Shaoxing.
He remembered their last gathering had been in the water towns of Jiangnan, but this time, Shaoxing was an ancient frontier town.
Centuries of history had made Shaoxing a renowned historical and cultural town worthy of the name.
Every street and alley seemed to bear the traces of bygone eras, telling ancient stories.
Li Ping'an walked at a leisurely pace, while people on the street caught up from behind.
They left him far behind, apart from a few porters carrying bundled loads.
They wore carrying frames on their backs and sweat scrapers hanging against their chests, held support sticks in their hands, and wore straw sandals on their feet.
Their bodies bent like bows, they moved slowly but steadily into the distance, trembling with every step.
They walked very slowly, and though they had only taken a few steps,
they gave off a heavy, oppressive feeling that made it hard to breathe.
Run Tu watched the porters curiously and asked Li Ping'an why they did not use mules, horses, or even oxen.
Why did they insist on carrying such heavy things themselves?
Li Ping'an tapped Run Tu on the head. "Why don't they eat meat porridge?"
"Hmm?"
Run Tu blinked in confusion.
Run Tu did not understand what Big Brother meant by that.
"Come on, bring us two pots of wine, a roast leg of lamb, chicken stuffed in pork stomach, a plate of cooked beef... pick out a couple of cold dishes too, and bring us whatever other specialties you've got."
Inside the eatery, Li Ping'an called to the waiter and tossed out some silver.
The waiter readily agreed.
Before the dishes arrived, the waiter brought over sunflower seeds, peanuts, and tea.
The frontier tea could hardly be called pleasant to drink. It tasted earthy and astringent.