Chapter 1988: Old Tofu Maker (1/2)

There existed a fair-sized city built and paved with stones. Who knows how many years it has been since its foundation but the walls were in a state of disrepair. Arrows filled the gaps along with holes from successive attacks.

People came and went; the city witnessed one era after another. The pebbles were polished by the feet of pedestrians. Some streets were even s.h.i.+ny from this effect.

Its architectural style consisted of streams and bridges weaving through the old buildings. This was a peaceful area for its citizens. Everyone here practically knew each other due to the small number.

If you were to ask about the most famous thing in the city, the people here would inadvertently shout out: “The old tofu maker.”

If you were to ask about the happiest thing in the city, they would also shout: “Lining up to buy some tofu puddings.”

Perhaps one wouldn’t remember the name of this little place or its scenic spots, but they would definitely remember the tofu there. It would be an unforgettable experience, if you could buy it.

The citizens here couldn’t really say what the old man was like, not even the oldest among them. There was only one impression - his tofu pudding. His existence and tofu went hand in hand.

As for his last name, his background, and the type of man he was? This remained a mystery to everyone.

“The old tofu maker, I see.” Li Qiye also smiled lightly after entering the city.

“Creak.” One could hear the sounds of a shoulder pole carrying something coming from an alley. The people in the vicinity became excited right away.

“He’s here!” Someone shouted and was answered with erupting waves of laughter of children and young ladies. Footsteps resounded and a long line was formed right away on this street.

An old man shouldering two casks were coming. His face was covered with wrinkles, an indelible effect of time. He wore a hemp robe with a cloth over his shoulder in order to ease the pain from carrying the pole. Despite the two casks full of tofu pudding, his steps were still quite strong, giving off of old but vigorous.

He walked up to the line and dropped down the heavy casks. With a wooden ladle, he lifted the thin cloth covering the casks and said: “Opening shop now, come line up.”

All of his actions were smooth, unwasted, and precise. He scooped a ladle-full into the bowl of the girl standing in front. She happily placed a bronze coin into a pouch hanging on his waist and left with her bowl full of tofu.

“Grandpa, get me one also, I lined up for nothing yesterday.” So many people salivated at the sight of the white tofu, especially after smelling that permeating fragrance of the soybean.

Because of this, some stretched out their neck while staring at the two casks, afraid that it would run out before their turn.

Alas, the bottom of the casks was quickly seen since the old man finally finished selling his daily portions. He patted the pouch on his waist and heard the coins clanking and smiled: “All gone now, come early tomorrow.”

He began to pack up.

“Sigh, grandpa, just two casks a day? We don’t like it at all, you’re just toying with us. The neighborhood would like to ask you to make four each day.” A neighbor complained.

The old man ignored the complaint and tied the casks on the pole again before slowly carrying them away, slightly swinging back and forth.

Li Qiye also strolled leisurely after the old man.