Though this corner of Tianniu Quarter was remote, it did not feel gloomy in the least. Wei Wuwei walked up to the Small Courtyard gate and organized his wording in his mind.
Inside the courtyard, a sandalwood chessboard sat properly arranged on the stone table. Ji Yuan and Yin Zhaoxian sat on opposite sides, while Yin Qing sat beside the table, propping up his cheeks and trying hard to watch a game he could not understand at all.
Ji Yuan's chess was played in a highly formulaic manner, relying entirely on the moves he had read about in books. His opening was fairly neat, but his chess skill was not actually strong. Fortunately, Yin Zhaoxian was no master either, so the two could still trade moves back and forth.
It was Yin Zhaoxian's turn to place a piece, and he held one between his fingers as he pondered.
Ji Yuan's brows relaxed, and he suddenly smiled.
"There is a guest at the gate."
Judging by the footsteps, the visitor was either carrying something heavy or was heavy himself.
Yin Zhaoxian had long grown accustomed to Ji Yuan's almost prophetic abilities. He was merely curious about who would come to visit, for in Ning'an County, aside from his own family, there seemed to be no one else who would come to Ju'an Pavilion.
Sure enough, before long, a knock sounded from the courtyard gate.
"Knock knock knock..."
"May I ask if Mister Ji is in? I am Wei Wuwei, a merchant from Desheng Prefecture. I heard that you are a cultivated scholar of Ning'an County, so I have come especially to visit you!"
Wei Wuwei?
Ji Yuan was briefly startled, then immediately recovered and looked at Yin Qing.
"Little Yin Qing, could you go open the gate for me?"
"Okay!"
Yin