Throughout their journey to the capital, the weather had been favorable, so their travel was not delayed. They also made haste, thus, in less than half a month, they had already arrived at their destination.
"Young master, we’re outside the city! We’re about to enter the city!" Qingyun exclaimed.
Ji Xinhe drew aside the carriage curtain to take a look. What greeted her was the magnificent city walls. As it was now midday, the city gates were wide open. A constant stream of common people lined up, waiting to either enter or exit the city. The guards were strict, scrutinizing every person who came in and went out of the city, casting an intimidating aura around the gate.
Yet, just by witnessing this scene from outside the city, one could infer the prosperity of the capital.
Duan Lan, noticing Ji Xinhe’s fascinated gaze, smiled and said, "The capital, being the imperial city, has always been a land of prosperity and wealth. Since you are here, as your host, I should take you around. Once we get settled in the capital, we can explore it together, what do you say?"
Ji Xinhe nodded with a smile - "Agreed."
Seeing the spark in her eyes, Duan Lan knew she truly liked the idea. He chuckled, "So, you like bustling places."
"I’m just a commoner," Ji Xinhe replied with a laugh.
And while they were chatting, their carriage was ready to enter the city.
At the city gate, a guard sternly asked, "Who is entering the city?"
Qingyun presented a badge.
The guard quickly paid his respects, "So, it’s Young Master Duan’s carriage. My apologies for my rudeness." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
He then signaled the people in front to make way and let the carriage pass.
Ji Xinhe blinked in surprise, "We entered the city so easily. Your family does hold considerable status, doesn’t it?"
Duan Lan laughed, "My father is a senior official in the imperial court, I merely benefit from my family’s reputation."
Ji Xinhe paused, "Seems like I’ve struck a good deal."
Just after they entered the city, they noticed another carriage waiting for them with the emblem of the Gui Forest Inn. It seemed like the shopkeeper Wu had arranged to pick her up.
Only then, Ji Xinhe said to Duan Lan, "Thanks to you, Brother Duan, for escorting me all the way, making my journey to the city seamless. People from Gui Forest Inn have come to pick me up. You should return home too. Let’s part ways here for now."
A feeling of emptiness surged in Duan Lan’s heart and he found it hard to conceal his reluctance. He had enjoyed their nearly half-a-month long journey together and he wished it could have been longer.
"Alright, if you need anything, just come to Duan Mansion. Just mention your name and they’ll let you in," Duan Lan finally replied.
Ji Xinhe laughed, "Thank you, Brother Duan."
With that, she lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage.
Duan Lan quickly followed, "You just mentioned wanting to explore the city. When shall I come and find you?"
Ji Xinhe responded humorously, "I didn’t come to the capital for sightseeing. I have a lot of work to do, so let’s put off exploring the city for now. I reckon Brother Duan has things to see to at home too. Let us first deal with our own business."
With that, Ji Xinhe stepped onto the carriage arranged by Gui Forest Inn.
Once the coachman of Gui Forest Inn saw the letter Ji Xinhe brought from Shopkeeper Wu, he immediately welcomed her into the carriage. "Miss Ji, we’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Our Master has said that the moment you arrive in the capital, please come to Gui Forest Inn. We’ve been instructed to treat you well."
Ji Xinhe nodded in acknowledgment and closed the carriage curtains, then opened the window to wave at Duan Lan with a smile.
Duan Lan forced a smile. He felt a strange reluctance. A momentary parting and he was already feeling this way? He felt embarrassed by his own emotions.
Qingyun coughed lightly, ostensibly unintentionally, breaking Duan Lan’s gaze that had been following the departing carriage. "Young master, shall we go directly to the Mansion now?"
Duan Lan glared at him, "Is your throat uncomfortable?"
Qingyun laughed awkwardly, "How dare I, young master?"
Duan Lan got directly onto the carriage, "Back to the mansion."
"Alright then."
——
The Gui Forest Inn in the capital was quite similar to the one in Lian’an Town in its layout, but the one in the capital was much grander. A servant led Ji Xinhe into the Inn, "Miss Ji, please come inside. Our Master is waiting for you on the second floor."
Ji Xinhe nodded and proceeded to the second floor.
The door to the private room on the second floor was wide open, and indeed, a middle-aged man with luxurious clothing and a large belly was waiting inside, the picture of a wealthy merchant.
"So, this is Miss Ji?" The middle-aged man quickly stood up to greet her.
Ji Xinhe smiled, "Yes, I am. Your warm hospitality is quite overwhelming."
"Please, have a seat. Hospitality is the least we can offer. Miss Ji, you’ve brewed such an exquisite grape wine, it’s our fortune to be able to collaborate with you. You’ve travelled a long way to come to the capital, it’s our duty to take care of you. We have arranged a residence for you in the western part of the city. It’s not far from Gui Forest Inn and we’ve also assigned servants to you. Please feel at home," the man responded.
Ji Xinhe slightly lifted her lips. This owner of Gui Forest Inn was savvy. Apparently, there must be plenty of people in the capital vying for the grape wine business who wanted to rope her in.
"Might I ask for your gracious name?"
"There’s no need for formalities, just call me Master Liu."
"Although I am young and naive in the realm of business, there’s a principle I’ve always followed: reciprocity. Master Liu has shown me great hospitality and for that, I am deeply grateful. Naturally, I will be equally devoted to our business collaboration. My cooperation with Gui Forest Inn is based on its reputation and trustworthiness. If I’d had to deal with deceitful people, I would have doubted the collaboration," Ji Xinhe said with a smile.
Master Liu paused. This young lady was cunning. Shopkeeper Wu had already warned him in his letter to be careful with her. Her words could be a warning to him to not play tricks.
The Wang Family had inexplicably obtained the recipe for grape wine and, just as inexplicably, they had gifted spoilt wine to the emperor. Any discerning person could tell that the Wang Family had been schemed against.
All eyes then turned to who might have plotted this...
Master Liu glanced at the innocently smiling young maiden before him and felt chills go down his spine.
Master Liu laughed nervously, "Of course, Gui Forest Inn genuinely wants to cooperate with Miss Ji. We will naturally treat you honestly."
Only then did Ji Xinhe sincerely smile a bit. She retrieved a silver note from her sleeve, "Master Liu has arranged a mansion and servants for me. I am truly grateful for that. However, as they say, ’no work, no gain.’ I’m not comfortable accepting such a huge gift. Here’s a thousand taels, consider it the price I have paid for the mansion."
She was well aware of the adage - eat someone’s food and you will be obliged to them.
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