Chapter 23 Chapter 23
Suppressing the thought, Jiang Huai headed towards the bathhouse.
There were fewer people in the bathhouse than Jiang Huai had imagined. Perhaps it was because it was still early and not the usual time for bathing, or perhaps it was because winter was approaching and bathing was somewhat dangerous. Most people would choose not to bathe if they could avoid it.
If Jiang Huai hadn't really been unable to bear it, he probably wouldn't have come here.
Jiang Huai looked at the filth on his body and asked the people in the bathhouse for a bucket. His body was so dirty, it would be better to rub it first before taking a bath.
The people in the bathhouse glanced at Jiang Huai, silently handed him a bucket, and then recommended that Jiang Huai buy some bath beans, otherwise it would be difficult to wash his body.
If the people in the bathhouse hadn't said anything, Jiang Huai wouldn't have thought of this. He just asked about the price of the bath beans. Jiang Huai didn't want those bath beans that were said to have various effects, but only wanted the cheapest bath beans made from soapberry.
After paying the money in a hurry, Jiang Huai went into the changing area quickly. He tied up his hair before taking a shower to prevent it from getting wet in advance. Then he took off his clothes and went to the bathing area with the bucket.
Because of the hot water, the bathhouse was not too cold, but it was still a little chilly after taking off the clothes. Jiang Huai did not dare to delay and quickly wet his body, then applied bath beans all over his body and rubbed it vigorously.
After using up two buckets of water in a row, Jiang Huai felt that his body was much cleaner, and then he dared to go into the pool to take a bath.
Because they arrived early, the water in the pool was relatively clean, which made Jiang Huai feel relieved. After all, even if the water in the pool was dirty, he still had to wash, although it would be a bit disgusting.
Lying quietly in the pool, enjoying a moment of peace, Jiang Huai breathed a sigh of relief. It could be said that after all this journey, only now, lying in the pool, could he relax a little.
However, Jiang Huai knew very well that the comfort he was enjoying at this moment was not something he could enjoy himself, but was earned by using Xiao Jingzhao's money. If it were not for Xiao Jingzhao, he might still be staying in the military camp. Even if he agreed to stay with General Wang, it would probably not be so easy.
Therefore, his primary goal now is to make money.
Jiang Huai had just come out of the military camp and was still thinking about how to find a way to make money, but the kid selling wool he just met gave him some inspiration.
Although we have only been in Anyuan Prefecture for a few days, everyone describes this place as bitterly cold, which shows the need for warmth here.
He had no way of making other warm clothes, but maybe he could make sweaters. If he could spin wool into yarn, then he could knit sweaters, trousers, scarves, etc.
Although Jiang Huai had never knitted a sweater seriously, he had knitted a few times when he was a child with adults. However, he had not done it for a long time and was a little unfamiliar with it.
But all this depends on whether he can make the wool. If he can't, everything will be in vain.
As for how to make wool, Jiang Huai tried to recall it. He read quite a lot of novels. Some authors of time-travel novels strived for authenticity and actually included a lot of popular science knowledge. In the past, when he saw these, the comments section would complain that the author really wanted to teach them how to spin yarn and knit sweaters, but now, Jiang Huai was just glad that he didn't skip it because he was bored.
I even had a scientific spirit and read some more information. Although I just glanced at it and passed it by, when I recall it now, there is still some knowledge left in my memory.
I don’t know if it’s because he traveled through time and space, but his soul was trained, but Jiang Huai felt that his memory of the modern era was quite deep. However, he couldn’t say that he had a photographic memory. He had to try hard to recall just a little bit.
Jiang Huai's brain ached from thinking so much that he finally managed to find the words on how to spin yarn from the corner of his memory.
Pulling himself away from his memories, Jiang Huai felt a sharp pain in his head and didn't dare to think any further. Anyway, what he thought of now was enough, and he would need to think about it later.
