Today happened to be market day, and the streets and alleys were especially lively.
After getting off the bullock cart, the villagers dispersed in different directions, promising to meet here at one quarter past noon.
"So this is what going to the market is like!"
Cheng Xiaoxiao was complaining to the system, "Did you see that? This is truly ancient and authentic! Those so-called cultural heritage sites don't even compare to this."
On both sides of the street were teahouses, taverns, workshops, and cloth shops. On the open spaces, various small merchants with large umbrellas had set up shop. The street was bustling with people: some were carrying loads, others were driving bullock carts to deliver goods, and there were those herding donkeys pulling carts, the street was packed with heads.
Cheng Rong smiled and said, "It's not usually this lively. Our town's market is only on the 6th, 16th, and 26th of each month and usually lasts just half a day, so today everyone is gathering to buy and sell."
"Let's go! There are two pharmacies: Baishan Pharmacy and Baohe Hall. Baohe Hall is at the end of this street. Shall we go there first?"
"Okay, let's start by looking at Baohe Hall."
It was easy to find Baohe Hall at the street's end. Inside were a few people getting medicine and seeing the doctor. As soon as they entered the main door, they heard an old woman begging, "Doctor Lin, please have mercy, just give me part of the herbs on credit. In a couple of days, when my son's monthly pay comes in, I will send the money to you."
Doctor Lin gave a look to the attendant, who immediately understood.
"Go, go, go, if you don't have enough money, don't take any medicine. Come back when you've got enough," the attendant rudely dismissed her, almost pushing the old woman over.
Fortunately, Mr. Cheng supported her as she stumbled in. The old woman turned to thank Mr. Cheng when the attendant dragged her out.
The old woman refused to leave, shouting, "I'm just short of twenty copper coins. Please have mercy, I'll give you double in two days, my husband can't go without the medicine!"
Seeing this, everyone felt sympathy for the old woman, but even though they were sympathetic, life was hard for them too. There was no need to do anything for strangers, except for her father.
With a generous heart, he handed twenty copper coins to the old woman. The old woman repeatedly thanked him, "Kind person! I bow to you."
"Please don't, elderly lady," Mr. Cheng hurried to help her up.
Wow! I didn't realize her dad is so kind-hearted.
Exchanging a glance with her brother, they both shook their heads helplessly. They still had business to attend to!
"Excuse me, is the person in charge here?"
The attendant who had chased away the woman looked over the newcomers and said flatly, "Are you here for medicine or to see the doctor?"
Although they didn't have a good impression of this pharmacy, Cheng Xiaoxiao still politely replied, "Neither, we're here to sell medicinal herbs. Could you please call the person in charge to take a look?"
The attendant was indifferent, "What good herbs could you have? Take them out, let me see."
Cheng Xiaoxiao was not too pleased but decided to see what price he would offer first. She carefully took some Night Trumpet Flower from Cheng Rong's basket and placed it on the counter.
The attendant glanced at it, his eyes lit up for a moment, but he quickly suppressed it, "I thought you were selling fresh herbs, but they're already processed. However... the appearance is average at best. I'll offer no more than thirty copper coins per pound."
Cheng Rong's eyes brightened. This Night Trumpet Flower could sell for thirty copper coins; they had about ten pounds today, which would be three hundred coins. If they could supply in large quantities...
"Really! It seems they aren't sincerely interested in buying our herbs. We'd better leave!" Cheng Xiaoxiao didn't miss the fleeting expression in the attendant's eyes.
Cheng Rong hadn't quite caught on yet and wondered why they were leaving. Was Cheng Xiaoxiao dissatisfied with the price?
"Hey, young lady, don't leave. The price is negotiable." Running out from behind the counter, he blocked their way.
"How about this, I'll add five coins, how about thirty-five?"
Cheng Xiaoxiao sneered, even if she didn't know the local prices or the value of this herb, the attendant's reaction revealed he was ripping them off.
Hearing the commotion outside, the shopkeeper came out from the back, asking the attendant what was happening. The attendant exaggerated his explanation.
The shopkeeper looked at their coarse cotton clothes, recognizing them as ordinary folks, and generously offered, "Then give them forty, and if they have more herbs in the future, bring them over."
Where did this shopkeeper get the confidence from; did I say I wanted to sell them?
Really, they all have a condescending attitude, no need to even acknowledge them further, and she walked straight out the pharmacy door.
Seeing the young girl so unyielding, the shopkeeper snorted and angrily waved his sleeve, "Hmph! A bunch of mud-legged folks, being ungrateful."
"What happened, daughter, are we not selling?" Mr. Cheng was puzzled, wondering if his daughter had offended the shopkeeper.
Cheng Rong guessed a bit, "Second Uncle, perhaps we should check out Baishan Pharmacy on the other street!"
"Indeed, the people in this pharmacy are not honest. Let's not return here next time." She could hear the insulting words from the shopkeeper behind and thought, who were they looking down on. She wouldn't do business with people lacking integrity.
At Baishan Pharmacy, Cheng Xiaoxiao did not rush to present the herbs this time. She went to the counter to learn about the prices of various herbs. The attendant carefully quoted prices for each, without looking down on them because of their clothing.
Cheng Xiaoxiao was very pleased, and just as she was about to take out the herbs, she heard a kind voice from behind.
"Hey! Isn't that someone from Qingshan Village, the Cheng family?"
"Doctor Xue, do you still remember me, I'm Cheng Yong, Cheng the Second. Last year, when my mother was sick, thanks to you, we were a bother to you for quite some while!"
"Oh, right, now I remember, Cheng the Second, who's coming to see the doctor today?" He said, looking over the two, who didn't seem sick.
Upon hearing their conversation, she realized this was the doctor who treated her grandmother, so she should know him. Quickly smiling brightly, she stepped forward and sweetly called, "Grandpa Xue, do you remember me?"
Looking at the young girl suddenly before him, "Are you called... Daya? You've grown over the year."
Uh! Her name isn't Daya, this had to be corrected, "Grandpa Xue, I now have a proper name, Cheng Xiaoxiao. You can call me Xiaoxiao."
Having acquaintances makes things easier! She also presented him the processed herbs to inspect.
Doctor Xue examined them closely, "Hmm, Xiao, your Night Trumpet Flower is well-processed, retaining most of the medicinal effects, and the appearance is good. The craftsman who processed this is skilled."
Cheng Xiaoxiao was delighted, "So how much do you think our herbs are worth selling to the pharmacy?" Finally, someone who appreciated it.
At this point, the observant attendant had already brought Manager Huang over. After some pleasantries, when Cheng Xiaoxiao indicated they could supply medicinal herbs regularly, and not just one type, maintaining similar appearance and efficacy as today's herbs,
Manager Huang and Doctor Xue were amazed. After chatting with the young girl about the medicinal properties and processing methods, they found her adept, using methods even they hadn't tried. They were curious where the young girl learned them, but she cautiously gave vague answers, revealing nothing specific.