The calligraphy was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The writing of this couplet was very pleasing to the eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At least it was visually appealing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although having such a couplet hanging in a suite costing a thousand taels per night was somewhat ironic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He curiously asked the young steward leading the way: "Who wrote this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It was written by our Lord Commander''s eldest son."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He''s footsteps paused as he entered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He looked at the couplet again:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Frugality nurtures integrity, pure as the unblemished autumn moon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Strictness rectifies oneself, clean as the naturally fragrant plum blossom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He thought of a young man who once wrote the poetic line "Knocking on thin bones, still carrying a copper sound."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Later he heard the young man had rebelled alongside his father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then his father surrendered and became Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
How strange life was, that he hade to Jingzhou because of Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And now he saw a couplet written by that same young man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The content was good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The calligraphy was also good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But somehow it left him feeling mncholic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Stepping past the screen in the entrance hall,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He saw a flower bed, with bamboo and trees, lush and green.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Next to it was a thick long table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On the table surface was a stone b.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On the stone b were blue and white tea cups, tworge and six small.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The designs varied slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He was surprised, this was the tea brewing method popr in the imperial pce, a gongfu tea tray.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
He had the honor of drinking this tea before, a tiny cup, personally bestowed by the emperor, just one sip, unable to discern the vor, very light.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But here was aplete tea set, looking even moreprehensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Behind the desk, there was actually a wall of bookshelves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was filled with precious books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In this era, books of any kind were very rare.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Book Boy, who had been muttering about waste along the way, suddenly fell silent upon seeing this entire wall full of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So, so, so many books just disyed here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He''s figure also stood before the bookcase, reaching out to take a book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He randomly picked one, the Tao Te Ching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It wasn''t a particrly special book, he had read it before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But this wall of bookcases was all-epassing, each shelfbeled with book categories: history, novels, medicine? Tea? Antiques? Geography? Agriculture? Strategy?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Each ssification broken down further, looking at the books inside, it became very interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He was definitely considered well-read for his time, after all he had spent his whole life reading, and had ess to quite a lot of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yet in this bookcase in a lodging house in Jingzhou, there were actually quite a few books he had never seen before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He pulled out a book called "Mr. Yin''s Tea Discourse" which detailed various types of tea, gongfu tea brewing methods, timing, water temperature, what water, what tea. The text was serious and rigorous, but he had never read it before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
These books were all handwritten copies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But they were all written very carefully and neatly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The books showed signs of having been read.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Steward Lin Yi exined: "These books are changed regrly. Lord Commander has established a library in the city where people can register with their identity documents to read books. If they want to borrow, they need to leave a deposit. If they have no money, they can copy books - they need to copy two to take one away. The library provides paper and writing utensils for free."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He lingered for a long time before the wall of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Just ncing over, there were already several he hadn''t read.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It felt like he couldn''t finish them all in a day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was a tea room. Next to the table, against the wall, the floor was covered with woven grass mats, with low tables on top, and cushions on both sides that seemed like you could lie down if you pushed them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A go board and pieces were set out on the low table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The view from the window was also beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Rain and sunset oddlybined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Outside the window was actually a wheat field, not some precious flowers, but it was even more pleasing to the eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This tea room could satisfy receiving guests, resting, drinking tea, reading, and working.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Next to the tea room was the washroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Other washrooms were small and dark, but this washroom was surprisinglyrge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was even a dressing table inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were tables and chairs, arge bathtub, with a pipe directly connected to the tub.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was also a toilet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The toilet also had a pipe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The toilet seat was actually covered in silk, and had a backrest, like arge chair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
