Jiang Shuyun was engrossed in reading the book "The Chronicles of the Nine Provinces of the Great Li Era." It was well-written, with detailed descriptions of local customs, species distribution, and more. Mu Yi'an would like it.

Habits are truly terrifying. It hasn't been long, and he's already gotten used to Mu Yi'an's presence, unconsciously thinking of her in everything he does. Was he really waiting for this destiny to bring them together, remaining unmarried and childless until his forties? If that's the case, he wouldn't have gone through such a long and complicated process. Their schools aren't that far apart; why bother going to another time and space to act as matchmakers?

Jiang Shuyun shook her head, wondering what nonsense she was thinking. If it weren't for this accident, the two of them would never have been interested in each other. Their living environments were different, their attitudes towards life were different, and their pursuits were different; they had no common ground.

"Manager He, do you have any agricultural or medical books? Could you help me find some?"

"Agricultural books, medical books?"

Shopkeeper He was a little puzzled. Scholar Jiang was acting strangely today, always looking for books unrelated to the imperial examinations.

"Jiang Xiucai, wait a moment. There are two related books in the shop, one is 'Qi Nong Yao Shu' and the other is 'Yao Cao Da Quan'. They are both old books, which others have put here for consignment."

Shopkeeper He had a good impression of Scholar Jiang. He was hardworking and ambitious, aware of his status and family circumstances, unlike some scholars who disregarded their family's actual situation and acted recklessly. Scholar Jiang would attend poetry gatherings, host banquets, and frequent brothels, squandering his family's hard-earned money. Scholar Jiang frequently came to copy books, and the money he earned, besides buying writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, all went home with him.

"Old books? As long as they don't interfere with reading, what difference does it make whether a book is new or old?"

Jiang Shuyun loved reading. Even in an era when money was no object, he bought many secondhand books and went to flea markets to hunt for them.

"I'm glad that Scholar Jiang doesn't mind. These books on consignment are from families that have really encountered difficulties. Otherwise, scholars wouldn't sell their books so easily."

"Manager He, how much are these used books?"

Jiang Shuyun knew that ancient books were not cheap, and this Dali Jiuzhou Zhi was no exception.

"The price of used books can't compare to that of new books. They cost one tael of silver each, and because they are relatively new, they are more expensive than ordinary used books. The Dali Jiuzhou Zhi is even more expensive, at six taels of silver each."

Shopkeeper He had no choice; this was the price of the book, and most families rarely bought books—they simply couldn't afford it!

"No discount?"

"What?"

Manager He didn't quite understand and looked bewildered.

"I mean, could you make it cheaper?"

Jiang Shuyun quickly explained that she had just blurted it out.

"Scholar Jiang, the price of the book can't be reduced, but since you're a regular customer, we can give you a ream of paper. It's not top-quality, but it won't interfere with your calligraphy practice."

Although Manager He was surprised, he still gave Jiang Xiucai some extra money. Previously, these students had never bargained when buying things; Jiang Xiucai was the first.

"Thank you, Manager He. How about you give me a smaller pen? My child is starting to learn calligraphy and is currently practicing with a sand tray."

Jiang Shuyun was forced into this situation. When had he ever asked the price before buying anything? A penny can break a hero's heart; when you have no money in your pocket, you panic!

"Ah! Sure, why not?"

Manager He has witnessed firsthand today that even scholars know how to manage their lives.

Jiang Shuyun packed her things, took the writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone for copying books from the shopkeeper, paid the deposit, and left Jixian Pavilion. She only had some copper coins left in her purse!

I bought two steamed buns on the street to tide me over, and a few apples for the kids. All I had left was the bus fare. I was thinking of wandering around a bit more, but now, forget it. My pockets are emptier than my face; it's better not to look at anything than to look and not buy anything.

I found a cool spot and ate two steamed buns. Luckily, I brought water with me when I left this morning, otherwise, it would have been unpleasant to choke on dry steamed buns.

Losing her desire to stroll, Jiang Shuyun slowly walked back to where she had parked. She'd take a ride home later, and then worry about it again once she earned some money. Eight taels of silver—enough for an average family's expenses for a year, right? Thinking about it now, she realized how many families were saved by nine years of compulsory education.

"Young Scholar Jiang, have you finished your business?"

"Uncle Jiang, it's done."

"Then wait a little longer, it's not time yet, not all the people have returned."

"No rush, I got back early."

Jiang Shuyun found a place to sit down and didn't say anything. The villagers were used to this kind of young scholar, so they didn't find it strange.

As the sun set, around dusk, the laborers gradually returned. Uncle Jiang cracked his whip, and the mule cart headed back along the same route.

"There are many cargo ships at the dock today, and a lot of cargo. I wonder what it will be like tomorrow?"

"Whether it's too much or too little, it's not up to us. Don't think too much about it. Don't worry about tomorrow. Who knows if I'll even wake up tomorrow morning?"

The burly man next to Jiang Shuyun was quite old, with deep wrinkles on his face. He seemed listless and had lost his enthusiasm for life.

“Brother Zhang is right. We people at the bottom of society are just grateful to be alive and not starve to death. Why think so much?”

"How can I not think about it? There are old people and young children at home, and expenses are coming as soon as I open my eyes. Sometimes I think that I am not as comfortable as those who sell themselves into slavery."

"Selling yourself into slavery requires skill; without it, it's all for nothing. Your master's word is all it takes to decide your life or death!"

...

Along the way, Jiang Shuyun listened to the conversations of the laborers and felt uneasy. She truly felt how different this era was!

When they arrived at Jiangjia Village, Jiang Shuyun was the only one left in the car. He thanked Uncle Jiang and carried his things home.

"Shuyun is back. Is everything done?"

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