It would take almost a month to travel from Liangzhou to Jiyang City.
After the New Year, spring arrived. They traveled all the way south. The closer they got to Jiyang, the warmer the weather became. By the time they were almost there, the wildflowers by the roadside had bloomed, and the swallows had started to build their nests. Spring had really arrived.
Outside Jiyang City, Chi Wu drove a carriage over and said, "Young Master, this is the best carriage you can buy in this area."
The carriage looked very luxurious. It was wrapped in fine peacock green silk, and the white gauze inside swayed slightly. It was very spacious and comfortable to sit in. He Yan was tired after riding for so many days. He Yan was very satisfied to be able to relax. However, Lin Shuanghe was still very picky. "That's it? I wouldn't even look at something like this in Shuojing. The wood is too inferior. Didn't I say to pick the most expensive one? "
Chi Wu said, "This is already the most expensive one."
He Yan looked at Lin Shuanghe and sighed in his heart. After so many years, this young master's style of living and enjoying life had not changed at all. He Yan could not understand why Xiao Jue had to bring Lin Shuanghe along when she went to Jiyang. Wasn't she dragging him down?
He Yan was not the only one who could not understand. Lin Shuanghe was also puzzled. Before he left, he confirmed in every possible way, "Are you sure you didn't say anything wrong? You want to bring me along to Jiyang?"
Xiao Jue said, "I'm sure."
"Why?"
"Because we need a housekeeper."
"A housekeeper?" Lin Shuanghe was angry. "Have you seen a housekeeper as charming as me?"
Xiao Jue sized him up. "I've seen one now."
Although Lin Shuanghe said that, he also wanted to go out with Xiao Jue to see the world. He had never been to Jiyang, but he heard that the girls there were all beautiful. Wouldn't it be a pity if he did not see them once in his life?
Therefore, he just grumbled a little and agreed to go with them.
They did not pay attention to anything else during their journey. However, now that they were about to reach Jiyang City, they had to dress up properly. After all, they were no longer Xiao Huaijin and He Yan. They were Hu Province's wealthy young master Qiao Huanqing and his newly married wife Wen Yuyan, as well as their guards Chi Wu and Fei Nu, and housekeeper Lin Shuanghe....
Slave Fei took out the communication token and looked at the city gate of Jiyang in the distance. He said, "Young Master, once we enter the city and find an inn to settle down, we still need to buy two maidservants."
It's impossible for a wealthy young master and young mistress to travel without even bringing a servant girl with them. They had to take care of their own food, clothing, and daily necessities. Let alone Cui Yue Zhi, no one would believe it.
"Buy maidservants?" Lin Shuanghe said, "I'll go too. I know how to pick girls!"
Xiao Jue did not bother to pay attention to him. She only instructed Fei Nu, "Find the younger ones. Let them go home after we're done with Jiyang."
Fei Nu agreed.
Chi Wu and Fei Nu drove the carriage outside. The carriage slowed down and slowly arrived at the Jiyang city gates. Fei Nu handed the pass to the guards at the city gates. The guards looked carefully at the black words on the pass and suddenly became respectful. "So you're Cui Zhongqi's family. Please enter."
Lin Shuanghe asked, "Is Cui Yuezhi's status in Jiyang very high?"
"I heard that he grew up with Princess Meng Ji. He's loyal and capable. The princess trusts him a lot," He Yan answered.
Lin Shuanghe asked curiously, "How did you know?"
He Yan replied, "I heard it from someone."
Xiao Jue glanced at her but did not say anything.
He Yan had never been to Jiyang, but she had heard some things about the people and things in Jiyang. It was because her master, Liu Buwang, came from outside Jiyang City and had told her many anecdotes about Jiyang. After hearing a lot, she also yearned for Jiyang.
However, it was troublesome to travel between the territories of the vassal kings. She did not expect that she could take advantage of Xiao Jue to come and take a look at the Shui City that Liu Buwang mentioned. It was really interesting.
Jiyang City was a beautiful city. Thousands of households were connected, and trade was prosperous. There was a canal outside the city where merchant ships gathered. Jiyang was rich in silk, satins, and tea leaves that flowed along the Yuyang River to Yangzhou. It could be said that "thousands of boats sailed like the wind". There were large and small rivers in the city. Small boats could be seen under bridges everywhere. The bows of the boats were filled with fruits and small things. This was the Shui City of Jiyang.