…
While Jiang Huai was taking a bath, he was thinking about how to make money, while Xiao Jingzhao was surrounded by people.
"Is this really the dress that person is wearing?"
"It's the real thing. Look at this style and this color. It's this one."
"But why does it look different?"
"It's naturally different to hold it in your hands and wear it on someone. Take it home and put it on your husband. He will look very heroic."
The shopkeeper now realized how much support a clothes hanger could provide to clothes.
After he acted impulsively, he felt a little regretful after Jiang Huai left. He felt that he was too impulsive this time, but the words had already been said, and for the sake of face, the shopkeeper couldn't go back on his word.
But soon, he found that the money was not wasted. After wearing the mask, Xiao Jingzhao became more conspicuous. Passers-by coming and going outside the door noticed the figure in the shop and subconsciously looked over here, and their eyes immediately fell on Xiao Jingzhao.
Ordinary pedestrians would just glance at him, but those who had the slightest desire to buy clothes couldn't help but take a second look at the winter clothes he was wearing.
The shopkeeper noticed this early on and immediately called out to attract customers. When the customer caught a glimpse of the clothes on Xiao Jingzhao, he couldn't help but come in. Once he came in, the shopkeeper's sales pitch, coupled with the display effect of Xiao Jingzhao's clothes, made the customer a little tempted.
The shortcoming of this winter coat is that it is a bit ugly. Those who can afford it are not willing to buy it, and those who are willing to buy it cannot afford so much money. But with Xiao Jingzhao as the signboard, other people can't see the ugly shortcomings. They just think that this coat makes people look particularly energetic.
Surrounded by people, Xiao Jingzhao frowned unconsciously as he listened to the noisy sounds in the house. He subconsciously calculated the time and waited for Jiang Huai to come back.
After seeing off several groups of customers, all the clothes in stock were sold out, and a few more clothes were sold by the way. In such a short period of time, more clothes were sold than in the past day. The shopkeeper was smiling from ear to ear, and his eyes looking at Xiao Jingzhao were extremely eager.
Even though he knew there was a cold face under the mask, the shopkeeper didn't mind at all. He even made a pot of tea for Xiao Jingzhao so that he wouldn't have to sit there doing nothing.
"My dear brother, next time you buy clothes, you must come to my shop. I will give you the lowest price and will never let you suffer any loss." The shopkeeper said with a smile.
Xiao Jingzhao didn't say anything, and the shopkeeper wasn't embarrassed. He said this not to get a reply from Xiao Jingzhao, but to let the other party convey this to Jiang Huai.
After waiting for a while, Xiao Jingzhao looked into the distance and saw a familiar figure walking towards him. He subconsciously stood up and greeted him.
The shopkeeper looked over and saw Jiang Huai, but he didn't follow him. After all, he had to look after the shop.
Xiao Jingzhao took a few quick steps, took the old clothes from Jiang Huai's hand, stood beside Jiang Huai, and blocked the wind blowing from the side for him.
The wind blowing in his face was blocked, and it was indeed a lot warmer. Jiang Huai smiled at Xiao Jingzhao, and tried to lean against him, trying to let Xiao Jingzhao block all the wind for him. Now was not the time to be polite.
I had just taken a shower and washed my hair. Even though my hair was dry and I was wearing warm clothes, a gust of wind blew and I still felt a little cold.
"It seems that you are doing a good job as a clothes hanger." Noticing the shopkeeper's eager gaze looking over here, Jiang Huai murmured.
"A lot of people came and bought clothes to leave." Xiao Jingzhao whispered.
Jiang Huai couldn't help but look up after hearing this. He didn't know if it was his illusion, but he felt that there was a bit of boasting in Xiao Jingzhao's voice, but at the same time it seemed a bit aggrieved.
The face hidden under the mask could not be seen clearly. One could only see a pair of eyes with slightly drooping corners, which revealed an indescribable coldness.
