I Can Strengthen Infinitely-Chapter 220 - 169: Yangzhou Prefecture (Part 2)
"Cousin Yuesheng, this Yangzhou Prefecture is truly bustling, isn’t it? The streets are so wide and neat, the shops and residences along the roads so luxurious, it’s really..." Qin Hai leaned against the carriage window, momentarily dazzled by the view, unable to find the right words to describe the bustling scene of Yangzhou.
Qin Yuesheng was also looking out from the other side of the carriage window.
"Where do the two young masters plan to stop?" the driver poked his head into the carriage and asked.
"Do you know the Autumn Water Residence, Sir?"
"Are you heading there, young master?" The driver hesitated, "That’s a private villa, not a place ordinary people can get close to."
"Then take us to the best inn in Yangzhou Prefecture first."
"Alrighty."
Yangzhou City has three most famous inns: the first is Yangzhou Inn, the oldest local establishment with a long history; the second is the Gold and Silver Inn, run by the Gold and Silver Pavilion, far more luxurious than the former; and the third is Yixin Residence, which is sort of an inn, but not an inn.
According to the driver, Yixin Residence is a courtyard located in a central district of Yangzhou Prefecture, occupying a significant area with pavilions and towers, rock gardens and ponds, and bamboo forest side rooms, presenting an enchanting view, making Yixin Residence undoubtedly the top choice for accommodation in terms of living environment. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
The issue is, compared to the other two inns, Yixin Residence’s room rates are significantly higher—five taels of gold per day—which deters many people, leaving Yixin Residence frequently devoid of guests.
"Five taels of gold a day?" Qin Hai opened his mouth wide.
The travel money he had on him totaled only fifty taels of silver, barely enough to stay in Yixin Residence for five days before being thrown out. What kind of inn dares to charge so exorbitantly; they must not want any business.
Qin Yuesheng, on the other hand, was interested. Given that he wasn’t short on money, he immediately told the driver to take him to Yixin Residence.
"Brother, I have now arrived in Yangzhou Prefecture; the journey to Chang’an is one I cannot accompany you further. So, do you plan to stay in Yangzhou Prefecture for a few more days, or head north directly?" Qin Yuesheng jumped off the carriage, carrying the Celestial Demon Blade, asking.
"I’ve lingered quite a while in Cyan Yang City, so I can’t afford to be complacent on the road." Qin Hai sat behind the carriage window, bowing his hands, "Thanks, cousin Yuesheng, for taking care of me throughout this journey. Let’s part ways here, and see you another day."
"Then I’ll wish my elder brother the best of luck in the exams, and hopefully you’ll make a mark on the golden list." Qin Yuesheng took out a silver ingot and handed it to the driver, "Uncle, please take my brother north to the next post station, and take good care of him along the way."
"Rest assured, young master," the driver accepted the silver, patting his chest.
Under Qin Yuesheng’s gaze, the carriage slowly disappeared at the end of the street.
Retracting his gaze, he then stepped into the nearby Yixin Residence on the side of the street. Just passing through the open gate, he saw on both sides of the cobblestone path a dense bamboo forest, a verdant scene.
At the entrance of the path, a fat cat laid lazily on a stone pillar, its eyes intently staring at Qin Yuesheng.
A placard hung below the stone pillar, declaring in brush-written characters:
Ferocious, unfriendly, do not touch.
Qin Yuesheng chuckled and proceeded down the path into its depths.
Deep within the bamboo forest, some homes appeared. As he passed through, the view before Qin Yuesheng suddenly expanded, revealing an arch wooden bridge spanning a small stream of Clear Water, with a small pond downstream where a waterwheel turned slowly, resonating with the sound of water.
"Is anyone here?" Qin Yuesheng stood at the bridge and shouted toward the distant house.
It’s undeniable, the environment within Yixin Residence is impeccable.
It looks less like an inn and more like the mansion of a wealthy family, no wonder the lodging is so expensive.
Just as Qin Yuesheng finished speaking, a young girl in a blue dress darted out from one of the houses. Her hair was styled into two buns, her face round and fair, looking particularly adorable.
"Young master, we charge five gold per day," the girl said shyly, glancing at Qin Yuesheng.
