Having wasted nearly an hour arguing with Younger Mrs. Li, and with Zhao Yan walking long distances for the first time, they had to stop and go frequently along the way. By the time they reached the town, it was already nearing noon.
Beads of sweat had gathered on Zhao Yan’s face, sliding down his cheeks in a steady stream. He was, in a sense, truly "soaked in sweat." Despite the midday heat, the sweltering weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the people at the market. Zhao Yan was dazzled by the stalls offering everything one could imagine: vendors selling sugar figures, drinks, vegetables, and even curios—a dizzying array of goods lay before his eyes.
"Steamed buns for sale! One coin for a vegetable bun, two coins for a meat bun. Thin skins, generous fillings—don't miss out, folks!"
Chapter 22