The capital was louder and livelier than Shen Yao had expected
He stood at the edge of the street with his hood pulled low and looked at capital that almost reached the splendor of the modern world
The ancients, he thought, watching a merchant negotiate with a customer three stalls down, really didn't joke.
The prosperity was real. Not the version he had been shown before— the actual version, ground level, where commerce of ordinary life was a daily revolution from street vendors, craftsmen to the ordinary people the capital functioning on its own with no interference
He was still taking it in when Xi Shu cleared his throat.
Shen Yao glanced at him.
Xi Shu scratched the back of his head looking awkward for a while
"Young Master I know you wants information, but you can't move around with your identity, ......" he said carefully, "there's a tea house nearby. Fragrance Tea House. Well known. It has a good view of the street" A pause. " An easy way to get information."
Shen Yao immediately understood it was a good place where he could get what he wanted and relax turned at Xi Shu seeing his hesitant expression he finally nodded
Xi Shu's relief was immediate. He begun leading the way
Fragrance Tea House earned its name.
The smell from it reached them before the building did — layers of tea and something warmer underneath, he glanced around at the lobby seeing all sorts of different people he finally understood why Xi Shu recommended the place. with tea and amazing artistic snacks, it provided a comfortable air where one could chat freely
Xi Shu spoke to the attendant quickly arranging a private room for Shen Yao who stood on the sides his hood dropping low.
He glanced around the main area with the unhurriedly taking in all the sorts of guests seated in the lower side of the tea house— the layout plain but elegant with a comforting air to it.
His eyes moved upward to the second floor that looked more private and isolated perfect for quiet discussion. He scanned the second floor but stopped frowning as he felt a pair of eyes lock on him
He wasn't sure if anyone he knew was here, but he couldn't tell who.
As he was still thinking Xi Shu had finished what he was doing so he pushed it at the back of his mind and followed him toward the private room
On the second floor, behind a heavy curtain was pulled down when Shen Yao walked away, the crown prince set down his cup.
His eyes had already moved away from the figure below — once he saw him walk forward.
"Your Highness." His personal attendant Gui Yan stood beside him quietly — noticing his master pause abnormally he turned to him "Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing." The crown prince smiled slightly "I thought I recognized someone. I was mistaken."
He lifted his cup and took a sip of tea and apologized to the person seated across him
Pei Shu watched this happen, but he was offended in the least bit. His eyes moved briefly to the space below where the crown prince's gaze had rested.
"They must be a very memorable one for his highness to personally remember" he narrowed his eyes looking at the man seated across from him
The crown prince smiled "you could say...."
Remembering the figure in commoner's clothes disappearing toward the private rooms. His mind drifted to a figure he hadn't seen for a while
The crown prince smiled and spoke again — the conversation resuming with the smooth from where it had abruptly stopped. Pei Shu listened his gaze lowering to the cup off steaming tea in his hands.
He shook it slightly and watched the tea move.
"Your Highness should be aware," he raised his head with a smile, "that my allegiance is with the throne." he took a sip mid speech taking the time to sever the tea "Whoever sits on it calls the shots."
The crown prince's smile didn't change it remained warm
"There's a price for everything, Young Master Pei." His voice was equally warm as he casually waved his sleeves his attendant presenting what looked like a parchment agreement "You should be aware of that."
Pei Shu looked at him
"Of course." He smiled " Your majesty's right......but our loyalty is earned." A beat. "Not bought." Another beat. "That much Your Highness should understand."
He set down his cup calmly and stood
"Thank you for the invitation your highness" he bowed the tea was great, but I must excuse myself. The southern borders still require attention."
The crown prince watched him and nodded
"Of course," he said.
Pei Shu bowed once more before disappearing from the room. Gui Yan frowned
"Master aren't you being too lenient. with the moves the sixth prince...." he anxiously said
The crown prince raised his hand and turned to him
"Don't be so anxious. those who rush are devoured and those who wait too long will wither" he said with a chuckle
"But Master is the crown prince......" Gui Yan retorted trying to make his master understand
"Even as the crown prince i have my limitations" He shook his head helplessly.
He shook the cup in his hand the tea had cooled for a while. He set it down and stood up
Shook his head slowly — He knew getting through to these top families will take a lot of convincing he sighed
"Let's go," he said to the Gui Yan waved his sleeves and left through the back door.
Outside the tea house on a rooftop that gave a clear view of both entrances Yu Xie crouched in the shadow of an eave and watched the crown prince leave