Chapter 83: Back To The Estate

As Lu Feng walked away from the Grand Crimson Pavilion and headed back toward the main street, a sudden thought struck him that made him pause mid-step. He reached up, rubbing the back of his neck as a look of mild realization crossed his face.

Big Sister Su had poured out her heart, shared precious memories, given him deep warnings, and treated him with absolute kindness, yet he had arrived empty-handed. Visiting such an influential figure without a proper token of appreciation felt like a glaring oversight, especially given how welcoming she had been.

His eyes scanned the bustling commercial street, and familiarity struck him. Just a short distance ahead stood the very same upscale jade and jewelry shop where he had previously purchased those delicate earrings for Ye Chenxue. Without hesitation, Lu Feng changed his direction and stepped through the carved wooden doors of the establishment.

The shopkeeper, recognizing him immediately from his previous visit, hurried over with a bright, flattering smile.

"Ah, Young Master! Welcome back! It is an absolute honor to see you again so soon. Are you looking for more fine pieces today?"

"Show me your finest craftsmanship," Lu Feng instructed calmly, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked past the glass display cases. "I need something exquisite. Something that speaks of high status and genuine elegance."

"Right this way, Young Master!" the shopkeeper beamed, leading him toward a secure back counter lined with velvet-lined trays. "We received a brand-new shipment of master-carved accessories just this morning. Take a look at this."

He carefully lifted a stunning, polished silver hair comb inlaid with pale green jade and tiny, clear spirit crystals that shimmered under the warm lanterns. It was refined, graceful, and carried an air of understated luxury that would suit a powerful woman like Su Rong perfectly.

"This one," Lu Feng said, nodding approvingly. "Wrap it up nicely."

As the shopkeeper eagerly reached for a fine silk gift box, Lu Feng paused, his thoughts shifting to another person who had been working tirelessly behind the scenes. Han Lin had been managing the estate logistics, keeping watch over the captives, and handling endless chores without a single complaint. If he was going to gift Su Rong, leaving Han Lin out would simply not do.

"Wait," Lu Feng added, pointing toward a much larger, heavily guarded display case at the center of the room. "Show me what you have in that case."

The shopkeeper’s eyes widened in excitement as he unlocked the glass. "Ah, you have an exceptional eye, Young Master! That case holds our premier items."

He carefully pulled out a magnificent jade pendant carved in the shape of a soaring dragon, thick with rich, natural spiritual energy that practically radiated from the stone. It was easily three times more expensive than the hair comb he had just selected for Su Rong.

"I’ll take this one as well," Lu Feng said without missing a beat.

"An excellent choice! Truly magnificent!" the shopkeeper praised, quickly packing both items into separate, beautifully embroidered gift boxes before handing them over.

Lu Feng paid the hefty sum in gold coins, tucked both boxes safely into his storage pouch, and stepped back out onto the busy street. Instead of walking the entire distance back, he retraced his steps to the pavilion’s entrance, walked straight up to Su Rong’s private quarters, and knocked softly on the heavy wooden doors.

When the doors opened, Su Rong looked up in mild surprise, blinking as Lu Feng stepped back inside and calmly produced the silk-wrapped box.

"I realized as I was leaving that I had come empty-handed," Lu Feng said smoothly, placing the box on the tea table. "A small token of appreciation for your hospitality today, Senior Sister."

Su Rong looked at the box, then up at Lu Feng, a genuine, touched smile spreading across her face. She opened it to reveal the exquisite jade-inlaid hair comb, her eyes sparkling with delight. "You really didn’t have to, Lu Feng. But... I love it. Thank you."

"Consider it a minor repayment for the tea and the stories," Lu Feng replied with a light smile. "I must truly take my leave now. Rest well, Senior Sister."

With final farewells exchanged, Lu Feng walked out of the Grand Crimson Pavilion for the second time that day. The afternoon sun beat down warmly on the stone pavement as he stepped out toward the main carriage lane. Spotting an empty passenger carriage waiting by the curb, he raised a hand, caught the driver’s attention, and hopped inside.

As the carriage lurched forward, rolling smoothly down the wide avenue toward the supply merchant’s warehouse, Lu Feng looked out the small side window, watching the endless stream of private carriages belonging to various noble clans and wealthy merchants passing by.

He turned his gaze forward to where the driver sat guiding the reins. "Excuse me," Lu Feng called out over the rhythmic clatter of the wooden wheels. "Is there a reliable way to acquire a private carriage in this city? Renting or hailing public ones is becoming a bit inconvenient."

The driver glanced back over his shoulder, offering a knowing grin. "Ah, you’re looking for your own ride, Young Master? You have two good choices. You can either buy a pre-owned private carriage directly from the carriage-makers, or you can have one custom-built to your exact specifications and hire a dedicated driver."

Lu Feng nodded thoughtfully, resting his arm against the cushioned window sill. "Custom-built, you say? I suppose having one tailored to my needs makes the most sense. I will look into having that arranged."

"Smart choice, Young Master," the driver said, turning his attention back to the road. "A custom carriage built with sound-dampening arrays and reinforced wood will save you a lot of trouble on the outer roads."

Conversation faded as the carriage continued its steady pace, navigating the winding streets until it finally rolled to a smooth halt in front of the merchant’s large storage warehouse.

The merchant stepped out almost immediately, wringing his hands nervously and bowing repeatedly. "Ah, Young Master Lu! My deepest apologies for the slight delay! The bulk food items and grain supplies you requested are fully packed and ready to be loaded!"

"There is no need to apologize as long as the work is done," Lu Feng said calmly, stepping down from the carriage.

With the help of several warehouse hands, the heavy sacks of grain, dried provisions, and preserved goods were swiftly loaded into the back of the passenger carriage, filling the interior space. Once everything was secured, the merchant bowed low once more, offering profuse apologies one last time before stepping back.

The driver cracked his whip, and the heavily laden carriage began its smooth journey toward Lu Feng’s estate.

By the time the carriage pulled through the gates of the estate and came to a halt in the central courtyard, the day had barely passed noon. The afternoon shadows were still short, leaving plenty of hours left in the day.

Ye Chenxue and Han Lin quickly moved forward to unload the food supplies. Lu Feng and Ye Chenxue once again, moved them to the kitchen while Han Lin stood by, watching with a satisfied nod.

As for Lu Feng, his journey for the day was completely done, all his errands successfully wrapped up without a single hitch.

A quiet wave of exhaustion finally settled over him. Remembering how his deep morning sleep had been abruptly cut short by his initial departure, Lu Feng let out a quiet yawn, stretched his arms, and turned toward his quarters. He was more than ready to return to his bed and resume his sleep right from where he had left off.