The morning dawned crisp and cool. Two carriages rumbled along the rough dirt road, One carriage carried a massive tiger bound securely, while the other was occupied by her, who dozed lazily against the side of the carriage, her head cushioned on her arm.
The sun climbed higher, warming the land, and by the time noon approached, the two carriages finally entered through the gates of Qinghe Town. The bustling town was alive with vendors calling out their wares, the clatter of hooves on stone, and the faint fragrance of roasted chestnuts drifting through the air.
The two men—Lu Hong and Scarface Wang—parked the carriages by the roadside and walked to the door of their young mistress's carriage.
Miss, we've arrived at Qinghe Town, Scarface announced.
From inside came a long yawn, followed by a sleepy voice. "Mm… already?"
Zilan's drowsy eyes blinked open, and she stretched languidly before peering out. "Do you know of any place that can buy a tiger?"
Lu Hong quickly nodded. Yes, Miss. In Qinghe Town, there's a branch of Tianyun Pavilion. It was a business under the Su Family, one of the wealthiest families in our daliang country. The tianyun pavillion trade in exotic treasures and rare treasure medicines and all kind of items that interested them. The su family opened the tianyun pavillion here in huayang county because it located near the blackpine forest. If anyone dares to buy a living tiger, it would be them.
Without a word, Zilan flicked her wrist. A small pouch flew out of the carriage and landed neatly in Scarface's hands.
Five taels, Zilan said calmly. Go buy yourselves proper clothing. If we're going to do business, at least look presentable. And her gaze swept toward their ragged ears, cover that with something. Don't make us look like bandits.
The two men exchanged a glance, silent accusation flashing in their eyes: Whose fault is that? Then they clasped their fists respectfully.
Yes, Miss.
---
Half an hour later, the pair returned. Their shabby rags had been replaced with plain but clean scholar-style robes, the kind worn by respectable merchants. Both of them had tied a dark cloth over their missing ear, hiding the scar.
The two then made their way to Tianyun Pavilion, a tall, elegant building with carved beams and painted eaves. The grand signboard shimmered with gold-gilded characters: Tianyun Pavilion.
As they entered, the soft fragrance of incense greeted them. A young maid in light-blue robes approached with a courteous smile.
Sirs, are you here to purchase something?
No, Lu Hong replied, his voice steady. We are here to sell something. We need to speak with your steward.
The maid's smile faltered slightly. I'm afraid the steward is occupied. If you tell me what you wish to sell, I can pass the message on.
We are here, Scarface said bluntly, to sell a living tiger.
The maid froze, blinking at them as though she had misheard. A… a living tiger?
The two men exchanged helpless glances.
It's not us who are abnormal, they thought silently. It's that little devil who treats such a monstrous beast like a pet…
Lu Hong sighed and repeated firmly, "We are serious. The tiger is outside the town gates. Go and inform your steward. Ask him if he is willing to purchase it.
The maid looked uncertain, but after a moment, she bowed. Please wait a moment.
---
Upstairs, she hurried into a room where a middle-aged man in silk robes was poring over account books.
Steward Zhao, she said cautiously, two men have come… claiming they wish to sell a living tiger.
The steward's brush halted mid-stroke. He lifted his head sharply. What did you just say?
A tiger, Steward. A living one. They said they've even brought it into town.
Zhao narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering across his face. Are they here to cause trouble?
The maid shook her head. They seemed sincere. Rough-looking, but not liars.
Zhao tapped the desk thoughtfully. A living tiger? If it were true, then this was no ordinary deal. If he could present such a beast to Young Master Su, he will definitely able to gain his favor.
After a long pause, he rose from his chair, voice low but resolute. Very well. Let's go see them.
---
Back in the hall, the steward descended the stairs with the maid. He studied the two men carefully—neither looked like conmen, but their expressions were far too calm for people making such a wild claim.
Sirs, Zhao greeted them with a wide smile, are you the two heroes who brought a living tiger to sell?
Lu Hong and Scarface hurriedly shook their heads. No, Steward. It isn't ours. It was our young miss who captured the tiger. We were merely ordered to come here and inform you.
Your young miss? steward zhao raised a brow, intrigued and where is she now?
She and the tiger are waiting in the carriage, Lu Hong answered respectfully. If you would come with us, you can inspect the goods yourself.
For a brief moment,Steward zhao hesitated, studying them again. What kind of background do these people have, to speak so casually of capturing a tiger?
But the lure of such a oppurtunity was irresistible. Adjusting his sleeves, steward zhao gestured grandly. Very well, Lead the way.