"I like this, sister. We will come to you to buy it next time." The girl with a round face and pink clothes smiled sweetly at her.
Xu Jiang also curled her eyes and said, "I am always waiting for you ladies to come."
As the sun sets, the girls depart, their laughter filling the air. They rarely leave the house; the next time they see each other will be on New Year's Day. Born in such a prosperous era, most women still find themselves unsettled, confined to their inner chambers, wasting their lives. They only hope these books can alleviate the long, silent hours of their boudoirs and ease their melancholy.
Xu Jiang blew on the silver peanuts in her hand and carefully put them into the embroidered bag she carried with her.
The market continued into the evening. People continued to arrive at Xu Jiang's stall, but she made very little money. The nearby stalls had all closed, and seeing so few people entering the alley, she followed suit. As the sky darkened, the sounds of people died down, and the alley was filled with the aroma of fireworks wafting from every household. The Double Ninth Festival must have been a feast for all, but Xu Jiang's courtyard had only a cold stove. After a busy day, she was starving. She still had some Double Ninth Festival cakes left, but they were too greasy. Her heart was craving only the fragrant, hot food. The more she thought about it, the more impatient she became. The aroma of food wafting from everywhere was like a slow slicing of flesh. She locked the door, not even waiting to change her clothes, and lit a lantern to go out into the street in search of food.
During the Double Ninth Festival, not only will all districts in the capital hold fairs, but night markets as well. However, not all districts will open them. Only Yong'an and Yongning districts are eligible. The time limit is also very strict, opening at Youshi and ending at Zishi. There are also soldiers and guards patrolling to prevent people from breaking the rules or causing chaos.
Xu Jiang hadn't yet visited the capital's night markets. She imagined they would be filled with delicious food. Yong'anfang and Yonghefang were adjacent, just four blocks apart, so there was no reason not to go. She left Yonghefang and arrived at Tongfang Street. The street was packed with people: families, sisters in pairs, groups of young men, peddlers carrying loads of goods, hawkers selling trinkets, and even lonely souls like herself, all heading to the night market.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
