It wasn’t clear if it was the pleasing cries from Ji Xinhe and Xiao Bei or the savory, flavorful aroma from the pickled bamboo shoots that attracted attention but within no time, people began to gather around their stand.
In the chilly early morning, a curious granny with her hands tucked into her sleeves asked, "Girl, what are you selling here?"
Ji Xinhe hurriedly responded, "They’re our homemade pickled bamboo shoots, crisp and flavorful. Perfect for pairing with your rice! Other stores don’t have this, only we do. Care to taste, granny? We offer free samples before purchasing!"
The granny laughed, "You’re quite the businesswoman! So, this is pickled bamboo? Can you eat bamboo shoots?"
Ji Xinhe slapped her thigh, "Of course! If it was inedible, would I dare to sell it? My brother loves eating these!"
Xiao Bei nodded vigorously, "Xiao Bei loves this dish so much, granny. Have a taste."
"Okay," the granny agreed.
Ji Xinhe quickly handed her a small sample pick, with just one or two shoots to taste. Free samples were meant to give customers a taste, not stuff. Ji Xinhe would be upset if someone took too much advantage of them!
They were, after all, poor folk with only a few silver pieces to their names.
The granny tasted a shoot and her eyes lit up, "This tastes great! There’s a tangy sourness and a hint of spice, combined with the crunchy bamboo shoots. How’d you make this, girl?"
Ji Xinhe winked, "It’s a secret family recipe. Granny, don’t threaten our livelihood now. If you like it, buy a little more. I’ll be here, at this spot, every day."
Xiao Bei was surprised. Since when did their family have a secret recipe?
Leaning against the bullock cart, Mu Houchu was amused by Ji Xinhe’s lies. His lips curled into a barely perceptible smirk.
"Okay, indeed, it tasted great. Give me two pounds," said the granny, laughing, "You’re quite the trader, darling."
Ji Xinhe lit up with a beaming smile, "Thank you for your compliments, granny. Come back anytime, I will always be here."
As she spoke, she scooped out two pounds of pickled shoots from the jar, weighed it and generously added a bit more. "That’s ten cash, granny."
The granny paid, happy with the amount she got and promised to come back for more.
After the granny left, Xiao Bei asked in confusion, "Why did you give her extra?"
Ji Xinhe gently patted Xiao Bei’s head, "To attract loyal customers, darling. It might seem like a tiny profit, but regulars would remember your generosity. You tell me, if the customers keep coming back for our pickles, who benefits more from it?"
Xiao Bei nodded, awestruck, "You’re amazing, sis!"
Just then, more customers came, and Ji Xinhe instantly started offering them samples.
Everyday people always welcome free food, especially if it’s something new and delicious.
That brought in a crowd around Xin He’s tiny stall. Despite being on a less-frequented street, her stall managed to draw quite the crowd within no time.
The sour bamboo shoots were addictive, and customers yearned for seconds. If they wanted more, they had to buy. Her business was soon flourishing.
By noon, she had sold all thirty pounds of pickled bamboo shoots.
Sitting with crossed legs on the cart, Ji Xinhe checked her cloth purse filled with the day’s earnings. "We made one-and-a-half silver pieces just this morning!"
Xiao Bei was thrilled, "Really?! That’s wonderful, can we earn this much every day?"
"Of course, we can earn even more! Next time, let’s bring more pickled shoots to sell!" To celebrate their earnings, Xinhe stashed the money into her small bag and led the brothers to a upbeat feast, "We made money today so let’s treat ourselves to a fancy meal!" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞
"Brilliant!" Xiao Bei was bouncing with happiness.
Marquis Mu who was observing the siblings’ happiness from a few silver pieces, felt a sense of joy seeping into him. Though used to officials presenting him with millions of silver pieces, he never seemed as gratified as he was today with this meager sum. Quite a rarity.
Ji Xinhe shot a glance at Mu Houchu, who was leaning casually against the cart, radiating an aura of nobility despite his simple clothing. This stirred a feeling of silent envy within her.
With an annoyed glare, Ji Xinhe ordered, "Well, aren’t you going to clean up and get ready to leave?"
Like some tyrant landlord.
Mu Houchu effortlessly hoisted the jug onto the cart while Xiao Bei hurriedly helped him with the clean-up.
Ji Xinhe sighed at Xiao Bei’s innocence.
Once they finished packing up, they visited a nearby diner for a filling meal.
To celebrate their earnings, Ji Xinhe ordered three dishes; two vegetarian and one meat, and six stuffed buns.
Xiao Bei was in high spirits, devouring the buns with glee, "Sis, these buns are delicious!"
Xinhe served him a spoonful of meat, "Eat slowly, no one’s gonna steal your food. Eat more meat to grow."
Xiao Bei nodded in consent, smiling happily, "You’re the best, sis."
Mu Houchu looked at Ji Xinhe, "I need to replenish energy too."
Ji Xinhe glared at him, "I’m already feeding you. Aren’t you ashamed of bribing while living rent-free?"
Mu Houchu: "..." This money-centered woman.
Mu Houchu, lost in his own thoughts, took a bun, and was just about to take a bite when he overheard a conversation at the next table.
"Did you know? There’s been another accident in the iron mine. Looks like there’s been a tunnel collapse, and many people have been trapped."
"Is that so? They’re gonna have to pause the work then?"
"Pause? The family members of the victims just got twenty silver pieces each as compensation to continue with the work. The higher-ups pressure so much such that there’s no break. I heard that they’ll continue to compensate with this amount!" One of the men seemed to gesture with his fingers as he spoke.
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