The auction clerk set the Thousand Fractures Core inside a plain wooden case and checked the lot number against Yan’s purchase copy. Yan read the digits aloud while Bai compared them with the catalog. The clerk closed the lid, threaded a paper seal through the clasp, and handed the copy to Yan.
“Check it before you leave the court,” he said. “Once the seal is broken, the sale is final.”
Yan inspected the seal and folded the receipt into the inner pocket of his robe. Bai paid the balance and counted the remaining coins before putting them away. They had enough for the meals they planned and the next leg of travel.
“Still enough for dumplings?” Yan asked.
“Enough for dumplings,” Bai said. “Not enough for a second manual.”
Gu took the case by its handle. It was heavier than it looked. He kept it level as they left the hall and entered the covered exit court. A group of porters came out carrying a framed painting wrapped in straw. One stopped to shift his grip, blocking the narrowest part of the court. Gu waited for the space to clear before moving on. The man in the grey cap stopped too, several steps behind them.
