Xiaosan nodded vigorously, a hint of envy in his eyes:

"Yes indeed, that's the priciest area in the capital."

Xu Yun glanced again at the Alum Building, which would be known as the famous Fan Building in later times, the surprise in his eyes still lingering.

Actually, what he didn't know was.

At this time, the housing prices in the Northern Song weren't any less than those in later times.

In the early Northern Song period.

The price of an ordinary residence in Bianjing was about just over one thousand coins, which wasn't considered expensive as it was a house for a family of several or even a dozen people.

With the comprehensive price level roughly equivalent to six hundred thousand to one million in later times, it was still acceptable.

But by the late Northern Song period.

Bianjing's housing prices went crazy, jumping significantly each year.

According to Professor Bao Weimin from Renmin University History College's 2014 publication "Research on Song Dynasty Cities."

The population density of Bianjing in the late Northern Song reached 12,000-13,000 people per square kilometer.

You should know.

Even in later times, Yanjing's crowded Chaoyang District had a population density of only about 7,000 to 8,000 per square kilometer.

Back then, when Ouyang Xiu was serving as Chief Judge of the Court of Imperial Petitions, he could only choose to rent a house.

Another person who had deep resentment towards housing was Old Su's friend, Su Shi's younger brother, Su Zhe.

That is, Old Su's friend, Old Su's brother, Old Su.

Su Zhe, much like Bai Juyi, who previously vented about presbyopia in a poem, also complained about housing prices more than once in his poetry.

For instance, "I'm old with no home, my children spoke of it."

And "At seventy no house, the axe pounds daily. My children hope I'll see eighty, house complete, ten-year guest therein."

Su Zhe's resentment carried on into his later years, only to build three new rooms in Xu Prefecture.

But he wasn't happy for a few months.

The following year an earthquake hit Xu Prefecture, causing a landslide that demolished the house.....

Truly a sad story.....

Returning our gaze to the original spot.

In conclusion.

Buying a house in the center of Bianjing City during that time surely required considerable financial power.

Even Xiaosan understood this concept.

The two then walked about a kilometer and finally arrived at a carriage shop.

"Shopkeeper, a ride, please."

Upon entering the carriage shop.

Xu Yun first surveyed the various carriages and asked an elderly man in purple clothing, who seemed to be a steward:

"How much to rent a carriage?"

The old man approached with a smile, bowing to Xu Yun:

"Young master, our humble carriage shop has over twenty carriages, separated into long journeys and short rentals.

If you choose a long journey, we can also provide some guards...

Xu Yun shook his head and interrupted:

"A short rental will suffice."

The elderly man's expression remained unchanged as he led Xu Yun to a corner:

"As you can see, young master, any of these carriages here can be rented short-term.

If you're coming from out of town and want to make connections or visit old friends, I suggest choosing one of these luxurious carriages pulled by good horses.

If it's just for a quick trip, you only need a regular draft horse, and the price is much cheaper."

Xu Yun glanced at the regular carriages and casually pointed to one:

"What's the rent for this one?"

"Four hundred wen for starts, rented for half a day."

"Can you provide a receipt?"

"Of course."

Xu Yun nodded slightly.

The degree of commercial development in the Song Dynasty was evident from this carriage shop.

He then spent half a day trying to haggle, and managed to save two wen through reasonable argument.

Counting the tea fees during this period, he made a blood-earned profit of four wen.

After finishing the price negotiation.

The old man called a driver over, instructing Xu Yun to provide the address and the two parties exchanged money.

Then, with the driver's guidance, the carriage slowly headed west.

The planning of Bianjing in the Song Dynasty was somewhat similar to later times, especially on the main thoroughfare at Vermilion Bird Gate where pedestrian and carriage paths were clearly laid out.

Thus, even with many pedestrians coming and going, the carriage was very easily able to enter Imperial Street.

In 1988.

The Junyi City Government built a vintage-style mock Song commercial street in the northern section of Zhongshan Road in Longting District, known as Song Capital Imperial Street.

Aside from the greenbelts, this Song Capital Imperial Street largely restored the appearance of the Song Dynasty Imperial Street.

It was considered a highly restored ancient project locally.

So if there's a chance, classmates of Xian Weiren should stroll around.

Of course.

Don't buy anything inside, as it's full of scams.

Clip-clop, clip-clop——

After the carriage traveled for more than half an hour.

As the slightly shaky carriage steadied, the driver's voice came from outside:

"Young master, we've arrived at the place you mentioned."

Xu Yun gestured for Xiaosan, who had a newly opened vision, to get off the carriage, politely bowing to the driver.

Then he looked at the building in front of him.

This was a mansion with a considerable expanse, walls tall and deep, and lavish decorations.

However, what's worth noting is...

The lions flanking the gate lacked curls.

Xu Yun thought for a moment while looking at the facade, handed Xiaosan some copper coins, and said:

"Third Brother, go buy some snacks around here with this carriage driver brother and wait for me outside. Don't wander too far."

After giving these instructions.

He moved to the main door and knocked:

"Is anyone there?"

After a moment.

A panel on the door was opened, and a somewhat youthful voice came from inside:

"Who is it?"

Xu Yun passed his calling card through the gap and said:

"Young man, kindly report this: a retainer of the Counselor to the Crown Prince, seeking an audience with the master of the house."

"Duke Zhao?"

At that time, Old Su had left the court for about two years, and some new aristocrats' gatekeepers might not recognize this name since the title of duke was quite broad in those days.

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