WSMTATMC C182

Chapter 182

During their short stay back home, Wang Ying took Lin Sui to inspect several shopfronts. Because of the ongoing war, not only had property prices risen, but the value of commercial storefronts had also skyrocketed.

Before, the most expensive shop on He Street cost no more than three or four hundred taels, while the cheaper ones went for a few dozen. Business there was always slow—the area was rife with local bullies, and without constant bribing and favors, trouble came knocking at one’s door faster than customers did.

But lately, the influx of merchants from other provinces had transformed the scene. Many outsiders had rented shops along He Street to open businesses, pushing demand and prices sharply upward.

Wang Ying inquired at several locations. The going rate was between three hundred and four hundred taels—hardly affordable. He decided to wait for Cao Kun’s arrival before letting Lin Sui negotiate further.

The lease for their own small shop would expire in October. Until then, Wang Ying planned to continue selling ice. He stocked the ice cellar with several thousand blocks to ensure business could keep running smoothly after their departure.

This journey to the capital would include more than just the three of them. A few servants were to come along as well. Old Chen, already advanced in years, wasn’t fit for such long travel. Originally, Wang Ying wanted to bring Ershun, but his wife had only recently given birth—it would be too hard for them both.

In the end, he decided to take Tian Ju and Ma Zhandong, along with Chunsheng and Mutou, who looked after Yuanbao.

Both boys were older now and could help with various tasks. Chunsheng, in particular, was already twelve—a perceptive and diligent lad, capable of easing many burdens along the way.

The only missing piece was a cook. Aunt Chen, elderly and frail, would remain behind. Once they reached the capital, they would hire a new kitchen maid.

With everything arranged, the family set out for the capital on the twenty-eighth day of the sixth month.

Before their departure, Yuanbao clung to Madam Li’s neck, refusing to let go. “Grandmother, when I’m not home, you must take good care of yourself.”

“Ah, I will, I will,” Madam Li replied, her eyes reddening. She turned her head quickly so the child wouldn’t see her tears.

The little boy pressed a kiss to her cheek. “When I come back, I’ll buy you lots of treats and new clothes.”

“Good boy,” she said, her voice trembling. “Grandmother will be waiting.”

He was such a sweet child—no wonder she doted on him so dearly.

When the hour grew late, Wang Ying lifted Yuanbao into the carriage. Madam Li’s tears could no longer be contained. She grasped Chen Qingyan’s hand tightly, repeating her pleas, “Take care of Yuanbao and Aying on the road—and take care of yourself, too.”

“I will, Mother. Don’t worry. Sui-di, while we’re away, the household will be in your hands.”

“Rest assured,” Lin Sui said gently. “If anything urgent arises, I’ll go to Qingyun first. And if it’s beyond me, we still have the guards the Marquis left behind. Everything will be fine.”

“Then go,” Madam Li said, her voice thick with emotion. “Go safely, and may the journey be smooth.”

As the family boarded the carriage, Tian Ju cracked the whip, and the horses started forward. The rhythmic sound of hooves faded behind them, leaving loved ones shrinking in the distance.

Wang Ying’s throat tightened. He lowered the curtain quickly, afraid that if he looked back again, he’d jump out, child in arms, and refuse to leave.

Yuanbao’s small face crumpled in silent tears. He rested his head on Wang Ying’s shoulder, the very picture of sorrowful obedience.

Chen Qingyan, calmer than both, comforted them softly. “When the year-end holidays come, I’ll have leave—we’ll return home then.”

“How long a leave?” Wang Ying asked.

“I’m not sure,” Chen Qingyan admitted. “But I’ve heard from Changyi that most officials get a month for family visits. Those from distant provinces might get a little longer.”

“Just a month?” Wang Ying frowned. “It takes half a month to travel from the capital to Jizhou—there’ll be no time left to stay.”

Chen Qingyan rubbed his hair with a chuckle. “Then when Qingsong finishes the exams, we’ll bring Mother and the rest to live with us instead.”

