That night, Yi Baokang and Yi Yong'an, who had drunk a little too much, had already gone to bed. Zhao and Li had finished tidying the kitchen and retired as well.
Stoneborn sat meditating and circulating his qi in Yi Shuyuan's room, while Hui Mian had vanished without a trace. Who knew whether the little creature had gone out to play?
In Yi A Bao's study, Yi Shuyuan slowly unrolled a piece of calligraphy on the desk. It was the "Heaven and Earth Transformation" that had been mounted earlier.
There had been too many people aboard the boat during their journey, and the road had offered little convenience. They had spent the carriage ride swaying and chatting, so Yi A Bao assumed his Granduncle simply had not found time to examine it closely.
In truth, Yi Shuyuan had already seen it. He was merely laying it before him for another look.
"Granduncle, what do you think of the mounting?"
Yi Shuyuan studied the writing he had left behind back then, reaching out to touch a broad patch of heavy ink.
"The craftsmanship is good. You said someone offered mountains of gold and silver, high office, and a generous salary in exchange. Why didn't you trade it?"
Yi A Bao had already told Yi Shuyuan about Xu Zichang's promises along the way. Now, faced with his slightly teasing question, A Bao naturally answered with a smile.
"You're joking, Granduncle. His words were far too absurd. How could I believe such nonsense?"
Yi Shuyuan nodded slightly, then suddenly spoke again.
"What if Xu Zichang's words were at least eight parts in ten credible? Or rather, what if his promises could be trusted as true?"
Yi A Bao froze for a moment, then frowned and fell silent for a while.
"Tempted?"
Yi A