Chapter 437 Scalpers

Before they knew it, it was the end of June in the lunar calendar, and the group had arrived at Cangzhou City, the largest hub around the capital.

At dawn, the carriage entered Cangzhou City, and Qingxing immediately became excited.

“Miss, Cangzhou is a wonderful place, known for its beautiful women. It only takes three days to travel by water from Cangzhou to the capital.”

There is a wide canal connecting Cangzhou and the capital. The canal runs from south to north, and Cangzhou is already quite close to the capital.

The group stayed in Cangzhou for a day and a half, and it wasn't until the evening of the next day that an official ship would depart for the capital.

"Alright."

Despite rushing and sleeping in the wilderness and taking shortcuts, there were still three days left on the journey to the capital. Lin Yuesha couldn't help but feel excited. The capital was a place where all sorts of people mingled, but it was also a good place to show off one's skills.

"Qingxing, do you know anything about Cangzhou City?"

Feeling stifled in the carriage all the way, Lin Yuesha wanted to cheer her parents up. Although they had come to the capital for medical treatment, they shouldn't always be so gloomy. Her father was optimistic about his condition, but her mother, Chen Shi, seemed preoccupied.

"I understand it fairly well."

When it comes to Cangzhou, the most famous thing is the beauty of Cangzhou, followed by Cangzhou tea and opera troupes. Here, people go to listen to a few operas to pass the time in their spare time.

Teahouses and restaurants were everywhere, and opera troupes and storytellers were everywhere. Even the surrounding countryside often invited opera troupes to set up stages.

Lin Yuesha discerned the differences between the North and the South from the people's preferences.

In the north, heavy snow in winter closes off the mountains, leaving only a few months for the busy farming season. During the busy season, farmers are so exhausted that they wish they could just collapse and sleep. When the off-season comes in winter, the biting cold wind makes it impossible to go outside.

In contrast, people in the north have little entertainment and can only stay at home during the winter.

As soon as they entered Cangzhou City, Lin Yuesha opened the car window and looked out. There were pedestrians everywhere, men and women in countless numbers.

The common people were dressed in bright clothes, but the poor families couldn't afford new clothes. When they patched their clothes, they tried to find nice color combinations, which were somewhat like modern patchwork styles.

Women in Cangzhou love beauty, and rouge, face powder, silk flowers, and perfumes are all in high demand.

Madam He was very generous and took care of all the food and lodging for everyone, asking Jia San to find the best inn, Xiankelai in Cangzhou.

Lin Yuesha lived in room number one of the "Heavenly" class. There was a flower hall outside and an inner room. At the very back of the inner room, there was a small sun terrace. The sun terrace was decorated with flowers and plants, as well as two rattan chairs for making tea.

"This is a wonderful place."

Staying at the Cyclamen Hotel for one night costs ten taels of silver. Lin Yuesha was initially reluctant to spend the money, but after seeing the furnishings, the words "worth every penny" flashed through her mind.

"Miss, the flowers outside smell so good."

Inside the room, with the door tightly closed, the fragrance of flowers from outside the balcony could still waft in. The windows were bright and clean, without a speck of dust.

Lin Yuesha chose a rocking chair, closed her eyes, and smelled the fragrance of flowers, instantly feeling extremely comfortable.

I'm here in Cangzhou to rest and recuperate, and I can't let this trip be in vain; I have to find some enjoyment for myself.

"I want to take my parents out for a walk."

Lin Yuesha wanted to go with Doctor Yan, but ever since she suggested suturing, Yan Yan had barely spoken a few words to her. Whenever she was awake, she would hide in the carriage. After a few days, she became pale and her lips were bloodless.

Lin Yuesha hoped that Doctor Liao would consult with Doctor Yan to discuss the prescription and distract him, but unexpectedly, Doctor Liao joined in after learning about Doctor Yan's idea.

The two of them are now insane; they hide in the carriage during the day and only occasionally come out for some fresh air late at night.

As doctors, the two of them no longer cared about the strict separation between men and women.

