Chapter 15: Entering the City
“I didn’t forget! The candy is delicious!”
“Alright, try it again if it’s delicious!”
Zhao Lanhua laughed heartily and finally glanced at the two people who were making fun of her behind her back. “Sister Yunzhi and Aunt Suqiu, to be honest, I, Zhao Lanhua, only have one criterion for finding a wife. She has to be good-looking! My three daughters-in-law are all good-looking. There’s nothing I can do about it! After all, when the daughter-in-laws are good-looking, all the men in the family can eat two more bowls of rice, right? Unlike some people who can’t be in-laws with me and are making fun of me behind my back? Aren’t they worried that they’ll bite their tongues?
“You…” The two women were so angry that their faces turned red!
“Lanhua, your third daughter-in-law is already like that. Do you still want her?”
“My third daughter-in-law was muddle-headed before, but she didn’t go to meet a man in private. Besides, which of you saw my third daughter-in-law cheat on a man? I heard from my eldest son that people who frames innocent people will be taken to the county office to be beaten!”
After Zhao Lanhua said this, she brought Eldest Sister-in-law Shen and Ji Zhao to the ox cart at the village entrance.
The ox cart swayed along the way. The farmland on both sides had dried up.
There was only a bright green spot near the foot of the mountain not far away.
“Mother, thank you.” Ji Zhao really did not expect Zhao Lanhua to defend her in front of outsiders.
Zhao Lanhua waved her hand dismissively.
Ji Zhao smiled sweetly at her, then leaned against her side and sat down obediently.
The ox cart was slow and bumpy. By the time they arrived at the city gate, it was getting late.
“Let’s split up. Eldest wife, carry the basket to the eldest’s shop. I’ll take Ah Tao to the pharmacy in West City to see a doctor. When we’re done, we’ll return to the pastry shop and gather,” Zhao Lanhua said as she helped Eldest Sister-in-law Shen put on the basket.
“Got it, Mother!”
The three of them lined up outside the city gate.
Ji Zhao subconsciously looked at the city gate in front of her. The greenish-gray city wall was very tall, and there were many soldiers wearing red tassels helmets and holding sabers standing on it.
After waiting outside the city gate for almost an hour, Zhao Lanhua brought Ji Zhao and Eldest Sister-in-law Shen into the city.
The moment she entered the city, Ji Zhao’s eyes were filled with shock.
The difference between inside and outside the city was too great.
The road was wide enough for four carriages to pass through side by side. It was endless.
The vendors on both sides were shouting enthusiastically. There were all kinds of shops in all walks of life, and it was dazzling.
“Mother, the county town is so lively!” Ji Zhao held Zhao Lanhua’s arm and said with a smile.
“Ding Yuan County is located at the intersection between Yunchuan Prefecture and Guichuan Prefecture. It’s famous for its wealth.” Zhao Lanhua patted her hand and said gently, “Remember, you have to follow me at all times. It’ll be troublesome if we get separated, understand?”
“Mother, don’t worry. I’ll remember everything!”
“Alright.” Zhao Lanhua nodded and introduced, “This street is called Qinghe Street. The river in Shanghe Village is separated from the Qinghe River in the county. The east is filled with influential families, and the west is filled with ordinary people. Do you see that three-hole bridge?”
Following Zhao Lanhua’s finger, Ji Zhao saw a grayish-white three-hole bridge not far away. It was very lively and crowded.
“Yes!”
“After crossing the bridge and walking another 1.5 to 2.5 kilometers, we will reach the county office of Dingyuan County.” Zhao Lanhua pointed in another direction. “Do you see the fork in the road to the west? There is a wonton stall at the entrance of that street. The chicken soup wontons there are top-notch. If you walk 3.5 to 4 kilometers to the left, you will find our family’s pastry shop! Eldest wife, quickly go find my eldest son. Ah Tao, let’s walk to the right for a while and we will find a medicine shop.”
“Okay!”