Yu Mu returned only at noon, speaking noticeably faster than before. "I have verified that among the dozens of gambling dens in Jin Yang, large and small, cases of fatal disputes are extremely rare. The gambling dens have rules: small loans must not exceed twenty taels—this applies to commoners—while large loans must not exceed a hundred taels, targeting well-off families and merchants. Beyond that, there are separate credit limits specifically for wealthy households."
"So, they leave people room to recover. Even if someone borrows, they can still repay."
"Exactly, and the interest rates are far lower than what I had known."
"They're raising pigs—fattening them up to draw blood, keeping them alive to raise again, then drawing more blood." Hua Zhi's mind raced with various thoughts. "On the surface, the atmosphere in Jin Yang's gambling dens seems quite decent."
"Indeed. I have already arranged for people to investigate the various gambling dens again tonight." Compared to yesterday's aimlessness, Yu Mu now knew where to focus his efforts. The Seven Constellation Bureau was in the same situation—they had been unable to find a breakthrough, never imagining that excessive peacefulness could itself be a problem.
In the afternoon, Hua Zhi led her group out of the inn.
Without any fixed destination, they simply followed the crowds to the liveliest spots. After a full round, they gained a clear understanding of Jin Yang's prosperity.
"Sister Hua, don't you think this place is even more bustling than the capital?" Sitting on the second floor of a teahouse, Little Six smiled as they listened to the storyteller downstairs modulating his tones with flair. The first floor was packed with patrons, while the second floor was considerably quieter.
Before Hua Zhi could respond, someone from the adjacent table proudly chimed in, "Of course! Jin Yang is just missing the imperial palace compared to the capital, but life here is far more enjoyable."
Hua Zhi glanced at the speaker—a man in his early twenties, his face slightly flushed, perhaps from drinking, with a somewhat arrogant expression. He was alone at his table.
Noticing Hua Zhi's gaze, he raised his teacup as if proposing a toast.
Hua Zhi leaned forward slightly. "My younger brother is still young. Please forgive his imprudence."
"No, no, he's absolutely right. Our Jin Yang is indeed livelier than the capital."
Hua Zhi shot a glance at Little Six, who understood immediately. Looking up, he feigned displeasure. "How can Jin Yang compare to the capital? It might seem lively, but that's just because there are more merchants. The capital doesn't need such things to shine."
"Oh ho, listen to that." The man carried his cup over and plopped down boldly. "Come on, let's compare."
Hua Zhi lowered her head to hide a smile. This man was truly drunk—anyone would think he was challenging them to a drinking contest. But it suited her purposes perfectly.
"Compare then!" Little Six adopted the demeanor of a spirited youth. "Name your terms."
The man chuckled twice. "No crying if you lose."
"Whoever cries is a puppy."
"Heh, interesting." The man took a sip of tea, seemingly finding it too bland, and set it down with a look of disdain. His eyes shifted craftily. "Jin Yang has east and west markets by day and a southern night market after dark. Does the capital have that?"
Little Six paused. "Jin Yang has no curfew?"
"Of course there's a curfew—from the Hour of the Ox to the Hour of the Tiger."
"Only two hours?"
"Right." The man looked smug. "The capital doesn't have that, does it? I've been to the capital—nights there are utterly dull. Only the brothels have any life."
Little Six slammed the table. "Watch your language—my sister is here."The man, though bold, was not frivolous. Aware of his impropriety, he rose and made a bow. "Too much wine has loosened my tongue. I hope the young lady will not take offense."
Hua Zhi picked up the teapot and refilled everyone's cups. "Please be seated, sir. As travelers, we are accustomed to such remarks."
"You are most gracious." The man sat down again and resumed his banter with the child who stood a head shorter. "In Jin Yang, we have the Lotus River, lined with lotus blossoms. During the flowering season, people come to admire the view, and when the lotus seeds ripen, they are free for the taking. Does the capital have anything like that?"
"Free of charge?"
"Of course, free of charge."
Little Six widened his eyes. "Really? Then who plants all those lotuses?"
"You don't know, do you? Jin Yang is also known as Lotus City because of this river. It has been here for over a hundred years."
While Little Six was unfamiliar with the Lotus River, Hua Zhi knew of it. However, she was surprised to learn that the lotus seeds were freely available, which indirectly reflected Jin Yang's prosperity.
The man was evidently pleased with their astonished expressions and continued, "Jin Yang has the largest horse racing track in Daqing. Does the capital have one?"
"The capital certainly has a horse racing track! Who says Jin Yang's is the largest?"
"Anyone who has seen it knows Jin Yang's is the biggest." The man lifted his chin proudly, clearly taking great pride in his hometown. "If you don't believe me, I'll take you there right now to see for yourself."
Little Six glanced at Sister Hua, his eyes seeking permission. To the man, it looked like a younger brother pleading with his elder sister, so he chimed in, "The horse racing track is in the west of the city. It's less than half an hour's ride away. If you're not in a hurry, young lady, why not come along and see it?"
"Is the horse racing track inside the city?"
"Outside the city. The track covers a large area—there isn't enough space within the city walls for such a thing."
Hua Zhi lowered her gaze, as if casually remarking, "You seem quite familiar with this horse racing track, sir."
"Indeed, my family has... ahem, some influence. Visiting a few times is no trouble at all."
Hua Zhi pretended not to notice his evasive reply and simply said, "It's already quite late. Will we be able to return before the city gates close?"
"Jin Yang's gates close an hour later than elsewhere. Don't worry, we'll make it." The man immediately stood up, determined to show these outsiders what the largest horse racing track looked like and make them admit defeat!
Hua Zhi rose and gave a slight curtsy. "I will not be going. May I trouble you, Sir Zeng, to take my younger brother to broaden his horizons? Lest he remain a frog in a well, unaware of how vast the world beyond is."
The man was taken aback. Was she entrusting the child to him just like that?
Hua Zhi glanced back, and Jia Yang understood. He signaled four men to follow the Sixth Prince. With the four attendants the prince had brought and the hidden guards providing additional protection, they should be able to hold out until reinforcements arrived if anything happened.
Hua Zhi's openness put the man at ease. Fueled by alcohol, his mind was filled with the desire to make the child admit that Jin Yang was better than the capital. Without further thought, he asked the boy, "Can you ride a horse?"
"Of course!"
"Like a true man! Let's go on horseback."
Hua Zhi stood on the second floor, watching the group ride away. Nian Qiu whispered, "Is it safe to let Young Master Little Six go like this?"
"That man has honest eyes. He may be a bit unruly, but his character isn't bad." Someone who fiercely defends his hometown couldn't be truly wicked—at most, he might have been overly indulged by his family.
Descending to the first floor, she found the storyteller gone, and the teahouse much quieter.Upon boarding the carriage, Hua Zhi lifted the curtain and instructed, "Investigate this person's background. That horse racing track must be connected to his family."
Jia Yang bowed in acknowledgment.
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