It was the same street as that morning. Xiaosongzi, proving himself a capable guide, led the group past Rongxiangsheng and the Yuejun Teahouse where they had sipped tea the day before. Further south stood Quanweizhai, a restaurant with a scale and decor that rivaled anything found in the Capital.
Directly adjacent to Quanweizhai was Xiankeju, though it had since been sealed off. A few idle onlookers still lingered at the entrance, gossiping and pointing, unwilling to disperse. Throughout the West Street, there were few people aimlessly wandering; instead, each shop employed a greeter who stood ready, eyes bright and faces pleasant, watching the passing carriages and pedestrians. These greeters were neither overbearing nor servile, offering a perfectly balanced welcome to all who passed by.
As they walked, Xiaosongzi steered Lin Zezu and his companions past the ornate, intricately carved buildings—the houses of ill repute and pleasure pavilions—falling silent and tactfully omitting any introduction.
Chapter 114