Chapter 528: Familiar Craftsmanship
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Lan Ruozhu breathed in and relaxed as the burden on his body dissipated. It had been a while since he had felt so relaxed.
Su Binglan explained, “The market wasn’t this vast initially, but it has been growing ever since. The villagers only occupied one area last time, but the entire street is full of stalls now.
“Granduncle Su also cleared the street around the corner for more people to set up their stalls.”
Su Binglan also quite liked the lively scenery.
Lan Ruozhu said, “You’re the one who made all these delicious foods and drove Su Teng Village’s development.”
He guessed his sister was the reason for Su Teng Village’s prosperity. Only when a village prospered would the surrounding villagers travel here to participate in the market.
After some thought, Su Binglan said, “Perhaps. However, people can often buy useful and cheap things here. A business will go well if anyone sets up a stall in our village. Whenever I see everyone’s smiles, I remember how simple it is for them to be happy. Don’t feel pressured, Brother.”
“Indeed, I was stubborn in the past.” Lan Ruozhu nodded.
He had expectations of himself in the past. He immersed himself in hatred daily and forced himself to do many unnecessary things.
But now that he had found his sister and looked at everyone’s lives here, he suddenly felt emotional. It turned out happiness was much more straightforward than he had thought. He realized people would be happy as long as they could eat.
The environment was also critical. The lively and happy atmosphere could infect even King Lan Ruozhu.
“Let’s go to the market, Brother. Let’s see if you like anything, and I can buy it for you.”
Lan Ruozhu said, “l brought some silver notes for you, Sister.”
He had kept some in his sleeve and let the Shadow Guards carry the rest. Although most of his silver remained in the capital, he planned to give what he had to his sister.
Su Binglan said, “You can keep those, Brother. I have plenty of money, so you don’t have to worry about me.”
On the contrary, as king, Lan Ruozhu had done many things and could spend much of his money anywhere. Su Binglan considered this, and her heart ached for her brother.
The heavy burdens and responsibilities of the deceased royal’s mansion had fallen onto Lan Ruozhu. Su Binglan knew he was not at ease with these burdens. However, she could help him in the future.
She remembered hiding a sum of silver and other things while living as Lan Ruobing. Still, her memory of where she had hidden these things was a little blurry.
Nonetheless, she believed she could fully recover her memories after some time. Then she would remember where she had hidden these things. After that, she would have enough funds to do many more things for the people and help her brother.
A new idea appeared in Su Binglan’s mind. She wanted to help Lan Ruozhu develop the entire capital. She also wanted to train an even stronger elite team for him. That way, they would not have to worry if Chu Country became chaotic.
The siblings would be unafraid of war if they prepared themselves fully. However, such a colossal project would require much financial support, and the siblings had many things to do to reach their goals.
Therefore, Su Binglan knew she had to set up more businesses and factories to earn as much money as quickly as possible. Still, Lan Ruozhu wanted to leave all his good fortune for his sister.
Next, Su Binglan brought her brother to stroll around the market. She and her brother wore scarves and hats so no one would recognize them. That way, Su Binglan could accompany her brother without anyone disturbing them.
She could not help but sigh when she looked at the things everyone was selling. ‘People from this era are highly innovative.’
Everyone relied on their own intelligence. Some carved excellent children’s
toys, some made exquisite-looking figurines, and others cooked food like dumplings, pancakes, and other snacks.
Some also sold clothes and shoes they had made themselves, while others sold their pre-loved items, stationery, books, and hand-crafted farming tools.
Since many people visited the market, someone was bound to buy such things. At least one or two people stood before each stall, looking at the items and bargaining.
Curiosity filled Lan Ruozhu’s eyes as he looked around. He had never seen many of these things. He looked at them but did not buy anything. Still, he enjoyed walking around.
Lan Ruozhu finally understood why everyone liked coming to the market. It was just like going out to relax and play.
He and his sister stopped at a stall where a woman was selling toys. She had carved some out of wood while others were made of cloth. The dolls looked lifelike and had exquisite craftsmanship.
Su Binglan’s eyes lit up when she saw these toys. Even Lan Ruozhu’s eyes widened. Su Binglan squatted and picked up the toys to look at them. She felt they were somewhat familiar.
‘Why do they look so familiar?’ She wondered, then asked, “Did you carve these?”
The young woman gently smiled and said, “My husband carved them.”
“These are exquisite.”
“Thank you, Ma’am. My husband can make many things but only sell these.”
“How much are they?”
“Five copper each, Ma’am.”
Then someone else came over to look around and said, “Isn’t five copper a little expensive?”
The salesgirl pursed her lips and whispered anxiously, “M-My husband worked hard to make these. Um, he’s sick, and we need money to buy medicine, so 1 genuinely can’t go any cheaper.”
An older lady beside them heard this and hurriedly said, “Oh, you and your husband should quickly go to the Su family’s house for treatment. Their fees are cheap since it only costs five to ten copper.”
The salesgirl frowned and said lowly, “B-But my husband can’t leave the house, so I plan on asking a doctor to go to my house and treat my husband.” She looked anxious as she spoke.
As Su Binglan looked at the toys, a series of images suddenly flashed in her mind. Her face froze, then she touched the carved toy she held and said, “I’m a doctor. Can you take me to your house? You don’t have to pay me if I can cure your husband—instead, you can give me these toys.”
The salesgirl was stunned when she heard that. She even doubted her ears. “A-Are you sure? C-Can you really cure my husband?!”
Su Binglan could only undo her scarf and remove her hat. Immediately after, everyone recognized her.
“Whoa, it’s Miss Su!”
“Salesgirl, this is the famous Miss Su! Her medical skills are unparalleled. She can undoubtedly cure your husband!”
“Yeah, Miss Su even healed my father’s leg.”
“My grandmother drank the medicine Miss Su prescribed. My grandmother’s vision is no longer blurry. She can also hear much better now. It’s all very magical..”