Chapter 10: Visit to the Huji Tavern
Under the smiling faces of the shopkeeper and the attendants, Chen Yi exited the gold and silver shop carrying a large bag of copper coins. The heavy bag felt quite inconvenient in his hand; how wonderful it would be if there were paper money or credit cards like in later times! Or if he had a few attendants by his side to help carry things, that would be even better! Thinking of this, Chen Yi immediately recalled the visions that occasionally appeared while he was sleeping, speculating about where his original attendants might have gone. He felt a bit hopeful about encountering them in Chang'an, or even today in the Western Market.
Chen Yi was unaware of the current exchange rates between gold, silver, and copper coins, and even Qing Ning, a contemporary native, was not informed. Fortunately, the plump innkeeper provided some insights, allowing the two to have a rough understanding of the current exchange rate. Of course, the exchange of gold for copper coins also depends on the purity of the gold. The few gold leaves that Chen Yi possessed were of very good quality, so much so that the shopkeeper in the gold store was somewhat surprised. Observing Chen Yi's extraordinary demeanor and robust physique, the shopkeeper did not dare to deceive him and exchanged the gold at a rate close to the normal redemption rate. Of course, the exchange of gold for copper coins also depends on the purity of the gold. The few gold leaves that Chen Yi possessed were of very good quality, so much so that the shopkeeper in the gold store was somewhat surprised. Observing Chen Yi's extraordinary demeanor and robust physique, the shopkeeper did not dare to deceive him and exchanged the gold at a rate close to the normal redemption rate
It is quite easy to find a gold and silver shop where copper coins can be exchanged, prominently located in the market with a large storefront. As soon as one enters the market, it can be seen almost immediately. After entering the city, the two headed straight for the gold and silver shop
Chen Yi conducted a thorough study of the materials related to Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty in later generations. He understood that there were two major markets in Chang'an, the East Market and the West Market, and he was quite knowledgeable about their conditions. The East Market and the West Market were located in the southeast and northwest directions of the imperial city, respectively. Due to their different locations, the goods traded in each market were also quite distinct. The East Market was surrounded by residences of royal families, nobles, and high-ranking officials, primarily dealing in high-end luxury goods to meet the needs of the royal families and nobles, "gathering treasures from all directions, all are accumulated here".
In ancient times, unlike in modern society, individuals of status could not be without attendants; otherwise, they would be suspected of something
Chen Yi was the first to don a well-crafted narrow-sleeved Hu clothing ensemble, which appeared to be custom-made for him, fitting him perfectly. After putting it on, he narcissistically admired himself in the bronze mirror for a while, feeling quite satisfied with his appearance
Very well! Chen Yi glanced around and noticed a well-decorated restaurant not far from where they were standing. There were several elegantly dressed courtesans at the entrance trying to attract customers. Naturally, he wanted to observe the scene inside the courtesan restaurant for himself. He then pointed to that restaurant and said to Ning Qing, "Qing'er, let's go eat at that restaurant. Hehe, once we get there, you can order whatever you like..."
However, upon arriving at the West Market today, the primary task was still to purchase a few suitable sets of clothing. After leaving the gold and silver shop, Chen Yi immediately followed Ning Qing into a cloth shop. A large bag of copper coins attracted some attention, but it also served to deter those snobbish merchants. The shopkeepers greeted them with smiles. In the third cloth shop, Chen Yi found several outfits he liked and promptly instructed the shopkeeper to take them down for him to try on.
Chen Yi, with his eyes darting around, stared for a while at Hu Ji, who appeared to him not particularly surprising. Following him was Qing Ning, whose expression was peculiar, as he seemed somewhat displeased while looking at Hu Ji. They entered the alleyway of the West Market and joined the crowd flowing into the market.
