Changle ChronicleAI
For the very height of wealth and splendour under heaven, none can match Changle and Weiyang. Yet in Weiyang City great merchants are as many as clouds and grand shops as many as stars… Whose pearls are the finest? Where is the best food? Whose boats are fastest? Where can one sleep soundest?
Honoured by the trust of my fellow traders along the street, the author has compiled this book, sorting things by what is sold, to tell of Weiyang's specialties and proclaim Changle's riches. One volume will appear each month, setting out every particular for our esteemed guests.
Eateries
Food is heaven to the people. Weiyang City has a great many eateries, where dragon liver and phoenix marrow are nothing out of the ordinary; yet one of them, the Dashi Home Kitchen, would count as a marvel even if you searched the Four Seas. Its head cook, Pu Hemi, is from Dashi, yet he is also skilled in the cooking of the Middle Land. He cooks nothing the world has seen before: his dishes are novel, their flavours strange, and not to be found elsewhere. If our esteemed guests have tired of delicacies from mountain and sea, they might give this place a try; there may be a pleasant surprise in store.
Tea
Jiangfei Tower lies hidden beneath the water, and only the most distinguished guests may visit. It has three wonders: first, its fragrant tea and clear water, which drinkers call matchless; second, its painted beams and carved rafters, which viewers sigh over; third, the chance to watch merfolk performers dance in the pool, with wondrous dances and clear songs that onlookers cheer.
Treasures
Weiyang is wealthy and prizes pearls above all; there is a whole street given over to the pearl trade. Of its shops, Lady Hanzhu's Myriad Pearl is the largest and most flourishing, and has the finest pearls. Our esteemed guests may seek the pearl of their heart's desire there.
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