The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle, the evening glow fades.

Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing walked through the bustling streets of the south of the city and arrived in front of a three-story restaurant.

Two strings of large red lanterns hung in front of the restaurant, illuminating the three gilded characters "Zui Xian Lou" on the plaque. Two waiters stood under the porch, attentively greeting the customers coming and going.

At this moment, Yi Huawei had returned to his original appearance, dressed in a plain white robe with a silver belt around his waist, his long, jet-black hair loosely tied back with a jade hairpin. His face was handsome and refined, with an indescribable air of authority between his brows. Shan Wanjing followed beside him, having shed her daytime attire for ease of movement, and changed into a light blue silk dress with a thin gauze shawl over it. Her hair was styled in a high bun, revealing her graceful neck, adorned only with a single jade hairpin.

The moment the two stepped into the restaurant, the once noisy hall fell silent. The accountant, who was fiddling with an abacus, paused on the beads; the waiter stood frozen, tray in hand; and several tables of guests, engrossed in drinking and playing drinking games, forgot to put down their glasses. All eyes involuntarily turned to the two who had entered.

The silence lasted for about three breaths before various sounds resumed, but were noticeably lower. Many diners still occasionally stole glances and whispered among themselves.

A quick-witted waiter was the first to recover, and hurried forward, bowing and saying, "Welcome upstairs, esteemed guests?"

Yi Huawei nodded slightly. The waiter quickly led the way, guiding them up the wooden stairs.

The second floor was quieter than the first floor, with several private rooms separated by screens, where a few diners who looked like scholars were reciting poems.

The third floor is more elegant, with bamboo mats covering the floor and only eight private seats separated by intricately carved wooden screens. The window seats offer a panoramic view of Luoyang's streets, with the outline of the imperial palace faintly visible in the twilight.

The waiter led the two to a private booth at the far end, by the window. The view from there was superb, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Luo River and the twinkling lights. A simple blue cloth covered the table, and in the center, a white porcelain vase held a few fresh osmanthus blossoms, their delicate fragrance filling the air.

Yi Huawei sat down facing the window, while Shan Wanjing sat to his right. This position allowed them to observe the entire floor and also keep track of any activity at the stairwell.

The waiter handed over the menu, with the names of the dishes written in neat small characters. Yi Huawei didn't look at it, only saying, "Four signature dishes and a pot of osmanthus wine."

The waiter bowed in agreement and withdrew.

Shan Wanjing stood upright, her gaze sweeping across the Luo River outside the window, and pointed to the bridge spanning the river:

"Master, please look. This bridge is forty zhang long and wide enough for eight horse-drawn carriages to pass side by side. The piers are made of huge stones, requiring more than three thousand workers and taking more than two years to build. When Yang Guang built this bridge, he forcibly conscripted laborers, causing hundreds of people to drown in the Luo River. It is said that in order to make Luoyang truly resemble the capital, that foolish emperor moved tens of thousands of wealthy merchants from all over the country and resettled more than three thousand artisan households from Henan to live in the twelve wards on the south bank of the Luo River in the southeast corner of the city. That's why we have this magnificent sight before us."

Yi Huawei looked in the direction she pointed. The bridge was bustling with carriages and pedestrians, while boats shuttled back and forth below.

"Yang Guang was ambitious and fond of grandiose projects, which indeed led to the waste of resources and manpower."

Yi Huawei picked up his teacup and gently stroked the rim with his fingertips: "This bridge connects the north and south, facilitating business travel and promoting the turnover of goods. If used properly, it can add several thousand strings of cash in tax revenue to Luoyang every year."

Shan Wanjing tilted her head slightly, her jade hairpin swaying gently beside her ear: "Master means that although Yang Guang was tyrannical, he also left a foundation for future generations?"

"Exactly."

Yi Huawei put down his teacup and glanced at the street outside the window: "Look at that South Market warehouse, it can store ten thousand bushels of grain; and look at that Luokou granary, it can garrison several thousand soldiers. These were all built by Yang Guang, but now they are used by Wang Shichong."