"Miss, there is a theatrical troupe in Cangzhou City that is considered one of the best in the capital. When high-ranking officials celebrate their birthdays, they even send people to Cangzhou to invite them."

This opera troupe has a wide repertoire, and the troupe leader is quick-witted. If given a high price and a direction, he can write an entire play all by himself.

"It's called the Qiuyue Troupe. Their most popular female lead, Xiao Qiuyue, is sought after by all kinds of opera troupes."

Qingxing had heard Xiao Qiuyue sing at the Lin residence, and the maids there were completely captivated, hiding behind trees to secretly watch Xiao Qiuyue.

"Is Xiao Qiuyue not only beautiful, but also has a great voice?"

Lin Yuesha had never met her in person, but she didn't believe anyone could be more beautiful than Ziyuan.

"Yes, all the maids in the manor want to marry Xiao Qiuyue."

Regardless of whether actors are considered low-class or not, as long as they are beautiful, they will have many enthusiastic followers. As long as Xiao Qiuyue goes on stage, she receives a basketful of tips.

"marry?"

Lin Yuesha belatedly realized and asked, "Is it a man singing a female role?"

"Yes, only Xiao Qiuyue sings well and is more beautiful than any woman. I feel ashamed of myself when I see her."

Qingxing also wants to go to see a play and highly recommends the Qiuyue Troupe. Moreover, the Qiuyue Troupe is performing in the front yard of the Cyclamen Hotel today, and all guests staying at the hotel can get a free ticket.

"Hearing you say that makes me even more curious."

With nothing else to do, Lin Yuesha decided to listen to a play to pass the time. She took her maid downstairs to get the tickets, but just as she was about to go upstairs, she was stopped by a man who looked shifty-eyed.

"Miss, please wait a moment."

The man strode forward and stood in front of Lin Yuesha, blocking her way.

"What business do you have with my young lady?"

Qingxing said with dissatisfaction, "Don't you think it's a bit abrupt to just stand in front of me and block my way like that?"

"I would like to do business with this young lady."

The man smiled obsequiously and looked at Lin Yuesha ingratiatingly, saying, "Could you transfer the theater tickets you have to me?"

What do you mean by "transferring it to you"?

Lin Yuesha knew what was going on; this person wanted to buy the theater tickets she had.

“Miss, to be honest, your accent doesn’t sound like it’s from Cangzhou. You’ve clearly come from afar.”

The man was quite perceptive; he recognized Lin Yuesha's northern accent. Those who could afford to stay in the top-tier room at the Cyclamen Hotel were all wealthy individuals.

"The Qiuyue Troupe is incredibly popular, and tickets are extremely hard to come by. So, Miss, why don't you consider giving me your ticket?"

"No, this is my first time here, and I want to hear the Qiuyue Opera Troupe perform."

Lin Yuesha refused without hesitation. She wanted to take her parents to see the play. It was rare for Qiuyue Troupe to have such a good reputation, so they must have some real skills.

"High price, I'm willing to pay a high price to buy it."

The man made a gesture, indicating his willingness to pay five taels of silver for a theater ticket.

He bought it for five taels of silver. There were a lot of people at the gate asking for tickets. He could easily resell each ticket for a profit of at least two taels of silver, it was just a waste of breath. As long as this young lady agreed, he would buy it immediately.

Lin Yuesha raised an eyebrow. She had encountered an ancient version of scalpers, making money by reselling theater tickets. They were exactly the same kind of people as those who sell concert tickets at high prices in modern times.

"Since you know I live in Cyclamen, you should know I'm not short of money. Why sell this ticket? Wouldn't it be better if I kept it for myself?"

Lin Yuesha will not tolerate scalpers; this cooperation will not be reached.

"Miss, you're staying at Cyclamen Hotel, how can you use these free theater tickets!"

Although Cyclamen Restaurant gives each guest a movie ticket, it's for a seat in the back row, so if the people in front are noisy, you can't hear anything at all.