Shi Lang kept his promise and took Hu Qiang with him to the city. The furniture he wants can’t be made by the villagers. There is a very good woodworker in the city. He ordered a few pieces the last time he was here. Now the house is finished and he’s ready to move in. Hopefully, his chairs and wardrobes are done too. This man also sells dividers and decorative screens. Shi Lang is curious how much he can get for the one Hu Qiang has painted. The polished wood parts are left sleek. Any carvings would be lost to the vibrant painting of a majestic peacock. He likes this one even better than the dragon, but he decided to keep the dragon on principle alone. It is also the first painting Hu Qiang did in colour.
“Remember to stay quiet. Let me do the talking. I know this merchant well. If he kn
