261 Thirty-eight Hundred Thousand Mountains
Gui San nodded, then shook his head, and then whispered, "I will be going to Wanzhou soon, so I will leave things here to you. Collect medicinal herbs for the master! Also, take good care of other matters and keep an eye on gathering information."
If anything happens, please let me know. With an adult present, you can rest assured!
Yang San hesitated, looking unsure of what to say, but Gui San waved his hand and said, "Don't say anything more. Huangtu County is very close to the border. The supplies the lord needs must be prepared at all times. We cannot delay the lord's affairs. Otherwise, it would be the biggest mistake."
After saying that, he patted Yang San on the shoulder heavily!
Yang San prostrated himself in gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much for your guidance, sir!"
Gui San nodded, tidied up, and started heading home. Home—this was the first time he'd ever thought of going home so early.
Walking slowly, Yang San followed behind. Along the way, passersby greeted each other. Shops lined both sides of the street, and people came and went in an endless stream. The sounds of hawking and bargaining rose and fell, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
In the middle of the street, traffic flowed endlessly, with sedan chairs, horse-drawn carriages, and handcarts. Some people were led by servants, others rode donkeys, and still others walked. All kinds of people and various means of transportation competed for attention.
Some young ladies from wealthy families were on the streets, buying and selling goods, or helping with household chores. They sold tea, tableware, silver jewelry, snacks, stinky tofu, and even performed operas and songs.
At this moment, Huangtu County is bustling with activity, and even at night, it remains lively for a long time.
Passing by a roast duck restaurant that had been open for years, the aroma filling the air, Gui San stopped for a moment, then, as if remembering something, slowly stepped forward. "Boss Zhang, one roast duck, skinless, please."
Mr. Zhang was around fifty years old, wearing a coarse cloth round-neck short shirt, coarse cloth trousers, and a black linen apron around his chest. His hair had all fallen out, but the shop was spotless. A woman of similar age and dressed similarly was helping out.
At that moment, both of them were busy. Hearing the sound and seeing who it was, Boss Zhang quickly said, "Master Gui San, you've arrived. Please wait a moment. One roast duck, okay, it'll be ready soon."
While busy, she said, "This roast duck is fresh out of the oven, and it tastes even better with the pastries!" She finished quickly after saying that.
Yang San, standing to the side, quickly stepped forward and paid the bill amidst the shopkeeper's refusals—nearly one tael of silver and a thousand copper coins! "That's really not cheap," Gui San thought to himself. "No wonder she was reluctant to buy it herself!"
Gui San held a roast duck and pastries, something she often said: "Boss Zhang's roast duck smells so good!" But she herself had never bought any!
Gently I arrived at the familiar door. It was the same door as before, the same vermilion color, and the same two small pots of chrysanthemums in front of it.
At that moment, I hesitated and felt a little scared. Finally, I slowed down and gently knocked on the door!
Soon, footsteps came from inside, as if they had been waiting. The door opened gently, revealing a shy face, familiar yet expectant.
The most touching detail was that gentle lowering of her head, "You're back. You're back early today. Dinner isn't ready yet!"
Gui San didn't know why he wasn't reacting, he just said, "I bought roast duck and pastries tonight, so we don't need to cook."
"Oh, really? It's true! It looks so good!" She said happily, and then quickly took it. Her face turned bright red, whether from the roast duck or the gift, it was hard to tell.
In Huangtu County, Shi Lao, Shi Feixuan, Shi Wanwan, Shang Qingxuan, Yang Long, Yang Hu, and others gathered around a small red clay stove, where mutton hotpot and some seasonal vegetables were cooking.
Fresh vegetables, leafy greens, and freshly picked mushrooms sizzle and simmer in the boiling mutton, releasing an irresistible aroma.
At this moment, Shi Wanwan sat next to her sister, fiddling with her bracelet, as if she had returned to a carefree time, her memories somewhat blurred. What was memorable was the warmth and nostalgia it evoked; a tear inadvertently appeared at the corner of her eye!
It makes one involuntarily recall the beautiful memories and reminisce about the past. At this moment, it's just me and my sister.
Shang Qingxuan quietly grasped Shi Wanwan's slender hand, gently stroking it and comforting her with tenderness. She whispered, "Sister's here with you. You're not alone."
Shi Wanwan nodded gently.
Shi Feixuan and the other women were dressed in the uniforms of government officials, a style imbued with historical charm and exuding composure and solemnity. The simple interweaving of fabric and silk thread, when worn by them, gave them an air of natural elegance and spirit that made them particularly eye-catching.
Every gesture and movement exudes a unique charm that cannot be concealed. It's an inner quality, deep and impossible to hide.
Yang Long and Yang Hu were both imposing figures, and when they wore official uniforms, they were incredibly intimidating.
Old Shi was dressed in simple, coarse cloth clothes, a gray robe with wide sleeves and a coarse cloth belt around his waist, looking no different from an old farmer. If there was any difference, it was that he exuded an indescribable air about him.
At this moment, Old Shi couldn't hide his smile and happiness. He took a sip of turbid wine to moisten his throat and said softly, "This Wanzhou will require your help. Only if there are craftsmen who are of good character can you accept them."
If someone comes to cause trouble intentionally or has dirty tricks, you don't need to pay attention to them. Just let me know. There are all sorts of people here, and I used to always try to be tolerant.
I went there the other day and saw the border market area. The security there and the punishment for those who make mistakes made us realize that we have been too lenient.
This kindness isn't entirely impossible; it's certainly possible for the wealthy and powerful. But for those of us without sufficient resources, to presume to have a kind heart and hope for this once-ideal utopian society seems utterly laughable now!
He then added, "I've contacted your Elder Meng. We're starting over here, setting new rules. We'll only accept those with good character; others, even those with exceptional talent, will not be accepted. Otherwise, it'll just cause trouble. The same applies to you."
Then he took out several bottles of pills from his bosom. "These are antidote pills. Keep them safe. The aristocratic families here are not so simple. However, with the power of the adults in their presence, they dare not act recklessly."
However, one must be careful, lest someone try to sabotage you.
"Yes, Elder Shi!" The group took the antidote pills and nodded gently.
Shi Wanwan quickly restored the new bridge and asked cheerfully, "Elder Shi, how is the market area now? We haven't gone to see it yet."
Old Shi paused for a moment, picked up the wine pot and took a sip of the turbid wine. The aroma of the wine was intoxicating, and he felt refreshed and happy. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
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