The waiter then brought over a plate of steaming hot steamed sea bass, sprinkled with shredded scallions and minced ginger. Shan Wanjing served the dish to Yi Huawei with her chopsticks, her movements fluid and natural.

"Your disciple is foolish,"

As she set out the dishes, she said, "I only saw Yang Guang's tyranny and the harm he caused to the people, but I never thought that these projects also had their uses."

Yi Huawei took a bite of the fish with his chopsticks and nodded slightly: "Those in power should have a long-term vision. Yang Guang's mistake was that he was eager for quick success and instant benefits and did not spare the people's strength. If he had proceeded step by step, these constructions could have benefited the people."

A sudden commotion arose from the next table, where several men dressed as businessmen were raising their glasses in a toast. Shan Wanjing's gaze narrowed slightly, but Yi Huawei seemed oblivious and continued eating.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from outside the window. A troop of cavalry galloped along the street, their armor gleaming coldly in the lamplight. The people scattered, and the vendors hurriedly packed up their goods.

"Wang Shichong's city patrol guards,"

Shan Wanjing whispered, "Add one team every day at Shenshi (3-5 PM) and another team at Youshi (5-7 PM)."

Yi Huawei's gaze followed the departing cavalry: "Wang Shichong's military discipline is strict, but he is too harsh. The soldiers fear his power but do not appreciate his virtue, which is not a long-term solution."

The waiter brought over two more dishes: a plate of roasted mutton and a bowl of water shield soup. Shan Wanjing served Yi Huawei half a bowl of soup, but she herself still hadn't touched her chopsticks.

"Please have some, Master." She gently pushed the soup bowl towards Yi Huawei.

Yi Huawei took a bite with a spoon and suddenly said, "Do you remember the scene when you passed through Luoyang before?"

Shan Wanjing pondered for a moment: "At that time, the city was desolate, half of the shops were closed, and refugees slept on the streets. On the Luo River, corpses were often seen floating."

“Look at today.” Yi Huawei’s gaze swept across the bustling streets outside the window: “Shops are lined up, goods are flowing freely, and the people show few signs of hunger.”

Shan Wanjing frowned slightly: "But Wang Shichong levied exorbitant taxes, and the tax burden was three times heavier than during Yang Guang's time."

“Therefore I say that his governance was too harsh.” Yi Huawei put down his spoon: “However, he was able to restore order and commerce from a mess, which shows he had some ability.”

The merchant next to him suddenly raised his voice and started talking about the recent battles fought by the Li clan.

The merchants were clearly a bit drunk. One of them slammed his hand on the table and said, "That kid Li Shimin is really amazing. In the Battle of Qianshuiyuan, he won a victory against overwhelming odds and routed Xue Ju's army!"

Another man shook his head and said, "But I heard that his army is short of food. If he can't capture Chang'an before winter, he may have to retreat."

Shan Wanjing's gaze flickered slightly as she looked at Yi Huawei. Yi Huawei, however, remained focused on his meal, seemingly oblivious to the conversation at the next table.

The third merchant lowered his voice: "Do you know that the Li clan is colluding with the Turks? It is said that Shibi Khan sent three thousand warhorses to Li Yuan..."

Shan Wanjing's fingers tightened slightly under the table. Yi Huawei suddenly put down his chopsticks, making a soft sound.

"full."

He took a cloth and wiped his hands: "How do these dishes compare to those in Xiangyang?"

Shan Wanjing was taken aback for a moment, then realized that her master was testing her.

"The sea bass was delicious but slightly overcooked, and the mutton was tender but a bit too salty. In terms of culinary skills, it is not as good as Zuixianlou in Xiangyang; but in terms of ingredients, it is fresh and of the highest quality."

Yi Huawei nodded: "Excellent observation. Do you know why?"

After a moment's thought, Shan Wanjing said, "Luoyang is located in the Central Plains, where ingredients from all directions converge, so the quality is excellent. However, with frequent wars, chefs are inevitably restless and impatient, so the cooking time and seasoning are often off."

"good."

