Doted By The Regent King
Chapter 454: He is My Friend

Chapter 454: Chapter 454: He is My Friend

Compared to last night’s storm of wind and snow, today was clear and refreshing. Wufu and her companions hurried on their way, managing to enter the city gates of Chengdu Prefecture before dusk.

At the city gate, Shopkeeper Lin had already been eagerly waiting. If Liu Jin hadn’t been sharp-eyed and noticed them, coming forward to inform him, he would have likely missed the carriage that carried Wufu and her group altogether.

"Miss, you’ve certainly made me wait," Shopkeeper Lin said with his thick felt hat, addressing Wufu while glancing at Ah Jiu from the corner of his eye.

He didn’t know who this gentleman was, but his demeanor didn’t seem any less distinguished than the young masters from the Wen Family.

"We were delayed last night by the heavy snowstorm. I hope I didn’t cause you too much concern, Shopkeeper Lin, and thank you for waiting here in person," Wufu said, bending her knee in a courteous bow.

"No worries, no worries, it’s good that you’ve made it. The merchants who have come to compete all arrived early, and the jade merchants from various locations. The guest houses in the city are quite cramped." Shopkeeper Lin laughed, "But it’s not a problem. I have already booked a guest house. Miss, will you come with me?"

Wufu looked towards Ah Jiu.

As she was here to compete and her employer had arranged accommodations, it was natural for her not to bother with anything else. But what about him?

Ah Jiu then said, "I have already had someone book Dongyang Inn on Chaoyang Street. It’s an entire courtyard."

"Oh? What a coincidence, I also booked at Dongyang Inn. Miss, and this gentleman..." Shopkeeper Lin turned to Wufu, inquiring.

"Oh. This is Ninth Master, a friend," Wufu introduced.

A friend?

Ah Jiu raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile.

"So you are Ninth Master. My surname is Lin." Shopkeeper Lin smiled and gave a polite bow. "I have arranged for a modest feast at Dongyang to wash the dust from Miss Wufu’s journey. Since Ninth Master is a friend of Miss Wufu, if it’s not too much trouble, why not join us?"

Ah Jiu looked towards Wufu and said, "In that case, many thanks."

After exchanging pleasantries, the group headed together towards Dongyang Inn.

It was not yet dark, and though the weather was cold, the streets were bustling as the city was about to host a grand event, and it was clear that many people had come for the competition.

Wufu curiously lifted the curtain to watch, clicking her tongue in admiration. Ah Jiu sat behind her, silently laughing.

It was like watching a child enjoying the hustle and bustle.

Chengdu Capital was vast, divided into four sections: east, south, west, north, and center. After traveling for half an hour, they reached Dongyang Inn, which was situated on the central axis of the city. The inn faced the river and offered a view of the city’s canals – the scenery was beautiful.

Shopkeeper Lin mentioned that due to the event, the merchants’ association had invested in decorating the city with lanterns to welcome the guests. Thus, lanterns would light up along the canal at night, and various stores’ Marble Boats would be out on the lake, creating a festive atmosphere.

"The fifth day is for roll call and registration, the jade gambling takes place on the sixth, and the actual competition begins on the eighth. Tomorrow you’ll be free, so Miss and Ninth Master could walk around and explore," Shopkeeper Lin said with a smile.

Wufu enthusiastically agreed, "That would be excellent, we shall tour around the Capital City tomorrow."

"With a sum of Silver Coin at your disposal, I fear you might never want to leave," Ah Jiu teased.

Wufu glanced at him, "Don’t worry, treating you to a grand feast is no issue."

"I’ll be looking forward to it," he replied.

Shopkeeper Lin observed their easy rapport, like that of close friends, curious but refraining from asking more.

He led Wufu to check into Dongyang Inn, and since Ah Jiu had also booked an entire courtyard, he conveniently arranged for them to stay in adjacent courtyards for easy communication.

"Miss, you should rest for a bit. We will dine in a private room later, and I’ll come to take you to roll call tomorrow," Shopkeeper Lin made sure everything was arranged before excusing himself.