Chapter 275: Chapter 147: Seed
That Huang Shun had conceded far too quickly. I didn’t even have time to really exert myself...
But a glance around revealed that many of the people looking his way wore expressions of shock.
When his gaze met theirs, many of their faces stiffened slightly before they gave him awkward, ingratiating smiles and nods... Their expressions had become much more deferential.
...Alright, I guess even though I didn’t really have to do anything, I still achieved the intended effect in the end.
’I doubt anyone else will challenge me now, right?’
Qin Fang thought to himself.
Just then, Chief Li walked over. He handed Qin Fang the bag of silver taels Huang Shun had left behind and said, "Your compensation for the disturbance."
Qin Fang came back to his senses and raised an eyebrow. "Thank you."
He accepted it without ceremony. A hundred-tael Silver Note was nothing to him now.
But every little bit counts, doesn’t it?
"By the way, I forgot to ask yesterday," Qin Fang said to the Black Armored Soldier. "The Post House locks up at night. What time can we leave in the morning?"
Chief Li answered directly, "You can leave the Post House at a quarter past the Chen hour."
Qin Fang nodded in understanding. He cupped his fist in his hand and said, "I see... Thank you."
Chief Li shook his head, exchanged a few more words, and then took his leave.
The crowd gradually dispersed. The challenge had started quickly and ended even more quickly.
Qin Fang shook his head and prepared to leave. He planned to wander around the city and see if he could gather any information...
"Young Master, please wait a moment."
Just as he stepped off the dueling platform and was about to leave the Post House, an enthusiastic voice called out to Qin Fang from behind.
Qin Fang paused and turned to see who had spoken.
The person who had called out to him was a slightly heavyset young man dressed in an indigo silk shirt, his face graced with a warm, gentle smile.
The man approached with an unhurried gait, cupped his fist, and smiled. "My name is Qian Ruhai. A pleasure to meet you, Young Master Qin. I just witnessed your display; you made it look so effortless. It was truly admirable. I apologize for my forwardness in approaching you, please forgive me."
Qin Fang was taken aback for a moment but quickly returned the courtesy. "Qin Fang. You’re too kind, Brother Qian. It was a minor skill, hardly worthy of such admiration..."
"Ah, Young Master Qin, you are too modest."
Before Qin Fang could finish, Qian Ruhai cut him off with a laugh. Being stout with a round face, his smile was particularly disarming. "This Post House may be large, but young geniuses who have reached the Huajin realm *and* earned the favor of Tributor Yun are as rare as a phoenix’s feather. I am but a humble man running a small business in the city, and my favorite pastime is befriending talented individuals. Seeing Young Master Qin’s distinguished bearing today, I was so impressed that I couldn’t help but step forward and introduce myself... I hope Young Master Qin can forgive my forwardness."
His words were eloquent and his posture humble, placing himself in the position of an admirer seeking to build a connection.
But upon hearing this, Qin Fang was inwardly startled...
’Earned Tributor Yun’s favor?’
’How could he possibly know that?’
’...Could he have learned it from that Soldier?’
Though his mind was racing, Qin Fang said aloud, "Brother Qian, you flatter me."
Then he added with a smile, "I have only just arrived and am still unfamiliar with the matters of the Prefecture City... To be honest, I’m at a complete loss for where to begin. It is my good fortune that Brother Qian is willing to associate with me."
"Haha, of course, of course."
The smile in Qian Ruhai’s eyes deepened, and he seized the opening. "Since you’re new here, Young Master Qin, you must find many things in the city quite novel. As it happens, I am quite familiar with Lanyang City. If you wouldn’t mind, allow me to act as your guide. We could find a quiet teahouse to sit for a while. For one, it would allow me to show some hospitality as a local. And for another... should you have any questions, I might be able to shed some light on them for you."
This was an offer Qin Fang simply couldn’t refuse...
...because what he needed most right now was exactly that: information about the various powers within the Prefecture City.
"In that case..."
Qin Fang smiled. "Then I shall trouble you, Brother Qian."
"Excellent! Young Master Qin is a straightforward man!"
Qian Ruhai clapped his hands with a smile and made a welcoming gesture to the side. "Not far from here is a place called Tingyu Pavilion. The atmosphere is decent, the tea is palatable, and it’s perfect for a leisurely chat. After you, Young Master Qin."
"After you."
Qin Fang nodded and followed Qian Ruhai—this man who had appeared out of nowhere wanting to befriend him—out of the Post House.
After leaving the Post House and crossing two alleyways, they arrived before a two-story pavilion built beside the water.
A black plaque with gold lettering bore the two elegant words, "Tingyu Pavilion."
It was early morning, so the pavilion was not crowded and was quite tranquil.
Qian Ruhai was clearly a regular customer. As soon as an attendant saw him, he called out respectfully, "Master Qian."
Qian Ruhai responded with a smile, clearly a familiar face here.
He strode through the door and led Qin Fang directly up to the second floor, choosing a private room with a window view.
Qin Fang raised an eyebrow and glanced around. The private room was elegantly furnished.
The window was ajar, offering a view of a small, winding river in the Inner City. Fresh, green willows drooped over the banks, and from time to time, a small boat would glide past, its oars stirring up glittering ripples on the water’s surface.
The attendant quickly brought a tea set, a pot of freshly brewed, fragrant tea, and two plates of delicate refreshments before quietly withdrawing.
"Brother Qin, please, sit."
Qian Ruhai personally took the teapot, poured a cup for Qin Fang, and gestured for him to sit with a smile.
The tea was a clear, pale liquid, its steam fragrant and coiling.
"This is a spring tea from the local Wuyin Mountain," he said. "It’s not a famous variety, but it’s prized for its crisp, refreshing taste and sweet aftertaste. It has a unique flavor... Brother Qin, please, try some."
’...A moment ago, it was ’Young Master Qin.’ Now, seamlessly, it’s become ’Brother Qin’...’
’This ’Brother Qian’ has some truly astonishing social skills.’
Qin Fang smiled, offered his thanks, and sat down. He lifted the cup and took a small sip. The tea was indeed refreshingly fragrant.
He set the cup down and finally looked at Qian Ruhai, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Brother Qian, I am grateful for such a warm reception."
"To be perfectly honest, I have only just arrived in the Prefecture City, and there is much I do not understand. For instance, you just mentioned that I had earned ’Tributor Yun’s favor’... I wonder, how did you come to know of this, Brother Qian?"
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