home were all in a hurry, and many of them were cursing under their breath.
Amidst the howling wind, Su Che sensed something was amiss.
This wind came out of nowhere.
"This is so troublesome, I wonder how long I'll have to wait?"
Su Che to pinpoint the source of this feeling.
On an inconspicuous roof beam, two birds were chattering away.
They had heads on their heads, and their messy, overgrown hair covered half of their bodies.
The Man-Headed Owl is a kind of ghostly beast. It is formed from the resentment of beheaded prisoners and is a monster born to chase after disasters. The " Records of the Hidden Within " records this bird, saying that a great calamity will surely occur wherever this bird appears.
"Soon, soon, we'll be able to eat it soon, hehe."
Two birds were chirping.
In fact, the " Records of the Hidden Within " goes into more detail, because this bird was born to chase after the filth of the human world, and some powerful demons and ghosts deliberately raised this bird in order to find opportunities to find filth.
These Outer Dao; the things they need for cultivation are very special. Many of these things are the most insidious and filthy things in the world, so it seems that some demons have their eyes on this place.
That's interesting.
Su Che stepped forward, searching for traces of the inn.
The Mount Zhong Association about to gather everyone, so the most urgent task is to find a secluded place.
Using the Mirage Qi to conceal himself, Su Che turned left and right in Tian'an County, and after confirming that he was not followed, he found a local inn.
The building is five stories high, magnificent, and extremely luxurious. There are more than thirty hitching posts at the entrance, and the plaque in the center reads the three large characters " Tongde Tower ".
Even with the relentless howling wind, waiters stood like flagpoles at the door to greet customers.
A place to eat that's set up like a military camp must be quite impressive.
Great, it looks expensive.
Su Che immediately took a liking to this place. He found a street corner to reveal himself, and using the Mirage Qi as a disguise, Su Che disguised himself as a wandering scholar and entered the shop.
Indeed, it was spacious and bright, with red candles hanging high, and several round tables were laden with fresh produce from both the north and south. The aroma alone was enough to make one's mouth water, and in this day and age, such freshness was especially precious.
"Would you like to have a meal or rest, young master?"
"I want them all."
Su Che took out a silver coin from his sleeve.
"Let's get a superior room, a pot of Shaoxing wine, and four or five of our signature dishes."
In today's world, regardless of whether it is the North or the South, the main currency used is still copper coins, while luxury goods such as silk can also be used as money.
However, the Great Liang is somewhat special. A few years ago, the current emperor issued an edict to change copper coins to Iron Currency. Therefore, the people call copper coins "qian" and Iron Currency "zhiqian".
Of course, gold and silver can also be used, but those who use these precious metals are mostly wealthy and powerful.
The scholar that Su Che had conjured up was taking out silver coins to avoid trouble and to reveal his identity through this action.
When you're rich, anything is easy.
"Young master."
The shopkeeper, who had been observing from behind the counter, walked over in a few steps and gestured for the waiter to move away.
"I'm so sorry, all the smaller, superior rooms are already booked. How about a medium-sized room instead?"
"Then let's have the middle room."
Su Che didn't care about such things. If all else failed, and no one came to bother him in the woodshed, the Third Young Master Su could make do.
"That's right," the shopkeeper said with a smile, "The smaller rooms are divided into Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C rooms. Although the Grade B rooms are all booked, there are still some Grade A rooms available."
"I'm not bragging, but even the high-ranking families from Jiankang have praised my humble shop, Rain-Listening Retreat, Yexue Night Snow Pavilion, and Evening-Clear Elegant Residence."
Su Che looked at the shopkeeper in front of him.
Ultimately, it comes down to considerations.
Places like Rain-Listening Retreat and Night Snow Pavilion sound like they have extremely high minimum spending requirements.
"Middle room."
Su Che said very firmly.
"A central room to welcome distinguished guests."
The shopkeeper remained kind and helpful, personally leading Su Che upstairs.
"Guest, you're a new face, so let me boast a bit. Our Tongde Tower is top-notch, not just in Tian'an County, but in the entire Ci Prefecture."
"Oh?"
"This assessment is not my own; it was personally written by Vice Minister Yu Ze when he returned to the capital a few days ago."
"Yeah?"
"Guest, how many days will you be staying?"
"Stay here for three days."
"Alright, Zhongqifang, we've arrived."
The innkeeper led Su Che up two floors, then gently pushed open the door.
"There are waiters on duty at the stairs at night. Just tell them if you need anything. We have a kitchen that keeps burning all night, so we can arrange supper and snacks."
"The shopkeeper is indeed very thorough."
Su Che took out a silver ingot and gently placed it in the shopkeeper's hand.
Thank you for your trouble.
The innkeeper smiled and led Su Che into the room. He then turned and walked downstairs, his face still smiling, to the counter by the door. He pulled the waiter beside him over.
"Tell the ladies-in-waiting that this man is either a dragon or a snake, and they must be on high alert tonight."
The waiter nodded and turned to walk to the back.