Chapter 9: Going Shopping

Well, since your master and the others have gone out, let's have breakfast first and then take a good stroll around the street. We can find a place to exchange for copper coins, then go buy some clothes, visit the West Market, and then... heh heh... I'll treat you to a grand meal at the tavern!" Chen Yi said with a smile, looking at Ning Qing, who was showing a shy demeanor in front of him, feeling an excitement within that he could hardly put into words.

Ning Qing sneaked into Chen Yi's room like a thief. Faced with Chen Yi's surprised gaze, she felt a bit embarrassed herself, twisting her small hands and hesitantly saying: "Ziying, I can't sleep and wanted to ask you what Master just said to you"

This is a rather luxuriously decorated carriage, accompanied by several individuals. When Sun Simiao and his party departed, it was still not fully light outside, and there were no other idle people on the street. According to Chen Yi's estimation, the door drum had not yet sounded

Chen Yi looked at Ning Qing, who had a sincere expression, and said: "I also want to take a look at the East Market... I would like to stroll along the main streets of Chang'an City; we can just ride around on horseback. Additionally... I want to visit the area near the Imperial City to see what the Daming Palace looks like in all its grandeur"

The vehicle drove eastward and disappeared after turning a corner.

Well then, let us rest a bit earlier. We have been running around all day and are quite tired. Tomorrow, we will get up early, find a shop to exchange some coins, and then we can go explore other places.

Looking at the adorable expression of the young Taoist priestess, Chen Yi couldn't help but smile and softly said: "Miss Qing'er, your master is going to treat an old acquaintance and may not return for a few days. He has gone with your two senior brothers, leaving you and me at the inn. If there is any news, we will be informed. If we have nothing to do, we can go out and have some fun or read books..."

"Is that so? My master didn't mention any of this to me!" Ning Qing said with a clear sense of relief, chuckling, "I understand now; my master wants me to be your guide, to help you get familiar with the situation in Chang'an, so you won't get lost when you go out, and also... also..."

Watching the carriage disappear from view, Chen Yi retracted his head and closed the window. After dressing neatly, he opened the door to peek outside and check the situation in the adjacent room. He noticed that Qing Ning's door was still closed; the little girl who had ridden all day must be too tired and still asleep. He did not go outside but closed the door again and returned to the room, first using the water he had prepared the night before to wash and tidy himself up. His long hair felt somewhat cumbersome and was not easy to comb. Chen Yi thought of Ning Qing next door; these past few days, whenever he was combing his hair, she would come over to help him. However, it felt quite strange when she assisted him with his hair, a bit ambiguous. Chen Yi was hesitant to trouble this charming and lovely little girl.

Ziying, after we finish breakfast, let's go play somewhere first! The West Market won't open until around noon, and if you want to exchange for copper coins, it can only be done after noon! Also..." Ning Qing's expression gradually calmed down. After glancing at Chen Yi a couple of times, she added: "You should ask the innkeeper what the current exchange rate is. Since you are unfamiliar with this place, you should avoid being taken advantage of later!"

Certainly, what attracts people most in Chang'an City are the two imperial palaces—Taiji Palace and Daming Palace. Under Ning Qing's guidance, Chen Yi also arrived near the imperial city.

What Chen Yi did not expect was that after he returned to his room, Ning Qing stealthily came over again to talk to him

Seeing Chen Yi staring at her, Qing Ning's delicate face flushed slightly. Avoiding Chen Yi's gaze, she nervously grasped the corner of her clothing and said, "Ziying... you are up, huh? I still wanted... oh, regarding the books, Master and the two senior brothers have already left. I have asked the shopkeeper to prepare breakfast, which will be sent to our room shortly. Shall we set off after having breakfast?"

Ning Qing glanced at Chen Yi, her expression seeming somewhat peculiar. However, after a moment's thought, she agreed, "Very well, tomorrow we will first go to the West Market to find a gold and silver shop where we can exchange for copper coins. After exchanging the coins, we will look for a clothing store where you can buy a few pieces of clothing, and then... we will spend some time enjoying ourselves in the West Market. If time permits, we can visit other places as well"

At each city gate in front of the imperial city, there are highly vigilant soldiers on guard. Chen Yi, fearing trouble, did not approach despite Qing Ning's repeated reminders, merely observing from a distance. Although he only caught a glimpse of the outlines of the Taiji Palace and the Daming Palace, they still left a profound impact on him. The towering city walls that inspire awe, the closely arranged palaces and buildings, struck Chen Yi's vision with great intensity

In the dim candlelight, Ning Qing's hesitant demeanor appeared even more captivating, making Chen Yi reluctant to look away

Ning Qing felt somewhat puzzled by Chen Yi's request. "The East Market is filled with luxury items that we cannot afford, and it is not lively at all! Why don't we skip the East Market and spend more time in the West Market? I have been to both places, and the East Market is not fun at all; the West Market is much more enjoyable! Also, there is nothing much to see on this main street; everything is quite similar. As for the area near the Imperial City, we cannot get close, we can only look from a distance..." As Ning Qing spoke, she glanced at the rather interested Chen Yi and quickly changed her tone, "However... if you really want to go, I will accompany you to take a look!"