The people of the Central Plains had never seen such a scene. He Yan leaned on the carriage and looked out, clicking her tongue in wonder.
Lin Shuanghe sighed and said, "Jiyang is really like what Wanderer said. It's really a fairy-like place. No wonder it's easy to get out but hard to get in. If I came here, I wouldn't want to leave either. Look at the girls here. They're so beautiful and fresh. They're different from the girls in Shuo Jing City. "
He Yan was speechless. She thought, 'You didn't say that when you were in Shuo Jing City.'
She turned to look at Xiao Jue again. Xiao Jue was sitting in the carriage. He didn't seem to be interested in the bustling scene outside the carriage. He sat there lazily, and his eyes were calm, without the slightest surprise.
"Commander-in-chief, should we go find an inn first?" she asked.
"What Commander-in-chief?" Lin Shuanghe immediately said, "We're already in Jiyang. You can't call me Commander-in-chief, lest you expose yourself."
He Yan asked, "Then what should I call you?"
"Of course you should call me husband!"
When the word 'husband' came out, He Yan and Xiao Jue were shocked. Xiao Jue's expression was even more indescribable. It was very interesting. She endured it, and after a while, she flicked her sleeves and said, "You don't have to call me husband now."
It would be weird to call him that in the future, okay? He Yan's heart was pained. This task seemed good, but he didn't expect it to be so difficult to carry out. It even required him to throw away his sense of shame. No wonder the exchange condition was to join the Southern Prefecture Army.
Xiao Jue said, "Let's find an inn first and settle down."
Jiyang was rich in resources, and it was prosperous. They didn't need to be picky when looking for an inn. Chi Wu picked a place that was closest to the city center. It was convenient for him to familiarize himself with the city.
They first put down the heavier things on the carriage. Fei Nu walked over and said, "Young Master, I just asked around. There's a restaurant nearby. The restaurant's lady boss will help to buy and sell servant girls for the rich families. If you're staying here today, you can go to the lady boss to look for help."
Xiao Jue nodded.
He Yan hesitated for a moment and said, "I won't go."
They paused. Lin Shuanghe asked, "He … Young Mistress, what's the matter?"
He Yan didn't have any other reason. He just couldn't bear to see other people sell their sons and daughters. Even though he knew that some children might not necessarily have a bad life after entering a rich family as a servant girl, he still felt uncomfortable in his heart. When he was in the army, he was harassed by the Qiang people in the war-torn lands. It was common practice for the common people to sell their sons and daughters. If it was a son, it would be better. At most, they would be sold to other people as long-term workers. He Yan had seen it before. A 13- or 14-year-old girl sold to a 60-year-old man as a concubine for only a piece of sesame seed cake.
Human life was so cheap.
She really didn't like to see people being picked and sold like goods.
"I … I'm a woman now, right?" She casually made up an excuse. "I can't run around in this outfit. It doesn't look like Wen Yuyan. I was thinking if there's a ready-made clothing store nearby. I'll go and buy two pieces of women's clothing. If there's jewelry, I'll also buy some so that we won't be exposed when we meet Cui Yuezhi. "
In order to make it easier for her to travel, she still borrowed Cheng Li's clothes. Now that they were in Jiyang, it was not appropriate for her to dress as a man.
When Lin Shuanghe heard this, he felt that what she said was quite reasonable. He said, "That's fine too."
"Chi Wu, follow her." Xiao Jue said, "If there's anything, send a signal."
Chi Wu acknowledged.
Xiao Jue looked at He Yan again. "You stay nearby. Don't go too far. Jiyang is not like Liangzhou. It's best to be cautious."
He Yan nodded. "Okay."
"Then let's split up." Lin Shuanghe waved his fan. "Young Mistress, remember to buy a few more beautiful clothes. When the time comes, we'll show them how beautiful the girls in the Central Plains are."
Xiao Jue said, "Shut up."
The three of them went down the stairs of the inn and left. He Yan and Chi Wu were left alone.
Chi Wu thought, 'Lin Shuanghe is wrong. He Yan is not a woman. No matter how he dresses up, he can't be beautiful. What's the point?'