“She’ll never leave Jizhou,” Wang Ying sighed. “Once Third Aunt moves over, the two of them will keep each other company and probably forget all about us.”

“That’s even better,” Chen Qingyan smiled. “I’d rather her be too busy chatting than sick from missing us.”

The carriage swayed gently along the road, the motion lulling Yuanbao into drowsiness. When Wang Ying was sure they were alone, he carried the boy into the test field space.

He had arranged the luggage neatly inside; blankets spread over the trunks made a perfect little bed. Yuanbao snuggled in and soon fell asleep, peaceful at last.

For ten long days they traveled, and at last, on the tenth day of the seventh month, they reached the Capital.

At the city gates, inspection was meticulous. The guards checked Chen Qingyan’s travel permits, documents, and household register before letting them pass.

As the carriage entered the grand avenues of the imperial city, Wang Ying lifted the curtain and gasped. The bustling scenery dazzled his eyes.

Compared to Jizhou, the capital was another world—vaster, louder, brighter. Broad streets teemed with carriages, hawkers shouted from the roadside, and peddlers sold everything from trinkets to steamed buns.

No sooner had they entered than several runners swarmed around, calling out to ask if they needed lodging.

Ma Zhandong hurriedly waved them off. “No, no—we’re visiting relatives!”

When the crowd dispersed, they continued deeper into the city. This time, bringing the whole family along, they couldn’t impose on Minister Liu again. Instead, they found an inn to settle for the night before searching for a house.

The inn was called Tongfu Inn, a name that amused Wang Ying—especially when he learned it was run by a woman, though sadly, her surname wasn’t Tong.

They booked one upper room and two shared ones for over three strings of cash per day, a sum that made Wang Ying whistle under his breath. Life in the capital was indeed expensive—far beyond even the prefectural city.

After they settled in, Chen Qingyan took Wang Ying and Yuanbao to visit the Liu family. They brought along many gifts, as they had lived under Minister Liu’s roof for quite some time previously.

Unfortunately, the Minister was away, but Madam Liu received them warmly. “Oh, family shouldn’t be so polite,” she said, seeing the number of gifts. “Have you found a place to stay?”

Wang Ying replied, “For now we’re at an inn. I plan to look around the city in the next few days. I’m not sure about the housing prices yet, but we intend to buy a small courtyard.”

“That’s wise,” Madam Liu nodded. “I’ll send Liu Bo with you tomorrow—he knows the city well and can keep you from being cheated.”

She then turned to Yuanbao, smiling as she took his hand. “And this must be the young master I’ve heard about. How old are you now, dear?”

“Four!” Yuanbao declared proudly. “I’m a dragon!”

“Ah, such a clever boy,” she laughed. “My grandson’s the same age, but I haven’t seen him yet. When they return from their post, you two must play together.”

Madam Liu then asked after Qingyun. “I hear Changyi’s wife is quite far along now?”

“She’s nearly eight months,” Wang Ying replied. “The pregnancy’s gone smoothly—she eats well and sleeps soundly.”

“Fortunate indeed,” Madam Liu said. “I was sorry to miss their wedding. But when the baby’s full month comes, my mother-in-law and I will definitely visit.”

After chatting a while, the hour grew late. Wang Ying and Chen Qingyan rose to take their leave, but Madam Liu tried to keep them for a meal.

Wang Ying declined with a smile. “We’ve only just arrived, and there’s still a mountain of unpacking to do. We’ll come properly to pay our respects next time.”

“Very well then. Liu’er, call Liu Bo here,” Madam Liu said.

Soon, the Liu household’s chief steward arrived. Wang Ying and Chen Qingyan greeted him courteously.

“Tomorrow,” Madam Liu instructed, “take them around the city and help them find a house.”

“Yes, madam.” Liu Bo escorted the couple to the main gates, confirming which inn they were staying at and setting a time to meet the next morning.