A hint of approval flashed in Yi Huawei's eyes: "The way of governing is like cooking. Ingredients are the livelihood of the people, and cooking skills are the art of governing the country. Yang Guang had excellent ingredients, but he cooked them haphazardly; Wang Shichong had slightly better skills, but he was harsh on the ingredients."

Suddenly, the sound of a night watchman's drum rang out outside the window, signaling the arrival of the hour of Xu (7-9 PM). The restaurant was brightly lit, and more and more guests were arriving. Several elegantly dressed young men walked up to the third floor, and when they saw Yi Huawei's table, they unconsciously lowered their voices. Yi Huawei rose and walked to the window, gazing at the night view of the Luo River with his hands behind his back.

“Master,” Shan Wanjing came to his side, “shouldn’t we go back?”

Yi Huawei said with a far-sighted look: "Look at the cargo ships on the Luo River. Rice from Jiangnan, silk from Hebei, and medicinal herbs from Sichuan are all gathered and distributed here. If managed properly, Luoyang could have become the hub of the world."

Following his gaze, Shan Wanjing saw fishing lights flickering on the river, and cargo ships lined up end to end, resembling a long street on the water.

"Wang Shichong only knew how to collect taxes, but he didn't know how to support commerce."

Yi Huawei continued, "If commercial taxes are reduced or exempted, waterways are dredged, and trade is encouraged, annual revenue could double."

Shan Wanjing seemed to understand: "That's how Master did it in Xiangyang."

Yi Huawei smiled slightly: "Not bad!..."

Just then, a sound of breaking dishes came from downstairs, followed by a gruff voice like thunder: "You scoundrel, you think you can't afford to pay for your drinks?!"

Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing exchanged a glance and looked towards the stairwell at the same time.

A burly man was seen lifting a skinny waiter by the collar with one hand, holding him in mid-air.

The burly man had a dark complexion, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. He wore a faded, coarse cloth jacket that revealed his muscular arms. The man he was holding was pale-faced, his legs kicking futilely in the air.

"Sir, sir, please calm down..." another waiter pleaded in a trembling voice, but dared not step forward.

Standing beside the burly man was a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar, who anxiously grabbed the burly man's other arm: "Second brother, quickly put him down! Don't cause trouble!"

The burly man refused to let go, instead raising his voice: "This fellow saw that we were poorly dressed, so he treated us poorly and rudely. Other tables have already had three dishes served, but we haven't even seen a pot of wine!"

Several men who looked like chefs rushed over upon hearing the commotion and immediately surrounded the burly man. The first man reached out to grab the man's wrist, but the man shoved him away, causing him to stagger back several steps and knock over an empty table. Bowls and plates shattered all over the floor.

Two more men lunged at him, but the burly man didn't let go of his companion. With a single swing of his arm, he forced the two men back. He then nimbly turned his foot, dodging the third man's sneak attack, and with a quick flick of his toe, he knocked the man to the ground.

The whole process happened in the blink of an eye; the burly man subdued the waiter with one hand and repelled four others at the same time, appearing to be completely at ease.

The guests downstairs quickly moved aside upon seeing this, and some of the more timid ones had already quietly slipped out the door.

The scholar-looking companion stamped his feet repeatedly: "Second brother! Stop it! We're here to eat, not to cause trouble!"

The burly man snorted, then put the waiter down, but still grabbed him by the collar: "Hurry up and bring the food and drinks! If you delay any longer, I'll tear this lousy shop down!"

The waiter scrambled to the kitchen, while the guards scrambled to their feet, retreating to the side in a huff, too angry to utter a word.

Just then, a few snickers came from the next private room. A flippant voice said, "Who do we have here? Just two penniless scoundrels causing trouble. Don't they know where they are!"

Another voice chimed in: "Drunken Immortal Pavilion is owned by the Dugu family. These country bumpkins must be tired of living."

The third voice, tinged with schadenfreude, said, "Want to make a bet? I bet the Dugu family's guards will arrive within half an incense stick's time and throw these two arrogant fools into the Luo River to feed the fish."

