"Steward Zuo, it's been a while since you've been here. Please come in. Grace Pavilion has a newcomer today. She's a famous beauty from Grassy Continent's Westward Country. I'm sure you'll be pleased with her, Steward Zuo," the receptionist said respectfully.
It was obvious that Zuo Wentang was a frequent customer of Grace Pavilion.
Zuo Wentang smiled and said to the receptionist, "I'm treating our esteemed guest to a drink today. You'd better put in some effort into the arrangements."
The receptionist quickly replied, "Of course, of course. Don't worry, Steward Zuo."
Having said that, he hurriedly led the two inside.
Zuo Wentang whispered to Lin Jin, "Chief Lin, since we're in a place like this, I'll just call you Brother Lin."
Lin Jin smiled. "You're my elder brother. Whatever you say, Brother Zuo."
At the sight of Lin Jin's' understanding ', Zuo Wentang burst into laughter.
In a place like this, it would be too much of a letdown if one addressed them as Steward Zuo and the other as Chief Lin. Moreover, others would know who they were.
As the saying went, one should speak according to the situation. In a place like this, it was most appropriate to address each other as brothers.
Lin Jin didn't put on airs and Zuo Wentang was a decent person who was worth befriending.
The two entered Grace Pavilion. It was Lin Jin's first time here. Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still stunned by the extravagant decorations inside.
Lin Jin had been to the royal capital and the palace before. To a certain extent, even the palace's decorations couldn't compare to Grace Pavilion.
What was magnificence?
That was exactly what he was seeing. A golden cedar plaque, a white jade staircase from the Western Continent, a painted ceiling, gold and aluminum candles hanging from the ceiling, a mansa tent, and an elegant screen.
In short, everything he saw was extravagant. There were even thick pads under his feet that felt as soft as a beauty's shoulder.
"I didn't expect the people of this world to enjoy themselves so much," Lin Jin mumbled to himself.
There were more than a hundred candles hanging in the main hall, and they were all of the highest quality. Instead of pungent odors, they even had a refreshing fragrance. Lin Jin had to admit that the owner of this place was a big spender.
To be able to open such a large stall in Maple City, the owner was definitely no ordinary person.
However, this was just a thought. He was merely curious. Then again, since Zuo Wentang frequented this place often, he might have a share in the business.
However, Lin Jin would never ask such a question.
As expected, the private room that Zuo Wentang had prepared was definitely the best in Grace Pavilion.
The layout of Grace Pavilion was a little like a well. There was a hall in the center that was at least three zhang wide. There was also a stage for dancers to dance on.
There were also tables and chairs on the second and third floors.
From the second floor onwards, there were private rooms. Of course, they were only separated by carved wooden screens. One side faced the railing, and one could see the dancing and singing girls below.
Relatively speaking, the private rooms on the second floor were the best, and the one Zuo Wentang found was the one with the best angle.
From this distance, he could clearly see the singers and dancers on the stage. In fact, he felt like he could touch them if he stretched out his hand.
"Old Brother Lin, the rule of Grace Pavilion is to drink the tea first, then savor the wine. The tea here is excellent as well. Just this pot alone would cost at least five silver taels." Zuo Wentang said with a smile.
In this kind of situation, he naturally did not have the prestige of the City Lord Mansion's Chief Steward. At this moment, it was really a private gathering, and he was very open.
He didn't hold back when he spoke.
Perhaps this was his true nature, or perhaps he was doing it on purpose to make Lin Jin relax.
Lin Jin could tell as well.
"If this pot of tea costs five silver taels, then that pot of wine must cost at least fifty," Lin Jin said with a smile. "Brother Zuo, thank you for spending so much today."
Zuo Wentang pulled a long face and pretended to be unhappy. "Old Brother Lin, what are you talking about? How is treating a brother to a drink considered spending money? Forget fifty, even if it's five hundred, so what? "
Lin Jin laughed heartily and drank a cup of tea.
The tea was indeed top-notch. It was Maple City's most famous' Fragrant Hill Red Leaf Tea '. Although it was called red leaf tea, it was actually a type of green tea. It was fragrant in the mouth, cooling down the throat, and left an endless aftertaste.
Since Lin Jin was here, he planned to enjoy himself.
Grace Pavilion was so particular about a pot of tea. Even the water used to brew the tea was top-notch mountain spring water. Lin Jin guessed that it was transported here by horse and carriage from the mountains.
