Seeing that it was getting late, the group went back to their rooms to rest. They needed to be well-rested for tomorrow's battle.
The next morning, the four of them were in high spirits. After washing up, they ate breakfast in the guest room, discussing where to go first. None of them knew the way, so they wondered if they should ask the waiter for a guide. Just then, Shen Xu, with his conspicuous bag, arrived again. This time, Li Xi quickly invited him to sit down and eat breakfast to avoid another round of greetings. The etiquette of the ancients was quite cumbersome.
Li Xi pulled him down to sit and handed him a bowl of porridge, which surprised him. Seeing Li Xi's enthusiasm, and not wanting to spoil his mood, he ate with her.
Before long, the group put down their bowls and chopsticks. Shen Xu said, "Young Master Li, are you looking for houses today? My family owns several properties; I'll take you to see them." Li Xi declined, "Young Master Shen, you're too kind. We just wanted to wander around and see what kind of business we could do." "Then I'll accompany you. I'm very familiar with Kyoto." "That's fine, thank you for your trouble." Li Xi didn't refuse; this was a local, and it wouldn't be good to keep refusing him. His clear eyes were just like those of a sunny, cheerful young man from later generations.
Li Xi boarded Shen Xu's carriage. She always dressed as a man and didn't seem to care about the difference between men and women. Sun Tiantian had already changed back into women's clothing and was driving the carriage with Meng Zhelan and Ling'er.
Ancient Kyoto was a bustling and vibrant city, teeming with people and a scene of great prosperity. The throngs of people, the wide variety of goods, and the dazzling array of stalls were all breathtaking. The sounds of hawking, laughter, and chatter filled the air, bringing Kyoto's lively atmosphere to a fever pitch.
On the streets, caravans of horses galloped by, intensifying the vibrant atmosphere of Kyoto. Officials, merchants, tourists, residents—all sorts of people came and went in a continuous stream. The cries of vendors, the laughter and conversation in teahouses, and the sounds of opera performances mingled together, creating a vivid scene.
In the heart of Kyoto, there is a spacious square where people gather. There are street performers, monkey trainers, fortune tellers, storytellers... all kinds of entertainment are available. People crowd around to watch, cheering from time to time.
Kyoto's architecture is also a beautiful sight. Towering city walls, magnificent palaces, and simple folk houses... the various architectural styles are arranged in a harmonious and picturesque way, making it a place you'll want to linger.
As evening falls, Kyoto becomes even more vibrant. Brightly lit, restaurants, theaters, and teahouses are packed with people. They drink, chat, listen to operas, and savor tea, fully enjoying the beauty of life.
From morning till night, Shen Xu was a truly excellent guide, leading everyone through Kyoto. They wandered through the streets and alleys, visiting numerous restaurants and teahouses, and by the time they returned to the inn, they were so full they could barely sit down.
Li Xi: "Brother Shen, I am truly grateful for today. You are a first-rate guide." First-rate? Shen Xu saw the thumbs-up she gave Li Xi and knew it was a compliment. "Brother Li, you are too kind. It is a pleasure to have friends coming from afar. Brother Li, it is a pity that we did not meet sooner. Today, I have a great chat with you and I know that there are people in this world who share my interests."
By the end of the day, the two had become like brothers. Li Xi was also touched by his sincerity and couldn't help but say a few more words. Shen Xu was truly a friend worth making friends with. Although Li Xi was a woman, she also liked to be friends with sincere people. Looking at his sunny and cheerful appearance, Li Xi knew that he was a person of excellent character and was indeed from a prominent family.
Shen Xu was attracted by Li Xi's confidence. Although he was not from a noble family, Li Xi was confident, composed, and had a well-thought-out plan.
The two chatted for about half a cup of tea's time before Shen Xu returned. "Xi'er, you and Young Master Shen are quite a good match," Meng Zhelan said to Li Xi with a smile. "Oh dear, we're just friends," Li Xi said, about to tickle her, and the group laughed and joked around in the room.
The next day, Shen Xu did not come. Li Xi and the other three went to Changfeng Lane. When they came here yesterday, they found that a clinic was up for sale. Meng Zhelan wanted to take it over and open her own clinic.
When Li Xi and her group entered, there was only one shop assistant minding the shop. Upon seeing them come in, he stepped forward to greet them. Meng Zhelan spoke first: "Young man, is your boss here? I saw a 'For Sale' notice posted on your door..." "Yes, yes, he's in the back room. I'll go get him."
