On April 25th, the sky had just cleared.
Ning Yue, who had spent another night in the military camp, finally, impatiently, dragged Liu Song and headed straight for the market in the city's outskirts!
Yesterday, Ning Yue had specifically asked Xue Ge if their family was involved in any business that was illegal in his previous life but perfectly legitimate in this one.
He hadn't expected that the Xue Residence wouldn't even consider such a troublesome business that didn't earn much money.
Indeed, no matter where you are, businesses that constantly deal with people are always difficult.
However, while the Xue Residence wasn't involved, Xue Ge had many friends!
The newly appointed Baihu waved his hand and arranged everything for him.
As they reached the bustling area, the scent of the mundane world wafted over them.
The fragrant aroma of scallion pancakes, the smoky scent from the wonton stalls, and the mixed smells from various noodle and snack stalls were all now overshadowed by the freshly baked aroma of chive pockets from a nearby stall.
Ning Yue looked into the distance; the crowd was surging, but most people wore coarse cloth clothing.
Ning Yue and Liu Song, with only a saber at their waists and dressed in thin, half-new, half-old silk shirts, looked somewhat out of place in this setting.
Porters pushing carts, hawkers shouting along the street, and various common people hurrying along the road all tacitly cleared a relatively wide path, allowing the two to pass unhindered.
Times were tough; those without keen observation skills would have long been crushed like ants.
The two proceeded smoothly, passing through the carriage and horse section, the escort agency, and the taverns, finally seeing the two large characters 'Ya Hang' (Brokerage) on the plaque above a doorway.
Li Xiucai, the person in charge, was already waiting respectfully outside the door.
Li Xiucai was from out of town; no one knew where his hometown was. When he first arrived in Gu City, he was in rags, not old, but looked very mature, with a sallow complexion. Yet, he loved to show off his literary knowledge, which earned him the nickname 'Xiucai'.
There was mostly a mocking tone to it.
Li Xiucai didn't get angry; instead, he accepted it with a smile.
Later, relying on his meager literary knowledge and his ability to read people's expressions,
and the skill of ingratiating himself, which wasn't taught in books but honed by harsh reality, he quickly stood out among the illiterate clerks and became the manager of the brokerage within a few short years.
As soon as they met, a gleam shone in Li Xiucai's triangular eyes.
Among a crowd of sallow-faced, ragged people, two figures in silk brocade stood out like cranes among chickens.
So he hurried forward two steps, greeting them with a smile, "It's an honor for you two sirs to travel all this way. My surname is Li; you can call me Old Li. Tea is ready, and the candidates are all prepared. I guarantee you two sirs will be satisfied. Please come inside."
Listening to this rather familiar greeting, Ning Yue instantly recalled the business private rooms of his previous life.
He said nothing, just nodded, and followed Li Xiucai directly inside.
Smelling the mixed odors of human and animal activity, and after turning several corners, Li Xiucai stopped at a dark room.
With a forceful push, a creak sounded, and two thick mahogany doors swung open.
The room was not spacious, but it was exquisitely decorated in an antique style, clearly intended for entertaining distinguished guests.
Ning Yue thought, "Xue Ge's influence is quite significant; it works everywhere he goes."
Li Xiucai gestured with his hand, and Ning Yue stepped forward first, settling onto the broad main seat made of huanghuali wood.
Liu Song, who had never seen such a grand display, followed closely behind Ning Yue, looking a bit nervous. He still hadn't been to South Nine Alley.
When Li Xiucai also entered the room and closed the door, shutting out the dazzling morning light, he became even more nervous, but Ning Yue was a little excited.
It must be said, Great Yuan has many talented and extraordinary people!
Unlike the high-end venues of his previous life, where people were selected through a two-way mirror, here, the main seat was hidden in the dark, without light above.
However, on the elevated platform not far in front, several hexagonal lamps glowed, like dim stars in the night sky.
The servants could not see the main guests, but the main guests could clearly see the scene on the elevated platform.
Ning Yue rubbed his hands expectantly and ordered, "Then—call them in."
Liu Song then stepped forward and gave a few instructions.
Li Xiucai's face showed bitterness after listening, but seeing the other's firm words, he could only nod and leave with a bow.
Before long, a dozen or so dusty 'bean sprouts' slowly ascended the stage.
Ning Yue had strained his eyesight, but after just one glance, he was greatly disappointed.
Could their average height be one meter forty?
Those who could be sold into slavery were from families that were not well-off, and in this era where food was scarce, physical development was also stunted.
Ning Yue also saw a few with characters tattooed on their calves, likely daughters of some household's prisoners.
"Bring another batch!" The main guest's expression was somewhat displeased.
Liu Song, however, had been watching with great interest. He was startled by the command, then stepped out to inform Li Xiucai to change the people.
Ning Yue's anticipation had largely vanished during this long wait.
However, when the next batch ascended the stage, the quality was finally barely acceptable, with an average height exceeding one meter fifty.
Clearly, Li Xiucai had also realized that the guest was not easy to fool.
But the main guest's demands were high, and he naturally wasn't impressed by these ordinary looks, so he said without politeness, "Change them again!"
After waiting for another while, this time, when a dozen maids first ascended the stage, Ning Yue finally couldn't help but sit up straight.
To be fair, while their looks were far from comparable to his colleagues from his previous life, who had fully utilized technology and 'fierce moves,' at least their faces were clean.
Among them, one in a red dress was the most striking. She was quite delicate-looking, with a graceful, slender waist that seemed to fit in one hand, and a pair of delicate, small jade-like feet. Though stained with some dirt, it couldn't hide their inherent beauty.
It was a pity her chest was a bit small; based on years of experience, Ning Yue estimated it was only *...*
Ning Yue had also heard that Gu City's most famous courtesan, Xi Xiang, was known for her ability to perform a 'palm dance' despite her slender figure.
Ning Yue mused to himself, wondering if this 'Red Dress' could be trained to try it later.
The Da Yuan Dynasty valued plumpness, disliking thinness, so the trend of 'Yangzhou thin horses' was not yet popular.
Ning Yue, believing he had found a hidden gem, pointed his hand, "Keep the one in the red dress for now; the others can leave."
The red-clad woman's face lit up with joy, and she curtsied gracefully, like a willow branch gently swaying. Liu Song, watching from the side, almost couldn't resist stepping forward to help her up.
Ning Yue, however, remained still. He glanced at his subordinate and ordered, "Tell that Old Li not to always try to fool people with these ordinary goods. This master is not short on money; if he has good dishes, tell him to serve them all up!"
Liu Song thought, "These are still ordinary goods? Are there any beauties, then?"
If this red-clad woman were to go to South Nine Alley one day, wouldn't the street be empty, with patrons filling the doors?
Full of doubts, Liu Song hurried away.
Ning Yue then pointed his finger, "You, lift your sleeves and skirt. Let this master see if your body has any defects?"