Chapter 521: Occupy a Spot Early
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Su Binglan looked at Lan Ruozhu and said persistently, “You know me, Brother. Nothing can stop me once I’ve decided something. Don’t worry. I’m no longer the same person and can protect myself better. As you’ve witnessed, I know martial arts.’
Lan Ruozhu raised his brow. Indeed, his sister was much healthier and stronger than before, He felt at ease, especially when Su Binglan revealed her skills that shocked even the Shadow Guards.
Lan Ruobing was brilliant when she was younger but could not learn martial arts due to poor health. She also did not possess the medical skills she had as Su Binglan.
Lan Ruozhu felt bitter-sweet when his sister changed and became stronger. He knew she could protect herself better now. Although Su Binglan had excellent martial arts skills, Lan Ruozhu still wanted to assign some of the Shadow Guards to protect her.
Su Binglan realized her expression had become too severe, so she smiled lightly and said, “All right, Brother, you should relax too. You don’t have to think about such things here. Just have fun, relax, and recuperate.”
Although Lan Ruozhu was technically Su Binglan’s older brother, she still wanted to protect him out of habit.
Su Teng Village’s once-a-week market opened. Many vendors went there at dawn to occupy their stalls. The street in front of the village was long and spacious.
Even though it could accommodate many people, they knew the market’s popularity. There would be no space for stalls if they were too late. Moreover, everyone realized that more people had started setting up stalls, so people would arrive early to reserve a spot for themselves.
Everyone wanted to occupy a good spot on the street. Even if they arrived at the village early, others would always be earlier than them. Therefore, the people who successfully claimed their spots were thrilled.
The market was full of stalls and items at dawn. Some sold food, some sold daily necessities, and others sold cloth and shoes. Since many people visited the market, these sellers could always do business.
Some sold their pre-loved items, and those who bought them would feel like they had found a treasure. Everyone was delighted, as both parties benefited from each other.
In the past, people would go to town to sell their food. Of course, selling things in town was less efficient, but it was different in Su Teng Village. Hence, the village’s market only became increasingly popular.
In addition, more people visited the village to buy things if more people went there to set up their stalls. Everyone knew Su Teng Village’s market was excellent, so they were more willing to visit, even though it was only once a week.
As a result, the market continuously grew as more people visited over the past few months. Many who came to set up stalls also brought lunch with them. They were prepared to eat casually at noon and would return home in the evening.
Although the town’s market would disperse at noon, the market in Su Teng Village would remain crowded until evening. At this rate, everyone felt they could start a night market.
The vendors could only sigh in relief after occupying a good spot in the village, One of the young men who set up a stall wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “Fortunately, 1 arrived early enough to occupy this spot.”
The young man had come from the distant Northern Mountain Village. He had set off before dawn and carried a bag with various items. He dared not rest along the way and started sweating, even though it was mid-winter.
“I just got a perfect spot, too. I arrived a little earlier than last time, but there were still so many people,” the small stall owner beside the young man chimed in and could not help but sigh.
“l also arrived earlier than last time but still managed to get a spot. I brought many things with me this time. I hope to profit a little more.” The woman beside them also sold items.
When she saw the young man take out a pair of shoes, she asked, “Where are those shoes from?”
The man said embarrassedly, “My mother and daughter-in-law made these shoes. Since they made a few more, I decided to sell some of them this time. 1 hope to sell them all for my family to have a good New Year.”
The woman asked, “Why aren’t your mother and daughter-in-law working at the embroidery shop? They would do well there since they know needlework.”
The man replied, “My mother wasn’t in good health, but if it weren’t for the medicine Second Young Master Su prescribed, she could not have made these shoes. Still, I don’t want her to tire herself out.
“Also, my wife is pregnant and can’t leave home to work. Fortunately, Su Teng
Village’s market is big, and I can do business here.” The man often sold shoes at the market and could go home in less than an afternoon because he typically sold out by then.
Since he profited a lot, he could buy meat for his wife to eat and nourish herself.
“There’s something good about being at home,” the woman said in realization, “The whole family can see each other every day, and you can decide your own time.
“I’m selling small jars of pickled vegetables that I made at home. Although they aren’t fresh, 1 thought outsiders might enjoy them, so I’m selling them here. My earnings are for my family at home, too.”
The stall owner beside them could not help but chime in. “Everyone’s lives have improved thanks to Miss Su and her family.”
“You’re right. Many outsiders come to Su Teng Village to buy things from them. The more visitors there are, the better it is for us to sell things here.”
“l agree. Foreign merchants and visitors also know of our village’s once-a-week market. Most of them use this time to buy the things they need.”
However, some arrived at the village late and could not find a spot to set up their stalls even after walking around for a long while. One person was getting anxious when someone recognized him. “Mr. Cao, come over here. I’ll move my stall aside and make some room for you.”
The man surnamed Cao said gratefully, “Thank you very much, sir!”
“Aww, don’t be so polite. I know your daughter, Cao Shuang. She saved my brother after the earthquake. My brother would have bled out if she hadn’t bandaged him in time.”
Cao Shuangs father never thought people here would recognize him for his daughter’s good deeds. He never expected to bask in his daughter’s glory. Fortunately, he did not have many things to sell, and he did not take up too much space.
He said, “My family made these sachets. Although they’re small, I’m selling them to support my family. There are some herbs in them to help with sleeping. ”
Cao Shuang had prepared these herbs. Of course, her teacher, Su Binglan, had permitted them.
The man beside Mr. Cao was surprised, “It’s evident that your daughter made those. She’s a promising young lady.”
Mr. Cao grinned from ear to ear. “My wife and I hesitated when Miss Su wanted to take in female apprentices. However, my daughter insisted, so my wife let her become Miss Su l s apprentice.
“l didn’t expect her to exceed my expectations. Now, I no longer have to travel far to visit a doctor if I feel ill..