Having connections in the capital proved invaluable. Without them, it might have taken Wang Ying four or five days just to learn where to begin. With Liu Bo’s help, they set out the very next day to visit several of the city’s major property guilds.

“These few firms,” Liu Bo explained, “have the best reputations in the capital. If you’re renting or buying, it’s safest here. Official guilds sell slightly pricier estates, but their locations are excellent—perfect for Master Chen’s upcoming post. Private brokers are cheaper but tend to deal in properties farther from the city’s center. You can decide based on your needs.”

Wang Ying followed him into an official brokerage. It was much like those in the prefectural city—wooden plaques hung everywhere, each marked with the property’s location, size, and layout.

The variety was staggering: mansions that took up an entire street, modest courtyards barely larger than a room, and everything in between. Prices ranged from tens of thousands of taels down to a few thousand. As ever, homes in the capital were no small investment.

Because Liu Bo was with him, the clerks and stewards treated Wang Ying with exceptional courtesy. Though Liu Bo was merely a house steward, he served a Minister of State—seventh rank or not, that connection made him someone to be flattered.

After a long afternoon, they still hadn’t found the right house. Most exceeded their budget. Wang Ying had planned to spend around three thousand taels on a one-courtyard home, or five thousand for a two-courtyard one. Yet the cheapest single-courtyard residence was four thousand seven hundred, and it didn’t even have a well—they would have to fetch water from outside!

It was absurd. After years of hard work, they had come to the capital only to live harder lives.

“Shall we try the private agencies?” Liu Bo suggested. “They handle more modest homes, and the prices tend to be fairer.”

“Thank you for your trouble,” Wang Ying said sincerely.

“Not at all,” Liu Bo smiled. They climbed into the carriage again and headed to a large private brokerage in the eastern quarter.

As soon as they entered, the shopkeeper came bustling out, his steps quick and his smile wider still. “Ah! Steward Liu! What wind blows you here today?”

“This is my master’s relative by marriage,” Liu Bo said calmly. “He’s looking to buy a house in the capital. Madam Liu asked me to accompany him.”

Hearing this, the shopkeeper’s grin deepened, and he bowed low. “An honor indeed! Please, my lord, come in. What kind of courtyard are you seeking?”

Wang Ying considered a moment. “A small two-courtyard house. It must be a standalone property—with its own gate and a well in the yard.”

“Yes, yes, of course! Wait right here, I’ll fetch the listings.” The shopkeeper waddled off, his round body wobbling like a bowl of jelly.

Moments later he returned with a thick ledger. “These are all two-courtyard estates. Prices vary by district. We have properties near Xuanwu Street and several others nearby.”

Xuanwu Street lay in the northern quarter, near the Imperial City. Surrounding it were royal gardens, temples, and the mansions of princes and princesses—rarely did private properties there come to market.

Wang Ying flipped through the book. Each entry was accompanied by a hand-drawn floor plan detailing the courtyard’s layout and structure.

A few pages in, one design caught his eye. It resembled their home in Jizhou—compact but elegant, a modest two-courtyard house.

“What’s the price on this one?” he asked.

The broker squinted at the label. “Normally six thousand taels, firm price. But since you’re kin to Minister Liu, I can reduce it to five thousand three hundred—that’s the lowest we can go.”

Wang Ying turned to Liu Bo. “What do you think?”

“The price is fair,” Liu Bo said. “But it depends on the condition. If it’s old or in disrepair, it’s not worth that much.”

“Rest assured,” the broker said quickly. “Our firm never deals in poor properties. If you have time, I can take you there now to see it yourself.”

“I do have time,” Wang Ying said with a smile, then added politely to Liu Bo, “You may have other matters—perhaps I can go with the shopkeeper?”

“That’ll do,” Liu Bo agreed. “But make sure he gives you a fair deal. This man is a close relative of our household’s master!”

The broker bowed repeatedly. “Of course, of course! I’ll see to it personally that everything is handled perfectly for the young master.”