"Getting into this kind of gathering must cost a fortune. Even with money, you might not be able to get in. Those gems..."
Before he could finish speaking, Lu Xuan interrupted him.
"It's almost time. Change your clothes, we should go."
.................
The extravagance of the party astonished even Lu Xuan, a transmigrator accustomed to worldly pleasures. This was mainly because the worlds Lu Xuan had previously experienced were all part of Chinese civilization. A key characteristic of Chinese civilization is its emphasis on dignity; for example, they wouldn't carve erotic images on city walls. Furthermore, they abolished slavery very early on.
However, the continent of Essos was a true system of slavery. Forget about property; those slaves didn't even own their own lives. Therefore, most of the city's wealth was concentrated in the hands of a very small number of noble slave owners. This high concentration of wealth led the city's upper class to openly flaunt their power.
For example, if an ordinary person wants to have an audience with royalty and report something, they must first offer a traditional sacrifice to the Temple of Memory, then present traditional offerings to the Keeper of the Register, give traditional persimmons to the Gate Opener, and finally receive traditional blue silk slippers and be summoned to the Hall of a Thousand Seats to meet them.
However, the so-called royal family is not actually the true ruler. In recent years, the thirteen giants, along with two other merchant guilds, have essentially completed their true rule over Qarth.
According to Lu Xuan's information, more than one of the Thirteen Giants would be present at this gathering. This explains the event's lively atmosphere. Hundreds of businessmen, large and small, had gone to great lengths to sneak in, hoping to establish connections with the city's highest levels of government and further their businesses.
Lu Xuan carried a glass of Qingting wine as he walked through the banquet, while Jorah, disguised as his bodyguard, followed beside him.
He soon saw Zarro Zanwan Dasos, one of the Thirteen. He was also the one who vouched for Daenerys in the original story, allowing her to enter Qarth. He was a tall, strong-looking black man (as depicted in the film and television adaptations).
However, just as Lu Xuan was about to step forward, another person blocked his way.
It was a tall, thin man with pale purple, wrinkled skin and bluish-black lips, and a strange appearance. Paiya Puli, the representative of the wizards of Quills, one of the Thirteen Giants.
"Guests who have come from afar, I wonder if the drinks here have satisfied you?"
“Very good, I like this Qingting wine.” Lu Xuan raised his glass and said with a light laugh.
"Qingting's wines are indeed world-renowned. But I recommend this Cabernet Sauvignon, which also comes from across the sea. After three years of aging, it has a perfect ruby color and the most mellow taste. You will fall in love with it after just one sip."
As Paiya Puli spoke, Lu Xuan clearly felt a faint spiritual force surrounding him. It seemed that the male sorcerer before him was trying to bewitch him.
However, although Lu Xuan's injuries hadn't healed, the power within him hadn't diminished; on the contrary, it was exceptionally vast. It was just that it was in a disordered state, making it difficult for him to control. That wisp of spiritual energy, the moment it touched him, was instantly torn to shreds by the immense energy.
Paiya Puli's expression changed slightly, and his originally fake smile suddenly became much more genuine.
"Forgive my rudeness, but this city has not seen any outside wizards for too long."
Lu Xuan really wanted to say, "I'm not a wizard." But then he changed his mind and stopped himself, instead going along with what the other person meant.
"I haven't been out and about for a long time either. But not long ago, the world changed. I'm sure you've noticed it too."
“Yes, one day, our magic suddenly began to revive. The great immortal gave a divine prophecy that the dragons had returned and magic would rise again.” Because they were ‘fellow travelers,’ Paiya Puli did not hide much from Lu Xuan.
"Really? That's a wonderful new era. But to truly master it, we need more, don't we?"
A strange look flashed across Paiya Puli's face. He looked Lu Xuan up and down, then carefully spoke.
"An ancient oracle has been passed down among the immortals: Dragons will enhance our magic."
"Hehe, look, we've found common ground so quickly."
"Your Excellency Wizard, this noisy hall is not suitable for our conversation. Perhaps we can find another place to talk."
"Are there any better wines there?"
"It has everything."
"Then I'm starting to get interested."
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Chapter 238 Getting Something for Nothing
Jorah stared blankly at Lu Xuan, who had so casually connected with one of the legendary Thirteen Giants. The key point was that after just a few words, the two had become like good friends and were preparing to discuss certain matters privately.
As a 'servant,' he was not allowed to eavesdrop on his master's conversation. He could only follow Lu Xuan and Pai Ya Pu Li from a distance as they walked out of the hall and into a small private meeting room.
“Each of the Thirteen Giants has a private meeting room here for private meetings. Mine hasn’t been used in a long time. You are the first guest in about three years.”
"Then I am honored."
Lu Xuan sat on a sofa covered with some kind of fur, and accepted the wine that Paiya Puli handed him.
"I haven't yet had the pleasure of asking how to address you, sir."
“I come from an ancient, unknown land, and my name may be unfamiliar to you. So, you can call me Grant, Hugh Grant (the name of the protagonist in the first web novel I read).”
"Then, Mr. Grant, could you tell me what information you have?"
"Of course, I possess accurate information about dragons and can even influence the actions of Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, to some extent. In fact, I am currently serving as Daenerys's advisor. If all goes well, I should be able to guide her to this city in about a month."
"The rulers of Qarth would probably not be pleased if a Dothraki tribe entered the city."
“I had a feeling this way. But I don’t think it’s a big problem for you.”
Paiya Puli, of course, understood Lu Xuan's meaning. Qarth had an ancient law called the Somai. When the city's ruler refused entry to certain people, another member of the ruling class could invoke the Somai. The Somai would cut their palm with a knife, swear a blood oath, and vouch for those people, allowing them to enter the city.
In return, he would bear the consequences if those people committed any illegal acts after entering the city.
As one of the thirteen giants, Paiya Puli naturally had the right to activate Sumai. He considered it carefully for a while, and then asked.
How many dragons does Daenerys have?
"Three."
"Then I'll take two."