Ziуu wаsn’t interestеd in these smаll bаgs, аs аmоng thе items shе had сollected werе over twеnty ехquisitelу crаfted, gоld-and-jade-encrustеd pouсhes thаt could only be described as luxuriоus.
The shоpkеepеr, whоsе prеsеnсe wаs acсоmраnied by a waft оf fragrant brееzе, had оbserved the sсenе оn thе strеet frоm start to finish. Тhough thе siblings’ clothing аppеаred plаin, it wаs сlеarly not somеthing оrdinary folk could affоrd.
Тheir carеfrеe, аlmоst roguish disrеgard fоr сonvеntion marked them as young masters from some well-to-do family, likely rebellious and unconstrained. Adhering to the principle that harmony breeds prosperity, the shopkeeper personally stepped forward to greet them.
“Young master, which style of bag has caught your eye? Our shop offers a variety of designs to choose from, and if nothing suits your taste, we can also take custom orders.”
“Madam, you are not only beautiful but also skilled in business—truly a standout among women!” The young man, who had initially intended to tease her, suddenly shifted his tone.
“Hehehe! Young master, you certainly know how to flatter! You’ve made this humble woman quite excited!”
The middle-aged shopkeeper covered her face with a silk handkerchief, laughing with an air of coquettish shyness that immediately snapped Ziyu back to seriousness.
Weren’t ancient people supposed to be reserved?
Why were the ones she encountered so open-minded!
“I’m looking for a backpack that can hold a lot of things—sturdy, durable, and waterproof, preferably made of cowhide.”
“Oh, the young master is referring to the large bags used by traveling merchants. We have those here as well.”
The shopkeeper composed her expression, though the trembling hairpins in her hair betrayed her lingering amusement. Ziyu could only pretend not to notice.
The customs of Baiyun Kingdom were far more open than the rigid conservatism often depicted in period dramas. Perhaps it was due to the different dimensional space and the unique historical trajectory it had experienced.
Along their journey, Ziyu had frequently seen women running shops and businesses. Unmarried women walking the streets did not cover their faces with veils or scarves.
Even more surprisingly, she hadn’t spotted a single woman with bound feet—the so-called “three-inch golden lotuses”—on the streets.
A shop assistant retrieved the most basic cylindrical backpack from beneath the counter, a bag so large it could nearly fit half of Ziluo inside.
“Not bad. This simple yet spacious design is exactly what I want. How much is it?”
Ziyu was quite satisfied with the top-grain cowhide cylindrical backpack. It seemed that fashion-forward trends weren’t exclusive to modern times after all.
“Fifteen taels of silver each. The leather is sourced from the northern border—absolutely top quality.”
“I’ll take four. Also, bring two smaller backpacks suitable for a child—nothing too flashy.” Ziyu gestured toward Ziluo, who was leaning against her leg.
The shopkeeper’s lips twitched. She hadn’t expected such a young master to be so ruthless, even exploiting a child who could barely walk steadily.
In the end, Ziyu spent eighty taels of silver on six bags. She stuffed the siblings’ assorted paper parcels into the large backpack and bundled the remaining bags into a large cloth wrap, slinging it over her shoulder.
The look was no different from that of a common porter or peddler!
…
Every day, Ziyu would take Zilou out to explore the streets, always returning with new purchases. She also made some simple modifications to their carriage.
During this time, she carefully studied the map of Baiyun Kingdom, planning to leave the northern region before heavy snow blocked the roads and head toward the Jiangfu Plains.
The dimensional space contained a vast stretch of barren Gobi desert, requiring large amounts of water and fertile soil for transformation.
The Jiangfu Plains were the most prosperous region in Baiyun Kingdom, abundant in resources and ideal for gathering supplies.
Adjacent to the Jiangfu Plains was Shangdu Prefecture, whose ports offered maritime routes to overseas destinations.
Whether it was selling the rare treasures from her dimensional space or collecting exotic foreign varieties and seafood, Shangdu Prefecture was the optimal choice.
…
After staying at the Public Inn for ten days, Ziyu finally learned of a southbound merchant caravan set to depart the day after tomorrow.
Coincidentally, the caravan was lodging at the Whirlwind Inn, directly across from the Public Inn.
When the siblings dressed in matching blue cotton robes appeared hand in hand at the inn’s entrance, all the men having dinner in the main hall turned to look at them in unison.