Just as he thought of this, he saw He Yan looking at the mirror and pulling out the hairpin on her head. In an instant, her black hair fell to her shoulders.
"You …"
He Yan turned her head. "I'm a man. It'll attract attention if I go to a ready-made clothing store to buy women's clothes. Let your hair down first. What do you think? "She asked Chi Wu." How do I look now? "
Chi Wu: "… It's … It's okay." He muttered in his heart, 'Why didn't I realize that He Yan actually looks like a woman? I thought that he would be difficult to look at if he dressed up as a woman. Now that this guy let his hair down … he really does look like a woman.
No wonder the young master chose him to go with them. '
"Let's go," Chi Wu said. "Let's take a walk around the area while it's still bright."
The two of them went out together.
Jiyang City was located further south than Liangzhou City, so the weather was much warmer. Now that it was spring, the sun was slightly peeking out, warming people's bodies. The willow trees emitted a soft green color, and the spring scenery was boundless.
The sound of hawkers hawking their wares could be heard everywhere. The people of Jiyang originally relied on fishing for a living. Their culture was warm and open, and everyone was hospitable. When they passed by a fruit vendor, he saw that He Yan was looking at a few fruits. He insisted on stuffing a few fruits into He Yan's arms and said, "Young Mistress, take it. It's free. You can have a taste!"
Chi Wu: "…"
He was actually called Young Mistress? His disguise was too good!
He Yan took the fruits with a smile and handed them to Chi Wu. He said, "Jiyang City is really good."
No wonder Liu Buwang's tone was full of nostalgia when he mentioned Jiyang back then. Thinking of Liu Buwang, He Yan was a little worried. Now that she was staying with Xiao Jue, how could she find a suitable reason to go out of the city to look for Liu Buwang's traces? Moreover, Liu Buwang had said it vaguely at that time. Now, it seemed that Jiyang City was so big that it was really not easy to find someone.
While she was thinking, Chi Wu had already asked a stall owner who was selling clay figurines next to him, "Little brother, may I ask if there are any shops selling ready-made clothes nearby?"
When the stall owner heard this, he smiled and said, "Judging from your accent, you're not from Jiyang, right? You've asked the right question. "He pointed in a direction and said," Jiyang's embroidery workshop is the largest ready-made clothes shop. There are the best and most clothes in there. If you want to buy clothes, you can't go wrong there! "
Chi Wu thanked the stall owner and walked in the direction pointed by the stall owner with He Yan.
He Yan was a little nervous.
Chi Wu asked, "What's wrong with you?"
"I feel a little uncomfortable buying women's clothes," He Yan said.
Chi Wu nodded and said, "It's quite uncomfortable."
He Yan spent more time as a man than as a woman in both his previous and current lives. However, even though he was a woman, he didn't care much about dressing up. He would wear whatever the residence prepared for him. If he really wanted to pick something, he wouldn't be able to pick it out. He thought to himself that he shouldn't make a fool of himself and pick something that didn't suit him.
However, no matter how afraid he was, he still had to go through this. The embroidery workshop wasn't far from here, so it didn't take long for them to arrive.
The clay figurine stall owner was right. The embroidery workshop looked very big. It had a total of five floors, and it looked like a pavilion. When the two men in green standing at the door saw them coming, they smiled and went forward to welcome them. One of them said, "Sir, is this your first time in the embroidery workshop?"
He Yan nodded and said, "Yes, we want to buy a few clothes."
"May I ask if you or this young master wants to choose clothes?" The man pointed upstairs and said, "In our embroidery workshop, the first floor is for men's clothes, the second floor is for children's clothes, and the remaining three floors are for women's clothes." He paused and said, "The higher you go, the more expensive the clothes are." He smiled and rubbed his hands. "Look …"
"Let's go to the third floor." He Yan made a prompt decision.
"Okay!" The man replied with a smile. "Please follow me."
It was really big inside. Every floor was covered with fine carpets, and the decorations were very beautiful. Unlike the elegance of Shuo Capital, Jiyang's decorations were more colorful and lively, just like the people there. There were murals painted on the walls, and it seemed like everyone was having fun together. The streets on the water were very lively, and everyone was jostling shoulder to shoulder. It was very interesting.
