"How do you intend to lie low, young master?" Bu Er asked, looking at Yang Qing.
Bu Er knew their purpose in coming here perfectly well.
"Since they keep investigating everyone coming from the south, we'll give them an answer," Yang Qing said.
"Xiao Zhou, I'll leave this matter to you. Make absolutely certain you leave no traces," Yang Qing told Jiang Zhizhou.
"Yes!" Jiang Zhizhou answered.
Then he looked at Yang Qing again. "This cannot wait. I'll go now."
Yang Qing nodded, signaling for Jiang Zhizhou to withdraw.
Once only Yang Qing and his servant Bu Er remained in the room, Bu Er asked, "Young master, what can we do here now?"
Yang Qing surveyed their surroundings. "Establish ourselves and make a living, of course."
The Northern Liang people had lived for generations in the bitter cold of the north. It had forged their rough, unrestrained temperament and also given them a habit: drinking.
Thanks to that habit, the Rare Treasures Pavilion where Yang Qing was staying quickly earned a modest reputation in Tong City for its fine wine.
Wealthy merchants from Tong City came to dine at the Rare Treasures Pavilion every day in an endless stream.
Meanwhile, in the rear courtyard of the Rare Treasures Pavilion, Yang Qing sat by his window practicing calligraphy with a regularity that not even thunder could shake.
During those days, Jiang Zhizhou left early and returned late every day. No one knew what kept him busy outside, and Yang Qing never asked. He merely sat by the window each day, practicing his calligraphy.
Even when the restaurant out front was packed with guests, he never took a single step toward it.
All Bu Er had to do each day was follow Yang Qing, watching him stroll leisurely through the courtyard and