Seeing Wealth, a Thief's Heart Stirred

Shanyang Market was a major market that convened every three days, so it had plenty of permanent shops. On market days, business boomed and crowds packed the streets. On other days, though, the place was deserted, without even two or three stray cats in sight. Even the tax collectors stayed away...

Fortunately, the incense and offerings shop Tang Changsheng was looking for was still open. He strode inside.

At last, a customer had come through the door. A Shop Assistant ambled over to greet him.

Tang Changsheng took no offense. He tossed a hefty piece of silver onto the counter. "Bring me your finest spirit money. And gold ingots, candles, gold-foil paper horses..."

The thud of silver on the counter jolted the shopkeeper awake where he had been dozing in the back. At the sight of such a large piece, he scrambled to his feet.

"A Daoist." Once the shopkeeper made out Tang Changsheng's clothes, he hesitated. Everyone in the realm knew Marquis Wu had no love for Daoists.

But with that gleaming silver before him, his scruples stood no chance. He turned back with a smile. "Please, have a seat... What are you lot standing around for? Get to work!"

At the shopkeeper's bark, several Shop Assistants sprang into action, gathering what Tang Changsheng had asked for.

"Oh, and prepare a few catties of sesame oil. If you've mixed in even a little other oil, I won't take it," Tang Changsheng said.

"Rest assured, sir," the shopkeeper hurried to say. "My shop deals honestly. We've never passed off inferior goods as the real thing!"

Tang Changsheng gave no answer. The shopkeeper ushered him to a seat and served him tea.

The incense and candles shop was sizeable indeed. It stocked everything Tang Changsheng needed.

But the shopkeeper had conceived