LGSLAW : Chapter 12 – Going to Town

 

Two days later, Miao He and Yang Dalang each packed their own baskets and set off for town early in the morning. Walking to town took about an hour, or roughly two hours for the round trip.

 

Although there were donkey carts at the village entrance charging per person, their baskets only contained medicinal herbs, which were light. Even though Miao He’s basket hid a packet of sliced codonopsis that Yang Dalang didn’t know about, it wasn’t much heavier. The cost of the cart fare was better saved for the return trip when they would be carrying heavier items. At Miao He’s insistence, they decided to walk.

 

Not long after setting off, they encountered familiar faces.

 

This road was the only route from Miao Village to the town, so it was common for people to travel together.

 

“He Ge’er!” Miao He’s childhood friend Miao Min saw him and happily approached, “You’re going to town too? That’s great! My mother and I are going to the fabric shop today.”

 

Miao Min laughed excitedly, “That’s great! We’ll be buying some things before heading to the fabric shop. Remember to come find me at the fabric shop later, He Ge’er!”

 

Afterward, Miao Min finally returned to his mother’s side, who immediately scolded him. Words like “disgrace” and “ignore them” floated over. Walking beside him, Yang Dalang suddenly stopped.

 

“Take a water bottle. Have a drink.”

 

Miao He initially thought they had just started walking, but when he saw Miao Min and his mother gradually walking away, he realized Yang Dalang was quietly looking out for him again. Miao He observed this and suddenly thought that if the original He Ge’er could stay a little longer and be slowly influenced by Yang Dalang’s quiet care, maybe he would have changed his mind too.

 

Afterward, they continued on their way. Fortunately, the road was mostly flat, and after a short rest, an hour passed without being too tiring. By the time their legs started to feel a bit sore, they had reached the town.

 

Entering through the town gate, they followed a straight cobblestone road. After walking for another quarter of an hour, they arrived at the busiest street in town. Miao He’s spirits lifted, and he eagerly watched the people coming and going.

 

This town was larger than Miao He had imagined, with a variety of shops. Checking his memory, Miao He realized that Miao Shui Town was the largest town within a hundred miles. The reason was that an emperor from the previous dynasty had opened a canal that passed by the town, connecting it to a larger county downstream, making the town a thriving area.

 

As a result, common shops like grain stores, seasoning shops, apothecaries, fabric shops, blacksmiths, and jewelry stores were all available. Even establishments like private schools, teahouses, inns, entertainment venues, and gambling houses, typically found in counties, were present.

 

The town’s main street branched off to the east and west. To the east was a bustling market where fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other perishables were sold. To the west were blacksmiths, carpenters, grain warehouses, mills, and other large-item businesses. The main street housed the most popular businesses like fabric shops, apothecaries, teahouses, and inns.

 

Private residences were scattered throughout the town except for the north side, which housed the best estates. The streets were clean and quiet, with regular patrols by constables, making it the upscale residential area.

 

As Miao He matched his memories with what he saw, he couldn’t help but think about how to sell his vegetables once they were ready. Where should he sell them? To what kind of customers?

 

While pondering, Miao He followed Yang Dalang to the apothecary. Yang Dalang was a familiar face there, and before the shop assistant could greet them, the short, fat shopkeeper spoke up.

 

“Well, if it isn’t Dalang! What do you have for us today? By the way, that snake gall you left last time actually sold. An old doctor came by, saw it, and wouldn’t let go. I’ll tally up the money for you later. If you have more, make sure to bring them here.”

 

“Alright.” Yang Dalang didn’t say much. He removed his basket and took out the bundle of sliced codonopsis that Miao He had wrapped in cloth, spreading it on the counter.

 

The shopkeeper was initially surprised, “Why are they all sliced? We don’t usually buy slices. Whole roots are preferred since slicing can affect the potency.” As he spoke, he picked up a piece, examined it closely, smelled it, and even tasted it.

 

Miao He watched nervously with wide eyes.

 

He didn’t want to slice them, but he had a particularly large codonopsis root. If he presented it with some parts sliced and others not, it would look suspicious. So, he sliced everything, mixing in a few slices from the large root with the rest.

 

“Since it’s from you, I’ll take a look. Otherwise, the quality… wait, this quality is excellent!” The shopkeeper quickly identified the mixed-in slices, “The color indicates age, and the dryness indicates purity! These slices are top-notch! You’re lucky to have found such good codonopsis!”

 

Then the shopkeeper lamented, “But why did you slice it? We could have sold it as ginseng! It would fetch a high price!”

 

Yang Dalang frowned. He didn’t remember finding any particularly special codonopsis roots. Miao He quickly jumped in to blame himself, diverting attention, “It’s my fault! I thought slicing would make it sell better. What should we do?”

 

Yang Dalang, interrupted, turned to reassure him, “It’s okay. We can still get money for it.”

 

“Yeah, don’t worry, little ger. The price will definitely be better than before. Your husband is lucky. Make sure to bring any more good ones here in the future! And don’t slice them, remember!”

 

The shopkeeper didn’t recognize Miao He as the original owner had rarely come to town, especially not to the apothecary. Thus, he treated Miao He with the same friendliness as any other customer.

 

Miao He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “Thank you, shopkeeper. I’ll make sure to work hard with Dalang to find more.”

 

After that, Yang Dalang brought out the rest of the herbs like raspberries, letting the shopkeeper tally the total. Including the money for the snake gall, they received a surprising one tael and seven maces of silver, more than doubling their previous savings!

 

Miao He’s eyes widened, and he whispered, “Just these herbs can sell for so much?”

 

The shopkeeper heard him and, smiling, said, “Most of it is from the snake gall. The quality of the codonopsis was also very good. You’re lucky, not that I’m saying this just because I’m the shopkeeper. Look at you, little ger, Dalang is fortunate to have married you.”

 

Miao He smiled shyly, his face flushed with happiness.

 

After collecting the money, they went to buy oil, vinegar, and other supplies. However, the oil shop had run out of rapeseed oil, and they had to wait for it to be brought from a distant warehouse. They would have to wait for a quarter of an hour or so.

 

Seeing this, Miao He seized the opportunity, “The fabric shop is on this street, isn’t it? How about I go there and find Min Ge’er first? You can come over after you get the oil. This way, we might finish earlier and head home. We have a lot to carry back and will need to take a cart. It’s better to leave early.”

 

The layout was indeed like that. The fabric shop was about ten shops north of the oil shop, while the apothecary was right between the two, with two teahouses in between. Their outdoor seating and banners perfectly blocked the view!

 

It was the best opportunity to secretly sell the codonopsis slices!

 

Yang Dalang looked at Miao He’s expectant and hopeful eyes, remained silent for a few seconds, and then finally gave a low nod.

 

Miao He, having forgotten the original’s misdeeds in town, eagerly turned and walked away as soon as Yang Dalang agreed. He didn’t notice the complex look in Yang Dalang’s eyes.

 

However, as soon as he stepped out of the shop, Miao He cautiously looked back to ensure Yang Dalang wasn’t following. Once certain, he nervously re-entered the apothecary.

 

“Shopkeeper! Shh, I came back secretly. I have more sliced codonopsis to sell. Can you see how much it’s worth?”