Chen Yi also promptly explained his purpose and presented a piece of gold leaf, asking the shopkeeper to assist in exchanging it for some copper coins
On the main streets outside the West Market, horses and vehicles come and go in all directions, creating a continuous flow. Fortunately, the streets are very wide, preventing traffic congestion. Inside the West Market, the crowd is even denser, with a variety of people jostling against one another, creating an extraordinary hustle and bustle, so much so that it feels as if the market might burst from the sheer number of people. Merchants with different accents loudly call out to passersby, promoting the goods they hold or those displayed in their shops. Travelers from all corners of the world gather here, representing a diverse array of individuals, each with different skin tones and clothing styles. The sounds of merchants shouting in Mandarin vary in tone, and combined with the voices of pedestrians bargaining and inquiring, the entire West Market is filled with a cacophony of noise. From a distance, the shouts of people are indistinguishable. There are also many snack shops, and the aroma of food wafts into Chen Yi's nose, allowing him to even distinguish the scents of tofu and wontons, making him swallow his saliva from time to time.
"Qing'er, are you hungry? Let's go to the restaurant for some drinks!" Chen Yi said, patting his bulging purse, with great generosity: "Today, this young master will treat you. How about a grand feast?"
"How do I look? Do I look handsome in this outfit?" Chen Yi proudly struck a few poses, deliberately puffing out his strong chest.
It was already past noon, and the various taverns scattered throughout the city began to open one after another. The courtesans at the tavern entrances greeted guests, twisting their slender and agile waists in various poses, calling out loudly to the passersby and merchants. Many patrons stopped by to rest their feet or fill their stomachs, while some entered these taverns merely to enjoy the singing and dancing performances of the courtesans.
Then let's go! Chen Yi smiled and was the first to enter the restaurant named "Drunken Immortal Tower". Together with Qing Ning, they ascended the stairs, greeted by the smiling face of a woman whose appearance was difficult to categorize.
In the western market, there are many shops established by Hu people, such as jewelry stores, warehouses, and taverns. Notably, the Huji taverns run by Hu people often feature performances by young women from the Western Regions, whose exotic charm and dances attract many impulsive young men.
The courtesans possess a more flexible waist than the average person, along with a partially exposed white and tender belly, and prominent breasts. For many, this is a tremendous temptation; the opportunity to observe up close, or even to touch, must be quite delightful. Many people come to the taverns for this reason, which has led to most courtesan establishments being bustling with customers and thriving business.
Seeing Chen Yi's pretentious demeanor, Ning Qing couldn't help but chuckle: "Alright, I am indeed a bit hungry, but let's just have a little something to eat. No need to waste, we should head back early to avoid Master sending someone to look for us!"
He certainly would not speak; in addition to wanting to indulge in a grand feast, he also wished to see what kind of dance the legendary Hu Ji performed to please the guests
Just a single gold leaf weighing less than two taels can be exchanged for ten guan of copper coins. One guan of copper coins is one thousand wen, so ten guan amounts to ten thousand wen. A large bag filled with ten thousand Kaiyuan Tongbao weighs quite a bit, as ten coins weigh one tael, making ten thousand coins weigh a full ten jin. The weight of the money bag is certainly not light either
The shopkeeper and the assistant in the gold and silver shop are both keen observers of appearances. Having navigated the business world for many years, they can generally gauge a person's background from their attire and demeanor. When Ning Qing and Chen Yi first entered the shop, the people inside noticed their ordinary fabric clothing and paid them little attention. Ultimately, it was the shopkeeper, seated behind the counter, who discerned that Chen Yi possessed an unusual demeanor. Although dressed simply, he might not be of low status, prompting the shopkeeper to come over and personally attend to them
Ning Qing stood there in astonishment, gazing for a long time at Chen Yi, who had changed into new clothes, her eyes slightly dazed. Dressed in luxurious attire, Chen Yi truly transformed into a graceful and elegant young man, causing something within Ning Qing, which had been tightly wound like a string, to tremble violently.
Ziying, have you run enough? Let's go to the West Market! The West Market is open now!" Dui was still very excited, while Chen Yi was running back and forth on the street. Ning Qing found it somewhat incomprehensible and, after running for a while, hesitated to suggest something to Chen Yi.
