517: Chapter 379 517: Chapter 379 Tang Feiyang traveled along the main street, and of course, he was not alone.
Accompanied by a servant, the two rode on horseback to a tavern, where the servant was instructed to lead the horses into the tavern’s courtyard.
Tang Feiyang entered the tavern and made his way to a private room, one that featured a window overlooking the street.
The waiter was quite insightful and noted the attire of someone from the highest academy in the Imperial City.
Such apparel was distinct, and if it were simply a white robe and white sash,
it indicated that the person was merely a beginner, the lowest-ranking individual in the best academy of the Capital City.
A blue collar on the white robe, and a blue belt, signified the person was considered an elite, although this did not imply a higher status within the academy, just one among the elites.
A yellow collar on the white robe and a yellow sash typically represented the highest symbol of status; however, it was not so straightforward, symbolizing the position of a teacher.
A red collar on the white robe and a red belt denoted the various service personnel working in the academy.
Among these, purple, green, and orange also represented different statuses of workers in the academy.
Silver attire was synonymous with the highest management tier, those responsible for overseeing the entire academy.
However, the only color Tang Feiyang wore was gold: a golden collar, golden belt, with a turban wrapped around his head, also in gold.
It could be said that this represented the most esteemed status among all the disciples in the academy, higher than that of the teachers and other administrative staff.
It was said that in the highest academy of Confucianism Tao in the Imperial City, the only person who could don the attire of gold was he who had a powerful support system behind him—Tang Feiyang, the eldest disciple of the academy.
The son of the Chief of Staff, accomplished in both letters and martial arts.
Rumored to be exceptionally handsome, he was one of the candidates considered for marriage by the princesses of the Imperial Palace.
On sizing him up, the waiter concluded that indeed, as the legends suggested, this young master was a gracefully charming gentleman.
This graceful Gentleman did not hold a folding fan in his hand, nor did he exhibit the refined demeanor of a dandy poet; neither did he display an air of splendor, the kind feigned by flashy accessories meant to show off wealth under the guise of courting ladies.
In his hand, he held a sword that seemed unremarkable to the waiter.
Still, even to his untrained eye, it appeared extraordinary.
Could the belongings of an extraordinary person be ordinary?
The waiter only observed quietly, catching just a glimpse of the young master’s side profile.
Upon entering the room, the young master had continuously gazed out onto the street.
It seemed as though he was waiting for someone, yet not quite.
Knowing that the individual before him was not ordinary, the waiter began to assiduously inquire:
“Young master, honored guest, may I ask what kind of tea you’d like to have?”
Tang Feiyang did not turn his head.
His visit to the tavern was merely a convenience, a place to alight and observe the street, especially aware that taverns were hubs for a mix of people and a good source to gather more information.
The attendant by his side had followed Tang Feiyang into the academy to cultivate and had always been at his service, heeding his commands.
Though Tang Feiyang was the son of a Chief of Staff and held the status of the academy’s eldest disciple, he, like any young master in appearance, had subordinates that could be dispatched for missions and assist in chores within the Chief of Staff’s jurisdiction.
But this was only what appeared on the surface.
After all, which powerful and influential official didn’t maintain some guards by their side, just as the Prime Minister’s Residence had its own guards and secret guards?
The attendant shot a glance at the waiter, surreptitiously taking the man’s measure.
In some of the more upscale taverns in the Cultivation World, they served not just ordinary tea but Spiritual Tea—high-grade Spiritual Tea, an expensive luxury not meant for the common folk.
“The finest Green Spirit Tea, please.”
“Yes,”
The waiter left without any questions.
If the patron’s attire did not indicate a regular or seemingly wealthy client, they would have to prepay for such an expensive order.
While it may seem disrespectful, there was no choice; some people appeared flashy but had no money, while others dressed in rags could be wealthy, or conversely, those in tatters pretended to have wealth and no means to pay.
Freeloading meals were not so pleasant to have, and he couldn’t afford it even if it cost him his life.
Soon, the waiter returned with the tea and asked what they would like to eat.
The attendant ordered meats favored by the young master, specifically those imbued with Spiritual Energy.
Hearing this, the waiter promptly went out to instruct the kitchen to begin preparations.
Throughout this entire process, Tang Feiyang did not once turn his head, his eyes fixed on the street’s hustle and bustle, noting the unmarked carriages passing to and fro.
This seemed quite ordinary, but it was this very lack of anything unusual—this quiet—that felt so incredible.
Tang Feiyang wished it was only his misgiving, hoping he would complete his mission smoothly.
While Tang Feiyang’s expression was one of puzzlement, he turned his head to take a cup of tea in hand, just about to drink, when he slightly turned his gaze, not yet observing the street.
At that moment, a seemingly average carriage drew near, its curtains parting to reveal a young woman gazing out.
She happened to look up at the tavern and saw a stunning young master at a second-floor window.
Her eyes narrowed immediately at the sight of the young master, whose face she did not recognize, but his attire was familiar to her.
She had seen the profiles of all the wealthy young masters provided to her by the gang leader.
She was even more familiar with the academic attire and its associated status.
Just a moment ago, as her carriage passed, she had spotted several men dressed like the young master wandering the streets.