From the capital?

Mo Zi was extremely interested in that place. Although Luo Zhou, as the most prosperous province of the Great Zhou, and Luo Zhou City saw many people from the capital coming and going, opportunities to eat at a neighboring table with capital people were not abundant, especially when she really wanted to gather information. So, her eyes looked outside while her ears stood straight up, wanting to hear if there was any gossip about Prince Jing’s mansion.

“When you go, you’ll know.” Clearly capable of expounding at length to create a mountain of words, who knew the Second Young Master Brother would end it in eight words.

Mo Zi glared, though unfortunately no one could see.

“How could I go? My mother won’t let me.” The Eleventh Young Lady said huffily.

“It’s not that she won’t let you. Mother is worried because you’re still young.” Every time the Sixth Young Lady opened her mouth, it was invariably appropriate, making her appear very gentle and well-mannered.

“I’m almost thirteen, still young? Eldest Sister married out at sixteen.” The Eleventh Young Lady continued indignantly.

“I say, Eleventh Sister, you’re not even thirteen yet and already thinking about marriage? Never mind age—at least you have to wait for your three older sisters to marry out before it’s your turn. So if anyone goes to the capital, it should be Sixth Sister first. When she finds you a good brother-in-law, then, you girl, you can stay as long as you want.” The cheerful-laughing man seemed to be the eldest of these four siblings.

“Third Brother, don’t talk nonsense. Mother hasn’t decided yet. Moreover, this is family private business. Don’t bring it up in public.” The Sixth Young Lady’s tone carried some embarrassed annoyance.

“What’s there to fear? Sixth Sister has heavenly beauty. Even calling you Luo Zhou’s foremost beauty would be no exaggeration. In this brother’s opinion, only the sons of princes and ministers in the capital are worthy matches for Sixth Sister.” The Third Young Master also wanted to rally support. “Second Young Master, wouldn’t you say?”

The Second Young Master made no sound.

There might have been an expression, but Mo Zi couldn’t see clearly.

“Third Brother!” The Sixth Young Lady was truly angry now. “If you continue to speak wildly and ruin my reputation, I’ll go back and tell Mother right now.”

Mo Zi paid no mind to the Sixth Young Lady’s conservatism, but hearing the claim of “Luo Zhou’s foremost beauty,” she strongly disagreed. Earlier, she had looked carefully—though that Sixth Young Lady was reasonably attractive, compared to Qiu Sanniang she fell far short, at most just a dignified young lady of a great household, conservative and dull in personality. This might also be because she followed an unusual master and was herself rather unusual, so her standards differed from the masses.

“Fine, fine, I’ll stop talking. I praise you, and you’re still unwilling.” The Third Young Master remained cheerfully laughing.

The door opened, and the same two white-clothed waiters brought up the dishes.

“Does the war in the north affect Luo Zhou?” This was Zhong’an’s voice.

“Not previously. However, recently things have been unsettled around Pan County.” The Seventh Young Master said. “Not only are there twice as many soldiers guarding the city as usual, they’re also stricter with passing merchants than before. They not only inspect travel documents but also interrogate and inspect goods. At the slightest discrepancy, they won’t let people out or in. I later heard it’s because they fear Da Qiu spies might infiltrate our Great Zhou through Nande.”

“It’s not just that we fear Da Qiu might make unusual moves. From Pan County across the Chuan River into Nande territory, the garrison troops also inspect extremely strictly. I personally witnessed several carts of iron implements not being allowed entry because of suspicion they might supply Da Qiu. Previously, without travel documents, paying some silver would let merchants pass. Now documents are mandatory, and you must have guarantors in Nande—it’s vexing beyond measure.” As the Third Young Master spoke, his voice grew somewhat loud. “Father is considering whether to withdraw our business from Nande to avoid being affected by the war.”

“You needn’t worry excessively. Nande has always been on good terms with Great Zhou. Now it’s just guarding against Da Qiu’s ambitions. Even if Da Qiu can swallow the tiny nation of Yuling, they absolutely wouldn’t dare offend our Great Zhou.” The speaker was still Zhong’an.

“That’s natural. Our Great Zhou has vast territory, strong troops and sturdy horses, skilled in both water and land warfare. Why fear northern barbarians?” The Third Young Master had many faults, but pride in being of Great Zhou could count as a virtue.

