Chapter Nine, The Ink Jade Tiger Talisman

Although there had been some upheaval, Ye Tao's mood seemed unaffected. He changed his clothes in the workshop and then set off to Xunfeng Pavilion with Du Fengchi

Especially on the top floor, the ceiling height is somewhat lower than that of the three floors below. However, through extensive structural design, the entire fourth floor can achieve a warm winter and a cool summer. Notably, the spacious and bright window-side platform, along with specially designed furniture for lounging and relaxation, allows for an enjoyable experience in any season, whether lying by the window reading, writing, enjoying tea, playing chess, or even indulging in flowers and wine until falling asleep.

I suppose I am the only one who has not stayed in this Xunfeng Pavilion yet," Ye Tao complained, "After all, I built it, right? You families really are unreasonable.

Ye Tao and Du Fengchi said in unison: "Miss, please make yourself at home"

"This is the young lady's instruction," Chief Liu glanced at the sky and said, "Young Master Ye, if it is convenient, I would appreciate it if you could spare some time. My young lady wishes to have a conversation with you"

Stepping into the Xunfeng Pavilion, Ye Tao was filled with emotions, for this was a classic architectural masterpiece meticulously designed with the principles of comfort and elegance in mind. Every eave, corridor, passage, partition wall, and fixed screen in this four-story building has been carefully considered. Although it is designed to allow winds from all directions, it deftly avoids the southeast monsoon that almost constantly blows in the summer in Yicheng, as that wind can be quite harsh. Instead, it cleverly utilizes the corridors and gaps between the buildings to create a pattern where external winds drive internal air circulation. The subtle design details left in places such as the stairs, eaves, and ceilings, which are often overlooked, further elevate this building to a refined work of art that invites careful appreciation

"Manager Liu, I am deeply grateful for your assistance this time," Du Fengchi said, bowing respectfully.

Miss Zhuo did not follow Ye Tao's lead; instead, she enthusiastically suggested, "Surely the Yi Zhan Tower can be opened in the capital? There are so many variations of military chess; if I hadn't visited the Yi Zhan Tower, I really wouldn't have known. Military chess is quite popular among the young gentlemen in the capital and the soldiers and officers in the army. Even that grand battle mode, although I didn't know that formal regulations had been issued here, everyone has privately agreed to play it, and it has taken on some form. I have three younger brothers at home, and the two younger ones run into my study every day, setting up ten or so sets of pieces and playing until it's chaotic, without any thought of tidying up. If you were to open the Yi Zhan Tower and the Yi Zhan shop in the capital, those wayward young gentlemen would probably empty their pockets of the last bit of silver."

Du Fengchi laughed heartily, knowing that whenever the gardens designed by Ye Tao were mentioned, he would inevitably feel a bit gloomy. "This young lady from the Zhuo family is quite impressive. I do believe that the Zhuo family currently possesses the ink jade tiger talisman, but is it really possible for the Zhuo family to entrust the ink jade tiger talisman to their own young lady for self-defense? That seems rather unlikely"

As Xue Yuan departed, Manager Liu placed the black jade tiger talisman back into the box. Holding the box, he politely addressed Peng Detian, Ye Tao, and the others who were still kneeling on the ground: "Gentlemen, please rise. I have shown off a bit of authority in front of you. I hope it has not caused you any embarrassment."

Peng Detian looked suspiciously at the carriage parked not far away and replied, "It is with the books. This official takes his leave"

Just moments ago, Du Fengchi had met with Manager Liu, and he could hardly believe that in the blink of an eye, Miss Zhuo, who held a remarkably high status, could actually produce the black jade tiger talisman.

In fact, Ye Tao is quite interested in how far the Chess Battle Tower can develop. He thought for a moment and said, "This is indeed feasible. However, the Ye Workshop is currently busy with work, and it is likely that they will not be able to spare any personnel to go to the capital until the end of this year or early next year"

The Xunfeng Pavilion is indeed extraordinary. From the courtyard below, the pond, and the stone steps, every detail is crafted with intention. Although the Xunfeng Pavilion is not the highest point in Yicheng, it offers an excellent vantage point to gaze at the sunset. In this bustling city filled with tall buildings, it is rare to find a place that allows one to steal a glimpse of the river view. Especially within this building, one can lounge about comfortably. The gardens built at great expense in the capital city are, in comparison, somewhat inferior to this place. Miss Zhuo clearly has a great fondness for the Xunfeng Pavilion and holds it in high regard.

Miss Zhuo nodded and said, "Wherever the heart finds peace is home. Well said. Young Master Ye, today I visited the Yizhan Building, and the salesgirl there mentioned that you intended to open a Yizhan Building and a Yizhan shop in the capital. In fact, the furniture from the Ye Workshop is sold at exorbitant prices in the capital. If you are indeed considering starting a business in the capital, please also consider creating a comfortable residence for me at that time."

Manager Liu bid farewell, returned the box containing the ink jade tiger talisman to the carriage, and departed with a procession of horses and carriages. Ye Tao and Du Fengchi remained standing in place.

