Great Shun Prefecture.
The Zhou Family of Great Shun Prefecture was known to everyone as the wealthiest family around.
Its holdings, large and small, included twenty-three remittance houses, thirteen gold shops, thirty-two grain shops, a hundred and twenty cotton shops...
Master Zhou had had a son late in life and had lavished every possible affection on him since childhood.
This young master had no interest whatsoever in eating, drinking, or pleasure-seeking.
Instead, he liked all sorts of strange and unusual things.
A year ago, he had obtained a so-called treasure map and promptly begun preparing to set out to sea in search of treasure.
For this, he had paid a hefty sum to hire shipbuilders, who spent a year on the task.
They built a great ship capable of crossing the Vast Sea.
Everyone in Great Shun Prefecture knew of this grand undertaking.
These past few days, with departure imminent,
Young Master Zhou had been inviting like-minded heroes from all quarters to join him in seeking that elusive treasure.
The pay was generous, and for a time, every stray cat and dog was drawn in.
"Tell me, do you understand what this expedition is for?"
Inside the main hall,
a somewhat plump young man asked with a half-smile, a hint of innocent playfulness in his eyes.
He was none other than the Zhou Family's young master, Zhou Youcai.
"Uh... to find treasure."
"How vulgar! You don't even know the meaning of exploration. Someone like you doesn't deserve to be my companion. Get out!"
The man left the main hall with his head hanging.
The people outside all crowded around him.
"How did it go?"
"What did he ask?"
The man swept his gaze over the crowd. His own chances were gone anyway.
Why should he tell them the question