“Please go back, young master. The inn has been fully booked and does not accept outsiders,” the innkeeper behind the counter quickly declared.
“Innkeeper, I’m staying at the inn across the street and have come to discuss matters with the caravan leader.”
Ziyu cupped her hands and spoke directly to the men in the hall, having learned some caravan customs over the past few days.
“Let him in!”
A middle-aged man seated in the center of the hall, his face weathered yet gentle, with clear and bright eyes.
Ziyu smiled faintly and walked confidently through the crowd of men, stopping before the middle-aged man and cupping her hands respectfully.
“Greetings, Steward. My younger sibling and I wish to travel south with the caravan. Would it be possible to accommodate us?”
“Why do you want to travel south with us? Where did you get this information?”
Instead of directly answering Ziyu’s question, the steward looked straight into her large eyes, his brow slightly furrowed.
“This isn’t exactly a secret, after all!
I’ve been staying at the inn across the street for ten days, waiting for a southbound caravan to leave with.
To be honest, it’s a family embarrassment, but there’s no point hiding it.
Our parents passed away one after another, and my sibling and I have been living under our uncle and aunt’s care. Life depending on others’ goodwill is difficult.
We have no choice but to travel south to seek refuge with our maternal grandfather. Since we’re unfamiliar with the route, we hoped to join a caravan. We have household registration documents as proof.”
Ziyu handed over the new household registration for the steward to examine carefully.
The steward returned the documents to Ziyu, glanced at the little one who barely reached his waist, and said.
“My surname is Wang, and I lead this caravan.
If you follow the caravan south to Jiang Prefecture, you’ll be responsible for your own food and lodging along the way. Safety will be my responsibility, but all actions must follow my commands.
You must provide your own vehicle and can only follow at the rear of the caravan. The fee is one hundred taels.
We’ll assemble outside the city gates the morning after tomorrow, after they open. We won’t wait for latecomers! Payment is due upon departure.”
Steward Wang, who had seen countless people in his life, naturally accepted the young siblings. It was common for scattered travelers to request to join caravans during business trips.
His caravan had high requirements, and most people were unwilling to pay such a large sum, so they usually gave up.
This time, since Yun Capital had posted notices prohibiting the transport of goods out of the city, they were essentially returning empty-handed and had to make up for losses along the way.
“Thank you, Steward Wang. We’ll definitely be on time!” Ziyu knew the matter was settled and cupped her hands in gratitude.
“Thank you, Steward!” Little Ziluo also cupped his hands and expressed thanks.
“Haha, what a clever little girl!
Let me remind you—prepare plenty of dry rations, charcoal, and warm clothes for the journey. You may go!”
Steward Wang, impressed by the little girl’s cleverness, kindly offered an extra reminder.
Given their age, they likely hadn’t traveled far before, and they were pitiable children without parents.
There were too many pitiable people in the world. All he could do was offer a few reminders; beyond that, he was powerless to help.
“Thank you for the reminder, Steward!”
…
The next day, Ziyu began going in and out to purchase charcoal, grains, oil, salt, eggs, dried meat, dried vegetables, pastries, and ordinary winter clothing.
Essential items like wound medicine, convulsion pills, hawthorn berries, and water bags were also prepared in full, along with visible supplies.
Cabbage, radishes, as well as fodder and bean cakes for the mule were all purchased.
She rented a large stove from the kitchen, laid a large stone slab in the room, opened the window, and lit charcoal to fry rice and mixed flour.
The mixed flour seasoned with oil and salt smelled so delicious that Ziluo drooled, refusing to move from his spot by the stove.
Pork bones, chicken, and pig’s feet were washed, chopped into pieces, and had their blood foam removed. They were then stewed in a large pot with scallions, ginger, and white wine until the meat was tender, before being packed into round wooden barrels to set into meat jelly.
Of course, she also took the opportunity to secretly transfer two large pots into her dimensional space for storage, ensuring that even while traveling, the two of them wouldn’t go without good food.
The food-loving Ziluo sat on the ground, clutching a large bone and sucking on the last bit of tendon and meat attached to it. His hands and face were covered in grease, but he was so delighted that his eyes crinkled into a smile.
The aroma from upstairs wafted throughout the entire inn, reaching even Steward Wang across the way, who learned that Ziyu was preparing food.