Ning Qing glanced at the well-decorated restaurant and then at the few attractive Hu women at the entrance. She seemed to have little interest. After hesitating for a moment, she finally agreed: "Alright, let's go!" With that, she flashed a bright smile at Chen Yi. She was genuinely hungry, and after Chen Yi mentioned going for a meal, her hunger intensified, her stomach protesting with soft growls. She was too lazy to suggest changing to another restaurant.
The goods traded in the Western Market primarily consist of daily necessities such as clothing, candles, cakes, and medicines, and it is also referred to as the "Golden Market." The crowd it attracts ranges from common folk to officials and nobility, with many merchants coming from regions such as Persia and the Western Regions. Additionally, merchants from Goryeo, Baekje, Silla, Wa, and India also participate. These foreign merchants bring spices, ginseng, medicines, and blankets, and in return, they purchase jewelry, silk products, and porcelain from Chang'an. Many of them reside in the Western Market or in nearby neighborhoods.
Chen Yi also knew that there is a legend stating that the term "buying things" originates from the names of the East and West markets. When people purchase items, they sometimes go to the East market and sometimes to the West market, and in conversation, it was abbreviated to "buy East, buy West," which later evolved into "buying things"
Perhaps it is true that a person is judged by their attire. Chen Yi, having changed into a new outfit, felt a renewed sense of spirit. Qing Ning occasionally turned her face to glance at him, while passersby instinctively made way for him. Chen Yi now felt that he was merely lacking one or two attendants; otherwise, he would truly resemble a wealthy young master. He was contemplating whether he should purchase a few followers to avoid any unnecessary troubles when going out in such clothing.
Chen Yi glanced at Ning Qing, who was walking beside him, and felt that this little Taoist priestess had a certain resemblance to his maid today. He suddenly understood why no one seemed particularly surprised by his actions today. Even when he was buying luxurious clothes and books, it was likely because of the presence of the charming young girl, Ning Qing, that people assumed she was truly his maid, accompanying him on a shopping trip.
The Chen Family Goods Shop, the Wu Family Jewelry Store, the Wang Family Restaurant, the Zhao Family Beef and Mutton Shop... As he walked along, the embroidered flags at the entrances of each shop fluttered, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere that still surprised Chen Yi. The vibrant market scene provides a glimpse into the economic conditions of an era. It is now the second year of the Lin De era, and the Tang Dynasty has been established for nearly fifty years. With the governance of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin during the Zhenguan period and the subsequent Yonghui period, after decades of prosperity, the world must surely be flourishing, and the capital, Chang'an, is even more prosperous.
Exchanging copper coins and buying clothes took nearly an hour, and both of them were a bit tired. Although they had eaten a hearty breakfast, after running around for most of the day, they were also hungry
Alright, let's go to the West Market!" As the sun was directly overhead, Chen Yi stopped to wait for Qing Ning, who was a step behind to catch up.
"Come with me," Qing Ning said as she turned her horse around, leading Chen Yi towards the western market in the southwest of the imperial city
"Ziying, you really look..." Qingning's gaze was somewhat unnatural, and after a few hesitant sounds, she didn't know how to express herself. She also didn't quite understand what 'handsome' meant. After a moment of hesitation, she continued, "Ziying, let's buy this outfit, and try the others later!"
Chen Yi tried on several sets of stylish outfits and robes, and in the tone of Qing Ning's praise, he eagerly purchased the clothes he liked. In total, he bought four sets of clothing, along with a cap and other fashionable accessories, spending a total of 3 taels and 600 wen of copper coins. This was quite a significant expense, but his purse was lighter, and with the reduced burden, it was also a good thing. Chen Yi walked out of the store wearing the last set of Hu clothing he had tried on.
At this moment, the music is playing upstairs, and a Hu Ji wearing a small hat is performing a rapid spinning dance!
In just a short while, the two arrived outside the West Market, stored their horses, and walked into the West Market one after the other