Zhou Youcai was a chatterbox, almost as annoying as Jing Yu.
His one likable quality, however, was that he had money.
At that moment, Li Ping'an and Monk Changqing were reclining in a luxurious pavilion in the Zhou family's rear garden.
Decorative rocks dotted the magnificent courtyard.
It was sumptuous and splendid, with something of a prince's estate about it.
Most remarkable of all was the coral tree beside them, over ninety feet tall. Like an ornate canopy, it truly was a wondrous sight.
Copper bells hung all over its branches.
When the breeze brushed past, they played a delightful melody of dings and chimes.
Li Ping'an lay in a rocking chair, casually plucked a translucent grape, and popped it into his mouth.
Listening to the lovely music as the breeze brushed his cheeks, he felt thoroughly at ease.
It had truly been a long time since he had enjoyed such a leisurely, comfortable life.
After eating and drinking his fill, he enjoyed a pot of fragrant tea.
That, too, was one of life's great pleasures.
Zhou Youcai squatted beside him. "Brother, are you happy with these arrangements? Shall I fetch a few young ladies for you?"
Changqing suddenly opened his eyes.
"No need for the ladies," Li Ping'an said.
Monk Changqing closed his eyes again.
"Brother, let's wait a few more days," Zhou Youcai said. "Once everything is ready, we can set off."
"Sorry for the trouble, Brother Zhou."
"Hey! Brother, saying that makes me sound like an outsider.
"Speaking of which, did you really walk all the way here from Great Sui?
"Of course, it's not that I don't believe you, brother. It's just that there are such high mountains and obstructing waters between Great Sui and here..."
"As the saying goes," Li Ping'an said, "'Without climbing high