05. The medicine hall

From the town itself, she could only see the top of the roofs peeking over the huge wall. She never saw anything like that and was watching speechlessly. Suddenly the woman poked her a little bit and she realized she was asked something. ''I am sorry about this. I was living my whole life in the forest and never been outside. This is the first time I come here. My name is Liu Mei. Could you do me a tiny favour? Do you know is there is medicine hall or office where I could sell the herbs to?''

The woman saw on that young woman's face that she was overwhelmed, so she just smiled. ''I will help you out. There are many medicinal halls. I will take you to an old distinguished family, that will not cheat you on the price. But later on, check other halls as well. Humans change, you know.''

Liu Mei smiled sweetly at her. ''Thank you so much.''

The woman saw her sweet smile and hesitated but then chose to speak. ''I know it's not my matter, but I would recommend that you hide your face. You are too clean. You look more like a woman from some distinguished family than a commoner.''

Liu Mei touched her face and remembered that she applied the make up that day. She sighed and slowly took out the hat with a veil. She slowly put it on. ''Is it better?''

The woman sighed. ''The way you walk and talk... Never mind. It is enough to hide your face at least from those disturbing people that like to bother pretty girls.''

Liu Mei had no idea what she is talking about so she just nodded. On their way to town, she realized how many people arrived. That like a stream entering the huge gate. The soldiers would occasionally check people's baggage and when she arrived they stared at her bag. She just lightly bowed and opened the bag so they could see. The soldier just waved his hand and let her pass, glancing with strange expression after her.

The woman took her by the hand because of the crowd that suddenly appeared in front of them. Luckily they didn't have to go far to get to the oldest medicinal hall in the city. Next to the door a man stood and bowed to the two women.

Inside it was quite crowded as well, but after short waiting, they arrived on the counter. The woman smiled at Liu Mei and patted her shoulder. ''I can bring you just this far. If we are lucky we can meet when you leave the city. There are many pickpockets in this town. Watch your money. Be careful.''

''I promise I will. You watch out as well. Let's hope in the future we meet again.''

''By the way, My name is Zan Zheng. If you ever pass my Ruo Village come to my home. You are welcome.''

She smiles one more time and then left. Liu Mei had no time to watch after her as it was her turn. She opened her bag and carefully took out the bundles of different kinds of herbs. They were cleanly separated and some even had clean roots with them.

The man looked at her in astonishment and saw her straight back. ''Could you please wait a second. I will ask our manager to weight everything and see how much money these are worth.''

She just nodded so he left in a rush, leaving the herbs in front of her. Soon he came with a serious-looking old man and a scale. The old man would then add on the abacus and glanced from time to time at her, while she just stood there and calmly waited.

After a while, he nodded and showed her the abacus. ''I recounted everything and you will receive a note about the prices and your earning. Please keep it safe in a legal case.''

He just gave her a glance and then heard her slow voice. ''I understand. I shall do as you say.''

Then she stopped talking because her poor heart almost didn't jump out of her chest, while he was counting money. She then realized that he was counting the silver bits and not bronze coins, that she already had hidden in her belt.

''Here is the money. Please count it.'' He gave her a written note and she just looked at it, counted the silver bits and gave two back. ''You gave me two more. Please be careful next time.''

He shook and took the money back. ''I will. Forgive me, please. ''

She just nodded, took a small silk handkerchief and put the money in it. Then she elegantly put the handkerchief into the sleeve and bowed slightly.

When she exited the young medicine man saw the old man still looking in a daze at the women's back. ''Grandfather, why is she wearing clothes from past times? Even that colour is not in fashion. Is she so poor?'' He couldn't understand.

''Fool. Do you know how many nobles in the last century lost favours from Emperors? She could as well be one of the ladies from old forgotten noblesse. Seeing how she was calm and collected and how her writing skills are well, it seems she is really from an old distinguished family that is poor now. But you never know if such a family will rise again. So just be fair in paying her herbs and be polite.''

He stroked his long beard as he saw her look around, undecided where she should go. She just shrugged and turned left. He chuckled. ''Courageous little thing as it seems. To come out without guards.''

''Grandfather, what if she is so poor that she has no guards?'' The young man was a bit sorry for the woman.

''That is indeed possible. But if she has any courage she will be able to live well. It's not like we have no laws. This city is famous for its safety. Our current Emperor is a mad dog. If anyone tries to harm her he might kill half of the people that are even a bit involved in it. Even if she is from past nobles, she is still noble. No matter how poor, they are protected. Don't worry. Go. Work.''