Chapter Eight, A White Jade Hairpin
Can I give it a try
The shopkeeper was just about to shake his head in refusal when he heard Xinghun muttering, "I don't know if it will hold up or not," already pinching the hairpin and making a gesture as if to break it.
I will only buy this, nothing else.
The innkeeper wobbled over with his plump backside, the flesh on his chest jiggling, reminding Xinghun of Chen Baixiang from a certain inn. He lowered his head to suppress a laugh
The shopkeeper broke out in a sweat, staring in shock at the scattered broken weapons on the ground
The person in the blue attire glanced and turned to walk out: "I don't know"
"Die Yi, you have put in a lot of effort. There is only half a year left, but I believe it should be sufficient."
Certainly, the shopkeeper maintained his smile
"We have arrived. Let's take a look and see if there is anything you like. The master will gift it to you," said the person in the green robe, their voice faintly startling Xinghun from his silly smile.
"Master, he has not yet set out, is unaware of worldly affairs, and is still quite young; this matter cannot be accomplished!" The person in the green attire interjected in opposition.
You said it could be tried. Alas, the steel and fire are not good; just trying it casually could lead to damage. I might as well choose some of these little scraps, let's settle the bill!
Eighteen types of weapons are displayed on the upper floor, along with bows, arrows, and other concealed items, none of which are priced. Xinghun thinks these must be even more expensive, but Master Qingyi said that when there isn't enough silver, buying a gift for him would suffice, even if it is a weapon
He tested each of the weapons here one by one, and finally picked up a row of small throwing knives
Still a self-service supermarket? Xinghun sighed, realizing that he was now someone with a salary. Spend it, why not? Usually, meals and accommodation are covered, and with money in hand, there is nowhere to spend it anyway
Qingyi, have you been in the valley for many years, and has your heart been melted by these mountains and waters? Have you forgotten why you entered the valley? The old man's voice was calm, yet it carried a sharpness like a blade.
Young master, please feel free
"Two taels is two taels, young master, safe travels!" The shopkeeper can accept two taels as two taels, so hurry up and agree.
Only bargain once? He remained expressionless, put down the hairpin, and picked up a loose robe: "This one doesn't need to be haggled over, I will buy it for ten taels of silver"
The shopkeeper was left speechless by his own words, wearing a face full of sorrow, unable to express his frustration, and calculating the accounts with a grim expression. "The total comes to... sixty taels of silver."
Xinghun was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. This was the true reason for taking him to the market today, because in six months, he would be living outside the valley under the identity of that boy. Therefore, he felt pity for him and wanted to make him happy. After all, he had long anticipated that the task could not be changed. It would be difficult to find another person with a similar appearance to that boy, but he was not entirely unprepared. "Everyone has to plan for themselves, don't they?" Xinghun sighed to himself.
However ... ...
Items that are often not priced tend to be expensive, as they are used to take advantage of customers. "Shopkeeper, these pieces of jewelry are not priced!"
The bustling crowd flowed along the street, where shops lined both sides, and the green flags of taverns fluttered wildly in the wind. Above, a beautiful woman leaned gracefully against the railing, beckoning with her red sleeves. He was lost in his own imagination, envisioning himself sitting in a teahouse where wandering heroes engaged in boisterous discussions, a singing girl being bullied by a rogue, and he would step forward to defend her. Oh, no, he would use chopsticks as hidden weapons to pierce him all over with thorns. He was lost in his own imagination, envisioning himself sitting in a teahouse where wandering heroes engaged in boisterous discussions, a singing girl being bullied by a rogue, and he would step forward to defend her. Oh, no, he would use chopsticks as hidden weapons to pierce him all over with thorns.
Master Qingyi made an exception today, stating that it was not necessary to go to Mr. Meiren, and also mentioned that there was no need to practice today. Xinghun felt that there was a conspiracy.
Cheng Dieyi scoffed dismissively and changed the subject: "Xinghun is quite good, with strong comprehension abilities; six months is sufficient."
The old man was still savoring his tea. After drinking three cups, he finally relaxed his brows and said leisurely, "Good tea!"
"Master, how much silver do you have?" Xinghun naturally recalled the unscrupulous merchant who had not opened for business for three years and then profited for three years upon reopening when he saw the shopkeeper's smiling face. It was unlikely that he would not take advantage of a customer after such a long wait.
"It's just that the bowl is a bit small." The person in the green attire also sighed.
Is it really possible? No payment required?
Cheng Dieyi looked on with satisfaction as a slender, elongated hand suddenly reached across and picked up a cup, gulping it down in one go, before reaching for a second cup. Her expression shifted to one of anger, yet she refrained from acting rashly, staring wide-eyed at the uncultured young man in blue.
There are no tea houses, no street performers wielding large knives, no crowds, and no beautiful women... A wooden building stands alone in the woods, and not to mention the absence of crowds, not even a ghostly shadow can be seen. Would such a market close down if one arrives late?
Is this the market? The star soul instantly lost its mood
The shopkeeper smiled and shook his head: "The rule is that I set the price, and you negotiate! However, it can only be done once. Our shop has limited staff, and if bargaining goes on endlessly, I will be exhausted"
Xing Hun took a serious stroll around, but when he turned back to look at the smiling shopkeeper, he thought, isn't this price too exorbitant? A thin shirt is priced at ten taels of silver? He recalled the gentleman of beauty, and a thought emerged in his mind. His gaze fell upon a hairpin. Made of white jade, carved in the shape of a butterfly, it was elegant and exquisite, indeed worthy of the gentleman of beauty, yet it was unfortunately not priced.
Emerging from the woods, Xinghun laughed heartily. He proudly handed the robe to the man in green, saying: "This is a tribute to the master. The hairpin is a tribute to the beautiful gentleman."
