After saying that, Jiang Wanwan took out a small mirror from her crossbody bag and handed it to Qi Zhao.
When Qi Zhao opened the mirror, he saw that the features of the pigskin mask on his face had been significantly altered, making it impossible to recognize his original appearance.
After disguising themselves, the two emerged from the alley.
Jiang Wanwan took Qi Zhao to a steamed bun shop, intending to buy some steamed buns for the beggars in the dilapidated temple.
Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the price of steamed buns had skyrocketed. White flour steamed buns had increased from one coin to five coins each, while mixed flour steamed buns had risen to three coins each.
It's estimated that in another month or so, when the drought season arrives, you probably won't be able to buy a steamed bun for three coins anymore.
Even if they wanted to buy, no one would be willing to sell their own food supplies. It's precisely because some people haven't anticipated the drought that they're trying to raise grain prices and make a fortune.
They'll regret it when the drought comes. By then, even money won't be enough to buy food.
Jiang Wanwan bought more than fifty mixed-grain steamed buns in one go, which delighted the shopkeeper. He generously gave them two cloth bags to carry the buns.
After paying, she and Qi Zhao each carried a cloth bag of steamed buns and headed towards the dilapidated temple in the town.
As soon as the two reached the temple gate, the beggars heard the footsteps, grabbed their sticks, and rushed out of the gate.
Upon seeing that it was Jiang Wanwan, the beggars breathed a sigh of relief. "Grandma Jiang, it's you! We thought it was that group of refugees who had rushed in."
No sooner had they finished speaking than they noticed the steamed buns that Jiang Wanwan and Qi Zhao were carrying.
"Grandma Jiang, did you come to bring us food?" The beggars' eyes lit up as they looked at the steamed buns in Jiang Wanwan's hand with delight.
With food prices soaring, life is becoming increasingly difficult for everyone. Beggars who rely on begging for a living can hardly get a penny these days. They have been drinking water to stave off hunger for two or three days without eating anything.
Jiang Wanwan handed the steamed buns to them, saying, "Yes, you can take them and share them."
The beggars quickly took the steamed buns that Jiang Wanwan handed them, each taking two, and then wolfed them down.
"Grandma Jiang, who is this?" a beggar asked indistinctly.
"Oh, he's my grandson." As she spoke, a smile flickered in Jiang Wanwan's eyes as she looked at Qi Zhao. She asked the beggar with a hint of anticipation, "By the way, have you heard anything about my son lately?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" The leading beggar hurriedly swallowed the steamed bun in his mouth and answered hastily.
Jiang Wanwan and Qi Zhao exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in each other's eyes.
"Where? Where did you see my son?" Jiang Wanwan asked urgently.
Upon hearing this, the lead beggar excitedly said, "In Anhuai County! Recently, grain prices in our Anyang County have skyrocketed, haven't they? Our group couldn't beg for a single penny in the county, so we thought we'd try our luck in the neighboring Anhuai County. Unexpectedly, we met a man who looks just like your son in a small alley in Anhuai County."
He seemed to be unwell, looking sickly and pale. If we hadn't been so hungry that our limbs were weak and we had no strength left, we would have helped you carry him back, Mother-in-law.
Although we didn't carry him back to you, we followed him and finally saw him enter a dilapidated courtyard on the left at the very end of Ping'an Alley.
After so many days, we've finally heard some useful news—
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