When the man saw He Yan staring at the murals without blinking, he smiled and said, "This is Jiyang's Water God Festival. Jiyang relies on water to make a living, and we worship the Water God every March. The two of you don't look like locals. If you stay here long enough, you can come and watch the Water God Festival. It's very lively! "
"March?" He Yan asked.
"Yes, it's this month. The Water God Festival is very fun! Miss, if you go, you won't lose out! "
The people here were very enthusiastic, so He Yan didn't say anything. However, he was curious about the Water God Festival that the man mentioned.
When they reached the third floor, the man stopped and said, "This is it. Miss, please take a look first."
He Yan nodded. Chi Wu was a little uncomfortable. This floor was full of women's clothes, and it didn't look good for a man like him to stay here. She said to He Yan, "I'll wait for you downstairs. When you're done choosing, just send someone to inform me."
He Yan said, "Okay."
After Chi Wu left, the man continued to show He Yan around. As he looked, he explained to He Yan, "This cherry-red antique satin moonlight dress has been selling the best recently. It's spring, and everyone likes to wear red. It's the most eye-catching when you go for a walk. If you want to attract your lover's attention, this is the best. "
"This lotus-colored peony jade dress is also not bad. When paired with a round fan, you'll look like a fairy from a painting. Elegant and otherworldly, noble and elegant. It's very wonderful! "
"Look at this. This colorful butterfly-patterned dress has a hundred butterflies on it. They were all sewn on by our embroiderers. Think about it. If you wear this dress among the flowers, you'll definitely attract a lot of butterflies. You'll be surrounded by real and fake butterflies. How adorable!"
He Yan was speechless.
The shop assistant of the embroidery workshop was too eloquent. He Yan was moved by his words. She felt that every piece of clothing hanging on the wall was unique and exquisite. Even if it was an ordinary woman, she would be dazzling and moving when she wore it. She was the only one on this floor. If a few more people came to look at the clothes, how would the man be able to handle it?
Fortunately, she had some discernment and didn't believe everything. However, she couldn't help but feel dizzy after looking at all the clothes on the third floor. There were too many, and she didn't know which one to choose.
He Yan thought for a while and looked at the man. "Little brother, I rarely choose my own clothes, so I don't know which one to choose. Why don't you help me look for clothes that won't go wrong, won't be picky, and won't be impolite at the banquet? "
The man was also a shrewd person. When he heard He Yan's words, he knew that He Yan didn't know how to pick out clothes. He smiled and said, "Sure. Miss, I see that your skin is fair, and you are different from the women of Jiyang. With such outstanding looks, wouldn't it be a pity if you only choose clothes that won't go wrong and bury your beauty? Why don't … "He walked in front of a piece of clothing and picked up a corner of it to show He Yan." Take a look at this one? "
"This Heavenly Fragrance Jade Dress is very light and thin. It feels very delicate to the touch. The color is aqua blue, and it suits your skin very well. The style is simple and elegant, but if you wear it to the banquet, you definitely won't be impolite. There is only one piece of this dress left. If you like it, why don't you choose this one? "
He Yan walked in front of the dress. Compared to the previous ones, this dress looked much simpler. It wasn't as fancy, and it felt very comfortable to the touch. He Yan smiled and said, "Then I'll choose this one …"
"I want this dress." A hand reached out from the side and snatched the dress from He Yan's hand.
He Yan turned around and saw a young woman in a yellow dress standing in front of him. She had an almond-shaped face and peachy cheeks, and her beauty was like a hibiscus. However, her skin was slightly darker, and her figure was excellent. She was also quite tall. She didn't even look at He Yan. It was as if He Yan didn't exist in front of her.
Behind her were two maidservants dressed in green. One of them said, "Why are you still in a daze? Why didn't you greet our young lady when you saw her?"
The man was stunned. He quickly bowed and greeted, "Eldest Young Lady Yan."
The woman called Eldest Young Lady Yan snorted in response.
The man turned around again and wiped his sweat. He said to He Yan, "Miss, why don't … you choose another piece?"
