They were going just as she planned! Yu Xiaocao fished some money from her hidden stash of cash. After thinking for a bit, she also took out a string of copper coins and put it into her chest pocket. Winter came early to the north, so there was already a chilly nip in the air. Many people had already put on their thick winter coats. Therefore, no one could tell that Yu Xiaocao had about a hundred copper coins hidden on her.
Yu Xiaocao gleefully skipped down the road as she carried a large basket. The equally excited Little s.h.i.+tou followed her as they went in the direction towards the docks. Although the docks were closer to Dongshan Village compared to the town, it was still about an hour's walk away. Since Yu Xiaocao was in a good mood, she didn't feel too tired by the time she got there. They had arrived at the busiest time at the pier. The fisherman who went out to sea had just come back with their loads. The southwest corner of the wharf had naturally become a fish market.
The stewards in charge of purchasing from large manors were all there early so that they could pick out their master's favorite fish and seafood. In addition, the buyers from the restaurants, taverns, and small eating houses were also waiting there for the fresh catch of the day.
On the docks were a couple of cargo s.h.i.+ps that had just gotten to sh.o.r.e. The dock workers under the direction of a foreman were steadily loading cargo from the s.h.i.+ps onto some carts. The sounds of hawkers, shouts, and work chants filled the air...altogether, the various noises wove together into the distinctive noise of a busy wharf.
Under the rich and dense atmosphere of the pier, Xiaocao could feel herself immersing into these new surroundings.
"Second Sister, over there is where they sell snacks. I came once with father before and he bought me a giant steamed bun made with white flour. Buns made with white flour are seriously too tasty!"
The little foodie, Little s.h.i.+tou, pointed at a road on the outskirts of the docks. A couple of crude shacks were built alongside the street and puffs of warm air came with the morning wind that blew from there.
The fishermen and dock workers probably brought along some dried goods with them to eat. However, in the chill of the early morning, it was still necessary to drink a bowl of hot soup to warm the body up.
Where there's demand, there's a market. Under the low ceiling of the shacks were people selling porridge and hot noodle soup. Others had stoves with steaming baskets full of steamed rolls and stuffed buns to sell. There were even some farmers, who didn't have work to do on the fields in the slack season, with baskets full of the dishes or pickled vegetables from the farms to sell.
Schemes began to form in Xiaocao's mind. With her culinary talent in braised dishes from her past life, it would be easier for her to obtain a good living here. Unfortunately, the people here all gossiped and talked. Once her grandmother found out, even the capital money used here would be taken from her completely…
"Is that Xiaolian...or is it Xiaocao?" Xiaocao didn't think she would meet someone she knew here at the docks. She twisted her head around and saw an unfamiliar face.
The swarthy youth in front of her looked to be about fifteen to sixteen years of age and had a tall and broad figure. His large eyes were set under a pair of thick eyebrows, and his face looked oddly familiar...who...who was this? Little s.h.i.+tou, who was standing next to her, answered her unspoken question. "Eldest Cousin, why are you here? Did you come with Eldest Aunt [1]?"
Ah, so it was Second Uncle's son, the fourteen year old Liu Zhiwei. Although this fellow was only fourteen years old, he looked very strong and st.u.r.dy. In terms of looks, he didn't resemble either of his parents. Instead, he looked the most like Eldest Uncle.
Liu Zhiwei chuckled, "Yes, I came along with Eldest Aunt and also Eldest Uncle. I'm looking to see if I can find any work here at the docks… Eldest Uncle often comes here and is familiar with the foreman. He's already unloading the cargo from the s.h.i.+ps. They thought I was too young and didn't want to hire me!"
The youth stated all of this with a face full of resentment. Although he was young in age, he still had plenty of strength. Usually he spent time with his father working the fields and had done a lot of work requiring brute strength. How dare they look down on him!
"Xiaocao, s.h.i.+tou! Why are you two at the docks?" Eldest Aunt, Madam Han, gently asked as she came by with a basket on her arm.