Of course, Lin Jin was looking forward to the food and drinks they served.
In the hall, there was already the sound of drums at this time. A group of seven young women, dressed in light muslin, had beautiful figures. They were all barefoot, with small bells tied to their hands and feet. When they moved, the bells would ring, which was very pleasing to the ear.
These seven dancers wore thin veils over their faces, but it was obvious that they were all good-looking. As they danced to the music, many of the customers below were mesmerized.
Zuo Wentang stole a glance at Lin Jin and noticed that the latter wasn't attracted by the dancers at all. Lin Jin didn't seem like a hot-blooded young man either.
"Lil 'Bro Lin, the girls in Grace House are all carefully selected. But, since you're always surrounded by beauties, of course you wouldn't be interested in the girls here." Zuo Wentang cracked a joke.
At this, Lin Jin burst into laughter. "Brother Zuo, please don't laugh at me. I've always been studying beast appraising skills. Where would I find the time to pay attention to this?"
Of course, Lin Jin knew what Zuo Wentang was talking about. Speaking of which, he was indeed surrounded by beauties. Any one of them was better than Grace Pavilion's dancers.
A feast for the eyes. Perhaps it was because he had seen too many of these beauties that he wouldn't be interested in the slightly inferior ones.
This was especially true for Shang'er. She was on the level of a national calamity.
After being used to such beauties, Lin Jin had indeed become picky.
Zuo Wentang laughed and didn't continue the topic. Both of them watched the dance before Zuo Wentang said, "It's not time yet. Grace Pavilion's most talented lady will be here in a while. Among them, Qu Wenji is the prettiest. Not only is she good at singing and dancing, but she's also well-versed in calligraphy, painting, chess, and the guqin. More than half of the guests here are here for her."
As he spoke, a strange gentleness flashed across Zuo Wentang's eyes.
"Oh!"
Lin Jin had no idea who this Qu Wenji was.
But hearing Zuo Wentang's praise for her, she must have some unique skills. But Lin Jin was more concerned about what kind of wine would be served later and what kind of dishes would be served.
Speaking of dishes, it had been a while since Lin Jin last saw Masterchef Liao.
Recently, Masterchef Liao had gone on a trip and Lin Jin had no idea where he went.
While Lin Jin was deep in thought, he caught a whiff of a delicious aroma.
It's here.
Lin Jin looked at the entrance. Sure enough, young women came in carrying a variety of dishes.
There weren't many dishes, but each one was meticulously prepared. They looked, smelled, and tasted great, especially the jug of wine that was brought in at the end. It had a strong alcoholic aroma.
Compared to the dancers, Lin Jin was more interested in the dishes and wine.
"Come, come, Brother Lin. According to Grace Pavilion's rules, there will be three rounds of dishes and each round will be different. These are all cold dishes and the wine is also plum wine that will stimulate the appetite. Once the appetites are satisfied, the main course will be served later." Zuo Wentang laughed heartily as he introduced the dishes to Lin Jin.
Interestingly, as the dishes were served, the dancers changed as well.
The seven dancers from before retreated and two women took their places.
Of the two women, one was playing the guqin while the other was playing the pipa. Their soft fingers plucked at the strings, creating a natural rhythm. The melody was clear and melodious, and other than the beautiful sounds of the guqin and pipa, the two women also had excellent figures and looks.
At the same time, the individual seats and private rooms below began serving the dishes. It was obvious that this was Grace Pavilion's rule.
"Try it!" Zuo Wentang invited Lin Jin to pick up his chopsticks and Lin Jin didn't decline. He picked up a green bean and smelled it before tasting it. It was indeed delicious.
Then, he picked up a piece of beef and dipped it in the sauce. To his surprise, it was so soft that it melted with a single bite.
Amazing.
Everything else aside, just Grace Pavilion's dishes alone had earned Lin Jin high praise.
Tasting the plum wine again, it completely lived up to his expectations.
Just then, Lin Jin sensed something. As he ate, he looked outside. The two women playing the guqin weren't what he was looking for. Instead, he was looking at a guest who had just entered.
The guest was clearly not dressed like someone from Zhongzhou. Most of his clothes were leather armor, his limbs were thick, and his hair was like a steel brush. His forehead was bulging and as he walked, he exuded a domineering aura.
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