“Though Yuling is a small nation, its territory is protected on three sides by the natural barrier of the Ji River. How Da Qiu broke through the nation is still unknown. This is what makes both our Great Zhou and Nande nervous, because our borders each adjoin Yuling by one river. If Da Qiu can lead a large army into Yuling, they might soon engage our navy in battle. If I’m not mistaken, Luo Zhou’s waterways have probably been less smooth than usual lately.” An unfamiliar voice, rough and resonant.

Mo Zi knew this should be the other man behind that Second Young Master.

“Elder Brother Hua speaks correctly. Besides our Seven Immortals Gorge here, along the river surface to Qinmu Ridge, the two nations’ navies have frequently been arranging ships and formations recently, not allowing civilian vessels to pass at all, fearing Da Qiu ships might infiltrate. With waterways blocked and land routes difficult, the prices of both nations’ specialties have multiplied several times. What a pity the document restrictions prevent us from making a fortune from this opportunity.” The Third Young Master sighed with regret.

Suddenly a low laugh entered Mo Zi’s ears. She didn’t know who it was, as if mocking someone’s mercenary nature. But through the screen, sitting closest to her, was that family’s Second Young Master.

“So you’re saying if one takes the waterway into Nande, it’s completely impossible now?” Zhong’an asked.

“It should be impossible.” The Third Young Master answered quite certainly. “If the waterway were passable, would I still be staying at home?”

“Not necessarily.” The Seventh Young Master’s voice became mysterious. “Years ago I heard people mention private ships going through Frightened Fish Rapids, not even needing to spend money on travel documents, specializing in trading goods prohibited between the two nations.”

“Absurd! Baseless talk! At Frightened Fish Rapids, fish drown. There are dangerous peaks on both sides, rapid currents, rocks covering the riverbed, and a hundred li of desolate wilderness.” The Third Young Master loudly refuted.

“That’s why it’s also called White Bone Rapids. Those who make fortunes are very few. The dead from capsized ships and sunken cargo are uncountable, becoming fierce ghosts that won’t let the living come ashore. Their flesh and blood grow ten li of reed flowers on the riverbed, each stalk growing poisonous thorns. Even if you can approach the shore, you can’t find your way through the poisonous reed thicket.”

Mo Zi was just setting down her teacup when she heard the Seventh Young Master scaremongering, even bringing out fierce ghosts and poisonous reeds. She sprayed out half a mouthful of tea with a snort. Fortunately, the Eleventh Young Lady cried out in alarm over there, and no one seemed to notice her.

“Brothers are so boring. Talking about war is already tedious, yet you’re actually telling such frightening ghost stories. Stop talking quickly—you’re making people’s hearts pound. Sixth Sister’s face has turned pale.”

Under the Eleventh Young Lady’s firm opposition, the men stopped discussing current affairs and instead debated whether to call for some Geqiu skilled in singing and dancing.

Before they had decided over there, the door here opened.

“Brother Mo, I apologize for keeping you waiting so long.” The authentic Second Young Master, the Cen family’s Second Young Master, entered. “One account just wouldn’t balance no matter what. Three thousand taels mysteriously missing—scared me into a cold sweat.”

But seeing so many people behind the screen, after being stunned he asked, “Brother Mo, you brought guests, yet you ordered a bowl of plain noodles for yourself?”

Mo Zi laughed heartily. “Helping you save a few more taels of silver from those account books.”

“Brother Mo, you underestimate me too much. I can’t hide three thousand taels of silver, but for one meal, you just order good wine and dishes. Do you think I can’t afford to treat you?” Cen Erlang brought out a stack of ledgers. “Since you’re here, it saves me a trip. Help me see if the silver has returned to its place or not. Three thousand taels!”

“I won’t look. If you can’t balance three thousand taels, would I dare hand the accounting room over to you? I already told your father—today I came not to look at accounts.” Mo Zi stood up, pulling Cen Erlang toward the door. “Let’s talk while we walk.”

The door closed gently.

“So it’s someone from Wangqiu Tower’s employer. No wonder one person occupied such a large private room looking so completely at ease.” Zhong’an said no wonder indeed.

“At most just a steward.” The Third Young Master considered his judgment not far off.

That family’s Second Young Master lightly swept his gaze over. The leisurely shadow behind the screen was no longer there, yet the tea fragrance could still be smelled. A pair of obsidian eyes flashed with light that appeared and vanished instantly.

Everything, calm and peaceful.