"I understand, here’s a silver note worth one hundred taels, prepare a room for me." Qin Yuesheng, quite wealthy, directly took a silver note from his bosom and handed it to her.
"Come with me."
The little girl, appearing a bit timid, took the silver note and hurriedly led Qin Yuesheng toward the house.
The architectural layout here is a square, with two straight corridors inside. As they walked under the corridor eaves, the bells hanging on the beams jingled crisply with the breeze.
Three cats—yellow, white, and black—walked in line along the corridor’s railing, their tails swaying without a hint of unease even as Qin Yuesheng and the girl passed by, continuing leisurely.
"Have you raised many cats here?" Qin Yuesheng asked.
"Yes, Sister Ah Zhu really loves cats. Every few months she brings back a few from outside, plus the cats here occasionally have kittens, so there are always plenty of cats around."
The girl turned and asked, "Young master, don’t you like cats? I can arrange a room where cats usually don’t approach."
"No need to trouble yourself; I’m not particular," Qin Yuesheng shook his head.
Through a bit of conversation, Qin Yuesheng learned the girl’s name was Lan Xiaoyuan, an orphan picked up by Zhu Zhu from outside, who grew up and now helps with chores at Yixin Residence, such as guiding guests and arranging their lodgings.
In coming to Yangzhou Prefecture this time, Qin Yuesheng’s main goal was to visit Autumn Water Residence. Now with his lodging settled, he needed to quickly head over and inspect the location.
To avoid arriving blindly and being clueless there.
In a few days, the Jiangnan Martial Arts Gathering would be held, marking the start of a lively period.
As an inn daring to charge five gold per day, Yixin Residence’s internal room facilities and decorations are naturally lacking for nothing.
As soon as Qin Yuesheng entered the room arranged by Lan Xiaoyuan, he immediately smelled a faint fragrance of jasmine. The scent wasn’t strong or pungent, rather pleasant, keeping one from getting annoyed.
Everything in the room, from bed to table, lamp stand to screen, were evidently high-end products. Near the bed on the ground, even a soft carpet was laid, making each step feel like walking among clouds.
Living here is genuinely not about the room but the money.
"Young master, does this room suffice? If you’re dissatisfied, I can offer you another," Lan Xiaoyuan asked.
"It’s good, I’ll take this room." Qin Yuesheng accepted without hesitation.
"Do you need additional items? I can arrange them for you."
"No need for that hassle, I just wanted to ask if you know where Autumn Water Residence is and how to get there."
"From your martial appearance, are you planning to participate in the Jiangnan Martial Arts Gathering held at Autumn Water Residence?"
Qin Yuesheng was surprised, "You know?"
"Yes, Sister Ah Zhu received an invitation from Autumn Water Residence."
"Perfect, can you tell me the route to Autumn Water Residence? This is my first time here, and I don’t know my way around."
"That’s easy." Lan Xiaoyuan immediately ran to the desk in the room, poured water to grind ink, and then picked up a brush to cover a piece of xuan paper on the table, quickly sketching it.
Qin Yuesheng walked to the desk, looking down, seeing what Lan Xiaoyuan was drawing—a brush-and-ink map.
With a few strokes, she outlined the shape of Yangzhou Prefecture’s city and wrote the three elegant characters for Yangzhou Prefecture; moments later, the roads, woodlands, and some buildings near the town were sketched out, clear and comprehensible.
With Lan Xiaoyuan’s assessment, a villa marked with the four characters for ’Autumn Water Residence’ was drawn on a northern hill of Yangzhou Prefecture, formally completing the route-finding map.
"Young master, this is the route map from here to Autumn Water Residence. Keep it safe; as long as you follow the right direction, you can definitely rely on it to reach Autumn Water Residence," Lan Xiaoyuan said earnestly.
"Oh." Qin Yuesheng took the xuan paper, "Thank you, Miss Xiaoyuan."
"No need to thank me; it’s my duty," Lan Xiaoyuan replied with a sweet smile.
Without wasting time, Qin Yuesheng picked up the paper and immediately left Yixin Residence, carrying the Celestial Demon Blade.
