Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes the straightforward process of buying and selling houses during the Sui Dynasty, highlighting the simplicity for ordinary citizens and the ease for officials. After Zhang Xuan and Mai Meng Cai agree on a sale, Zhang Xuan takes possession of the house, which he finds beautiful and homely. He meets the steward, Xu Tian, who informs him about the house's history and the previous owner's passing. Zhang Xuan addresses the staff, offering them freedom or doubled wages, and they choose to stay. He then discusses plans for the house and shop he owns, intending to use the shop for intelligence gathering in Luo Yang. He learns about a merchant interested in renting the shop and decides to meet him. Zhang Xuan also seeks to employ Wu Gang, a skilled groom, to care for his warhorses, ensuring their well-being. The chapter ends with Zhang Xuan preparing for a meeting with the merchant Huang Jin.

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