Strolling

"I'll settle my family first, Mistress Wu." said Boss Qian: "We can talk more when I have time."

"Alright, Boss Qian, you go ahead and do your work."

Boss Qian brought the old man to the backyard of the hotpot restaurant.

"Uncle, I have arranged your rooms in advance. The backyard is very large, with many rooms and a study, which is just right for Wenwu and students to use. It is also quiet and you can't hear the guests talking." Boss Qian said.

Qibao entered the room Boss Qian had prepared for her, her mouth twitching. The decor was either red or pink, pairing these two colors together could only be described with one word: tasteless.

"I don't know what you'd prefer, Qibao." Explained Boss Qian: "Aren't girls supposed to like red and pink? I had someone buy some decorations for the room. Do you like it?"

Qibao understood Boss Qian's kind intention. Feeling a twinge of conscience, she forced herself to say: "Yes, thank you, Uncle Qian."

Xu Wenwu almost chuckled. How could he not know what his sister likes? It could be said that nothing in this room was in line with her aesthetic taste.

She had Fuqiu put away the clothes and supplies they had brought.

After arranging the rooms, Boss Qian said: "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll have some food sent over. Let's dine here."

The old man said: "There's no rush, the Shusheng Hall is still busy, so go ahead and do your thing. This is my first time in the city, so I'll explore on my own and grab something to eat later."

Boss Qian replied: "Okay, but since you've just arrived and you're not familiar with the place, I'll let the Second go with you."

"That works." The old man agreed.

"Then I'll go get busy first, and call Second over by the way." said Boss Qian.

After Boss Qian left, the old man smiled and said: "Qibao, our hotpot restaurant is really big, it even has private rooms on the second floor! Impressive. Looks like lots of people enjoy it too."

Qibao agreed: "Yes, that's why it makes almost a hundred thousand taels in pure profit each year! Sure, being new and different helps, but the taste is the most important part."

"Old man, Big Brother!"

The Second Brother's voice was heard, followed by the third, fourth and fifth brothers.

Fifth Brother rushed up and embraced Kui Wu tightly, exclaiming: "Big Brother, I've missed you sooo much!"

Kui Wu, equally thrilled, asked: "Why are you all here? Isn't it busy out front?"

Second Brother explained: "Big Brother, Mr. Qian wants us to greet you and show you around the city."

After some small talk, Second Brother said: "Third, Fourth, Fifth, you can head back now. I'll take Grandpa and Big Brother on a tour."

"Second Brother, how about I take your place and go instead? You don't need to tire yourself out." Fifth Brother suggested, scratching the back of his head.

"Out of the question! Your mind takes twists and turns even you can't follow. You might lead these people straight into a dead-end and not know the way back. Just stay here and watch the shop. I'll bring you some treats when I return,. Second Brother replied firmly.

"Oh! Alright then." Fifth Brother relented, a bit embarrassed.

So, Second Brother led the group out the back door. They turned at a narrow alley and found themselves on the main street.

"Boss Qian told me you all haven't had a chance to eat yet, did he?" Second Brother asked: "I know a food street with all sorts of snacks and some places to play. Should we check it out?"

"Sounds good." The old man agreed: "We don't know our way around, so we'll just follow you."

"I'll stay behind." Mrs. Zhang added: "I'm a bit tired and there's some luggage to pack up."

The others nodded, and off they went with Second Brother.

They crossed a busy road where each shop displayed several lanterns, illuminating the street brightly.

Many people walked along the road, including several scholars and even some with study attendants.

"In a few days, the imperial exams begin." Second Brother explained: "That's why most of those around are scholars. You'll also see soldiers patrolling to keep things under control."

The old man observed: "I see many young people here, about the same age as Wenwu and Xuedong. It's impressive they're taking the examination at such a young age!"

Second Brother chuckled: "Grandpa, it's true that few boys their age take the examination. Some just come to experience the atmosphere and might ask about this year's questions."

The old man nodded: "Ah, so that's how it is."

Qian Xuedong said: "Grandpa Xu, I heard from our teacher that not everyone comes here to take the test. He mentioned he'd bring a few classmates over in the next couple of days to get a feel for the place. I wonder if we'll bump into them."

"When is your teacher coming?" Second Brother asked: "Do they have a place to stay? Most inns are fully booked now. Finding a room won't be easy."

"The exam is still a few days away." Xu Wenwu replied: "I expect our teacher will arrive in the next couple of days. I've already told him I'll meet him at the city gates when he gets here. If they can't find a place to stay, we can have them stay with us. What do you think, Grandpa?"

"Fine. Wenwu, you can make the arrangements."

As they walked and chatted, they soon reached the second brother's suggested food street.

"Large and fragrant wontons, with thin skin and big fillings!"

"Soft and crispy fried rice cakes, try them now!"

Candy figurines, freshly drawn for you!"

...

Before even entering the market, they could hear the cacophony of vendors' cries—what a lively scene! Every stand had customers queuing up for food.

The old man, also looking unusually cheerful, said: "Isn't it vibrant! Today, you kids can eat whatever you want! I'll pay with my silver."

"Miss, look at this sugar painting. It's so beautiful. This little rabbit is so lifelike." Fuqiu said happily, pointing at a sugar figure.

Qibao agreed: "They do look real."

She walked up to the vendor and asked: "I'll take seven sugar figurines. How much?"

The vendor's eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled: "Five cents each, Miss. What designs would you like?"

The old man was shocked—a single sugar figurine sold for five cents in the city. Back home, you could buy two for that price.

"Let's have seven different small animals." Qibao said.

"Great! Miss, just a moment. They'll be ready soon."

The old man suggested: "There's a noodle stall nearby. I'll go get some bowls of noodles to fill us up before we continue shopping."

Second Brother agreed: "Okay, Old man, you and Big Brother go first, I'll bring Miss to see you later."

In no time, the vendor handed Qibao the seven completed sugar paintings.

Qibao took the painted candies and followed Second Brother to join her grandfather at the noodle shop. She handed a piece of candy to each person.

Feeling a bit self-conscious, the grandfather said: "Qibao, these are meant for children. Grandpa will save them for you."

"There's no rule that says it's just for kids." Qibao replied: "Watch Uncle Kuiwu enjoying his."

Grandpa saw Kuiwu crunching on the head of the candied rabbit, one bite after another, as jovial as ever.

Before long, the owner set down seven bowls of noodles: "Sir, here are your noodles. Enjoy your meal."

Qibao picked up a noodle and tasted it. It tasted pretty good.

Kui Wu gulped it down the fastest, since he'd just been munching on some dry rations all this time. Nothing beats this watery noodle soup.

Once everyone finished eating, the grandfather paid the bill, and they continued their tour with Second Brother leading the way.

"Look, there's a ring toss game." Xu Wenwu pointed out: "Want to give it a try?"

Qibao followed his gaze and spotted some people gathered around, watching the game intently.

Piqued, the grandfather chimed in: "Let's go check it out."

The group headed towards the ring toss area.

A young man dressed like a noble was playing, with a servant at his side holding several more rings.