Along the way, she learned their names and picked up some news about the village.
The Meng family’s boy was called Meng Ping, fifteen years old. Familiar folks called him A Ping.
Daniu’s surname was Yang, and Xiaohua was his younger sister. He was sixteen, she fourteen.
The Yang family were old residents of Qing Mountain Village. Now, only three households of the Yang clan remained, all from one extended family. The other dozen households had settled later, escaping here one after another.
When Li-shi lost her husband, she had nearly not survived. It was thanks to help and support from the Meng, Yang, and Zhou families that she managed to pull through.
The village head often called for everyone to help one another, and he was considered fair.
Most villagers were easy to get along with. Some were clever and selfish, but there were no truly malicious people.
Once inside town, Yu Qiu found everything new and curious.
Unlike the villages outside, here was a lively, bustling scene, starkly different from the desolation of the countryside.
Lining both sides of the street were rows of blue-brick, tiled shops. In front of the shops were many stalls selling food. As long as they didn’t block the doors, no one chased them away.
The kinds of food were few—likely because it was already afternoon, and many breakfast vendors had packed up.
Most vendors were villagers from farther away, dressed in coarse hemp clothing, bringing vegetables they had grown, or unusual wild herbs and fruits they had picked, to sell by the roadside.
Some young, strong men crouched on the ground with baskets in front of them. Inside were mutated eggs, each as big as a goose egg. Because such eggs were precious and could be stolen, only the stronger household members dared sell them.
The street was crowded with people buying the necessities of life.
Voices hawking wares, bargaining, arguing loudly when prices didn’t match…
No wonder, once people had money, they preferred to live in town. It was far more convenient than in the village.
Still, Yu Qiu liked village life better—wandering into the mountains for food whenever she wished, living freely.
“Today happens to be market day. That’s why it’s more lively than usual. If we came in the morning, the side streets would have had plenty of sellers too,” Xiaohua explained, tugging her toward the crowd. Her bright eyes darted about, her face lit with excitement. “Sister-in-law, what do you want to buy first? I’ll take you to the general store.” She hadn’t seen such liveliness in a long time, and her happiness showed.
Yu Qiu hadn’t planned to buy much, but after a few steps, she realized how many things the household lacked.
She couldn’t rush. One step at a time—start with what was most urgent, and add the rest slowly.
Meng Ping and Daniu trailed right behind them, not daring to lag half a step, too focused to even glance at the bustle.
After a thought, Yu Qiu asked, “Where are the medical hall or pharmacy?”
Xiaohua immediately understood that she wanted medicine for Auntie Li. “Both the medical hall and the pharmacy are on the main street. So are the trading hall, grain store, restaurant, cloth shop, pastry shop. That street is closer to the county yamen, so security is good. Pricier things are sold there. The trading hall deals in rare goods, mostly barter but also silver transactions. It’s right beside the county yamen.”
Yu Qiu nodded in understanding, even more fond of Xiaohua. She didn’t need to ask much—this little girl always anticipated her doubts. And at her age, she knew so much already.
Perhaps seeing her surprise, Xiaohua added, “My father told me all this before I went out. He said that’s all he knew, no more. I used to regret it, but today I’ll get to learn more.”
Together, they went to the central street, which was less crowded than the market.
Yu Qiu went first to the trading hall.
The trading hall stood close to the county yamen, the most eye-catching shop on the street.
It was three stories high. The other shops were only two-story rows, but the trading hall was an independent three-story building, occupying a large area.
Yu Qiu lifted her foot to step inside, but the other three didn’t follow.
They were intimidated. Having never seen such a place, self-consciousness made them hesitate.
Noticing their unease, Yu Qiu pretended not to and called back to Meng Ping and Daniu, then took Xiaohua by the hand and walked in.
If she showed hesitation too, they’d only feel more embarrassed. Better this way—more natural for everyone.
Inside, it was dazzling.
At the entrance stood a carved wooden screen, finely crafted. Beyond it was a man-made fishpond with a rockery. Mutated lotus flowers and leaves floated on the water, while red mutated koi swam back and forth.
Looking up, she could see the upper floors. The first floor was ringed with small cubicles, and people were constantly going in and out. Some entered with excitement and left dejected, some came out calm, others shouted with joy, faces alight.
The sight fascinated them.
Just then, a young attendant approached with a smile. “Would the honored guests like to trade something?” His expression held no trace of scorn.
Yu Qiu felt a flicker of goodwill. Their clothing clearly didn’t match the grandeur of this place—her shoes even had holes—yet the boy showed no disdain. Though young, he carried himself with practiced skill.
Xiaohua and the others felt uneasy, but Yu Qiu’s past life gave her confidence. Without such experience, she wouldn’t be any calmer than them.
“We just want to learn what can be traded here. Could you spare a little time to explain?” she asked politely, bowing slightly.
The attendant waved his hands quickly. “This is my duty, no need for thanks. Please, follow me.”
He led them to the nearest cubicle and served tea.
Yu Qiu took it as natural. In modern times, such service was common—whether or not you bought anything, tea was served first.
But Xiaohua and the boys grew stiff, worried how much the tea might cost. To serve without asking seemed almost like forced selling.
Noticing, the attendant explained with a smile, “No need to worry. It’s only plain water, just to quench your thirst.”
Relief softened their faces, tinged with embarrassment at their mistake.
They waved their hands awkwardly, saying nothing.
Yu Qiu spoke up at once to ease the mood. “Thank you.”
“As it should be. Here is the catalog. All items listed can be traded. If it isn’t listed, you may bring it for appraisal on the second floor.”
He handed over a booklet, then fell silent, waiting for them to ask on their own.