Royal Gold Magistrate

Despite his careful examination, Paba couldn’t detect anything special in the aroma.

His nose told him that no matter how he tried, it wasn’t as fragrant as the tea at the Court of Diplomatic Receptions.

Perhaps it was because it hadn’t been steeped in hot water? That must be it!

Fang Zheng moved to his side, observing his expression.

Seeing Paba’s confusion, he gave another signal to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper quickly said: “Honored guest! How do you find it? Can you smell the medicinal fragrance in the tea?”

Medicinal fragrance?

Paba took another sniff, then raised his head in surprise: “Indeed! It’s true! There really is a complex medicinal aroma. How curious!”

The shopkeeper smiled slightly: “That’s exactly it. This tea seems unremarkable at first smell, but once steeped in water, that medicinal fragrance blooms.”

“Initially, it tastes ordinary, but the more you drink, the more irresistible it becomes. With long term consumption, it can increase strength, purge toxins from the body, and extend life!”

“In all the world, only this tea has such powerful medicinal properties!”

Paba set down the tea jar, sighing: “So that’s it. I never imagined such an extraordinary tea existed. Truly remarkable!”

“This has been quite eye opening! It’s just a pity I won’t get to try it.”

Fang Zheng stood to the side, smiling faintly.

Celestial Immortal Tea had stopped production long ago.

What they were selling now wasn’t the taste. It was luxury, status, and a story!

Tea roasted with medicinal herbs would be considered a state secret recipe in modern times!

With His Majesty personally setting the price, five hundred taels wasn’t expensive at all! Perfect for giving as gifts to the Northern Rong!

“Master, today is truly regrettable. You’ve come from so far away. You should have been able to taste this fine tea.”

“Alas, we can’t buy any now, but don’t worry! I’ll ask His Majesty to grant you some!”

“I’m sure he’ll be willing.”

Paba increasingly felt that Fang Zheng was an honest man, and said gratefully: “I appreciate Lord Fang’s kindness, but please don’t trouble yourself so.”

“No matter! Since they don’t have good tea here, let’s look around elsewhere!”

Without waiting for Paba’s response, he immediately pulled his sleeve toward the door.

Directly across from them was a jewelry shop.

The group headed straight for it, with Paba asking bewilderedly: “Lord Fang! That’s a jewelry shop. Surely there’s no need to look there?”

“How could there be no need! They have many of Great Jing’s finest jewels. Absolutely beautiful!”

“Even if Master has no use for them, you should take a look. I hear you brought many agates and such treasures. Let’s see how they compare to Great Jing’s jewels!”

Paba lowered his head with a bitter smile.

Jewels weren’t important anymore. By now he felt that Northern Rong had completely misjudged Great Jing.

One could see the whole leopard from a single spot. Great Jing’s development had exceeded his imagination.

A country that had only recently stopped fighting wars had transformed a backward district in just half a year into something resembling a prosperous golden age.

He dared not imagine what it would be like in a few decades!

Upon entering the jewelry shop, they immediately noticed the glass diamond rings in the most prominent display.

The wooden display case was deliberately placed near the window.

Sunlight streaming in now struck the diamond rings, making them sparkle brilliantly indoors.

Ordinary pearls and jade seemed dim in comparison to the glass.

Paba was naturally drawn to the diamonds immediately.

Walking forward curiously, he asked: “What is this that shines so brightly?”

The second string actor shopkeeper warmly welcomed them and began explaining.

“This is called a diamond, the world’s most precious gemstone, worth ten thousand in gold!”

“Look at this Ocean’s Heart, the size of a fingernail. It’s the finest among diamonds, priced at…”

While Paba listened intently, Fang Zheng finally relaxed completely.

Just how many Ocean’s Hearts had that troublemaker Xiao Tao released into the market?

This worthless thing was everywhere, just like ’82 Lafite!

Still, judging by Paba’s expression, he seemed thoroughly convinced.

In a few days, his tribute list to the Emperor would mainly consist of diamonds, tea, and such items.

Maybe add some fine silks and satins.

Usually return gifts were universally acknowledged valuables like gold, silver, and jewels.

To prepare appropriate return gifts, he naturally had to make Paba feel they were worth more than their cost.

This wasn’t really deception, since these items truly commanded such prices in the market.

That was all thanks to marketing!

Whether they’d hold their value in the future… well, that was another matter!

Even gold and silver could depreciate.

Besides, the Northern Rong would be formidable future opponents. There was no reason to give them silver.

After a brief look around, Paba lost interest.

Diamonds were indeed beautiful, but how much interest could a man have in such things?

Fang Zheng noticed this and said: “Master, have you seen enough?”

“We’ve walked quite a way, and I suspect Warrior Chilie must be hungry. Shall we have a meal first, then continue looking around?”

Paba nodded and turned to ask Chilie’s opinion.

With his massive frame, Chilie had high energy needs and was already starving. He naturally agreed eagerly.

As they walked along the street searching for a restaurant, Fang Zheng’s eyes caught a familiar name.

Laoliu Restaurant!

This was his first time seeing it in the district. He smiled. Zhang Laoliu? He’d opened a branch in Banshan District?

Could it really be such a coincidence!

Fang Zheng turned and pointed at Laoliu Restaurant, saying to Paba: “Master! Shall we eat here?”

Paba nodded in agreement.

The food didn’t matter anymore. He mainly wanted to observe the depth of difference between the capital and Banshan District.

Behind the restaurant counter stood the familiar figure of Zhang Laoliu.

Zhang Laoliu’s eyes lit up seeing Fang Zheng, and he was about to speak when he caught Fang Zheng’s meaningful wink. Immediately understanding, he approached the group casually and said warmly: “Welcome! What would our honored guests like to eat?”

Fang Zheng waved his hand grandly: “Bring out all your famous dishes! And make them well!”

Zhang Laoliu bowed repeatedly: “Of course! Please, honored guests, to the second floor! The ambiance is better upstairs!”

As the group followed the waiter toward the second floor, Fang Zheng suddenly spoke at the stairs: “Master, I need to use the facilities. You go ahead first.”

Paba nodded and continued upstairs.

Once everyone was upstairs, Zhang Laoliu immediately rushed over, beaming: “Welcome, Master! What brings you here!”

“Business is good, eh, Laoliu? You’ve even opened a branch in the capital.”

Zhang Laoliu maintained his fawning smile: “Business is excellent! It was hard to make money back in the county, so I came to try my luck in the capital.”

“When I heard this area was under your management, I came right away!”

“Following Master is the sure path to riches! Master, what’s the story with those two guests? Should I send up some special dishes?”

Fang Zheng snorted with laughter: “Heh, Northern Rong barbarians. No need for courtesy. Just give them a discount!”

Zhang Laoliu’s face bloomed with joy.

Indeed! Follow the master’s lead, and silver will surely follow!