Upon entering the top floor, Ye Tao immediately understood that Miss Zhuo, lazily reclining by the window, was also someone who knew how to enjoy life. Miss Zhuo leaned against a soft mat woven from bulrushes, with a cup of tea placed on the low table beside her. A small stove for boiling water was set on a stone platform a few steps away. The low table also held a plate of peaches and a plate of sweet corn kernels. Perhaps the little birds that often perched on the windowsill were indeed beautiful and charming; Miss Zhuo even cupped a few corn kernels in her palm to entice the birds to land on her hand and peck at the kernels. The focused expression on her face was truly captivating.

Miss Zhuo jested, "Rushing to work? To reclaim the house you live in?"

Miss Zhuo wiped her hands with a handkerchief and beckoned the two gentlemen to sit down across from her. "I am of delicate constitution, and if I rise too suddenly, I fear I might faint. I apologize for any breach of etiquette and hope the two gentlemen will not take offense."

Ye Tao quickly replied: "I am not aware of where you all are staying. I will return to the workshop to tidy up a bit and then come to express my gratitude."

The Xunfeng Pavilion was indeed bustling with activity. The Du family had originally arranged for several servants to regularly clean the place, maintaining it in a condition suitable for immediate occupancy. However, Miss Zhuo and her companions were even more particular; several maids rearranged the potted plants, while a few guards removed their swords to assist the Du family's servants in yet another round of cleaning. The remaining guards, aside from those staying in the building, were mostly spread throughout the entire courtyard, meticulously searching the garden, leaving no blade of grass or tree unexamined.

Miss Zhuo watched as the little bird perched on the edge of her palm, greedily pecking at a few grains of corn and refusing to fly away. She decided to place the dish filled with corn on the windowsill, allowing the bird to enjoy a hearty meal.

Miss Zhuo smiled and said, "It is not really a matter of comparison; the term 'comfortable' is subjective. I just happen to prefer this place and this kind of comfort. The top-floor loft was originally described by the owner of the Lingjiang Tower, and I thought it would be drafty everywhere. Now that I see it, I realize it is actually a pleasant place that is warm in winter and cool in summer. Unfortunately, I am in Yicheng and cannot stay for long... Hmm, perhaps I will come back next winter or the year after. I just wonder if my body can withstand the bumps of the journey in winter."

Upon seeing Ye Tao and Du Fengchi arrive, the maid Sisi stepped forward and said, "Gentlemen, please. The young lady has been waiting for you on the top floor for quite some time."

Ye Tao felt somewhat embarrassed; it was indeed rather amusing that despite being involved in the construction of houses, he still had no place to live. Who would have thought that a few houses would lead those influential old fellows to repeatedly resort to underhanded tactics

Ye Tao turned around in annoyance and shouted, "Senior Brother, you pushed the Saimen knife cart out, so you are responsible for re-oiling it... Where is Lao Ning? Lao Ning! Sweep the floor, sweep the floor."

"Do you recognize that thing?" Ye Tao still did not know what Manager Liu had just taken out.

Looking at Miss Zhuo's pale face, it only appeared somewhat flushed under the setting sun. Ye Tao gazed at this woman who seemed even younger than himself, and a wave of pity rose in his heart. He comforted her, saying: "Miss Zhuo, your health is of utmost importance. A peaceful heart is one's true home; as long as the heart can find peace, any place can be a beautiful landscape. The construction of pavilions and towers is merely a trivial matter compared to the essence of a book."

Whoever it may be, since they hold the ink jade tiger talisman, they possess the identity of an imperial envoy. Peng Detian rose and approached, greeting: "I am Peng Detian, the governor of Yicheng. I was unaware of the arrival of the imperial envoy, and I hope for your forgiveness." As he spoke, he was about to bow down again.

Ye Tao smiled wryly and said, "There are quite a few items from the Ye family workshop in the capital, and I have heard some of it here. However, the places are different, and the ideas will also differ. I lack the confidence to profit in the capital. Although Yicheng is bustling with merchants, the atmosphere of profit-seeking is not very strong. Instead, due to the favorable climate, many wealthy merchants choose Yicheng as their retirement place, pursuing comfort and leisure rather than ostentation. This allows my lazy and easygoing nature to flourish. When it comes to the capital... Yicheng, although bustling with merchants, does not have a strong atmosphere of profit-seeking. Instead, due to the favorable climate, many wealthy merchants choose Yicheng as their retirement place, pursuing comfort and leisure rather than ostentation. This allows my lazy and easygoing nature to flourish. When it comes to the capital... Can Yicheng truly be a suitable place? I do not possess such confidence. However, if the young lady wishes to create a garden or build a house, with just a letter, I will immediately rush to the capital, but only if compelled."

Chief Liu gently lifted his hand and said, "Your Excellency the Governor, I am merely a meddler, here to assist my young lady with some troublesome matters. I am not an envoy of the court, so I kindly ask you to return for now. In the coming days, my young lady will be staying in Yicheng, and it is inevitable that she will trouble you, Your Excellency."

"Miss, the two young gentlemen have arrived." Sisi hurriedly ran up to prepare a cup of hot tea for Miss Zhuo, and then promptly withdrew.

Du Fengchi said, "Oh, Xiaoye, they live in Xunfeng Pavilion"

I guessed it. I have never seen that thing before." Du Fengchi shrugged

I dare not. The purpose of the garden masters in the capital in creating gardens is different from that of the Xunfeng Pavilion. Such a comparison is unfair to those masters.