Chapter 557: Naturally, It’s Up to Lady Calico
The earth-toned stone buildings looked as if they had been covered in a thick layer of windblown sand. Yet, intricate decorative patterns adorned their surfaces.
Rows of windows lined the structures, and most window sills held potted plants—some lush and overgrown, with vines spilling over arched doorways or trailing all the way down to the ground. Some plants were in full bloom in this season, while others, neglected, were on the brink of wilting.
At the city gate, musicians played lively tunes, their instruments and melodies vastly different from those of the Great Yan dynasty. The music carried a strange yet fascinating quality.
People—men and women, elders with graying beards, and even young children—danced freely to the rhythm. When tired, they would step aside to rest, while new dancers eagerly joined in.
There were no veiled Western Region dancers draped in nothing but a few strands of silk, as Song You had once imagined. Instead, the dancing was casual, unrestrained, and spontaneous.
No one tossed coins to the performers, confirming that this was not some professional act but a natural form of entertainment, an expression of the local culture. Precisely because of that, it gave off a different kind of natural, effortless vibe.
This was Song You’s first striking impression of Jade City.
He lingered for a while, taking in the scene before shifting his gaze to the bustling street behind him.
The streets of Jade City were not particularly wide—comparable to those of some prefectural and county capitals in Great Yan but nowhere near the grandeur of Changjing’s vast avenues. Certainly, it was a far cry from the majestic heavenly streets[1], which spanned dozens of zhang in width, cutting through Changjing.
Due to poor urban planning, storefronts encroached upon the already narrow streets. Merchants led camels through the crowded passageways, their towering figures adding to the congestion. The result was a tight, bustling atmosphere.
Across the street, a young girl stood negotiating a purchase.
Compared to the towering camels and the constant stream of traders, the little girl appeared incredibly small. Her delicate Eastern features and doll-like beauty made her stand out in the Western Region.