"Just this time, we will have money after this." Jiang Huai couldn't help but hugged Xiao Jingzhao's hand. The other party stayed in the house and had not been out for long. His body was warm, which made Jiang Huai feel warm.
"Did you find money?" Xiao Jingzhao blurted out.
Suddenly he thought of how to solve the problem of lack of money. He could take out the remaining money in the name of picking up money. Although the reason was simple, it was indeed possible.
"It's not such a coincidence. I thought of a profitable business, but it depends on whether it can be done. If it can be done, maybe I can get the prison money next year." Jiang Huai said with a smile.
Ideas to make money?
Although he didn't care about Jiang Huai's idea of making money, seeing Jiang Huai smiling because of this, Xiao Jingzhao said nothing, but changed his way of giving money in his heart.
Doing business is also good. As long as Jiang Huai starts communicating with the outside world, he will have a way to deliver the money to Jiang Huai. Then Jiang Huai will not have to be as embarrassed as before.
After returning the clothes and putting on the winter clothes that Xiao Jingzhao had changed out of, Jiang Huai felt that his whole body was enveloped in warmth.
After rejecting the shopkeeper's attempt to ask Xiao Jingzhao to work on the signboard for a while longer, Jiang Huai paid the money and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered the child. His leather coat was tattered and covered with layers of patches. It was obvious that it was a small coat that was altered to be bigger, which showed the family situation.
If he wanted to do wool business, he must first try to make some finished products with some wool. These finished products can be bought from anywhere. In this case, he might as well buy them from the child.
Judging from the shopkeeper's attitude, he should know the child.
Jiang Huai turned around, and the shopkeeper thought he had changed his mind and smiled. Then he heard Jiang Huai say, "Shopkeeper, do you know where the home of that kid who was selling wool is?"
The shopkeeper's smile fell, a little disappointed. Perhaps Jiang Huai felt that wool was warm, but he still tried to persuade him earnestly: "Young Master, don't think that wool can keep you warm just because sheepskin is warm. This wool can be made into a felt mat, but it won't keep you warm on your body."
"Shopkeeper, I'm just taking a look. If it's really not suitable, I won't buy it. But I only have so much money on me, so I have to spend it sparingly." Jiang Huai replied with a smile.
The shopkeeper was silent for a moment, remembering how Jiang Huai had just haggled over the silver. He sighed and thought that life would be very difficult without money. He stopped trying to persuade him and told Jiang Huai the child's address.
He shouldn't have known this, but since his wife's family lived near the child, he naturally found out.
But in the past, it was the child's mother who made wool into felt blankets and sold them. Although she didn't make much money, it was enough to support the mother and child. Why is it that now it is the child who is selling wool?
The shopkeeper was a little confused, but he didn't think too much about it. He was busy with his own business, so how could he have the time to care about other people's affairs?
…
Although people are eager to make money, they have to settle down first before they can consider making money.
Jiang Huai and Xiao Jingzhao ran around for a few days and finally chose a house in the west of the city as their place to stay.
This house is close to the west city gate, making it very convenient to enter and exit the city. Most importantly, there is a large yard in the house, which makes it convenient for Jiang Huai to do some manual experiments.
Of course, the most important thing is that the rental price here is low enough, because this house seems to have been hit by war, several rooms are broken down, and other houses nearby are also rented out, so the price is kept down.
Jiang Huai inquired around and found out that the reason so many houses were put up for rent was because the original owners had been ravaged by the barbarians. Those who could move away had already done so, and those who were unable to do so had no choice but to continue living there even though they were afraid, which saved Jiang Huai a lot of money.
It's just that the rent is low, and the house is left with only an empty frame. All the usable tables, chairs and furniture, which are slightly better, have been moved away, leaving only a creaky bed and a few stools.
Pushing open the door and looking at the empty room, Jiang Huai took a deep breath and was about to sigh, but then he was choked by the dust in the air.
"Cough cough" Jiang Huai coughed several times in a row, quickly ran out of the house, took two breaths of normal air at the door, and then stopped coughing for a while.
