A vast courtyard lay within, lush and vibrant. The fragrance of countless blossoms drifted through the air, intoxicating and almost surreal. Even the most cynical, sharp-tongued men found their hearts inexplicably calmed, their spirits lifted as if the weight of worldly troubles had been brushed aside.
It was late autumn outside, yet here was spring. Flowers bloomed in riotous colors, their petals fresh and dewy as though they had just awakened from morning slumber. Roses stood proud beside orchids, while rare chrysanthemums and plum blossoms mingled in a harmony so natural it left one speechless.
Each step released a different fragrance, layers of perfume weaving together until the very air seemed to sing.
"The heavens…" Someone whispered in disbelief, reaching out to brush a velvet petal. His fingers trembled when he felt its softness. "They're real… not artificial… not painted…"
The path meandered endlessly beneath arched trees, the light and shadow interweaving above like a celestial tapestry. Each turn revealed another hidden alcove of beauty, another bend fragrant with fresh blossoms. It seemed endless, each curve leading deeper into some dreamlike realm where time no longer flowed.
"This alone…" Another visitor breathed, awe thick in his voice, "It's enough to surpass every establishment in Tian Xiang. Just this courtyard… I would pay any price to step foot here."
"Truly…" Someone else muttered with a sigh, his gaze drinking in the splendor. "It deserves the name — Aristocratic Hall. Where else can you find flowers blooming in full spring amidst the chill of late autumn? What kind of effort, what kind of fortune must this take?"
Exclamations rippled through the crowd, each voice tinged with admiration, envy, and disbelief.
The first impression alone had sealed its reputation.
The Aristocratic Hall had not even unveiled its true purpose, yet it had already conquered the hearts of Tian Xiang's elite.
A faint, ethereal sound drifted from the upper floor of the Aristocratic Hall. The source seemed distant, yet at the same time whispered close to one's ear. It was as though fairies themselves were singing amidst drifting clouds.
The music was misty, indistinct, almost impossible to catch in full. Yet it was precisely this veil of obscurity that made it so irresistible, so enchanting like a dream one cannot fully grasp, but never wishes to wake from.
Such a subdued and graceful sound was difficult to describe in words. Still, all those fortunate enough to hold an invitation card were left rejoicing in their hearts. Many secretly thought, 'Even if I gain nothing at today's auction, even if I return empty-handed… this trip has already been worthwhile.'
Meanwhile, the ones left outside the gates were gnawed at by envy. Their hearts itched unbearably as they strained to hear the music, only to feel all the more desolate. The elegant atmosphere of the Aristocratic Hall mocked them with every passing moment.
Each breath they took was laced with bitterness: 'If only I had that invitation… why wasn't I chosen?'
The price of an invitation soared with the rising sun. It rose not like a tide, but like a whirlwind, sweeping everything into its frenzy.
Fatty Tang had once been near tears when he saw how much silver had been poured into crafting those ostentatious cards. But now, as he stood and witnessed the storm they had summoned, his round face glowed red with admiration.
He clasped his hands together, muttering to himself, "Ai… truly… this Young Master Jun… should he not be called a business genius? Compared to him, I have been far too shortsighted, far too petty! To think I actually complained…"
He shook his head, half in shame, half in awe.
Jun Mo Xie, however, sat calmly in the shadows, lips curled faintly as he watched the spectacle unfold. Even he had not foreseen that this little ploy would ignite such a sensation.
But clearly, Tian Xiang City held more wealthy fools than he had given credit for. And all of them were obsessed with one thing above all: comparisons.
The status was the true narcotic of the upper class.
As the sunlight climbed higher, the scene grew ever more magnificent. The Aristocratic Hall's on-sale invitations had been completely exhausted. Those who had been originally invited began arriving in succession.
Within the span of three-quarters of an hour, the long main street was filled to bursting with first-rate carriages. The gold-trimmed wheels rolled to a stop beside pearl-inlaid doors; lacquered horses snorted proudly beneath gem-studded harnesses. Every carriage that appeared was extravagant enough to dazzle the eyes.
By the time they were all parked in neat lines, it was impossible to tell which belonged to the most powerful or the most wealthy.
The invitees had clearly spared no expense. Jewels dangled from carriage tassels, silken banners rippled in the breeze, and fine steeds pranced impatiently as though they, too, wished to flaunt their nobility.
It was, in truth, a convergence of gold and jade, of pearls and silk... a living parade of arrogance.
One fat merchant, staring wide-eyed at the street, muttered with trembling lips, "Even if Fatty Tang cut off a piece of meat from his own belly… that single morsel would not be worth as much as these mountains of gold lined up here…"
At the Hall's gate, two cultured white-clothed youths stood with poise, accompanied by two graceful young women whose smiles could soften stone. Together, the four served as the welcoming committee.
With measured dignity, they examined each guest's invitation card, then gestured courteously to beckon them inside. Another white-robed youth would step forward at once, bowing slightly as he led the guest into the Hall with warm words of welcome.
Though the invitations bore the seals of three towering powers, none of those illustrious figures showed their faces here. No, such people were far too lofty to personally greet arrivals.
Instead, this delegation of white-clothed attendants carried out the duty with flawless decorum.
And strangely, not a single guest felt slighted. On the contrary, they felt proud that they had even been granted entry, proud that their name was on the list.
Wasn't this the logic of nobility?
If the Jun, Tang, or royal scions had come personally to usher them in, it would have cheapened the moment. But to be received with such carefully measured courtesy that, truly, was fitting.
Almost every guest walked in with a calm expression, eyes bright with concealed triumph. Whether it was their true nature or merely a façade, they carried themselves with lofty dignity. As they crossed the threshold, many could not resist shooting a sidelong glance at the mass of people left standing outside.
Those left behind burned with jealousy. The veins on their necks bulged blue with suppressed rage as they watched the invitees glide past, their noses tilted ever so slightly higher.
Yet there was nothing they could do. The invisible line of status separated them like a sword.
Those who entered strolled into the flower-laden courtyards, their figures soon swallowed by the lush greenery and winding paths.
Not a single invitation-holder was absent. They came in endless streams, each one projecting the air of nobility. Men who usually scoffed at such formalities now lowered their chins and adjusted their robes, speaking in polished tones to display magnanimity.
It was not their true selves, of course. But then again, wasn't this precisely what aristocracy was about?
To put on the mask of nobility, to wear the mantle of grace, even if one's heart was swelling with vanity?
And thus, Tian Xiang's upper crust marched into the Aristocratic Hall, each step heavy with pride, each glance tinged with scorn for those left outside the gate.
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