Hongzhou followed Young Master He to Juxian Tower. From a distance, they could vaguely see a magnificent pavilion built on the water. Combined with the distant lake and mountain scenery, it looked like a fairyland.
Hongzhou pondered to himself. This Juxian Tower was extremely prestigious in the capital, but also incredibly mysterious. He never imagined that its construction site would be so luxurious; truly, seeing is believing.
Young Master He led Hongzhou ahead, and after walking for a short while, they came to a bridge spanning the water. The bridge was exquisitely constructed, with the portion above the water carved with fantastical stories and legends, captivating all who beheld it. Crossing the bridge, the overall appearance of Juxian Pavilion became clearly visible. The four-story building was adorned with different murals on each floor, each unique and stylistically distinct. The entire structure was built using the finest nanmu wood. Nanmu is hard, durable, and possesses a special fragrance; it is resistant to rain and insects, making it an extremely precious wood. Even Hongzhou, who had seen such a nanmu building in the palace, found it exceptionally rare, demonstrating Juxian Pavilion's extraordinary wealth. The large red pillars were meticulously carved with beasts, flowers, birds, and insects, lifelike and magnificent.
Young Master He clearly also liked the building very much. He guided Hongzhou into the Juxian Pavilion while carefully explaining and introducing it to him.
"Distinguished guests, please take a look. This Juxian Pavilion is divided into four floors, each with different functions. The first floor is a reception area, mainly for your convenience to drink and dine. The food here is prepared by renowned chefs, and the ingredients are exquisite, including birds and beasts and rare land delicacies. Whatever you wish to eat, we will serve it to you immediately. Seasonal vegetables are guaranteed to be fresh and original in flavor. Vegetables that have exceeded their shelf life will be discarded immediately, and the taste will never be affected by the quality of the ingredients."
After saying that, the two went to the second floor. Before they got close, they heard the sound of string and bamboo instruments. The music was melodious and moving.
Young Master He pointed to Hongzhou and saw a huge stage in the center, where a troupe of actors dressed in gorgeous costumes were performing.
"This is the Listening Pavilion on the second floor of Juxian Pavilion, a place specially for distinguished guests to enjoy opera. Of course, many distinguished guests also hold banquets here. The opera troupes we recruit are all the most fashionable at the moment, and they use the most popular scripts. The purpose is to keep our distinguished guests always feeling novel and interesting."
Watching the colorful performance on stage, Hongzhou couldn't help but be attracted; it really was a great place.
Young Master He continued, "Honored guest, this third floor is the casino. It's extremely private, unlike ordinary casinos. If you'd like, I can take you in for a few rounds."
Hongzhou had never been interested in such things, as indulging in frivolous pursuits was a waste of his time. In addition, the Fourth Master was extremely strict in his family education and never allowed his descendants to set foot in such places, so he waved his hand and refused.
Upon seeing this, Young Master He led Hongzhou to the fourth floor via a special passage. Unlike the other three floors, it was heavily guarded and extremely quiet.
"Honored guest, this fourth floor is a place I specially use to entertain friends. It is not easily accessible to outsiders." Hong Zhou looked at the fourth floor, which was exquisitely decorated in a retro style. The treasures displayed in the corridor were also rare in the world, and even in the imperial palace, they were rarely seen. He couldn't help but think to himself that the He family's wealth was indeed unfathomable.
Young Master He guided Hongzhou to sit in a high-backed chair in the ward, served him tea, and said, "We've talked for quite a while, but I still don't know what your distinguished guest does. We'll definitely have to cooperate more in the future. My He family has always made many friends and welcomes all."
Hongzhou understood that Young Master He still didn't trust him, after all, he was worried that there might be something fishy about him taking out such a large sum of money all at once.
Hongzhou smiled and said, "Young Master He, I am just a merchant from the south. I am new here, so I will treat you as a friend. I will pay 30% of the money in advance, and I will pay the remaining 70% on the spot when the grain is put into storage."
Young Master He was a little embarrassed that Hong Zhou had guessed what he was thinking, so he continued, "Alright, since we are friends, let's be honest with each other. Two days later is the day we deliver the grain. A gentleman's word is as good as his bond."
Hongzhou smiled and agreed.
"Someone, prepare food and drinks for our distinguished guests," Young Master He continued.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com