Chapter 1, Awakening (Part 2)
At that moment, he saw Sister Zhen busy cooking. Zhang Xuanning initially intended to help, but he sensed several gazes and instead organized the vegetables and meat.
At this moment, Zhang Xuanning no longer thought; he lay back on his small bed, no longer paying attention to the sounds around him
Although Yangzhou was established quite early, starting from the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, it is located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, adjacent to the Huai River, and boasts convenient transportation. With the development of the southeastern region, its military and economic significance has increasingly grown. During the Three Kingdoms period, it became a fiercely contested area between Wei and Wu. In the Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties, Yangzhou, as the 'Royal Territory', held a status above other provinces and was renowned as the 'Divine Land'
He grasped the method of basic internal energy circulation from his memory a few days ago, just like a drowning man clutching at straws, and without the slightest hesitation, he began to practice, unafraid of the potential for going astray in his cultivation.
"Bamboo Flower Gang, why does that sound so familiar?" Carrying over a hundred pounds of vegetables, Zhang Xuanning felt no strain at all, and was surprised by her own strength as she hurried back to the store entrance, which was already noon.
This cannot be attributed to his talent, but rather to the inherent foundation of this body
Oh dear, you all should eat more buns and talk less about these matters, let's talk less about these matters! However, Old Feng does not like to hear such things: "We common folks should really talk less about these matters, let's not let the officials hear it. Also, Xiao Zhang, stop listening and come with me to buy groceries!"
Following the boss out of the store, there are a total of five markets in the city, among which the South Gate Market facing the Yangtze River is the most prosperous. It offers dozens of stalls selling various types of food, large and small, making it an ideal place for travelers preparing to board boats on the great river.
"Oh dear, go take a nap," Zhang Xuanning said. This is permissible because, according to modern standards, one must work until 10 PM and rise at 4 AM, resulting in insufficient sleep.
At the Yangtze River dock, ships were numerous, and there were actually trade connections with Japan, Ryukyu, and various regions of the South Seas. Upon seeing this, Zhang Xuan frowned slightly
We are also very busy here; let's help Sister Zhen with her matters after we finish our work
Although he was contemplating in his heart, Lao Feng remained diligent in his work. At the market, he haggled over prices, purchasing vegetables and meat, preparing to return home to make buns. The evening was again a focal point for sales, and he also needed to prepare for the next morning's portion, thus the workload was substantial
Sister Zhen appeared somewhat haggard, which was due to her hard work and also the pressure from the matriarch. Upon seeing him come to help, she lowered her eyelids and gently said: "No need, you can do something else. Here, I have already taken care of most of it."
However, there remains a puzzle in my heart that has yet to be resolved, and my fragmented memories have not been fully restored. Although I have gained some understanding, it is not yet time to depart.
At this thought, a trace of doubt arose in his heart
"That is true, thanks to the help of the leader." Sitting on the stool, Master Su wanted to say something more, but upon seeing Zhang Xuanning already rushing back with the items, he paused for a moment and fell silent.
Due to her own reasons, Sister Zhen has unknowingly suffered some losses; this is not a place where she can remain.
Alright, boss!" Zhang Xuanning quickly responded. For some reason, he was very strong, comparable to an adult, able to lift over a hundred pounds. This was also the reason why the boss took him in, so whenever there was a need to buy groceries or move things, he was often called upon.
The old vendor, an elderly man with the surname Su, has already passed his fifties and appears somewhat frail. Upon seeing Zhang Xuanning effortlessly lift over a hundred pounds, he smiled and, with a hoarse voice, remarked: "You, my young friend, may look small, but your strength is quite impressive. In my younger days, when I was part of the Zhu Hua Gang, I had such strength as well"
At this point, the old man suddenly stopped, lowered his head to look at his body, which had already lost the use of one leg, let out a long sigh, and then coughed several times
With each breath, a warm sensation gradually emerges in the abdomen; this is both very subtle and very evident. Following the breathing technique from memory, after just three days, the effects have already become quite pronounced.
However, this prosperity has exceeded expectations, especially for the workers. It seems to be remembered that in Chinese history, it was not until the mid-Ming period that formal development and prosperity occurred, and it was only then that the term "hired laborers" emerged in Hangzhou, referring to workers who had detached from agriculture
Cui Han also came up to help and then softly said: "Oh dear, Sister Zheng is busy again!"
The city gate opens at the hour of the rabbit (from 5 to 7 AM Beijing time) and closes at the hour of the rooster (from 5 to 7 PM Beijing time)
Cui Han scrutinized him with suspicion, observing the young man before him. Although they both wore old clothes, the youth's handsome features and bright demeanor exuded an indescribable grace. A flicker of envy flashed in his eyes before he lowered his head to continue sorting vegetables and washing meat
This is why he is willing to work as a helper here, because he believes that as long as he endures and waits a little longer, he will gain the power to change his own fate
"Master Su, a true hero does not dwell on past glories. The esteemed gentlemen of the Bamboo Flower Gang are still quite respectable. Did you not open a vegetable shop? Is the business not doing well?" Old Feng quickly interrupted his words.
"Sister Zhen, I am here to help you!" After finishing her own tasks, Zhang Xuanning finally went to assist Sister Zhen.
Zhang Xuanning, however, noticed that for some reason, he was very sensitive to the gazes of others, and both his vision and hearing were exceptionally sharp, coupled with the fact that he could be considered as having been reborn.
Zhang Xuanning observed intently, noticing a large number of workers coming and going at the dock, entering and exiting through the south gate. This dock is located outside the city, and with the flow of workers, the goods from the boats that arrived yesterday were continuously unloaded at the dock and sent into the city. At that moment, the sounds of carts and horses were bustling, and the crowd was incessantly moving back and forth.
Unintentionally, he sensed some sounds, and with a cold smile in his heart, he began to tentatively adjust himself, slowly nurturing his being according to the breathing he had acquired from fragmented memories
And now, everything is here
After glancing at the boss lady and Cui Han, and then at himself, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Although he was focused on his work, his mannerisms and behavior were completely out of sync with theirs. This was not only apparent to others, but he could also clearly feel it himself.
Zhang Xuanning nodded slightly with a hint of helplessness. Of course, the lunch provided by the staff would not be very good. Without showing any emotion, she finished her meal, tidied up the chopsticks and bowls, and had a bit of free time in the afternoon
"The internal energy has already formed; from now on, it will be about consolidation and cultivation." Zhang Xuanning thought to himself. Arriving in this world, although he did not know where he was or whether these things were real, for someone who was penniless and had no relatives, this undoubtedly allowed him to quickly awaken from the sense of isolation that came from being alone.