When the morning sun on Suzaku Avenue climbed up the flying eaves, the lanterns of the "Moli Elegant Gathering" were already swaying at the entrance of the West Market. Xiao Moli hid behind a screen, her fingertips clutching an embroidery hoop—what was being embroidered on the hoop was not flowers and birds, but the "Auction-Protecting Ghost Face" carved by Huwa, its abacus-bead eyes fixed on the Painting of Farming and Reading upon the auction podium.
"Big Sister Moli, look!" Huwa crawled out from beneath the platform holding a carving knife. Along the edge of the auction podium, a row of miniature wood carvings had appeared: a wealthy merchant holding an abacus bead, a scholar carrying firewood, and a physician clutching a medicine pouch, their abacus-bead eyes all staring at the scroll in the center. "Brother Fan said every auction item has to be paired with a 'Venue-Protecting Ghost Face', and that guarantees no one will dare to cause trouble!"
Zhang Yifan swayed onto the stage with his Abacus Bead Pouch, wearing a new "Merchant Protection Figurine" carved by Huwa pinned to his cyan gown, its abacus-bead eyes wide open. "Esteemed patrons! Today's auction is divided into two sessions—the first session brings forth the prized possessions of Chang'an's nobility, and the second session exclusively features the inspiring light of scholars from humble backgrounds!" He suddenly pointed to Huwa's miniature carving in the corner of the Painting of Farming and Reading. "See that?…
Chapter 92