Gu Yan Chen borrowed paper and brush from a shopkeeper, asking Lu Nian Fu to help with the registrations. They were all small stalls, and the goods weren't particularly valuable. If the prices were just slightly inflated, Gu Yan Chen would let it slide. However, if they asked for an exorbitant amount, he would direct them to the Prime Minister himself to seek compensation.
The two of them were busy with great fervor, completely unaware that the terrified woman was gazing intently at Gu Yan Chen's figure.
Zhao Si Yue's horse had bolted from the adjacent street. Fortunately, she had good luck, crashing through over a dozen stalls before encountering Gu Yan Chen, thus not delaying things too much. Gu Yan Chen folded the papers Lu Nian Fu handed over and instructed them to come to Dali Temple for their money the following afternoon.
As the stall owners dispersed, Lu Nian Fu lost interest in shopping.
Gu Yan Chen looked at the chaotic street, frowning, "Fu'er, shall we go to the next street?"
"My legs hurt. Let's just go directly to Ming Yue Tower. There should be seats there, right?"
"Of course." He took Lu Nian Fu's hand, about to leave, when he saw a woman gracefully approaching. "Young master, thank you so much just now. Without you, Si Yue would have been dead or injured today."
Gu Yan Chen retorted impatiently, "Knowing it's dangerous, remember to bring your brain next time you go out."
"Yes, yes, Si Yue will listen to you. It's just, young master, my horse bolted just now, and I absolutely dare not ride it again. Could you be a good Samaritan and see me back to the Prime Minister's residence? Si Yue can then give you the compensation money."
Lu Nian Fu saw the affection glinting in her eyes and inwardly tutted. She was practically inviting him home. Had the women in the capital become so open?
A woman who was good-looking and seemed to come from a decent family, showing such a grateful and charming plea, made Lu Nian Fu feel a bit overwhelmed, let alone Gu Yan Chen. However, she heard him say, "No time. I still need to take my wife to Ming Yue Tower. You can call for a soft sedan chair for a few coppers to send you home."
Zhao Si Yue bit her lip, "But, but my money is with my maid."
Gu Yan Chen said irritably, "Can't you just have them send you to your residence and let the servants pay?"
Lu Nian Fu: ...
How unromantic could a man be?
Even with a thick skin, Zhao Si Yue couldn't say anything more. She could only silently watch the two of them leave, her eyes lingering on their clasped hands for a long time, a wave of sadness surging within her.
This was the first time she had fallen for someone, and he was already married.
Gu Yan Chen had no time to pay attention to Zhao Si Yue's dejected state. He held Lu Nian Fu's hand and complained, "No wonder Ouyang Zong disliked the affected women in the capital. They go out and leave their money pouches with their maids. What, are they going to be crushed to death by coins if they carry it themselves?"
Lu Nian Fu: ...
Forget it. Compared to being considerate and charming to everyone, she would rather he be an unromantic blockhead.
The challenge arena at Ming Yue Tower was set up on the first floor. The entire hall was packed, with significantly more spectators than challengers. Challenging was free, but spectators had to spend at least thirty taels of silver.
A waiter enthusiastically greeted them, "Distinguished guests, are you here to watch the challenge or to dine? Which floor would you prefer for dining? Standing higher gives a better view. There are still seats available on the sixth floor..."
Lu Nian Fu, after holding back for a moment, couldn't help but ask, "Is the sixth floor more expensive than the third?"
"Naturally. However, to go to the sixth floor, you only need to pay an additional fifteen taels of viewing fee compared to the third floor. It's your good fortune that a table of guests on the sixth floor had to leave temporarily. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to get there. Ming Yue Tower is doing good business, and seats are reserved well in advance."
Fifteen taels, and "only"?
Lu Nian Fu once again confirmed that the owner of Ming Yue Tower was a shrewd businessman.
She said, "Unfortunately, we are here to challenge."
The waiter became even more delighted, "May I know which challenge you wish to undertake, sir and madam? I'll take you there right away." Challengers also brought commissions. After all, not many dared to face the challenges of Ming Yue Tower. If no one challenged, who would pay to watch?
Lu Nian Fu looked at Gu Yan Chen. Gu Yan Chen said, "There isn't much time today. Let's just do the martial combat, a quick win, and then we can ask Ouyang and Ji Jin to join us for another meal."
"Can you bring three people up with you if you challenge alone?"
"Should be able to... right?"
The waiter, who was so happy just moments ago, lost his smile. "I apologize, but you can only bring one person upstairs successfully after passing one challenge. If you wish to bring two more friends, you will have to pass another challenge."
Gu Yan Chen: "..." You Ming Yue Tower are too stingy.
Lu Nian Fu turned her head in surprise, wanting to know where he got the nerve to call others stingy.