30 Figure it out (1/2)
30 Figure it out
Translator: Kats | Editor: Perriemix
Three days later, on an early morning, Ye Jiayao ventured out wearing old-fashioned grey clothes. She looked like a good-looking young boy as she waited among the crowds who were going into the city.
The shabby grey clothes she bought from a farmer cost her 100 copper coins. It was a bit too expensive, but as she had nothing else, this attire was safe and convenient.
She had never been to Ji Nan district, but she heard it was famous. It was a classic dialogue said by Qiong Yao: Your Majesty, do you still remember Xia Yuhe from Da Ming lake?
At five in the morning, the city gate opened slowly, and the crowds walked into the city like waves. Ancient people usually got up early because there were not busy doing fun activities at night.
As early as it was, the shops had already opened on the street. The most popular ones being the breakfast shops. There were steamed buns with soup, steamed corn bread, deep-fried dough sticks, pancakes and pliable ramen. It emitted a heady, exquisite fragrance that wafted through the city.
Ye Jiayao spent four copper coins on two big meat buns and one copper coin on a soup. After she had her fill, she then started to ask about the Wei family in Ji Nan district.
It was easy to find Wei’s house, it was getting inside of it that was the hard part. She couldn’t just barge in hastily, otherwise, people would be suspicious. Therefore, she walked near the back door and looked for the most suitable opportunity.
After a while, Ye Jiayao saw an auntie with a vegetable basket walk out from the back door. She looked like she was going out to buy food in the market.
Big families usually had a specific place and time to buy cooking materials. Every day, people sent the food in. It was only when the master specifically asked for something that servants had to go out and buy them.
Ye Jiayao followed her from a distance, trying to find a chance to talk to her.
The auntie arrived at the market and she walked straight to an aquatic product store. Without even asking for the price, she weighed out 1.5 kg of river shrimps, two crabs, as well as two basses. She then walked to a cooked food store at the side of the market, coming out with a basket overflowing with goods.
Ye Jiayao intentionally wobbled and carelessly bumped into her.
”Damn you! Don't you have eyes? Watch the roads when you are walking,” the auntie shouted at her.
Ye Jiayao smiled apologetically and immediately made a bow, with her hands folded in front, to say sorry.
”Big sister, I am so sorry. I was looking for someone just now and didn’t pay attention. I apologize to you.”
Her anger vanished as she stared at the very handsome young man with beautiful eyes. Guys were very forgiving to beautiful girls, and women were also forgiving to handsome guys.
”Little brother, you are too reckless. If you've knocked off my groceries, how would you repay it?” the auntie chastised gently.
Ye Jiayao kept bowing to her with her hands folded in the front. ”Big sister, you are right. It was my fault. Big sister, did I hurt you?”
The aunt stroked the hem of her skirt. ”Don’t worry, just be careful in the future.”
”Yes, yes, yes!”
The auntie turned around and walked away. Ye Jiayao thought for a moment and ran up to her. ”Big sister, your basket is heavy. Can I help you carry it to compensate for my wrong-doing?”
The auntie was not angry anymore and waved her hands dismissively. ”No, no, I am alright.”
”It is okay, sister. I was looking for my village friend, but I couldn’t find him. He probably went back already. I can help you carry the basket home then I will go back to the village.” Ye Jiayao took over the basket in her hand as she spoke.
”Big sister, where do you live?”
The auntie thought she was warm-hearted, so she just let her do it. It was a long way back and the basket was, indeed, heavy. She forgot to take helpers and her arms would suffer if she was to carry the basket back alone. She was glad that someone was willing to help.
”Wei’s house,” the auntie said.
Ye Jiayao acted surprised, ”Is it the prefecture of Wei Zhi?”
”Yes, it is the prefecture of Wei Zhi.”
Ye Jiayao composed her features to show an admiring expression. ”Aiya! I have found a high-ranking government official today. Big sister, I knew your manner and breadth of mind was different from other people. As it turned out, you were from the prefecture of Wei Zhi! Big sister, you are so amazing! People from big families are certainly different.”
The auntie laughed. ”You, little guy, have a smooth tongue. How am I different from others?”
Ye Jiayao said seriously, ”Of course you are different. Big sister, even if you just stand among people wordlessly, your manner shows that you are superior.”
The auntie was happily flattered. The two of them shared stories and laughter on their way back to the prefecture of Wei.
Ye Jiayao returned the basket to the auntie as they arrived. ”Sister, I will just leave you here now.”
The auntie saw her sweat all over her head and offered, ”Do you want to have a drink inside?”
Ye Jiayao smiled fatuously. ”I am a bit thirsty, but... I have never been in such a huge house before. I dare not to enter.”
The auntie laughed once again. ”Don’t worry about it! Come in and drink some water before leaving.”
”Aye,” Ye Jiayao answered happily and took over the basket again. ”Let me carry this.”
Ye Jiayao was right, this auntie worked in the kitchen. The reason that she glowed with health was that she could eat good food stealthily.
”Yo, Sister Gui, where did you kidnap such a cute young guy?” The aunties who worked in kitchen teased upon seeing Ye Jiayao.