“Little Ping, do you know which restaurant nearby is the best?” Teng Qingshan looked at the several eateries on the street, momentarily unsure where to choose. Little Ping giggled, “Uncle, although I haven’t been to Danyang City before.
But... Sunrise Restaurant, it’s in all thirty-six main cities.
It’s the best restaurant! Of course, the dishes are very expensive.” Although Little Ping said this, she was quite clear about how much wealth Teng Qingshan possessed.
“Sunrise Restaurant.” Teng Qingshan nodded with a smile, “It’s in all thirty-six main cities? It seems to have quite a background.” “Brother Teng, let’s go there,” Li Jun also said with a smile.
After asking passersby for directions, they knew the location. With an air of sightseeing, they headed towards Sunrise Restaurant.
“Hmm?” Teng Qingshan’s eyes immediately fixed on the front—a mansion of immense scale and extravagance. The main gate alone was ten zhang wide, flanked by two colossal red-copper four-hoofed Qilin statues.
Above the main gate hung a plaque inscribed with two great characters of the Duanmu Continent—Fang Residence! The main gate was currently shut tight, but the smaller side doors were open.
By the right-hand entrance stood a dark-skinned man with a small mustache, speaking with the Fang Residence guards. “The Fang Clan?” Teng Qingshan’s brow twitched.
Li Jun was equally astonished, “Brother Teng, is this the Fang Clan that controls Danyang City?” Teng Qingshan nodded and smiled, “Besides the Fang Clan you mentioned, which other Fang family dares to occupy such a large plot of land and build such a luxurious mansion in the very center of Danyang City?” Teng Qingshan’s ears, however, were attuned to the conversation between the dark-skinned man and the guards. “Please be accommodating.” The small-mustached man subtly offered a small piece of broken silver.
The guard accepted it, weighed it, and a faint smile touched his lips, “Alright, your name is ‘Chang,’ right? I’ll go report.
If you truly have ability, the Old Steward will certainly take you in. We have eight hundred retainers in the Fang Residence; any talented person, our Fang Residence will absolutely accept.
Hmm, wait here a moment.” This guard kept saying ‘our Fang Residence’ as if he were some important figure within the estate. Just as he turned to go inside, he immediately bowed low, “Ah, Young Master!” From the side door emerged a party of three.
The leader wore a luxurious white fur coat, made from some rare pelt. He wore a golden fur cap and carried a slender long saber at his waist, leading two subordinates out.
He glanced at the small-mustached man standing by the door. “Young Master,” the other guards also paid their respects.
“Chang greets the Young Master.” The small-mustached man bowed as well. This Young Master of the Fang Residence carefully observed the small-mustached man, a slight smile appearing on his face, “Chang?
You are here recommending yourself to become a retainer of my Fang Residence.” “Yes.” The small-mustached man remained bowed. “Tell the Steward that this man named Chang, I accept him,” the Young Master ordered directly.
The surrounding guards were slightly astonished to hear this. The Young Master hadn't even examined the small-mustached man’s abilities and accepted him as a retainer immediately.
Wasn't that too hasty? However...
the Young Master held an extremely high status within the Fang Residence. They dared not say more, merely thinking internally that ‘Chang’ had struck sheer luck.
“Come out with me for a moment,” the Young Master instructed. “Yes,” the small-mustached man acknowledged with a bow.
Some pedestrians in the distance who witnessed this scene could not help but discuss it— “That small-mustached man is truly lucky, Young Master Li actually accepted him as a retainer.” “Following Young Master Li, this man’s future prospects are boundless. Young Master Li didn't even ask about the man’s skills; that man is incredibly lucky.” Teng Qingshan and his two companions, watching from a distance.
“Retainer?” Teng Qingshan frowned slightly. Li Jun whispered softly, “Little Ping, what is a retainer?” There were no retainers in the Nine Provinces.
Little Ping also explained, “Across the entire Duanmu Continent, various clans are constantly engaged in conflict and require talent. Therefore, talented individuals sometimes join certain clans, becoming their retainers to serve them.
In return, the clan supports them and ensures they live well.” “Oh.” Li Jun nodded upon hearing this. “Let’s go, Sunrise Restaurant isn't far ahead,” Teng Qingshan said with a smile.
Immediately, the three headed towards Sunrise Restaurant. Meanwhile, Young Master Li, leading his three subordinates including Chang, also walked in the direction of Sunrise Restaurant.
“Hmm?” Young Master Li’s gaze landed on the side profile of Li Jun not far ahead, a smile emerging on his face, “This woman is no ordinary person. Fang Hong, look, doesn't that woman resemble the Martial Saintess of the Eastern Realm?
Especially her bearing.” Behind Young Master Li, a tall man clad in a thick black leather coat also looked carefully and nodded in surprise, “Young Master, that woman truly resembles the Martial Saintess of the Eastern Realm! Especially her temperament...
it is indeed very unique.” “Many people must wish they could pin down a woman like the Martial Saintess in their beds. If we can’t obtain the Martial Saintess, getting hold of this woman ahead of us would not be bad either,” Young Master Li chuckled casually, and Fang Hong also laughed softly, “Obtaining her would certainly be good, but we must probe her depths first.” Young Master Li glanced at him with a faint smile, “Do you think I would be so reckless?” “If this works out, after I tire of her, how about I send her to you?” Young Master Li added with a laugh.
“Let’s see if it works out first,” Fang Hong replied with a faint smile. “Oh?
They are also heading to Sunrise Restaurant,” Young Master Li noticed and smiled, “I originally came out for a midday banquet... Hmm, we will go to Sunrise Restaurant.
Chang joining my ranks is a joyous occasion worth celebrating.” Chang felt a warmth spread through his heart upon hearing this. ...