Even a fool would understand what was going on. No matter where and when, there was no lack of people who relied on their family background to run rampant without fear. The man was innocent. He Yan didn't want to make things difficult for him. Moreover, it was just a piece of clothing. He smiled and said, "It's fine. I'll choose another one."
"I'm sorry." The man turned his back and said in a low voice, "Eldest Young Lady Yan usually doesn't come to our ready-made clothing store. Even if she comes, she won't go to the third floor. I don't know what happened today …"
"It's fine." He Yan gave him a reassuring look. "There's no need to explain. I understand."
"Thank you, thank you."
The man walked to Eldest Young Lady Yan and smiled. "Eldest Young Lady Yan, do you need me to choose clothes for you?"
"Who are you to choose for me?" Eldest Young Lady Yan said disdainfully, "Go and choose for others. I don't need your guidance."
The man retreated to the side hesitantly and returned to He Yan. Compared to the sarcastic Eldest Young Lady Yan, this man was obviously much gentler and easier to talk to. He smiled and said, "Miss, take a look at this? This su-embroidered pipa dress is pinched at the waist. The sleeves are also very wide. When you wear it, you feel like you're walking in the clouds. It's also extremely beautiful. The color is also pear blossom white. When you wear it, you will definitely have smooth skin and jade bones. You will be seductive. "
He Yan couldn't help but laugh when she heard that. This man was selling clothes, so be it. Why was he praising people so easily? It made her feel embarrassed. He Yan looked at the dress and felt that it was not bad. She said, "Then, this one will do."
As soon as she finished speaking, the maidservant beside Eldest Young Lady Yan reached out and pulled the dress that He Yan pointed at over. She said, "Our Eldest Young Lady wants this too."
Again?
He Yan frowned slightly. If it was a coincidence once, it would be intentional if it happened twice. But she had never seen this woman before. Why was she targeting her?
She turned around and faced the other party. She asked politely, "May I ask, Miss, did I offend you in any way?"
"No." Eldest Young Lady Yan looked at her and raised her eyebrows. "I'm just picking a dress. How did you offend me?"
"One or two pieces are naturally fine." He Yan smiled. "But don't tell me you'll choose whatever I choose later?"
Eldest Young Lady Yan pursed her lips and said arrogantly, "It seems that you're not stupid."
"I don't understand. Why are you like this?"
"You have to ask why for everything. Very good, but I'm not your husband. Why should I answer your questions? I'm here today. Even if I buy all the clothes on the third floor, that's because I'm capable. If you're not convinced, you can buy them too. There are so many clothes. There will definitely be one that I don't want. However … "She sized up He Yan and said disdainfully," Look at you. You don't look like you can afford much. "
He Yan was wearing Cheng Li's plain clothes. The material wasn't bad, but she had been on the road for days and was travel-worn. She also came from the inn and didn't have time to change her clothes. In the eyes of others, her head and face were covered in dirt and dirt, and she looked poor.
What kind of luck did she have? She could even meet such an arrogant young lady when she came out to buy clothes. He Yan had always been simple and violent when dealing with men. Even if she was not convinced, she would at most fight. However, women were different. She could not beat up a lady on the street.
"The Embroidery Workshop is not owned by you." He Yan said patiently, "I just want to buy some clothes. Please don't cause trouble."
It would have been fine if she did not say this. Once she said this, the woman was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. All her fur stood on end. She narrowed her beautiful eyes and said in a sharper voice, "Cause trouble? You actually said that I'm causing trouble? Where did this country bumpkin come from? It's fine if you don't know me, but you're even full of filthy words! You want to buy clothes? Look at your shabby appearance. Can you afford it?! "
He Yan, "I …"
"Young Madam!" A voice interrupted.
He Yan turned around. He did not know when Xiao Jue and Lin Shuanghe had found their way here. Chi Wu and Fei Nu were behind them. There were also two young ladies dressed in pink who stood timidly at the side.
Xiao Jue walked forward. The Ji Yang women were beautiful and bold, while the men were masculine and powerful. A handsome, elegant, and charming young man like him was really rare.
Young Madam Yan stared blankly at him.
Xiao Jue stared at her for a while. Suddenly, she curled her lips and leaned close to He Yan's ear. Her voice was very low, but it was just enough for the people around to hear.
"What's the matter, Madam?"
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