A journey through ancient times, a journey of exquisite divine skills

Chapter 383 Buying Clothes at the Embroidery Pavilion, Returning Home with Ji

After they finished their meal, Yun Dan paid the bill.

She said to Leng Xiyue and Zhang Sanfeng, "Let's go buy some New Year's goods and have a good time in a few days, how about it!"

Zhang Sanfeng and Leng Xiyue had no objection to Yun Dan's proposal.

The three of them then followed Aji into the street.

As they were walking, Yun Dan suddenly stopped.

That was because a black plaque with gold lettering, reading "Jinxiu Pavilion," hung above the entrance of a silk shop not far ahead, which attracted her attention.

The shop sign in front of the store swayed gently in the wind.

The edges of the silk embroidered with lotus patterns shimmered softly in the sunlight, making it clear that this was no ordinary shop.

Aji saw her staring at the shop in a daze and offered her some answers.

"Sister Yundan, this Jinxiu Pavilion is the best clothing shop in Dongshan Port."

The materials inside are very complete, including Hangzhou silk, Shu brocade, and Yun brocade. Even merchants from the capital love to come here.

Moreover, the styles are new, and many young ladies from wealthy families come here to have their New Year's clothes made.

He only found out because he heard it from Consul Tong.

After all, he couldn't afford the clothes here.

Yun Dan went in first.

As soon as I entered, the shopkeeper greeted me with a big smile.

"What would you like to buy, sir? We have the finest Hangzhou silk and Shu brocade here."

And there's also some newly arrived Nanjing brocade, perfect for making New Year's clothes.

Yun Dan immediately took a liking to the two Moonlight Dresses in the display case: one was sky blue, embroidered with lotus blossoms; the other was light pink, adorned with pearls.

She pointed and said, "I'll take these two sets."

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up: "Young lady, you have a good eye! This is top-quality Yun brocade, two hundred taels of silver for a set."

Yun Dan said directly, "Take it down and let me take a look!"

Leng Xiyue watched in astonishment.

"You silly girl, you spend more money on a dress than on a fine horse."

Yun Dan looked at Leng Xiyue with complete confidence.

"It's Chinese New Year, so you have to wear new clothes! Pick out a couple of outfits for me, and I'll pay for them."

Leng Xiyue waved her hand: "I have clean clothes here, no need to buy any."

Zhang Sanfeng shook his head: "Didn't you just give me two new clothes a few days ago? No need to buy any more!"

Yun Dan then remembered that Zhang Sanfeng's Taoist robe had been damaged by lightning the first time it struck.

She pulled Aji over and asked him to ask the shopkeeper if he had any Taoist robes.

Then Aji told the shopkeeper to give them each two sets of casual clothes, light gray and sturdy and durable.

After telling the shopkeeper what Yundan had described about the Taoist robe, Aji asked, "Shopkeeper, do you have this style of clothing?"

The shopkeeper was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I've never seen this style before. It looks like... like something a hermit would wear?"

Yundan was somewhat disappointed after hearing Aji's message.

Finally, he said helplessly, "Never mind then, we'll talk about it when we get to a big city."

Just then, she saw Aji standing to the side with empty hands, so she asked, "Aji, why aren't you choosing anything?"

Aji scratched his head: "I have clothes to wear, I don't need to buy any."

"That won't do."

Before he could refuse, Yun Dan had the shopkeeper bring out two sets of well-fitting cotton clothes and stuffed them into his arms.

"New Year means new clothes, here you go!"

Aji was about to refuse when Yundan pulled out a gold ingot and placed it on the counter, declaring domineeringly, "Keep the change!"

Those five gold ingots weighed a total of fifty taels.

The shopkeeper's eyes widened instantly when he saw the five gold ingots on the counter.

Yun Dan smiled and said, "Thank you, shopkeeper. We'll come back here to buy again next time."

After saying that, he took the two sets of Yun brocade that the shopkeeper had packed and turned to leave.

The shopkeeper held the gold ingot, watching their retreating figures, and remained stunned for a long time.

This girl is incredibly generous; she must be the daughter of some wealthy family.

For the rest of the afternoon, Yun Dan completely let loose.

I buy all sorts of strange and unusual things.

I bought a string of dragon-shaped lanterns; when I saw a lantern seller, I picked out a red lantern;

Passing by a pastry shop, I bought a few boxes of shortbread and candied fruit.

Leng Xiyue and Zhang Sanfeng followed behind, their hands full of things, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

As they reached the dock, Yundan suddenly asked Aji.

Oh, right, you said you had to go back tomorrow.

Where do you live? How are you going to get home tomorrow?

Aji said, "My home is in the neighboring Bili County."

"I'll take an oxcart back tomorrow morning; it'll take more than two hours."

“Okay, we’ll go with you!” Yun Dan blurted out, “It’s perfect for spending the New Year at your house.”

Aji was startled by Yundan's words, and his face turned pale.

"Sorry, Sister Yundan!"

Yun Dan asked, "What's wrong? Aren't you welcoming us?"

Aji looked troubled and waved his hands repeatedly.

"No, no! It's...it's..."

Seeing his indecisiveness, Yun Dan retorted, "Why are you being so indecisive, you're a boy! Just say what you want to say to your sister!"

Aji was in a particularly difficult position, speaking as softly as a mosquito's buzz.

"My home...my home is too dilapidated, just two thatched huts, without even a decent bed, how could I take you to my home?"

Seeing him sweating profusely with anxiety, Yun Dan laughed and said, "Is that all?"

Aji nodded.

Yun Dan said nonchalantly, "Aji, you don't know, do you? My family's house used to be covered with straw, it's no big deal."

Besides, you've helped us so much, there's no need for us to worry about these things!

Leng Xiyue also said, "Little one, don't be too reserved. We'll go back with you tomorrow!"

Seeing their sincerity, Aji had no choice but to agree, though he was secretly worried.

We only have brown rice and coarse grains at home. How can we entertain these three distinguished guests? It seems we can't save the five taels of silver!

The next morning, a brand-new oxcart was parked outside the Yingkelou restaurant. The ox was specially bought by Yundan the day before; it was plump and healthy.

She originally planned to buy a horse, but then she realized that Aji's family wasn't that wealthy, so she decided to buy a cow instead, which they could leave for his family when they left.

Aji was driving the cart, and Yundan sat next to him, holding a bag of peanuts she had just bought.

"Aji, how many people are in your family?" Yundan asked while peeling peanuts.

“My father has a younger brother and two younger sisters.”

Aji drove the cattle: "My mother passed away from illness up ahead, my father has bad legs, my younger brother is ten years old, and my two younger sisters are seven and five years old respectively. The whole family depends on me to earn money by running the boat."

Yun Dan nodded: "Is that so? It's alright. When we get there, I'll take a look at your father's leg and see if it can be cured."

Aji's eyes lit up: "Sister Yundan, really?"

"Of course, my sister has no other skills, but she has more money than she can spend."

Inside the bicycle shed, Zhang Sanfeng was talking to Leng Xiyue.

Leng Xiyue said, "How come I didn't notice this about this girl when we were in the Abyss of Extremes?"

Zhang Sanfeng laughed and said, "That's good. Without the constraints of the Abyss of Extremes, it's time for her to have some fun."

The oxcart moved slowly, and occasionally a few sparrows could be seen foraging in the fields beside the road.