"Come, drink some water." Xiao Jingzhao brought the kettle to Jiang Huai's mouth with a smile in his eyes. He really didn't expect Jiang Huai to take a deep breath in the dusty room, so he didn't have time to stop him.
Jiang Huai quickly took a sip of water, and the discomfort in his throat was relieved a little.
"Fortunately, the weather is good today." Jiang Huai looked up at the big sun in the sky. Compared with the previous two days, today's weather is really good. It can be regarded as the best weather since he came to Anyuan Prefecture.
"Let's do a thorough cleaning today." Jiang Huai said, and seeing Xiao Jingzhao's confusion, "Just clean the house from inside to outside."
But after glancing at the area of the house, and then looking at himself and Xiao Jingzhao, Jiang Huai blinked: "Of course, let's clean the house we live in first, and we can deal with the outside later. Maybe it will rain and God will help us clean it up."
You can't count on rain inside the house. If it really rains, you'll have to repair the roof.
The two people who had no cleaning experience worked hard in the house, sweeping the floor and watering, and finally removed some of the floating dust in the house. As for the rest, Jiang Huai had no idea what to do, as long as it didn't choke people.
By the way, I also tidied up the bed, put a newly bought straw mat on it, covered it with a sheet, and put a quilt on it. It was almost enough for two people to sleep.
Jiang Huai also went to take a look at the kitchen next to the house. The stove and cupboards in the kitchen were built and could not be moved, so they were left in place. Everything else, even the firewood, had been moved out. Only small pieces of fallen firewood remained on the ground, probably because people were too lazy to bend down to pick them up.
Jiang Huai gathered the fallen firewood. Based on his previous experience in making fire, he thought it should be enough to cook a meal.
Speaking of cooking, Jiang Huai couldn't help but think of all the delicious food he had eaten before. If he were to say that in ancient times, the thing that was most difficult for Jiang Huai to accept was eating.
On the road of exile, with Xiao Jingzhao, the food got better, but every day it was either dry food or rice cooked with coarse grains and wild vegetables. The only vegetable to go with the rice was some pickles, and each person only had a little bit, even the soap soldiers could not eat much.
As for arriving in Anyuan Prefecture, the food in the military camp was just so-so. But since he was free these few days, he could eat a little better. But if you ask how much the food suited Jiang Huai's appetite, Jiang Huai could only say that the taste was just so-so. Whether it was the level of preparation or the seasoning, it was all very average.
When there is no way to change, one can only endure the oppression of the world, but now that life can be improved, Jiang Huai still wants to improve it.
"Where is the salt we bought?" Jiang Huai came out of the kitchen and went to look for the things they had bought before.
Because before coming here, Jiang Huai knew that many things in this house were missing, so he and Xiao Jingzhao went to various shops to buy some daily necessities, salt being one of them. However, after coming in, he was so busy cleaning that Jiang Huai couldn't even remember where he put them.
When Xiao Jingzhao saw Jiang Huai go to the kitchen, he had already prepared the grain, oil, salt and sauce.
Seeing that Xiao Jingzhao had taken it out early, Jiang Huai couldn't help but give him a thumbs up. He was worthy of being Brother Wei, and he was so thoughtful.
"What does this mean?" Seeing Jiang Huai's actions, Xiao Jingzhao couldn't help but ask. He was a little curious when he saw Jiang Huai doing this action a few days ago.
"Well, it means that you are the best, the best." Jiang Huai smiled, shook his fingers, and reached out to take the salt.
"Is this considered amazing?" Xiao Jingzhao asked.
"Of course. When I came out, I thought I would have to look for it everywhere, but you had already taken it. It's great that you pay so much attention to details." Jiang Huai praised seriously.
Xiao Jingzhao lowered his eyes, making it difficult to see the changes in his expression, but Jiang Huai felt that Xiao Jingzhao must have been shy because of his praise. He had discovered in the past few days that Xiao Jingzhao was obviously very thoughtful in his dealings with others, but he seemed unaware of it. If he was praised, he would become uncomfortable in various ways.