Chen Yi, who opened the door of the humble abode, was somewhat surprised to see that Qing Ning was not wearing her usual Daoist robe today. Instead, she had changed into the attire of an ordinary girl, and her hair was no longer simply wrapped in a cloth as it had been a few days ago. She had styled it in a way reminiscent of the ancient maidens seen in movies and television, making it impossible for anyone to recognize her as a young Daoist nun. Instead, she appeared as a youthful and beautiful girl, albeit somewhat innocent and shy.

Early the next morning, Chen Yi was startled awake in a daze. Upon hearing some noise and voices, he immediately got up and opened the window to look outside. He saw Sun Simiao, Wang Chong, and Liu Hai directing several unfamiliar individuals to load some items onto a rather large horse-drawn carriage. Then, the three of them boarded the carriage, and the driver immediately cracked the whip to urge the horses pulling the cart. Those strangers, whose origins were unknown, rode on horseback following behind the carriage

"Where else do you want to go?" Ning Qing asked Chen Yi, tilting her head, "Wherever you want to go, I will accompany you!"

I understand! Chen Yi nodded to indicate his comprehension and even smiled at Ning Qing. This little Taoist priestess is quite astute, able to think of this. At that moment, a voice came from outside the door; it was the innkeeper bringing them their breakfast

"That is, it is necessary to purchase a few pieces of clothing, but..." Chen Yi hesitated for a moment before expressing his intentions, "Miss Qing'er, I have money on me; those few gold leaves are meant for expenses! Master Sun saved me, and I cannot use your money any longer. How about this: tomorrow we will first find a money exchange to convert some copper coins, so that we won't be short of money when we need it later!"

Neither of them paid any attention to the astonished gazes of passersby, nor did they notice if anyone was watching them, as they jogged along, chatting and laughing. In the pauses of their conversation, Chen Yi attentively admired the architectural styles on both sides of the street, feeling as if his eyes were not enough. Qing Ning explained to Chen Yi some details about the neighborhoods within Chang'an City, as well as some unique buildings, acting like a tour guide.

Chen Yi knew that Ning Qing was still hiding something from him. He thought that perhaps Sun Simiao had given her another instruction, but simply did not want him to know. He chose not to press further and instead followed Ning Qing's lead, saying: "I have long heard that the West Market is the liveliest place in all of Chang'an, where all sorts of strange and wonderful things from various places are sold. Let us take a good stroll there tomorrow and buy some things to bring back... By the way, Miss Qing'er, besides the West Market, what other interesting places are there in Chang'an? Where else do you want to take me?"

What else? Seeing the little Taoist nun's flickering expression, Chen Yi asked with some confusion.

Although the current bustle and prosperity of Chang'an Street cannot be compared to that of later Xi'an, Chen Yi was amazed by the city's orderly and rigorous layout, the wide streets, and the overall sense of complete ancient charm. If these buildings could be preserved to the era in which he lived, each one would be a key cultural relic protection unit of the nation. Unfortunately, the buildings from the Tang Dynasty that have survived to later generations are exceedingly few.

Currently, gold is not a circulating currency in the market; it is akin to large checks in later generations. The primary medium of exchange available for transactions is copper coins. Without copper coins in one's pocket, it is quite difficult to purchase goods with gold leaves, as merchants generally do not accept them and one must first exchange them.

It's nothing! Ning Qing shook her head and looked at Chen Yi, saying, "Master will leave us some money. Tomorrow we will first go to the West Market, and you need to buy a few decent clothes to wear. Master said that it is not appropriate for you to wear the clothes of our sect!"

After having breakfast, the two of them set out, as there was still quite a distance to the West Market. Additionally, Chen Yi wanted to stroll around the streets, so they rode horses. The two rode side by side, chatting as they moved forward. On Changhe and Tushuan Street, there were quite a few people riding horses, but even more were those driving ox carts and horse-drawn carriages. The horses they rode were of good quality, both white, and they appeared to be young men. Although their clothing was not very extravagant, their faces were relatively handsome, making them quite eye-catching.

After listening to Qing Ning's account, Chen Yi also understood that at this time, apart from the East and West Markets, there were very few merchants selling goods in other areas of Chang'an City. Most of the money shops and pawnshops that could exchange gold and silver were located within the East and West Markets, which opened around noon. Those who needed to exchange valuable items such as gold, silver, and silk generally had to wait until the East and West Markets opened. Of course, there were also such shops in other districts, like Pingkang Fang, which was known for its brothels, and some other bustling areas, but they were either inconvenient to reach or too easy to find.

While Chen Yi was practicing his horse stance, he heard the sound of drums coming from the street outside. After the drumming continued for a while, Qing Ning came to knock on the door

After spending some time getting himself organized, Chen Yi moved his limbs around in the room, considering it a morning exercise. Having taken a shower last night, coupled with a good night's sleep, he felt relaxed and energetic today, with his limbs moving with strength.

A faint disappointment appeared on Ning Qing's face, but she quickly agreed: "Alright then, you should rest early as well. I will head back to my room first"

Chen Yi did not expect that Sun Simiao would leave so early, and the carriage he took was quite extraordinary. The number of people coming to greet him was also considerable. While feeling somewhat surprised, his sense of mystery and curiosity grew even stronger, making him increasingly eager to know what they were up to. Unfortunately, he had no place to inquire. He was not familiar with Chang'an, and since it was not yet time to go out onto the streets, he was unable to track or investigate their movements.