"What is so good about peace!? It prevents people from experiencing the exhilarating thrill of the battlefield and the grandeur of commanding a Thousand Troops and Horses to charge," Luzi said, taking off his now ordinary-length Bronze Sword. He drew the sharp blade and smiled, saying:
"In times of peace, the long swords in our hands will be covered in rust! People like us are born for war. If this world were to have no more wars, we might lose the meaning of our existence! We are the sharpest blades, cutting through all darkness in the world and bringing light to the land!"
Chang Yu gazed at the gleaming blade under the lights and asked, "What if the land is already filled with light? Do we still have value in our existence?"
Upon hearing the question, Luzi merely smiled slightly. He placed the sword sheath and Bronze Sword on the table and asked, "Are many people from the Feudal States coming to enjoy the peace in Qi State?"
"Replying to Big Shopkeeper! According to my observations these days, many commoners from various Feudal States have come seeking refuge, including many wealthy families who have moved their entire households to Qidi to escape the chaos."
With this answer, Luzi ceased further discussion. He stood up and invited his companions to go out for a stroll, believing that the capital of Qi State during this peaceful era must be bustling with lights.
Upon hearing about going out to see the night scenery, Sun Thirteen quickly claimed he had a stomachache. Everyone knew he was always averse to shopping, so no one pressed him. Li Xin suggested inviting Xiao Yu'er along but was informed by Luzi that this year's salary wouldn't even cover expenses from their last outing in Handan.
Having someone to accompany them was certainly a good thing, but all expenses had to be covered by whoever made the invitation.
Li Xin had also participated in shopping sprees before. Hearing how serious things had become now, he quickly clutched his wallet and claimed he was just joking earlier. It was an accidental slip of the tongue; there was no need to worry.
In truth, Luzi's earlier comment had been a joke. How much silver could they possibly spend on shopping? Besides, what they bought back then were all discounted items, far from what the Shop Assistant had quoted!
For this matter, when Luzi met King Zhao of Qin while guarding Wild King City, he even took the initiative to admit his mistake. However, he dared not mention who had given him discounts in Handan City to avoid exposing Xiao Yu'er's true identity.
After learning about it, King Zhao of Qin did not suggest that Luzi should be more careful in the future. The king said that money should be spent generously when necessary! Discounts should be given when appropriate! You are the Big Shopkeeper of Prosperity Record! Losing face outside is losing face for our Qin State!
Moreover, what does it matter how much is spent!? Even if he were given all the gold and jewels in the world, where could he take them!? Don't forget! Under heaven, all land belongs to the king; on every shore, all subjects belong to him. As long as this person lives on this land, sooner or later they will still belong to Qin State!
Since the incident involving the Crown Prince of Qin, Luzi has gradually begun to suspect that there is a mole within the organization, but he has not mentioned this to anyone. The reason for not allowing Xiao Yu'er to go out shopping is actually for her personal safety.
Compared to the military, the civilian environment is much more complex.
Most soldiers have not been tainted by the corrupting influences of society and are relatively simple-minded. In the military camp, the people one interacts with are usually well-known and easily traceable. Moreover, infiltrating a military camp to plot something would only happen out of necessity.
However, in a civilian environment, things are much more complicated. On the bustling streets filled with people coming and going, who knows who is who? Even Luzi and his companions dare not say they won't encounter any trouble when going out, let alone someone like Xiao Yu'er, who has a bit of martial arts knowledge.
The three of them reached a consensus and decided not to linger any longer. They found an unoccupied spot and jumped over the wall into the alley outside. After checking that no one was around, they adjusted their clothes and stepped into the crowd, blending in with the flow of people.
As Luzi had anticipated, the slightly chilly weather did not affect the bright lights on the street. The taverns were packed with people, bustling with noise and excitement. Especially in the tavern, those calling out orders were bare-chested.
Those who had just come down from the battlefield felt quite unfamiliar with the lively streets; they only felt a sense of familiarity with the raucous atmosphere reminiscent of battle. Their stomachs, which were not hungry before, suddenly growled at the sound of tearing shouts. Coupled with the enticing aroma of alcohol wafting through the air, it was an impulse that no one could resist.
Luzi turned to Chang Yu, who was acting as a half-tour guide, and asked where there was a clean place nearby that served good wine. The answer was right in front of them: a three-story building adorned with a sign reading "Ten Li Fragrance."
In the capital of Qin State, two-story buildings are already rare. At this moment and place, three-story buildings with carved beams and painted pillars line the streets. The Ten Li Fragrant Restaurant had an extravagant exterior; even its sign was made from high-quality fabric embroidered beautifully. Just this one banner indicated its high status; it would take at least several taels of silver to dine there.
Such an upscale tavern naturally requires a considerable expenditure!
Sensing the aroma of wine carried by the wind, Luzi swallowed hard. Ever since experiencing the Shangdang Campaign and nearly jumping off a cliff to end his life, he had become more carefree. Why hoard material possessions? You can't take anything with you when you die! While he was still alive today, he might as well enjoy a drink at the tavern—it would be worth it!
Having made up his mind, he reached into his pocket only to find it empty. It dawned on him that his usual expenses were covered by Sun Thirteen, but that guy hadn't come along! This was bad!
Li Xin certainly knew what Luzi was after. He initially planned to be generous but happened to see a wine banner embroidered with the sign of Ten Li Fragrance. He quickly swallowed the words he almost said and seriously stated that he usually did not drink.
Why not just find a tea house to sit in? The large bowls of tea inside are free!
During the Lu Qi period, the circulating currency was Knife Currency, which continued to be used as the main circulating currency during the Tian Qi period. Aside from the different inscriptions on Knife Coin, their appearance and size were generally the same.
The authorities did not strictly require that currency circulation must use Knife Coin; items like gold, silver, and jade could also be used as money. As long as both parties willingly agreed to use them as payment, they would not be arrested afterward.
Since Luzi did not bring any silver coins, he naturally knew about this internal regulation and intended to use his jade pendant as collateral. This could also be understood as a form of pledge, with plans to send someone to deliver Silver Coins for redemption the next day.
It was rare for Lu the Shopkeeper to have such an interest!
Chang Yu was certainly not as stingy as Li Xin, so he ignored Li Xin's gestures and took the initiative to shoulder the burden. He assured Big Shopkeeper that there was no need to worry about this matter; it was just a few wine expenses, and his subordinates still had some funds available.
Why not! This time, let’s treat Big Shopkeeper’s guests!
Hearing that the tricky issue of wine expenses had been thoroughly resolved, Lu Zichao nodded repeatedly and waved his hand. "What are we waiting for!? We won't return until we're drunk tonight! Come on, everyone! Let's go!"
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