Chapter 40: This Young Master Does Some Shopping

Chapter 40: This Young Master Does Some Shopping

It was an awkward carriage ride to Clearsprings Citys market district. Lan Fens request had caught Chen Haoran off guard. It was just too unexpected after all. Not only that she wanted to publicly go out and about in the city but that she wanted to be seen with him.

So he trailed off.

Lan Fen, head propped up on her hand, turned from the carriage window and looked at him. Yes?

Is there a reason you wanted to go for a walk? He was hoping it wasnt another euphemism. Her hunting was devasting enough, he wasnt sure he wanted to see what her walking could do.

The Palace Exams are soon.

That wasnt really an answer to his question but he could roll with it. They start at the end of the week right?

Correct, she nodded. Lan Yao must participate in them.

Chen Haoran frowned in thought. Would the Lan family let her? Theres too much attention on her right now.

There are benefits to it. If she participates then she is guaranteed to pass and join the Palace School. Once she does the Lan family will have an opportunity to breathe.

Because theyd have a future government official in their family?

Because the Palace School does not brook any interference with their students. The other families would have to be more cautious in their approach lest they offend the school or worse.

Which is what you dont want, Chen Haoran said, leaning back into his seat. It sounds like her joining is good. Why do you make it sound like she wont?

The Empire stations its officials far from the area of their birth so as to combat corruption. Were Lan Yao to join then it would be decades before the Lan family would see her again let alone make use of her. Lan Fen smiled bitterly. And a cultivator family guards their young talents jealously. She turned to look out the window. Even to their detriment.

Thankfully for Chen Haoran they finally reached the market. He opened the door and jumped out of the awkward carriage. Lan Fen stood at the door of the carriage and didnt move.

Is something wrong? he asked.

She held out her hand. Youre meant to assist the lady when disembarking the carriage.

Etiquette, right, he sighed. He would have to make some time to study the finer points of upper-class manners. His predecessor's poor reputation shielded him from any faux passes he committed in ignorance but if wanted to put his best foot forward in the future then he had to learn it.

He offered Lan Fen his hand and she took it and stepped off the carriage. Not that she needed his help to begin with. This was just her reminding him of details he had to pay attention to.

Have you come to this market before? Lan Fen asked him as they entered a square littered with stalls, wagons being used as stalls, and simple carpets spread over the ground pretending to be stalls.

Only when I had to dump money at the bars around here. I wasnt in the mood for sightseeing.

I hope you see something that catches your eye then.

You have keen eyes sir, the merchant said. These Hidden Tiger earrings are made from spiritual tiger eye crystals. They allow the wearer to give off a ferocious presence similar to a hunting tiger.

He looked at Lan Fen. She nodded, confirming that they were indeed a proper artifact and not some fake. How does a merchant come across a Mortal-rank artifact? she idly asked the man.

Chen Haoran ignored the merchants long-winded story of how he acquired them and looked at Lan Fens ears. He looked back to the earrings.

Would you wear these if I got them for you? he asked her.

Lan Fen looked down at the earrings. Do you want me to wear them?

I think theyd look good on you.

I shall wear them then.

Ill take them, he told the merchant, dropping a bag of gold taels on the counter. He picked up the earrings and handed them over to Lan Fen. The merchant rushed over with a mirror to help her put them on.

Received Hundred-Fold: Profound-Rank Crouching Tiger Earrings

Lan Fen channeled qi into the artifact and he felt gooseflesh prickle over his skin as the feeling of being stared down from all directions came over him.

He was right, it was a good look for her.

The sun dipped from midday into the evening when they decided they had enough of the market district. He didnt find anything else worth gifting to Lan Fen besides a few wild spiritual herbs gathered from the Clearsprings Mountains.

This wasnt so bad, he said. He got a Profound-rank treasure and had more rewards to look forward to once they got delivered. Its been pretty quiet though. Despite so openly walking around he hadnt seen anyone make a big deal out of seeing Lan Fen.

It is a market after all, Lan Fen said. Many people come and go here, there are better places to reveal myself.

Then what did we come here for?

To enjoy ourselves before getting to business, Lan Fen blithely replied. What did you think this was?

I didnt think you knew how to relax, much less do it this way.

Lan Fen huffed a laugh. Even I have days where I wish to unwind. There wont be other opportunities until the Lan family is defeated.

Whats the plan then?

Lan Fen smiled. It was one that was all too recognizable to him now.

Shall we go eat?