The starry eyes lit up. Unlike other men, he does not get a headache just from strolling through a shopping mall. One of the pleasures of his past life was shopping, and his girlfriends all regarded this as one of his greatest strengths
He also smiled, his tone filled with excitement: "Shopkeeper, please make your offer!"
The dripping spring resembles pearls, resonating with a tinkling sound throughout the room
Xinghun picked up the white jade hairpin again, examined it, sighed, and put it down: "This is worth two taels of silver."
The figure in the blue attire did not stop his pace, while the star spirit lazily followed him, lacking in energy. He had originally prepared himself for a fierce battle, but now he was utterly disappointed.
How much can I call? The star soul finds it hard to believe
The shopkeeper responded with a cheerful smile, saying: "Young master, you are truly a straightforward person. The weapon shop is upstairs; you may go up and take a look."
As their eyes met, the person in the green attire quickly turned their head and walked out of the wooden building
The intention of the master will not change any further. After six months, one should seek their own fortune. If one does not wish to be exposed by others, it is advisable to heed the words of the gentleman; she will like that hairpin.
On holiday? Shopping? Xinghun seriously asked him: "Can we still buy things from the market?"
"One tael!" The Star Soul chuckled as it placed its bid
He walked around for a while and finally couldn't help but pick up a short knife. The weight and size were not particularly satisfactory, but it was still usable. He held it in his hand and waved it gently, regaining the familiar feeling from his past life
Young master, anything without a price tag is subject to bidding; you may bid as you wish
"Yes, Master Gu," Cheng Dieyi replied respectfully, raising his eyes, yet his gaze remained fixed on the silent figure in blue, as if trying to delve into the depths of his heart to unearth all his secrets
The shopkeeper smiled and said: "Young master, please help yourself; you may settle the bill at the counter. Esteemed guest in blue, please serve tea in the outer room!"
two hundred taels
The shopkeeper nodded sincerely: "I did not expect that although the young master is still quite young, he already has a confidante. This hairpin is made of fine jade, entirely translucent, and giving it to a beautiful person is truly a premium choice"
Many times, success is not achieved through martial prowess. With so many experts in the valley, could it be that one more is lacking? The old man's eyes sparkled with brilliance, but in an instant, they returned to a gentle demeanor
Xinghun glanced outside and saw Master Qingyi sitting leisurely while drinking tea, so he walked upstairs
Xing Hun seemed to play with the hairpin as if he had not heard anything. How could he not know that among the people in this valley, who could be considered ordinary? He thought, I wonder what kind of report the shopkeeper will write to submit to the person in charge of the valley regarding today's actions?
The elderly man sitting beside picked up a cup, squinted his eyes and sniffed at the rim, a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth, then turned the cup and took small sips to savor the taste
The master of the valley spoke. A fleeting shadow of sadness crossed the eyes of the man in the green robe. He dared not express his true reasons for dissent, nor could he. He pondered to himself, has his heart truly been melted by the smile of the star soul
"The butterfly robe tea art has made progress, to be able to enjoy a cup of tea from you is a blessing in my life!" The old man sighed.
The man in the blue attire shook his head and smiled, saying, "That shopkeeper is certainly not an ordinary person"
Upon entering the building, they were greeted by a shopkeeper. With a beaming smile, he clasped his fists together in salute and said to the two, "Our store has a complete range of goods at reasonable prices, please come this way!"
The figure in blue lowered his head, recalling the starry soul's pair of radiant eyes, the delicate skin that seemed breakable, and the way he clung to himself with affection. His heart was filled with reluctance, and he spoke once more: "But he... is only eight years old!" This statement left him feeling somewhat lacking in conviction, and he couldn't help but feel a bit dejected
Xinghun smiled as he tucked the hairpin into his bosom. "Master, the items here are both affordable and of good quality. When I receive my wages next month, I will come back to patronize your shop again. Shopkeeper, remember to stock up on more good items!"
The shopkeeper's eyes nearly blazed with fire as Xinghun winked at him. He understood that this hairpin was the cause of the trouble, yet he could only silently curse his bad luck, wearing a苦 face and wishing that Xinghun would never come again
The Star Soul buried his doubts deep in his heart and shifted his attention back to the market. He excitedly thought how rare it was to witness an ancient market with his own eyes
The person in the blue attire felt a bit anxious, his mind racing with thoughts as he pondered several times, and finally spoke again: "His skills are still lacking, I fear... he may achieve little but cause much trouble!"
Beneath the cliff lies a blackwood tea table, slightly damp with moisture, its polished surface gleaming like black jade. A hand, as white as jade, steadily raises the teapot, pouring down boiling water, releasing a fragrant aroma that penetrates the lungs.
Master, do you think the gentleman will like this hairpin?
Cheng Dieyi, with her head bowed and a focused demeanor, carefully brewed the tea, pouring it into the small white porcelain cups one by one. The color of the tea was a deep green, and a hint of satisfaction appeared in her eyes.
Xinghun nodded slightly and casually swung another long knife, causing the two blades to intersect with a ringing sound. He sighed and discarded the short knife, realizing it was not as sharp as he had imagined
Moreover, Master Qingyi smiled and said, "I will take you to the market!"
The person in the blue attire was taken aback for a moment, then smiled again: "You have been learning from the master, and each month you receive 2 taels of silver. All of it is kept with the master, totaling 62 taels. You can spend your silver freely, and if it is not enough, the master will provide you with more"
Of course. Since you began your training, your master has never taken you out for fun. Today, you can buy whatever you want. Let's go, or it will be too late and the market will close.
The building is spacious, measuring 7 zhang in width and 8 zhang in length. The merchandise is very complete. Clothes, shoes, socks, the four treasures of the study, musical instruments, and jewelry are all displayed throughout the room