A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1175: Jinling City

Jinling City stands as the most prosperous hub in Jiangnan, a nexus for high-ranking Jiangnan officials, prosperous merchants, esteemed medical families, and masters of the renowned mulberry and silk embroidery techniques.

While the Capital City may hold the title of the most noble seat in the Great Chu Dynasty, the picturesque Jiangnan region undoubtedly claims the crown for riches.

The abundant prosperity of this Land of Fish and Rice is not mere exaggeration; it is a tangible reality.

The carriage eased its way into the city, and as anticipated, it garnered no particular attention.

Xia Ruqing cautiously lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, observing the scene outside.

The broad, level street, paved with blue bricks and stones, stretched three zhang wide. It teemed with a vibrant flow of pedestrians, sedan chairs, carriages, wheelbarrows, and carts laden with goods, creating a lively spectacle.

Flanking the thoroughfare, a diverse array of establishments lined the way, from lavishly decorated restaurants and shops to more modest standalone stores, and even street vendors and peddlers navigating the narrow alleys with their wares.

A multitude of sellers vied for the attention of numerous customers, the street a dense tapestry of people. The cacophony of human voices painted a vivid picture of Jiangnan in the summer heat.

Further in, buildings of various architectural styles were visible along the street. Some boasted exquisite craftsmanship with blue bricks and red tiles, exuding elegance with their overhanging eaves, while others were simpler, featuring blue bricks and blue tiles, and interspersed with low-rise residential houses.

These structures, whether ornate or plain, grand or humble, contributed to the bustling vitality that defined Jinling City.

The sights and sounds presented a stark contrast to Xia Ruqing's memory from years past.

Xia Ruqing exclaimed with admiration,

"What a transformation this place has undergone!"

"Back then, there were tall buildings lining the streets, but only a scattering, not this many!"

"And these shops, look at the crowds!"

Jiangnan unfolds with many captivating vistas. The elegantly understated architecture, the bustling street life, complemented by delicate embroidered bridges, flowing waterways, and graceful riverside willows, all contribute to a charming landscape.

These elements caused her eyes to sparkle with sheer delight, igniting a desire to instantly pen a poem capturing her joy.

’The ancient prosperity indeed differs from the modern!’

’Ancient prosperity offers scenic beauty, while modern prosperity…’

Modern skyscrapers, while undeniably luxurious, bring with them traffic jams that detract from any aesthetic appeal. This delicate and simple style, however, felt more pleasing, with streets primarily filled with pedestrians, evoking the atmosphere of a lively temple fair.

Xia Ruqing’s gaze darted around, her eyes struggling to take in the overwhelming visual feast.

Zhao Junyao, in contrast, displayed little outward reaction. Perhaps it was his naturally stoic demeanor, or perhaps his upbringing within the Imperial Palace, a place far surpassing Jinling in grandeur, had rendered him unimpressed.

Regardless of the reason, Xia Ruqing remained visibly excited.

The simple carriage proceeded for nearly half a Shi Chen along the street before finally halting before an inn. It wasn't the most prominent, but it possessed a compact elegance.

An Imperial Censor had already secured the entire establishment, posing as a wealthy merchant. The choice was strategic: firstly, for its ample concealment, allowing them to maintain their identities; secondly, for its tranquil location, conducive to a peaceful stay; and thirdly, for its proximity to the most vibrant heart of Jinling City, ensuring convenient access to amenities.

In essence, this inn, known as the Drunken Fairy Inn, was deemed the most suitable lodging.

Upon disembarking from the carriage, they were met by the innkeeper, who sported a cheerful countenance.

"Welcome, esteemed guests! Please come inside!"

Zhao Junyao offered a slight nod, then guided Xia Ruqing indoors. Li Shengan and Zi Su followed closely, carrying their luggage, while the innkeeper attended to the horses and remaining belongings.

This refined inn spanned three floors, with the front section dedicated to the shop and a courtyard situated at the rear. Both the front and back courtyards were adorned with sycamore trees, their expansive canopies providing ample shade, keeping the courtyard cool and comfortable even under the scorching July sun.

They were assigned the most spacious room on the third floor. Along the way, the innkeeper, with a mixture of caution and attentiveness, inquired,

"Is this your first visit to our humble establishment, honored guest?"

"You possess a discerning eye, sir. Though our inn may be modest in size, it offers a serene ambiance, tranquil day and night, perfectly suited for refined scholars such as yourself!"

Scholar? Zhao Junyao's expression flickered subtly. Xia Ruqing found the situation rather amusing, thinking to herself:

You’re dressed like a scholar, so it’s natural they'd assume that. Yet, you seem displeased. Do you wish they'd mistake you for a warrior?

However, the innkeeper remained oblivious to Zhao Junyao's subtle discomfort, continuing his stream of flattering words, many of which were rather off the mark.

Fortunately, Zhao Junyao maintained his silence, following the innkeeper to their chamber.

The innkeeper opened the door with a smile, announcing,

"This is our inn's premiere room, the largest and most exquisite, with the comforting shade of sycamore trees just outside for peace and coolness!"

"Everything within this room is brand new; you shall be its very first occupants!"

Zhao Junyao’s expression remained impassive.

"Thank you!" the innkeeper hastily replied, a smile gracing his lips.

"It is nothing!" After all, hosting a single group that booked the entire establishment, despite its small size, was still a profitable venture! "You are my benefactor!"

"Please make yourself comfortable, esteemed guest!"

"If you require anything at all, do not hesitate to ask!"

"I shall be waiting diligently downstairs!"

Zhao Junyao offered a casual wave.

"Understood, you may depart now!"

The innkeeper finally perceived the underlying impatience on his guest's face, a cold sensation prickling his spine.

"Yes... sir..."

"I... I shall take my leave now!"

He finished, trembling, and scurried away with a speed rivaling a startled rabbit.

As he descended, his thoughts raced:

"Good heavens! Who could this person be?"

"Why does it feel as though lingering here any longer might cost me my head!"

"He appears to be merely a scholar!"

"Yet, why does he exude such a... terrifying aura?"

He found himself tongue-tied, unable to articulate himself.

"Could it be... that this gentleman is a high-ranking official in disguise?"

"It is highly possible!"

"Otherwise, how could one possibly afford to book an entire inn with such extravagance?"

"Considering that Jinling City is not quite what it used to be."

"Prices here have surged dramatically; in just a single day, it commands a significant amount of silver!"

But then, a new thought emerged:

"Hey, why trouble myself with such worries?"

"When fortune arrives at one's doorstep, why would one dare to offend?"

"As a humble merchant, my duty is simply to serve well and avoid any disputes involving wealth!"

With this pragmatic realization, he quickly descended to attend to their carriages and luggage.

...

Upstairs, Xia Ruqing surveyed the room with considerable satisfaction.

"Although it doesn't possess the grandeur of the palace, nor the opulence of Duanning Palace!"

"It is, however, simple, clean, and exquisite, possessing a unique charm of its own!"

"With windows adorning all sides, each offering a distinct vista, it is truly delightful!"

An ordinary inn could hardly compare to the residence of an Empress. However, Xia Ruqing was not one to be easily displeased.

She did not disdain simple comforts in favor of lavish living; on the contrary, she found appreciation for the distinct merits of each.