On the wall were wooden shelves, hanging clean, in-colored towels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was even a robe hanging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Each towel and robe had a small tag indicating its use.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The towels for washing face, hair, feet, and body were actually separate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That robe was for wearing after bathing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Next to the bathtub were several jars,beled with various flowers, and salt, and even a jar of milk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Steward Lin Yi exined: "These are for guests to use when bathing. They can be poured into the tub, they have beautifying effects. This is the water valve, if you want to bathe, you can notify me, and hot water wille out of the valve. Everything is reced daily. Apart from the fixed items, you can take anything you like with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Book Boy noticed there was a special surface for washing hands, not just a lonely basin, but arge countertop with a porcin basin inset in the middle, with a hole at the bottom and a stopper, and a pipe above.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The steward opened the water valve, and water indeed flowed steadily from the pipe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He reached out to catch some water, it was cool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thinking of the rain outside, it wasn''t surprising that the pipe had water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On the countertop were several porcin bottles,beled cleansing cream, toothpaste, shampoo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
These usually cost one or two taels of silver per bottle outside, but here they were set out, ready to use, and apparently could be taken away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Book Boy thought this was quite generous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He shook his head slightly, one or two taels of silver was a lot, butpared to the thousand tael lodging fee, it was very little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Just touring the washroom took quite some time, ending with Inspector He relieving himself alone inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Watching his urine instantly disappear, flushed away, while the washroom still retained its fragrance, Inspector He felt a kind of emptiness in his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Beforeing, he had imagined that a room costing a thousand taels a night might have beautiful maids and fine wine, pools of meat and forests of alcohol, extremely luxurious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In reality there was none of that, forget beautiful maids, the only steward was just a clean-cut schrly type.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In fact, all along the way, the officials who had entertained him had certainly spent more than a thousand taels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Courtesans on pleasure boats, the finest wines, rare birds and beasts, Inspector He was a man of the world, he had experienced all these entertainments.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But none had been as profound as this time, this was a change.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A strange transformation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Next to the toilet was soft white paper for wiping one''s bottom, and a wooden bucket for trash.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was even a small bookshelf beside it, also filled with books, so one could read while defecating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
A frightening feeling, he had actually just wanted to reach out and take a book to look at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thinking about the person who put books here, they must be quite a genius, definitely someone who especially loved books, needing to read even during those moments of evacuation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Leaving the washroom, the steward handed Inspector He a semi-dry cotton cloth, and he wiped his hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Next they went to the adjoining bedroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, it was a lodging ce, there had to be a bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The view from the bedroom window was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The bed wasn''t one of those ornate embroidered beds, lookingyer uponyer, it was just a simple wooden bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The bedding looked very white and clean.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not a single hair to be seen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was a wardrobe for hanging clothes, inside hung sleeping robes, and shoes without heels. Steward Lin Yi bent down, indicating that the master could change his shoes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Book Boy hurried over to attend to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Feet that had been enclosed in shoes, having walked a long way, were notfortable. ced in these open, heelless shoes, it seemed the soles could spread out. Without even getting into bed, they were already resting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Sir, we offer foot and massage services. If you need them, just ring the bell anytime, and I''ll arrange it for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He thought, here ites, this must be the beautiful maid service.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But then the steward Lin Yi handed him a card, which read: Foot massage 10 taels of silver per session, full body massage 50 taels of silver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He stumbled in shock. Spending so much money on lodging, and massages still cost extra?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Could it be massages from courtesans?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He couldn''t stand it, but since he was already here, he might as well go for it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was here to experience and understand the chaos and corruption of Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To see what a mess the rebel Commander Jiang had made of Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He sat down heavily on the soft bed, waiting for someone toe and give him a massage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sure enough, there was immediately a knock at the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Steward Lin Yi answered: "Come in."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The sound of the door opening was heard, followed by slow footsteps. There was no heavy fragrance, but rather a faint medicinal scent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then a middle-aged man in a ck robe entered, walking very slowly, leaning on a cane, tapping it lightly as he moved forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He was dumbfounded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It wasn''t until he was asked to lie down, and a pair of dry hands began to roam, press, and tap on his shoulders, that Inspector He came to his senses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were no beautiful maids, no courtesans; the one giving the massage was, surprisingly, a blind middle-aged man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Inspector He curiously asked, "Can a blind person actually work like this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The manughed and replied, "Lord Commander says we''re only blind, not useless. Of course, we can earn money with our skills. Our blindness makes us unable to see, but it also makes us more focused. With one touch, I can tell that your right shoulder isn''t good, sir. It''s severely strained from long periods of desk work in a fixed position. Be careful, sir, it might hurt when I press here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Pop."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Pop."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Hiss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ouch."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Oh, that feels good."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You must earn quite a bit. How many taels of silver for one session? It should be enough to support a family."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It''s decent. My wife is pregnant, and when the child grows up and goes to school, there will be many expenses. I need to work hard and save money."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0