A carriage slowly drove into the imperial capital. The carriage was entirely black and unremarkable, appearing to be an ordinary family's transport.
However, those with discernment could immediately tell the carriage was extraordinarily valuable. Its frame was forged from profound iron, ensuring a stable and smooth ride. The body was crafted from dark obsidian wood, keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. Even the horses pulling it were rare treasures, capable of covering a thousand li in a single day.
"See that? That's what a truly wealthy person looks like," a passerby said, pulling on his companion's arm. "This carriage alone must be worth ten thousand gold!"
"So expensive!" The companion's eyes widened in disbelief. Such an ordinary-looking carriage, worth ten thousand gold!
"The dark obsidian wood body alone is worth three thousand gold. The profound iron frame, and the craftsmanship—it's rare—at least five thousand gold. Even the paper for the windows is cicada-wing silk, and the curtains are made of the finest smoke-cloud satin. Ten thousand gold is likely an understatement."
"Whose wealthy young master is this, with such grandeur? The Jin family's, or the Cen family's?"
"The Jin family is the maternal family of Prince Qi. Though wealthy, they aren't this wealthy. The Cen family is the wealthiest in the imperial capital, so it's possible. But I've never heard of them owning such a luxurious carriage. It's likely from out of town."
"Can anyone be richer than the imperial capital's Cen family?" the crowd asked in amazement.
"You're all too ignorant. The Cen family is only the richest within the imperial capital. Outside, they might not even rank in the top three."
Cen Yu watched the carriage slowly enter the city, a smile appearing on his face. He immediately descended the stairs.
The carriage had stopped directly beneath the Full Moon Pavilion.
The carriage door opened, and first a young maiden, barely out of her teens, stepped down. Then a man emerged. His face was as beautiful as jade, his skin fair, and a cinnabar mark between his brows shimmered with brilliance. He was dressed in opulent golden robes, which, rather than appearing gaudy, exuded an air of understated elegance and remarkable grace.
Cen Yu came out from the building, clad in a lake-blue brocade robe, his long hair neatly tied back. A white jade forehead band adorned his head, enhancing his captivating charm. Standing together, they were a striking pair, each possessing a distinct allure, making it difficult to say who was superior.
"Brother Shangguan, it has been a long time."
"Brother Cen, I trust you have been well."
They exchanged smiles and entered the Full Moon Pavilion side by side, causing the surrounding women to clutch their chests in admiration. They had thought the head of the Cen family was already peerless, but now another breathtaking figure had arrived in the imperial capital.
Cen Yu led Shangguan Jin to a private room upstairs, where they sat facing each other. "Brother Shangguan, your appearance in the imperial capital has already captured the hearts of countless women. I feel inferior."
"Brother Cen, you jest again. Everyone knows those outside are captivated by my unremarkable carriage, not by me."
Cen Yu chuckled heartily. "Indeed, indeed. When I first saw your carriage, I was also full of admiration, wondering what sort of young man possessed such wealth. I never imagined it would be you."
"Who in this world doesn't know the imperial capital's wealthiest, the head of the Cen family, a man of celestial bearing and youthful achievement? I am merely a vulgar person, adept at spending money." Shangguan Jin's smile was pure and clear, and when he spoke of money, his eyes sparkled.
"Stop teasing me. Everyone knows you, Brother Shangguan, are the wealthiest in Jiangnan. My status as the imperial capital's richest is nothing compared to yours!" Cen Yu's statement was not an exaggeration.
The Shangguan family's businesses primarily dealt in grain and rice, controlling the fundamental necessities of life. With food being paramount to the people, the Cen family's financial strength paled in comparison to the Shangguan family's.
"Brother Cen, you are too modest. The Cen family's businesses in silk, porcelain, and tea, which are spread across the land, are truly admirable."
"Brother Shangguan, are you here in the imperial capital to expand your business?" Cen Yu was concerned about this. The Shangguan family, no matter how wealthy in Jiangnan, was too far from the imperial capital to pose any threat. However, if they were to expand into the capital, the existing landscape would be thrown into turmoil.
Shangguan Jin picked up his tea cup and took a sip. "My visit to the imperial capital this time is purely to experience its luxurious lifestyle. I may reside here for three to five years."
Cen Yu's thoughts stirred. To stay in the imperial capital for three to five years—wouldn't that mean developing their business here? Fortunately, the Shangguan family's businesses did not conflict with theirs. However, Shangguan's family's timing in coming to the imperial capital suggested a hidden agenda. If they could win over the Shangguan family to their side, their chances of victory would increase by two parts.
"That's quite a long time. We'll be able to have late-night talks over candles frequently then."
"You are always welcome."
"Have you prepared a residence?"
"It has been prepared. It is at Xuanwu Street, Dongping Alley, number forty-two." Shangguan Jin's voice was unhurried. "However, as I have just arrived in the imperial capital, I will likely be busy for some time before it is fully settled."
"I will certainly visit then."
"I shall brew tea and await your arrival."
"So it is settled."
"I have many matters to attend to since arriving in the imperial capital, so I shall not linger. I will be staying in the capital for an extended period. Once I have found a suitable day, I will share wine with you, Brother Cen."
"Very well, I shall not detain you. Once you are settled, I will come to trouble you."
Shangguan Jin rose to leave. Cen Yu escorted him out of the Full Moon Pavilion and watched the opulent carriage of the Shangguan family depart before turning back to the private room. Another person was already in the room; it was Wen Mohan.
"This is Shangguan Jin. It is rumored that the Shangguan family is as wealthy as a nation, with even their floors paved with jade. Every brick and tile is of extreme luxury. I wondered if the rumors were exaggerated, but seeing him now, I believe they are true."
"The Shangguan family's wealth is beyond our imagination. At the very least, what we see is only the surface. The Shangguan family is definitely not a simple wealthy household. Moreover, there is not the slightest hint of a merchant about Shangguan Jin," Cen Yu said, sitting down. "If we can win over the Shangguan family, our chances of victory will increase by two parts."
"How is your relationship with Shangguan Jin?"
"It's not close, one might say we hit it off immediately, a friendship between gentlemen." Cen Yu sighed. "I used to think having too good looks wasn't a good thing, but after meeting Shangguan Jin, I realize good looks can also be beneficial."
"Oh? Is Shangguan Jin also someone who judges by appearance?"
"Not at all. It's just that with such brilliance beside me, if I were plain and unattractive, I would fear standing next to him, sullying his radiance." Cen Yu said this with a mocking smile.
He envied Shangguan Jin, a favored son of heaven, untainted. Yet, the more so, the more he wished to witness Shangguan Jin's fall from grace.
"I, however, think he is far inferior to you," Wen Mohan said slowly. "His achievements are merely due to his ancestors' legacy, while you, you earned your position as the imperial capital's wealthiest through your own abilities."