32 Oyster shells and vinegar (1/2)

The next day, before the sun even came up, Xue'er left the cottage. Gan Tian Chi was in the cellar again, once more searching around for things he thought he lost.

The morning before the sun rose was truly refreshing. The dew on the grass was in droplets that were each plump as a pearl, giving the fall morning a cool feeling. Xue'er took out a small green porcelain jar and collected the drops of crystal dew, until she had an entire bottle of it, before putting it into her bag and going on her way.

The dew drops did not have any significant value, it simply captured the perfect fall atmosphere in every one of the droplets. If fermented, perhaps it could be made into a type of wine, but more dew would have to be collected.

For now, it would have to serve as a reminder of the beautiful scenery secluded in the forest.

Xue'er traveled at the tops of the trees, as she explored the vast forests bordering Eastern Jin and Northern Wei. Her movements were filled with such stealth, that not a single bird would notice her as she went by.

As she approached a known road, she could hear the wheels creaking and the horses' hoof steps. She hid above a tree and saw a trail of wagons and carriages traveling on the road.

[Why are there suddenly so many people traveling through the forest?]

She watched the wagons moved slowly on the unofficial dirt road. There were some guards with sabers keeping watch on the surroundings, ready to spot the slightest hint of an ambush from bandits.

The wagons must belong to a merchant's company and they were transporting goods from the Eastern Kingdom, to the Northern Wei Kingdom. After all, there would normally be bandits lurking around to steal the goods from an unprotected shipment of goods.

”THUNK” Suddenly, one of the wagons carrying large wooden crates fell into a dirt hole, there was a shattering noise that came from one of the crates.

All the people who were transporting the goods froze, they turned to look at the source of the noise. The entire trail of wagons behind them came to a stop.

A short fat manager came to the wagon and gave a harsh stare at the people transporting the goods.

They all knew they were in deep trouble. That was clearly the sound of something shattering, there was no use praying that it did not break, that sound was loud and clear as day.

[What was that wagon carrying again?

Please don't be something valuable.

If it's something of value, we won't be able to cough up the money for this.

We still have families to feed.]