Zhao Chengze was the kind of man who either did nothing at all or, once he acted, ensured everything was done to perfection.
Three days before he decided to host the banquet, Tingyu Pavilion had already undergone a complete transformation.
This estate had originally been his private retreat, a place of quiet elegance where every corner reflected the refined design of Jiangnan gardens, its layout imbued with the depth and sophistication only imperial architecture could possess.
But now, in order to fully play the role of Zhou Xunyin, he issued a firm command.
“Remove every item bearing dragon or phoenix motifs, and anything with longevity patterns. All of it,” he said decisively. “And take down the antique calligraphy and paintings from previous dynasties.”
“What should we replace them with?” Thirteen asked, puzzled.
“With whatever is most expensive right now,” Zhao Chengze waved his hand impatiently. “Those famous works by Master Tang and Master Song, aren’t they adored by wealthy merchants who fancy themselves refined? Hang more of those.”
“And this,” he pointed at an ancient bronze cauldron, “too ostentatious. Take it away. Replace it with a crystal-clear coral tree, red, the biggest one you can find. Bring in some exaggerated carved rosewood chairs, and set up golden nanmu screens as well. And that jade cabbage, put it in the front hall.”
In just two days, Tingyu Pavilion had completely lost its original character.
The graceful structure of a Jiangnan garden still remained, with its pavilions, terraces, and flowing streams, but upon that delicate framework had been forcibly layered a gaudy display of wealth.
The main hall gleamed under bright candlelight, illuminating vulgar rosewood screens. On the walls hung a grand Eight Steeds painting by Master Tang. In one corner stood an enormous cloisonné vase, stuffed awkwardly with a money tree.
Everything perfectly created the impression of a man with immense wealth and some taste, yet utterly lacking in refinement, a nouveau riche merchant to the core.
To the outside world, this place now bore a newly hung plaque: Zhou Residence.
Everything was ready.
As the proprietor, Zhao Chengze, through Thirteen, extended invitations to every employee of Curio Pavilion, from Xie Qingyan down to the cleaning women and laborers who hauled goods.
“The master says, the opening has been a great success, and everyone has worked hard. Tonight, there will be a banquet at the Zhou Residence. Drink to your hearts’ content,” Thirteen announced loudly.
The crowd erupted in cheers, all feeling they had found themselves a generous employer.
That night, Tingyu Pavilion was ablaze with lights, a stark contrast to its usual tranquility.
Xie Qingyan arrived in a carriage arranged by Thirteen. She was dressed simply in a lake-blue jacket over a pale skirt, her face concealed beneath a gauze veil. Chun Cao followed closely behind.
The moment she stepped out of the carriage, she glanced around. This place… seemed to be somewhere near the eastern outskirts of the Capital.
As she entered the estate, the lavish display before her made her pause.
The banquet was set in an open courtyard by a waterside pavilion.
The wine was rich Lanling brew, the dishes were an exquisite Eight Treasures feast, and in the center of the pavilion, a well-known musical troupe from the Capital had been invited, their instruments filling the air with a luxurious, almost ostentatious melody.
The shop assistants and craftsmen had never witnessed such grandeur. Some stood stiffly, unsure of themselves, while others marveled openly like country folk entering a grand manor. Chun Cao even reached out to touch a jade cabbage in the hall, only to be stopped by Xie Qingyan.
“Everyone!” Thirteen strode forward and called out with a laugh. “Tonight, there is no hierarchy, only the master and his people. Eat well, drink well. The master also says, this month, everyone will receive triple wages.”
“Thank you, Master Zhou! We will follow you to the death!” someone shouted excitedly, prompting a wave of laughter and instantly lifting the atmosphere.
Xie Qingyan was seated at the main table. She quietly removed her outer veil but still kept her face partially covered with gauze, sipping tea in small amounts. Chun Cao stood beside her, helping to serve food until she was dismissed from eating.
Her gaze swept calmly across the surroundings, and a faint trace of suspicion appeared in her eyes.
It was too deliberate.
The foundation of the estate clearly followed an elegant aesthetic, yet these newly added decorations were crude displays of wealth, as if the owner feared others might not realize just how rich he was.
The contradiction only deepened her doubts.
Midway through the banquet, the music suddenly stopped.
Thirteen stepped respectfully to one side of the pavilion.
All eyes turned at once.
A tall figure emerged slowly, surrounded by attendants.
It was Master Zhou.
Xie Qingyan’s breath caught as she looked up sharply.
He wore a luxurious dark robe embroidered with intricate golden beasts, a jade belt with python patterns at his waist, adorned with fine jade ornaments.
A delicate silver mask covered the upper half of his face, hiding his eyes and nose, leaving only his sharply defined jawline and well-shaped lips visible.
Even without seeing his full face, his imposing aura silenced the entire gathering.
“Everyone,” he spoke, his voice deliberately lowered, tinged with a husky resonance.
“I have arrived late, so I shall punish myself with a drink.” He raised his cup and drained it in one go.
“You are too kind, Master!” the crowd responded, rising quickly.
“My success today is all thanks to you,” he said with a hearty laugh. “I am but a rough man who understands little of refinement, but I do know one thing, those who contribute will be rewarded.”
His gaze landed unerringly on Xie Qingyan.
“Especially our Miss Xie.”
She remained seated, only inclining her head slightly.
“Miss Xie planned everything and deserves the greatest credit.” He raised his cup high. “This drink is for Miss Xie.”
Xie Qingyan stood, lifting her teacup in return.
“You overpraise me, Master. I dare not accept such credit.”
“Reward her!” Zhao Chengze laughed.
Thirteen stepped forward with a tray holding gleaming gold ingots. “By the master’s order, a reward of one hundred taels of gold to Miss Xie, our chief contributor.”
The crowd erupted completely.
One hundred taels of gold was a fortune beyond imagination for ordinary people.
After a few more rounds of toasts, Zhao Chengze excused himself on the pretext of being unable to drink further and left as abruptly as he had arrived.
He came and went like the wind, leaving behind only a vague yet powerful impression, and deepening Xie Qingyan’s confusion.
Spending gold like dirt… compared to this, the profits of Curio Pavilion were insignificant to him. Why would he travel so far just to open a shop?
As the banquet drew to a close and guests began to depart, Xie Qingyan rose to take her leave.
At that moment, Thirteen quietly approached her.
“Miss Xie,” he said softly.
“Mr. Thirteen?”
“The master has prepared tea in the inner study,” he gestured respectfully. “He wishes to discuss future plans with you in private.”
Xie Qingyan’s heart skipped.
At last, the moment had come.
She nodded calmly. “Lead the way.”