The burly man flew into a rage upon hearing this and turned to shout at the source of the voice, "Which bastard is gossiping behind my back? Come out and speak if you dare!"

The scholar quickly pulled him back: "Second brother! Don't cause any more trouble!"

The burly man was still shouting, "So what if the Dugu family is powerful? Does that give them the right to bully their customers?"

Suddenly, a series of orderly footsteps came from the stairwell. Eight guards dressed in uniform blue quickly went upstairs. The one in the lead was a middle-aged man with a stern face, a sword at his waist, and bulging temples, clearly indicating that he had considerable internal strength.

"Who is making a scene here?" The middle-aged guard's eyes flashed like lightning as he scanned the entire area, finally settling on the burly man.

The curtain of the private room next door was lifted, and three young men in fine clothes walked out. The one in the lead waved a folding fan and said with a smile, "Guard Wang, you've come at the right time. These two poor scoundrels are causing trouble here and spouting nonsense, showing contempt for the dignity of the Dugu family."

The middle-aged man, referred to as Guard Wang, bowed slightly and said, "Young Master Zheng, rest assured, leave this matter to me."

After saying that, he turned to the burly man and said coldly, "Are you the one causing trouble here?"

The burly man stood tall and proud: "So what if it is? You open a shop to welcome customers, but you treat them differently based on who they are, neglecting them, and you still have the nerve to complain?"

The scholar hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Please calm down, guard. My brother is quick-tempered and has offended us. We'll leave right away."

Guard Wang sneered, "Does the Drunken Immortal Pavilion belong to a place you can come and go as you please? Seize it!"

Four guards rushed forward and pounced on the burly man.

The burly man roared, advancing instead of retreating, and with a flick of his arms, he sent the first two guards who rushed at him flying. The other two had already drawn their swords, their cold glint flashing as they aimed straight for the burly man's shoulders.

The scholar exclaimed in alarm, "Second brother, be careful!"

Just as the blades were about to strike, the burly man suddenly ducked and spun around, skillfully dodging the two blades. At the same time, he grabbed the wrists of the two guards with his left and right hands respectively, twisted and pushed them, and the two men immediately dropped their swords and fell to the ground, and were pushed back one after another.

Guard Wang's face darkened: "Impressive skills! No wonder you dare to cause trouble here!"

After saying that, he slowly drew his sword, the blade gleaming with a dark blue light, clearly not an ordinary weapon.

The young master Zheng next door clapped his hands and laughed, "This is going to be good! Guard Wang's Water-Cutting Blade Technique is the best in the Dugu Clan!"

The burly man's expression turned serious. He assumed a fighting stance, clenching his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked.

The scholar was sweating profusely and bowed repeatedly, pleading, "Please, have mercy! We apologize and will compensate for the losses. Please spare my brother!"

Wang, the guard, remained unmoved, slightly raising the tip of his knife, his killing intent spreading out.

"Bah!"

Just as Guard Wang was about to raise his sword, the burly man suddenly roared and struck first! He cracked two blue bricks under his feet, his body moving like a tiger released from its cage, charging straight forward. His fists struck out simultaneously, creating a whooshing sound as they cut through the air.

Guard Wang's swordsmanship was exquisite, his blade flashing like mercury spilling onto the ground. Unexpectedly, the burly man neither dodged nor evaded, his left fist striking the back of the blade head-on, while his right fist aimed straight for the center. A clang rang out, and Guard Wang felt a numbness in his hand, his sword strike faltering. The burly man pressed his advantage, delivering a powerful, forceful blow that sent Guard Wang flying backward, crashing heavily into the stair railing, shattering the wooden handle with a thud.

Seeing this, the remaining guards rushed forward. The burly man spun around, his leg sweeping out like a steel whip, instantly knocking two men to the ground. With another grappling move, he grabbed the wrist of another man, twisted his joint, and the man screamed as he fell to the ground. The last man had just raised his knife when the burly man kicked his wrist, sending the steel knife flying out of his hand and embedding itself in the roof beam with a "thud."

In the blink of an eye, all eight guards collapsed to the ground! (End of Chapter)