A few days later, an elderly man with gray hair came out and, seeing Meng Zhelan and her companions, said, "Young master, ladies, would you like to buy the clinic? This clinic was originally run by me, but now I am old, and none of my children can take over, so they asked me to sell it and retire." The old man was also a doctor, and after several conversations, Doctor Tian and Meng Zhelan got along very well, with Doctor Tian particularly admiring Meng Zhelan's medical and pharmacological knowledge.
"Miss Meng, you are truly a promising young woman; I admire you greatly. I feel at ease entrusting the clinic to you." After some discussion, the clinic was sold for three hundred taels of silver. Since the shop also belonged to Doctor Tian, this was actually a very good deal, as the clinic had a considerable amount of valuable medicinal herbs. Doctor Tian then found a broker to prepare the transfer documents.
Meng Zhelan wanted to find a resident doctor. Although there were female doctors in this world, there was still a lot of prejudice against them. So she asked Doctor Tian, who said, "Speaking of which, there is indeed a suitable one. He is my former apprentice, named Liu Chengde. He used to practice at this clinic, but he went back home last year because of a family accident. He only recently came to the capital, and his medical skills are quite good." Doctor Tian told Meng Zhelan where he lived.
Meng Zhelan and her companions then went to find Doctor Tian's apprentice, who had rented a house in Liuyang Lane. Meng Zhelan explained their purpose to him, and Doctor Liu, upon hearing that she had been recommended by his master, said kindly, "Miss Meng, thank you for your guidance. I will be able to start practicing in a couple of days, and I will settle my wife and children at home tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhelan said, "Dr. Liu, you can move into the clinic. There's a small courtyard in the back, which would be perfect for your family. You can also help me look after the clinic." Dr. Liu quickly thanked her, "Thank you so much, Miss Meng. I've been having trouble finding a place to live myself. My wife will bring the child over tomorrow."...
After giving some simple instructions, Meng Zhelan planned to tidy up the clinic the next day. They still needed to find a place to live, so they went to a brokerage firm to inquire. After explaining their requirements, the broker looked through his book and took them to several places. Finally, they found a storefront with a yard and living quarters in a street about two miles from the clinic.
Entering the shop, one is greeted by bright light and a size that, by modern standards, is easily ninety square meters—more than enough to open a restaurant. The backyard is connected to the shop; a door inside leads to the backyard. The backyard is a two-story building with six rooms. There's a tree on the left side of the yard, a well on the right, and some flowers and plants, the names of which Li Xi doesn't know. The yard itself is seventy square meters, and everyone is quite satisfied.
Meng Zhelan negotiated the price with the broker. The storefront wasn't in a remote location, nor was it near a busy street. After several rounds of negotiation, the shop, including the backyard, cost six hundred taels of silver. Having bought both a pharmacy and a storefront at once, Li Xi and the others were deeply impressed by Meng Zhelan's generosity. From then on, the four of them finally had a place to settle down and make a living.
The four returned to the inn, satisfied, and discussed the details of moving in the next day. A short while later, the waiter knocked on the door and announced that Young Master Shen had arrived, so Li Xi went downstairs.
“Brother Li, I had some things to attend to at home today and couldn’t accompany you to look for a house. I feel bad about it.” “It’s alright, Brother Shen, we’ve taken care of everything today.” “Then I’ll bring some people to help you move in tomorrow.” “Then I’ll gladly accept your offer. Thank you, Brother Shen.” The two chatted for a couple more cups of tea before Shen Xu went back.
"Oh, Young Master Shen is here again. Why don't we chat a little longer this time?" Meng Zhelan teased her. "Young Master Shen said he'd bring people to help us move tomorrow. He's only helping because he considers me a good friend," Li Xi said, spreading her hands. The four of them grew closer. Although Sun Tiantian was bought, they all treated her like a younger sister. Ling'er had come all the way from Yunnan and Sichuan and had grown a lot along the way, no longer feeling sorry for herself and becoming more confident.
The group still had a long road ahead of them, so the four of them ordered a table full of delicious food and wine to celebrate having their own place to live the next day. Meng Zhelan, who usually couldn't hold her liquor, drank quite a bit, Sun Tiantian, who had never drunk alcohol before, drank it like water, and Ling'er also had a few cups. Li Xi, needless to say, was practically immune to alcohol due to the original owner's constitution.
It was late at night. A few tables away from them, a man dressed in black looked at Li Xi, watching her laugh heartily and drink glass after glass of wine without getting drunk, seemingly deep in thought...
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