Shen Xing introduced the origin of Akali Corridor. The Liao Jiang people believed in the Heavenly Maiden. Legend had it that beside the Heavenly Maiden was a follower named Akali, who was intelligent, beautiful, and skillful with her hands, symbolizing wisdom and wealth.
The corridor represented prosperity.
Akali Corridor symbolized booming business and abundant wealth.
Nan Shiying was very enthusiastic. At the ready-to-wear shop, she bought a local outfit for herself, Xiao Man, Situ Kong, and even Shen Xing.
"Brother, what is that?"
"Brother, I want this..."
Xiao Man was truly happy. Everything before her was novel and something she had never seen or experienced. She wanted this and wanted to buy that. Fortunately, Nan Shiying had never treated her as a maid and never restrained her. During this period, Xiao Man had become more lively and cheerful than before when she was at the mansion.
Most of the market operated on a barter system. For nomadic people, banknotes, being easily damaged, were worthless. Therefore, there were no banks or banknotes in Liao Jiang. The circulating currency was only copper coins and silver. Nan Shiying had not brought many banknotes with her on this trip. Xiao Man took out a money bag from her embrace, which contained a pouch of gold leaves.
Seeing her pay for a box of pastries with gold leaves, Shen Xing’s heart bled.
Who paid for a box of pastries with gold leaves?
Spendthrifts, a family of spendthrifts!
...
Upon returning from Akali Corridor, except for Nan Shiying, even Shen Xing's hands were full of things. Bags and bundles, it wasn't like they were shopping, it was more like a sweep.
Shen Xing arranged for them to stay in the guest rooms in the backyard of the Hengyuan Chamber of Commerce branch and prepared dinner.
The table was filled with Liao Jiang specialties. Nan Shiying, looking at the whole roasted lamb served on iron skewers, felt a wave of heat wash over her. Xiao Man swallowed her saliva, her crystal-clear tears sliding down the corners of her mouth, clearly feeling deep sympathy and sorrow for the lamb’s tragic fate.
Ignoring the heat, she quickly tore off a leg, attempting to send it to an earlier paradise.
Nan Shiying picked up a piece of oily beef. Mmm, plump and firm. While chewing, she said to Shen Xing, who was quietly devouring his food, "Manager Shen, we shall set off for Changming Mountain early tomorrow morning!"
Shen Xing immediately felt that the meat in his hand was no longer fragrant.
"Tomorrow morning?"
"Won't we shop for a bit longer? Here..."
"No, delays could lead to complications!" Nan Shiying didn't let Shen Xing finish his sentence.
Complications?
This old man was waiting for these complications!
Alas!
He wondered if that fat fellow had received his carrier pigeon!
Shen Xing wanted to delay for a few days, but the other party's attitude was firm, so he could only agree reluctantly.
That night, Shen Xing grew more and more angry. If not for that fat fellow, how would their Hengyuan Chamber of Commerce have gotten involved with such a troublesome person!
No, he must tie up that fat fellow when he returned this time!
In the early morning, the Yu River was shrouded in a layer of mist. Nan Shiying opened the window, and the cold wind, carrying damp air, dispersed the last trace of sleepiness.
Nan Shiying pushed open the door, and Shen Xing was walking in from the front courtyard. Seeing her, he was slightly stunned.
Good heavens!
He exclaimed in amazement!
She was wearing a Liao Jiang long robe, a wide tiger-head belt cinched at her waist, and she wore long boots. The hair above her temples was braided, and then, along with the rest of her hair, it was tied up in a bun on top of her head. Whether it was his imagination or not, Shen Xing felt she looked a few degrees more sharp today than in previous days.
Xiao Man peeked out from behind Nan Shiying.
Seeing her, Shen Xing noticed she was wearing a red cotton coat and a Gugu crown (a Liao Jiang hat) on her head. The tassels of the Gugu crown hung down on both sides of her cheeks, and with the slightest movement, a pleasant tinkling sound came from the crown.
"Creak~"
Situ Kong also opened the door.
Shen Xing looked at the three of them who had changed into Liao Jiang attire, then looked down at himself.
Should he also change into Liao Jiang clothes?
After breakfast, the four of them mounted their swift horses and headed straight for Changming Mountain.
Shen Xing felt that his robe, besides being heavy, had no other drawbacks. He just couldn't understand why they had to wear Liao Jiang attire to climb Changming Mountain.
Was it for an immersive experience?