As the night market approaches, palace lanterns illuminate both sides of the street, lighting up the road.
The streetlights along the road were specially funded by Minsheng Pharmacy for the benefit of the people. They were installed so that people wouldn't need to carry lanterns when walking at night. Originally designed by Qingyan himself, they were built with the approval of Emperor Kangxi. During those years, the imperial reputation grew even better. The opening of Minsheng Pharmacy blocked the shops of the Imperial Hospital and the Imperial Household Department, so they naturally attacked it en masse.
"Sisi, look, Minsheng Pharmacy has actually closed down!" Qingyan was taken aback.
On the street, there is a Minsheng Pharmacy. Every year, she would order the pharmacy to stay open until noon on the afternoon of Lunar New Year's Eve. It would be closed for business on the third day of the Lunar New Year.
Yin turned his head and glanced at it. The profits of Minsheng Pharmacy were getting worse and worse. The stewards of the Imperial Household Department said some ambiguous things. Kangxi also approached Yin, hoping that Qingyan could return to Minsheng Pharmacy to manage it.
Yin Du refused, citing the twins' young age and Qing Yan's inability to manage the business.
"Little darling, the operation of Minsheng Pharmacy has been investigated quite thoroughly, causing a great commotion between the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Revenue," Yin said in a low voice.
Along both sides of the road, many vendors have already set up their stalls, displaying the things they are preparing to sell, some of which are delicious foods.
Smelling the enticing aroma, Qingyan looked around. Many families had brought their children along, and the children's faces lit up with happy smiles at the bustling street scene.
Yiken nestled in Erlu's arms, obediently surveying their surroundings. They strolled leisurely like rich young masters.
Twisted dough sticks, all kinds of noodles, and snacks—this night market has everything. Qingyan felt that Yin had brought her to a great place.
"Shall we buy some snacks to take back?" Qingyan knew that these foods were definitely not as good as what the mountain house had prepared, but in the eyes of these wives, this was considered a kind of wild game.
Yin glanced at the surrounding stalls. Wherever food was sold, children were gathered around. Seeing this, Yin felt relieved.
"Su Peisheng, buy a little of everything." Yin glanced at the food on several tables; the kitchen staff would prepare all of those dishes.
Before the twelfth lunar month, Qingyan had the kitchen prepare New Year's sweets well in advance. Every year during the New Year, the princes and princesses of the various mansions would say that the sweets from the Fourth Prince's mansion were the best.
Yin was also proud of this, which shows how much effort Qingyan put into it.
"Little darling, have someone deliver these snacks to each of our brothers' gardens. Have someone tell Shu Qing to buy them at the night market. Even if no one uses them, it's good that we've sent them as a gift." Yin whispered to Qingyan. After all, not everyone can handle the food from the night market, so he left the choice to his brothers.
"Okay!" Qingyan was led by him, with two children and some guards following behind. His depressed mood due to the New Year gradually improved.
As dusk settled, the night market came to its most bustling moment, and the shouts and calls filled Qingyan with a sense of wonder.
You would never find such a scene in a city night market, and there would be very few shouts from vendors.
"There are even acrobatic performances ahead!" Qingyan's eyes widened in surprise. It was truly astonishing. Indeed, the New Year celebrations were quite different from ordinary days.
"Let's go eat roast duck!" Yin had booked a private room at the roast duck restaurant well in advance, all in preparation for Qingyan's visit to the night market.
real?!
Since she became pregnant with twins, she hasn't eaten out, let alone had Peking duck.
Stepping into the private room, located on the second floor, she could see the entire street from the window. Standing at the window, she looked down at the bustling street below, a stark contrast to the chill of the pre-December season.
"The local people are really skilled." Before entering, Qingyan took a look at the nearby stalls, one of which was selling freshly made dough figurines.
"Of course, these are all skills to make a living. The most important thing is that the children are happy during the New Year." Yin also sighed. Su Peisheng specially bought two dough figurines for the two young masters.
Qingyan observed them carefully and found that the pair of clay figurines were indeed exceptionally exquisite, no less so than those brought in from the south of the palace, but with an added touch of the capital's atmosphere.
It is said that they only set up their stall in the twelfth lunar month, and the closer it gets to the Spring Festival, the better their craftsmanship becomes.
Yin sighed with some emotion. These people were running small businesses, and the heavy taxes probably forced them to change careers. This also caused many industries to gradually fade from people's sight over time.
Qingyan picked up a candied hawthorn skewer from the oil paper next to her, took a bite of the hawthorn, and the sweet and sour taste made her squint her eyes. It was truly a comfortable enjoyment.
"Sisi, this tastes amazing!" Qingyan put the bitten candied hawthorn to his mouth.
Just as Su Peisheng was about to speak up to stop him, Yin took a bite, and the sour taste hit his taste buds.
He turned his head and saw Qingyan eating happily, and a smile appeared on his face.
"Do you like it?" Yin remembered that when Qingyan was pregnant, she often said that after the children were born, she would definitely eat all the candied hawthorns she had ever eaten.
Today, Yin saw candied hawthorns on the road and, after thinking about it, bought five skewers for Qingyan.
Once inside the private room, Qingyan ate two skewers right away. Luckily, he had bought candied hawthorn skewers, which would aid digestion.
"Eat less, we'll take the rest back!" Yin was exasperated; the little girl was eating the candied hawthorns way too fast.
It wasn't time for dinner yet, but Qingyan had already eaten quite a few snacks, and her appetite seemed a bit unusual.
"Hehe, I'm just a little hungry. I didn't even have afternoon tea because of the night market!" Qingyan's mournful little eyes made Yin laugh.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
