The top-floor private chambers of Hong'en Hall were reserved only for the most powerful guests. In Fengri City, Liu Hengyi was as wealthy as they came, entitled to such suites; but Shen Hao was a guest even Hong'en Hall could scarcely invite. Thus, the madam personally accompanied them upstairs, attending to their every need with utmost caution.
The suite was exceedingly cool; the difference was felt immediately upon entering.
Shen Hao glanced around to discover the cause of the coolness. Two enormous slabs of ice, each as large as a door, had been placed upright like screen panels on either side of the round table in specially fashioned copper trays. Even upon closer inspection, one could see actual relief carvings across the frosty surfaces.
"Since when did Hong'en Hall become so extravagant?"