On the second floor of Sunrise Restaurant. “The two private rooms on the third floor have already been booked.
The three of you can dine here on the second floor.” The capable young woman in a red padded jacket enthusiastically arranged the table and chairs for Teng Qingshan and his group. Teng Qingshan placed the enormous bundle on his back onto the ground beside him, causing the hard stone floor to vibrate slightly.
Teng Qingshan didn't recognize many characters on the menu. Ultimately, he directly ordered the best offering—the ‘Nanhua Warm Sun Feast’—a banquet that cost a full sixty taels of silver, something most people could not afford.
“Master Liu, please come upstairs!” Following a loud and enthusiastic announcement, a young woman also dressed in a red padded jacket led five people upstairs. The foremost among these five was a silver-haired, black-robed elder; the other four were three men and one woman.
“Master Liu, the third floor is full, and this is the only table left on the second floor,” the young woman said. “It’s fine, this table will suffice,” the silver-haired, black-robed elder replied.
His four juniors immediately moved chairs and tables, showing great respect, “Teacher, please sit!” “Ah, Master Liu!” On the second floor, people at other tables immediately stood up and greeted him with cupped fists. The silver-haired, black-robed elder nodded with a gentle smile.
“Master Liu, it has been a long time.” On the second floor of Sunrise Restaurant, at least six people rose to greet this ‘Master Liu.’ Other patrons likely had no acquaintance with Master Liu and thus did not try to force a connection. Right next to Teng Qingshan’s table sat the other three.
“This so-called Master Liu seems quite respected,” Li Jun murmured quietly. “Mmm, to be called Master, he must possess some profound skill,” Teng Qingshan also glanced over before lowering his head to eat.
Suddenly— “Roar~~” “Roar~~” A series of roars, loud as rolling thunder, echoed ceaselessly across the entire expanse of Danyang City. “What is that sound?” Teng Qingshan was greatly startled.
“The sound is coming from over there, it seems to be... the direction of the Fang Residence,” Li Jun looked out the window with certainty.
Since the Fang Residence was close to Sunrise Restaurant, the roar sounded quite loud. “Why does the fierce beast at the Fang Residence always roar?” “It roars every time it’s mealtime.
If only someone could slay that beast.” Discussions also erupted on the second floor. “Tap!
Tap! Tap!” Footsteps sounded from the staircase.
As a handsome young man in white fur ascended to the second floor, the previous murmurs of discontent vanished instantly, replaced by silence. “First Young Master!” “So, it’s the Young Master who has arrived.” On the second floor, some who considered themselves of some standing stood up and offered greetings.
Young Master Li nodded to them, his gaze sweeping past Teng Qingshan’s table before finally settling before Master Liu. “Master Liu,” Young Master Li cupped his hands in greeting.
“First Young Master,” Master Liu immediately rose, losing all pretense of reserve. “It’s rare to encounter Master Liu like this,” Young Master Li smiled.
The manager of Sunrise Restaurant standing nearby respectfully inquired, “First Young Master, shall we go to the third floor?” Although it was stated to be full, the First Young Master’s status meant he could still forcefully secure a table upstairs. “The second floor is fine; it’s been a while since I’ve chatted with Master Liu,” Young Master Li said with a faint smile, sweeping his eyes around before landing on Teng Qingshan’s table.
He smiled slightly, “Brother, Master Liu and I rarely meet, and your table happens to be right beside Master Liu’s. Would you mind vacating it for us?” The manager also looked toward Teng Qingshan’s party and smiled, “This table will be complimentary from Sunrise Hotel; how about the three of you go downstairs?” At the table.
Little Ping looked a bit constrained, while Li Jun frowned slightly and looked toward Teng Qingshan beside her; she deferred to Teng Qingshan in all matters. “First Young Master?” Teng Qingshan smiled faintly, “Once my three companions and I finish eating, won’t there be empty seats?” Young Master Li paused.
The onlookers on the second floor, who had been watching the spectacle, burst into an uproar. No one had expected...
this trio to be so firm. They weren't even giving face to Young Master Li!
Young Master Li was the designated heir of the Fang Residence, and many military campaigns nowadays were personally arranged by him. “Interesting,” Young Master Li smiled.
Among the three subordinates behind him, a slightly chubby man with narrow eyes stepped forward. Young Master Li gestured with his eyes.
The narrow-eyed man stepped up and said with a faint smile, “Three friends, the Young Master is kindly advising you; it would be best to grant some face. The manager even offered it for free.” “Everyone should stand back a bit.
Standing here, my little sister doesn't even dare to eat,” Teng Qingshan said, smiling towards Little Ping, who immediately blushed. “Hmph.” The narrow-eyed man’s expression darkened.
He reached out a hand, and a gold kèzi rolled onto Teng Qingshan’s table. The ingot of gold dazzled the eyes.
He spoke down at them, “Three of you, move aside.” “Gold?” Teng Qingshan was momentarily taken aback. “Yes, pure gold,” the narrow-eyed man confirmed.
At this moment, Young Master Li was observing silently. Master Liu’s party was also watching this side, as were the other distinguished guests on the second floor.
Many people felt a stirring of avarice. “Let me see if it’s pure gold.
If it is, I’ll leave.” Teng Qingshan snatched the gold kèzi, and Li Jun beside him showed a smile. “Hmm?
What’s happening?” Teng Qingshan looked up, perplexed, watching the others, “How did it just turn into...” As he looked, the right hand that had been grasping the gold ingot in Teng Qingshan’s grasp made a sound, “Shasha~~” Golden powder continuously slipped between his fingers, flowing onto the floor. When he opened his palm, it was empty.
The entire second floor of the restaurant, including Master Liu, froze instantly. Young Master Li, who had been smiling while watching, was also stunned into stillness.