Jiang Huai suspected that Xiao Jingzhao had often been suppressed in the past, but he couldn't ask directly about this suspicion. After all, it was the other party's private matter. He could only try to use praise to boost the other party's self-confidence.
Jiang Huai stopped praising the salt and opened the salt bag, revealing a gray-black block of salt.
Jiang Huai dipped his finger in it and tasted it. It was bitter with a hint of saltiness. This taste...
It is indeed the cheapest salt sold, but it tastes bad.
Seeing the change in Jiang Huai's expression, Xiao Jingzhao suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart and felt a little confused. When they went to buy salt, there were obviously some high-quality salts available. Although the price was a bit expensive, they didn't need to eat too much salt. However, Jiang Huai still chose the lowest quality salt.
Xiao Jingzhao was puzzled at the time, but now it seems that Xiao Jingzhao suspects that it is because Jiang Huai has never eaten this kind of salt before, so he doesn't know how bad it tastes, and just wants to save money.
"Don't eat this salt. I'll go buy some more." Xiao Jingzhao was worried that if he didn't ask, Jiang Huai would just use the salt to cook. But looking at Jiang Huai's expression, he knew that he definitely couldn't get used to it.
"It's okay. I knew this salt would not taste good before I bought it." Jiang Huai stopped Xiao Jingzhao.
Anyone who has studied chemistry knows a test point: crude salt purification. Although it cannot eliminate some water-soluble impurities, it can remove most of the impurities and make the salt taste better.
Instead of spending a lot of money to buy expensive salt, it is better to buy this inferior salt and then purify it. Although it will reduce the amount of salt, it is still more cost-effective than buying expensive salt.
However, Jiang Huai had never thought of using this method to make money. Now salt and iron are both state-owned, and selling private salt is a risk of losing one's head. If there is really no direction to start, then it doesn't matter. He already has wool as his entrepreneurial direction, so he shouldn't touch the red line of salt.
However, you can't make money from salt, but it should be okay to purify some salt yourself for eating.
However, if you want to purify the crude salt, the last step of evaporation and crystallization requires a lot of firewood. There is not enough firewood in this house, so Jiang Huai urged Xiao Jingzhao to go outside and buy some firewood.
This is also a little inconvenience of living in the city. If you live outside the city, you can just go outside to pick up some firewood, but in this city, you can only buy firewood.
When Xiao Jingzhao went out, Jiang Huai filled the pottery jar with water and then threw in enough salt blocks until the salt blocks could no longer dissolve in the water.
The first time you purify, you cannot purify too much. After all, burning firewood takes time. Just make a little and use it for cooking.
Watching the water turn from clear to turbid, Jiang Huai turned around and took out the filter he had made earlier from his luggage.
This filter was made during his exile. It used a thick bamboo tube as the main body, stuffed the cloth strips he had torn off earlier at the bottom, and placed burnt charcoal a little above. Although it was burned very roughly, it was still usable. Then he placed fine sand, coarse sand, and small stones in turn, specifically for filtering dirty water.
At first, Jiang Huai didn't think of doing this, because the stream water he drank at the beginning was quite clean, even for safety reasons, it would be fine to boil the water. But later, it rained continuously and the stream and river water became turbid. Even if it was allowed to settle for a while, it would look cleaner. But Jiang Huai still found a way to make a filter to filter the water.
The only problem is that the water filtering speed is relatively slow. Jiang Huai rarely used it after making it, but now he can use it.
Xiao Jingzhao didn't know what Jiang Huai was thinking. He just thought that Jiang Huai was reluctant to buy salt. He went out to buy firewood and passed by a stall selling pies. After thinking about it, he bought a few pies. In case the food was not delicious, he would let Jiang Huai eat this and buy new salt tomorrow.
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