The place was bustling with noise and activity.
The vendors' calls rose and fell, and a dazzling array of goods were on display.
At the fruit stand, bright red apples and golden oranges were piled up like small mountains; in front of the fabric stall, colorful silks shimmered with a captivating luster in the sunlight.
Children chased and played in the streets and alleys, their laughter filling the entire market.
A lively market performance is underway in the central square of the market.
Acrobats tumbled and leaped on high swings, drawing rounds of applause; actors from a theatrical troupe, dressed in magnificent costumes, were performing a wonderful period drama.
The audience watched with great interest, occasionally letting out exclamations of amazement.
The carriage slowly made its way through the crowd, with Li Afu skillfully maneuvering the horses to avoid collisions with pedestrians. In a corner of the market, an old man sat at his stall, holding a carving knife and intently carving a piece of wood.
Dozens of lifelike dolls were already placed in front of him.
"Zhang the puppeteer, your sculpted empress is so lifelike, it's like she's really alive!" A man watching nearby couldn't help but praise.
The old man smiled slightly, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He gently stroked the newly completed doll, as if he were touching a real life.
"This is all craftsmanship," the old man said modestly. "I have to thank you, my loyal customers, for your continued support."
Another woman nearby also came over, curiously picked up a finely carved general figurine, and exclaimed, "The texture of this general's armor is so clear, it's truly admirable."
The old man nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I was a court sculptor in my youth, but my skills are fading. I'm getting old, really old—"
Just then, a child squeezed through the crowd, staring wide-eyed at the dolls, his eyes filled with curiosity and longing.
"Grandpa, I want a little doll like that too!" he said, tugging at the old man's clothes.
The old man smiled, patted the child's head, and picked up an unfinished doll from his stall, handing it to him. "Take this for now. When Grandpa has time, I'll carve you a unique one."
The child happily took the doll and skipped away. The old man watched his retreating figure and called out kindly, "Little Ding, slow down, be careful not to fall!"
The carriage turned a corner and continued moving slowly forward.
Two months ago, after Emperor Da Xuan returned from his visit to Yun Chao, he immediately expanded the scope of trade. It is said that Yun Chao has also specially dispatched a minister to stay in Da Xuan for an extended period to assist in handling trade and academic exchanges between the two countries.
"Our empress is really doing a great job!" A middle-aged man who looked like a scholar exclaimed as he sorted through the goods outside the carriage.
"Yes, since she ascended the throne, the country has been peaceful and prosperous, and the people have lived in peace and contentment." An old man next to her nodded in agreement, his eyes revealing his admiration for the empress.
The carriage continued its journey, passing through the bustling market. Bai Wei and Zhao Rou sat inside, listening to the noise outside, each filled with a myriad of emotions.
"Madam, have you ever thought that one day we might be able to visit Yunchao?" Zhao Rou suddenly asked.
Bai Wei was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Of course I've thought about it. But since we come to Chunsheng County to teach every day, this can also be considered a visit to Yunchao."
As she spoke, she laughed.
Zhao Rou smiled as well, a hint of longing flashing in her eyes, "Perhaps one day, we can take our students to Yunchao for exchanges and broaden their horizons."
“That’s a great idea.” A hint of excitement flashed in Bai Wei’s eyes. “We can organize a study tour to Yunchao so that students can experience different cultures firsthand and broaden their horizons.”
“Yes, we’ll suggest it to the chief priest when we get back,” Zhao Rou agreed.
"However, speaking of our Chief Priest, she is quite an extraordinary woman. I heard that she used to be a member of the Imperial Guard by His Majesty's side! Because Chief Priest Lin was assassinated, His Majesty had no choice but to transfer her to Chunsheng County to take charge of official duties."
Zhao Rou said with great envy.
Bai Wei gave a muffled "hmm" and didn't reply.
Bai Wei's impression of Zhu Sanniang, the Imperial Priest, was that she was stern and dignified. Bai Wei always felt that Zhu Sanniang's movements and expressions were very similar to someone, but she couldn't quite place who it was.
What puzzled her was that Qin Yu, who was following Prefect Xu, seemed quite interested in Zhu Sanniang, the Imperial Phoenix Guard of Yun Dynasty. He asked her about Zhu Sanniang more than once.
At first, Bai Wei thought Qin Yu had taken a liking to Zhu San Niang. But her woman's intuition told her that this judgment was wrong.
The carriage finally left the market, the road widened, and the sound of hooves was particularly clear in the quiet countryside.
"By the way, Madam, have you heard any news about the young master recently?" Zhao Rou suddenly asked.
Bai Wei suddenly came to her senses, remained silent for a moment, and then said softly, "I heard that he has been performing outstandingly in the garrison recently and is highly regarded by his superiors."
"That's good." Zhao Rou smiled slightly. "Madam, you don't need to worry every day."
"Yes, I hope so." Bai Wei smiled, but a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes.
The carriage continued its journey, passing through fields, as the sun gradually set and the evening glow painted the sky red.
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