Meet family brother

"Big brother Chen, I'm fine. Just a few days ago, I happened to enter a valley with many medicinal herbs, and it took me some time to find my way out. By the way, I heard from the shop assistant that you came earlier, then went out to sell goods. I was just planning to look for you in the market, why did you come back?"

"I came here in the morning to inquire about your news, then I sent some live game to Fuhai Building. There are still some left for me to sell in the market. The master prepared some medicinal herbs and sent them over. I wanted to try my luck and inquire about you again."

"Master, please come inside," said the shopkeeper, welcoming the two.

When Xiangbei saw the opened bag of medicinal herbs carried by Tong Chen, she found all kinds of spices such as star anise and cardamom. Her eyes widened. Was this person deliberately sending her ingredients for braised dishes? Without waiting for the two to speak, Xiangbei quickly approached and wrapped up these herbs. She smiled, "Big brother Chen, shopkeeper uncle, can we not sell these? I want to keep them for some purposes."

"These are not emergency medicines. If the lady wants to keep them, feel free. If Tong Shopkeeper wants to sell, I won't take them. Hahaha," the shopkeeper teased Xiangbei like a child.

"Miss Bei can take them back if she needs. These are precious herbs, but if you want to sell, Miss Bei, I won't take them. Hahaha," Tong Chen echoed with a smile.

"Thank you, shopkeeper, for taking the trouble to count the silver. I'll be careful to keep it. I won't drink tea today. I heard from the assistant that my brother Chen came to inquire about me earlier. Now I'm going to the market to find him."

"That's understandable. Tong Chen, help Uncle Tong take care."

"Thank you, shopkeeper, I will."

"Goodbye, Uncle Tong. I will take care." Xiangbei expressed her gratitude once again.

The two left the pharmacy and headed towards the market. The market was located in the corner west of the north city wall, along the river. It was convenient for customers coming from the dock to buy and unload goods from the water. Xiangbei thought about the handcrafted "stationery" still in her medicine basket. She stopped and discussed with Tong Chen, "Brother Chen, can you go sell the mountain goods yourself? I want to stroll around the town. Here are the scattered silver coins from selling medicine, take them with you."

"You earned so much money? That's good. Carrying big ingots is not safe. Keep a few pieces of scattered silver for yourself. It's rare to come here. If you like something, Brother Chen will settle the account later."

"Okay, then let's go our separate ways. After you finish selling, meet me at Fuhai Building."

"Sure, we'll meet at Fuhai Building. Brother Chen, I'll treat you to a fish feast tonight!" Tong Chen, thinking about the little miss who had grown up on his back since the lady of the house left a few years ago, decided to treat her to a special meal. He hurriedly separated from Xiangbei and walked towards the wharf.

The entire Zebei Town looked like a fan unfolded three-quarters, with Fuhai Building as the base. The main road faced the gate of Fuhai Building, starting from a semicircular small square in front of it and extending northwest to the gate of the north city. On both sides were the main North Street and the main South Street, facing each other were the east and west two main streets. Outside were two side streets. On the outward side, most were residential houses, surrounding the large circular road along the west bank and the mountain on the east side, just like a modern expressway.

North and south streets mainly consisted of high-end consumption such as jewelry and antiques, North and South odd goods, Embroidery Inn, silk and satin teahouses, etc. Occasionally, there were a few rich households. The eastern street mainly focused on craftsmanship, including wood, bamboo, mud, pottery, paper, straw, carriages, and horses. Due to the government office being set up in the northeast corner, coupled with being close to the green hills, some officials and wealthy families also resided in the eastern part at the foot of the mountain.

Heading north through the two main roads towards Qingbo River, turning into West Street facing the side lane. West Street's shops were mostly engaged in wholesale and retail trade, and the courtyard in the side lane usually served as their warehouse or residence. There were shops for grain and oil, daily necessities, fabric shops, fur shops, bustling and busy. In front of a shop with a plaque reading "North and South Grain Shop," a man in a long gown was sending a customer out. Xiangbei couldn't move her feet and her eyes were glued to the man's face. Her gaze was full of tender admiration, and she muttered, "Dad, Dad."