The Great Seminary

Chapter 258 Jiaojiao
Jinling has nine gates and one hundred and eight wards.

As the leader of the southern frontier under the Ming and Song emperors, it was not by the sea but was connected by three rivers.

With enough patience, one can still reach the ocean by following the shipping route.

The entire capital region has a population of over 100 million, who occasionally gather in the main city, their breaths like clouds.

Zhang Gui was so immersed in the experience that he couldn't help but feel an even stronger sense of déjà vu from his previous life in a top-tier city than in the 'Great Wolf Capital' of the Yuanshan Empire.

And so, riding the flower dragon beast, they walked through an unknown bustling street in an unknown neighborhood.

The pavilions and towers on both sides are decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, and even the shortest ones are more than twenty stories high.

There are also walkways connecting the buildings.

Every now and then, flower petals and shredded colored paper would fall down.

This drew cheers and applause from the ground.

Some, with a sense of humor, immediately began to sing, their melodious voices captivating and enchanting.

It took this country bumpkin from out of town so long to finally understand the origin of the word "闹" (nao, meaning to make a ruckus or commotion) in the Lantern Festival celebrations.

Zhang Gui was looking around with great interest, feeling like he couldn't take it all in.

A bright-eyed, white-toothed girl, though not exceptionally beautiful, possessed a remarkable intelligence, with a small lotus flower adorning her hair.

He pulled on the reins of the beast from the side. Tilting his head back, he asked with a smile:
"This young master has been strolling around for quite some time. Is there anything you need?"

Zhang Gui stopped the flower dragon beast in its tracks. He glanced at it and realized that the little girl who had stopped him was not even as tall as the beast's leg.

It looked like I could be trampled to death at any moment, which gave me a fright.

He jumped off the flower dragon beast and angrily shouted:
"You little girl, you're so young, yet you're so bold."

How could you dare to crawl under the feet of a strange beast? What if you got stepped on?

The girl was startled and explained, her face turning pale:

"Please forgive me, young master. I only approached you because I saw that your dragon-like beast was exceptionally magnificent and I was sure it wouldn't stray off."

"I see. I didn't expect you to be able to 'judge horses.' You should be careful."

"The more important it is to avoid recklessness, especially during the Lunar New Year's Eve."

If you're not from a poor family, who would shamelessly look for a job on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month?

Zhang Gui realized he had been too harsh on the little girl, and still gave her another lecture in his fatherly manner.

He then took out a small gold coin from his sleeve and placed it in the girl's palm.

"Go back and play with your family and friends. It's not too late to start work tomorrow."

He turned around and jumped back onto the Flower Dragon Beast, intending to continue strolling around, when suddenly the little girl grabbed his thigh.
"Young master is a kind-hearted person, but I, Shan Jiaojiao, also have my pride."

I'm just a hired hand, not a beggar. I won't take your money for no reason.

She said she wouldn't ask for money for no reason, but Zhang Gui gave her the small gold bar weighing an ounce and had no intention of returning it.

Zhang Gui chuckled, "Knowing how to earn a living is a good thing, then so be it."

"Just take me to a decent inn to settle down for the time being."

"Understood, young master."

Dan Jiaojiao nodded happily, ran to the front of the flower dragon beast, took the reins, and walked forward.

Seeing that the beast beneath Zhang Gui was ferocious in appearance but gentle and harmless as if it understood human nature, he felt relieved.

He was completely absorbed in sightseeing, letting the young girl lead him around.

As they walked, Shan Jiaojiao suddenly asked:
"Has the young master ever visited an ancient capital like 'Jinlingdu' before?"

"No," Zhang Gui said truthfully. "I've been to the 'Great Wolf Capital' of Yuanshan Kingdom before."

The scale was astonishing; it left me in awe at the time.

However, it is still slightly less impressive than Jinling.

At least the buildings here are much taller than those in 'Big Wolf City'.

The crowd was much denser, shoulder to shoulder.

"Living in Jinling is not easy," Shan Jiaojiao said with a bitter smile.

"You, a young master from a wealthy family, ride a dragon-like beast, live a life of luxury, and are rewarded with gold coins for every good deed you do."

Naturally, people feel that taller buildings and denser crowds make the place more lively and appealing.

But actually, the buildings are tall because land is expensive.

"In densely populated areas, ordinary people like us are forced to live in cramped conditions. That's why I don't like it."

Zhang Gui was taken aback, and couldn't help but recall his previous life as a "drifting" urban elite who frequented skyscrapers during the day.

At night, they slept in a cramped room that could only fit a small bed, huddled up like ants.

"What you said is very insightful, but I was just too attached to appearances."

If a city, no matter how large, prosperous, or desirable, is merely "a paradise for a small portion and a purgatory for the majority," then a sage would not choose it!

Upon hearing this, Dan Jiaojiao's body trembled slightly, and she turned around with a strange expression.
"Young master, you seem kind and approachable, but you are actually very arrogant."

Zhang Guizheng's heart was eased by the little girl's words, "Living in Jinling is not easy," which gave him more confidence in his True Dragon Kingdom, and he felt inexplicably proud.

Ignoring what Shan Jiaojiao was saying, he simply smiled and promised:

“Amiability is my nature, but 'arrogance' is not a thing.”

but it does not matter.

I feel a strong connection with you, and I will reward you handsomely later.

"We clicked," Shan Jiaojiao blinked, her cute and clever expression returning. "Then Jiaojiao thanks the young master for the reward."

Zhang Gui waved his hand dismissively, his eyes gazing at the scenery of Jinlingdu, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

When I came to my senses, I found myself in front of a quiet and elegant inn.

Looking around, the entire market town is quite elegant.

The streets were still bustling with people, but no longer so noisy.

"What a quiet place amidst the hustle and bustle! You certainly know how to find a spot."

"It's not that I'm good at finding people, but rather that you're a young master who's come all alone to play in Jinling."

Most people like this kind of style.

Dan Jiaojiao said with a grin.

He waved to one of the young waiters guarding the inn's entrance.

"Ninth Brother, a distinguished guest has arrived."

The porter only came over after being called, and took the reins from Shan Jiaojiao.

"I hope you are well, young master."

What a magnificent and majestic dragon beast! Let me wash you first.

Once you've settled in and rested, you can continue your ride to see the lanterns tonight…

"Just take the beast to the stable and feed it. I want to walk to see the lanterns later."

Zhang Gui jumped off the flower dragon beast and walked straight into the inn.

He went to the counter and deposited a gold note worth one hundred taels.

"Give me a superior room and set out a fine banquet."

"Yes, yes, please wait a moment, esteemed guest."

The shopkeeper, all smiles, gave orders to the waiter.

"go.

"We escorted this distinguished guest to the superior room, 'A5,' on the second floor to rest."

The waiter beside him obeyed the order.

He led Zhang Gui up to the second floor and arrived at the door of the westernmost guest room, gently pushing it open.

"Your Majesty, please."

Zhang Gui casually tossed him a small silver ingot and said, "Thank you."

I strolled into the guest room.

The room has two rooms, one inside for resting and the other for dining or entertaining guests.

The inner room was spacious and bright when the door was opened.

The furnishings were simple yet elegant, with a green bamboo planted in the outer room.

As soon as he opened the window, the wind rustled through the bamboo leaves, and Zhang Gui couldn't help but smile slightly.

Just then, a low, anxious voice came from behind him.
"Jiaojiao, why won't you come with me?"

(End of this chapter)