It was not yet mealtime, but Qiyun Tower already had quite a few patrons.
The first floor was the liveliest.
Many people with nothing to do after eating stayed behind, ordered a pot of tea, two or three plates of fruit, and four or five servings of pastries, then drank tea, ate snacks, and spun their tales.
Once they started chatting, half a day slipped by. They would eat their next meal here before strolling home.
Such were the tedious days of these wealthy idlers.
Chu Zhiyuan and the other two went straight up to the second floor. When someone spotted the crane-shaped waist token at Chu Zhiyuan's belt, their expression changed slightly.
Among those with leisure enough to drink tea and spin tales at Qiyun Tower were quite a few retired officials living out their old age. At a glance, they recognized the token at his waist.
They knew he was a Prince's Heir Apparent.
Even if they did not recognize Chu Zhiyuan, Prince Qing's Heir Apparent, they knew better than to provoke him.
Chu Zhiyuan came to a square table by the window.
Zou Fang knew his habits and preferences, so she stepped forward and pushed open the window.
Bright sunlight and Cold Qi rushed in together, warmth mingling with crisp chill and making one feel refreshed.
Chu Zhiyuan sat down. "Brush and ink."
Guo Chi went to find the shopkeeper and quickly brought back brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone.
Zou Fang stood beside the window, pressed against the wall as she ground the ink.
Chu Zhiyuan looked leisurely, as though he were idly surveying the scenery outside.
Both sides of the main street were lined with all kinds of shops and stalls. The jade-white ground had been swept spotless, and most of the boots worn by