105 Marches Toward the Border Town (1/2)

As she entered the shop, the scent from the jerky was even more overtaking. With the shop being encased in a cloud that smelled predominantly of seasoned meat the spices mingled in the air, as the olfactory sense got a whiff and triggered the pooling of saliva within the mouth.

Though space was not particularly small, it was still quite crowded with the many people waiting around. They stood in their corners, there was not a straight and rigid line, but the workers seemed to know precisely who was up next.

The shop particularly catered to travelers who were going from the city. As it would not bode well to bring along freshly bloodied meat from a slaughtered animal on one's long journey. Maggots had been known to spontaneously appear and infest the meat, or sickness would soon be brought on once the rotting meat would be ingested.

”Boss, is the 500 catties of jerky ready?” A man dressed in coarse hemp clothing came in and asked right away.

His question was so peculiar, prompting Xue'er to keep an ear out for their conversation.

”Hey, why do you buy so many catties of jerky?” A curious customer looks to the man and asks. It would seem that Xue'er was not the only one curious at the large order.

”Oh, the soldiers will soon be heading out to the border town, so we gotta bring enough jerky for the journey.” The man did not seem to be bothered by the curiosity of a bystander and answered in a straightforward manner.

”Oh, did something happen?” The customer asked as though expecting an answer that had to do with some secret orders.

”Nah, this time we were instructed to check the border town for any possible fugitives.” The man said with a nonchalant shrug.

”Sir, your jerky has already been prepared, it's loaded to the cart.” A man behind the counter said.

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”Thanks.” The man says with a wave as he goes to the cart that is placed in front. The wooden cart has already been loaded with a few wooden barrels, presumably packed with the promised jerky. Seeing as the man did not even bother to check the weight to see if the vendor had skimmed a few catties, Xue'er deemed the store to be trustworthy.

”I would like five catties of jerky.” The customer went forward and ordered.

”Three catties of jerky.” The next customer said.

…

After all the orders had been placed, it was Xue'er's turn.

”Three catties, but separate it into two and one please.”

The jerky was wrapped in a layer of oil-paper when Xue'er received them. The two catties were placed into her basket, while she kept the one catty for herself.