Of course! I often add some special water to your water supply as a special treat. How can that be the same?!

Regardless, the group split up and took action.

The city remains bustling with activity between the Lunar New Year and the Little New Year.

The war has subsided somewhat, though it's uncertain when the flames of conflict will reignite. Ordinary people are easily content. Even a brief respite is enough; they strive to live as resiliently as cockroaches. There may be moments of complacency, but for the sake of their wives, children, and elderly parents, they must always hold onto hope.

So, even if you don't know what the future holds, there's no need to worry unnecessarily! Just live your life as usual! All you care about is a few coins and enough food to fill your stomach...

Jiangzhou, as one of the most prosperous cities in the southern part of the Great Sheng Dynasty, is no less prosperous than the metropolises of the previous life! You can tell from the wide-open mouth of the fat girl.

In fact, Qin San Niang herself was also overwhelmed by what she saw. The prosperity of Jiangzhou was different from the high-rise buildings of later generations. Instead, it was a beautiful sight that was both dazzling and orderly.

The wide streets were very clean, lined with shops, and the eaves of the green-walled, red-tiled houses stood tall like swallows in flight. The bells hanging under the eaves made a pleasant sound as the wind blew.

The streets are lined with numerous small stalls, all neatly arranged, with vendors calling out their wares incessantly. Pedestrians hurry by, dressed in a much better style than the locals of He County. Many wear cotton clothes, and occasionally you can even spot a wealthy person in a silk robe.

Qin San Niang couldn't help but sigh, "Ah, big cities are so wonderful!"

According to Gu Qingshan, the South Market was a place for cloth workshops, embroidery workshops, and the sale of general merchandise.

Qin San Niang had Pang Ya adjust the direction of the car, and after asking for directions along the way, they finally arrived at Nanshi. Fortunately, they didn't sell food or drinks, so being a little late wouldn't have much of an impact. Especially in winter, people don't get up early to shop; most of them go out in the late morning or early afternoon, as it would be too cold if they went out too early!

They easily found a stall.

Having learned from her experience in He County, Qin San Niang found the minor official in charge of the market, handed him fifty large coins to drink, and spent another two large coins to rent a table.

The minor official was actually quite old; he was a man in his thirties with triangular eyes, a full beard, and a broad, muscular build, making one suspect that he was a bully or tyrant.

Although the minor official's position was not high, and to be precise, it might not even qualify as an official, Qin San Niang understood the principle that a county magistrate was not as powerful as a county administrator. Spending a little money to avoid trouble was a very worthwhile deal!

After laying the plain cloth on the table, the gloves and earmuffs were placed on top, and a novel way of hawking the goods was introduced.

Before long, a number of women and young ladies gathered around and asked questions.

"This is quite nice. How come I've never seen anything like it before? What are you selling, ladies?"

"Yes, I've never seen one before! But it looks really exquisite!"

"Dear ladies, we sell the latest Kyoto ear warmers and gloves. Both of these are designed to keep you warm, and their effectiveness is top-notch! Just think about how they can withstand the cold of the North, and you'll have no more doubts!"

"Hey, that lady can try it. See, just like this, you put it on."

After demonstrating, Qin San Niang handed the gloves and ear warmers to the woman who had asked the question earlier.

After the woman put it on, she asked the people around her for their opinions, and they all said it looked great. She also felt very warm, much better than standing outside shivering.

"This is quite nice, I wonder how much it costs?" the woman who had just tried it on asked, clearly already considering buying it.

As a seasoned shopper, Qin San Niang can spot potential customers with just one glance.

"Oh my, big sister has a good eye! Our ear warmers are not only beautiful, but they're also filled with cotton. You know how expensive cotton is! If you take good care of them, they can last for years!"

"A set of ear warmers only costs half a tael of silver, it's such a bargain! In the capital, it would sell for a whole tael of silver!" Holding up one finger, Qin San Niang said confidently.

When it comes to the ability to deceive people, she's quite skilled, and she can talk about it without batting an eye! It's still unknown whether there are ear warmers in Kyoto, but these people wouldn't bother to verify such a small matter, would they?

Half a coin of silver was indeed a bit expensive, but the woman was genuinely happy to hold it in her hand. Besides, it was a unique item, and it would be quite prestigious to wear it out.

"You're right, this fabric is indeed top-quality. Alright, since you're beautiful and have a sweet tongue, I'll buy these earmuffs." With that, she readily paid the money.

Once the first person took the plunge, others followed suit. Some even bought several sets, saying they were for their sisters and elders in the family.

Good wine needs no bush.

Before long, a young man wearing a long blue brocade cotton robe and a wide silver-white auspicious cloud belt walked slowly over, followed by a servant. It seemed that he saw the crowd and thought there was some excitement to be found.

And what a surprise! It was someone I knew!

"Madam Qin, it's been a long time!"

The speaker was none other than Lan Yao! He was the financier behind Qin San Niang's first pot of gold!

To be honest, Lan Yao had just been sent here by his mother. The next day, he thought he would come to the street to stroll around and see the local customs. Seeing the crowd gathered here, he thought there was something exciting going on. Based on the principle that no hero would not join in the excitement, he rushed over. Unexpectedly, he even ran into an acquaintance!

He was still very grateful to Qin San Niang, whose recipe had made his restaurant very prosperous. Now, beggar's chicken had become the signature dish of Zui Xian Lou.

After this incident, the family acknowledged that he, as the eldest son of the Lan family, indeed lacked talent in studying, but had made considerable achievements in business. Therefore, they allowed him to gradually take over the family business.

Of course, his old-fashioned father would not agree, but he couldn't go against his mother and uncles, and even his grandfather spoke up for him.

His father, Lan Que, could only wave his hand dismissively and leave, utterly disappointed in him!

Would that make him care? Of course not! At home, his eldest and second eldest brothers were always the model children! They were both academically and athletically gifted!

My eldest brother, Lan Heng, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the first year of the Dasheng era. My second brother is even more talented and will be taking the exam soon. Then we will have the honor of having two Jinshi from the same family. What does it matter if we lose one?

In this chaotic world, the Lan family has all the power they need, and even more importantly, money! However, their old-fashioned father would never understand.

To ease the tension between Lan Yao and his father, Lan Yao's mother sent him to Jiangzhou to take over the shop, also intending to give him experience. Furthermore, if he could achieve some success, it would put his father at ease, and the clan elders would be more willing to entrust him with managing the family fortune. It must be said, Madam Lan was a shrewd woman.

Perhaps it was because too much time had passed, or perhaps Lan Yao had grown taller than before, but when she heard him call out to Madam Qin, Madam Qin looked up at him blankly, her eyes filled with doubt, until she saw that the gold boots on his feet were embroidered with gold thread, the young man's hair was tied up with a jade crown, and beneath his strong, sword-like eyebrows were a pair of phoenix eyes, with a jade pendant with auspicious patterns hanging at his waist.

That sly smile... who else could it be but Lan Yao?!