Chapter 32
Early the next morning Su Ying was already awake she then bathed and brushed her teeth before arranging the Fairy tofu to be sold. She had snuck it into her space under the pretext of leaving it in her room so it remained fresh till now with no suspicion. The kids were still asleep so she got a bucket and cut them into square pieces totalling fourty pieces minus the ones she left for the kids to eat when the woke up and put it into the wooden barrel and made sure not to waste any scraps as for sampling at the market.
As she packed the bamboo tubes hastily made before sleeping, the sugar water and clean water for washing hands, Xiao Shan entered the kitchen. Quietly assisting her he packed it all into the basket as she had refused to let him accompany her insisting that someone had to take care of the kids so he stayed back. She has fetched some lotus leaf at the stream yesterday to put the goods since there was not yet any thing to package goods she had to improvise.
"When the kids wake up then help me feed me. As for the basket I can carry it to the county so you don't need to worry"
"Hm"
Xiao Shan responded faintly as he continued with the work. After they packed she carried the basket and left the house aiming to arrive before old man Shao's ox cart arrives. As she had been drinking spring water for a while her physical constitution had improved so she could carry the weight from her house to the village entrance without panting. Luckily for her, she was the first to arrive before old man Shao arrived after her she then paid and got in waiting for other people.
Old man Shao looked at her in surprise wondering what she was going to do so early but he didn't probe as long as she paid him. They waited before three other unfamiliar women whom Su Ying couldn't remember arrived and the set off. It was probably because today was not a grand market day so not many people came so she was exempted from questions and probing making the journey easier and quieter. After three hours they arrived at the county market she then alighted and went inside with her goods.
Looking around she found a vacant place and placed her basket then removed the sugar water and other things then flipped the basket over seeing it was stable as a stall she started spreading her goods for sales. People around her just glanced at her but didn't approach to know what she was selling as everybody concentrated to sell their own goods.She fetched the washing water and washed her hands before bringing out the Fairy tofu and slicing it on the wooden plate she came with attracting the attention of passerbys who were amazed by the green jade like substance. Soon a woman approached her and asked
"Mrs what are you selling? Is it Food?"
Smiling she politely responded
"Yes it's food called Fairy tofu and very delicious"
Seeing her polite demeanor and clean way of handling the goods the woman became more interested.
"I have never seen or heard of it before. How do you eat it"
"It depends on your preference. If you want it as desert then you can dissolve malt sugar or honey in water then cut it into pieces, mix it as a topping and eat it. If you prefer savoury then add oil, soy sauce and some chopped green onions to adjust the taste and it can be served as dish"
Hearing her explanation the people paying attention was stunned. As she skillfully cut it into square placing it on the square board she came with, they drooled at the appetizing sight and marveled at the agility she cut with. Su Ying then got the syrup and add it evenly on the Fairy tofu then using the wooden spoon she brought from home she stirred it evenly the kept the spoon.
"It's done".
The auntie stared dumbfounded at her as she did everything easily and with such skill. Su Ying cut a small pieces and put it on the lotus leaf then gave it the auntie to taste.
"Auntie please have a taste and see for yourself how delicious it is. It's three cent each but I'm giving you freely to taste and if you find it good you can buy".
Hearing that the woman's eyes lit up and she took it from her and ate it.Others stared enviously at her but looking forward to her reaction to know their stance. As the woman took a bite and marveled at the rich taste of syrup and the soft chewy jellyness and she ate it all. After she finished eating she asked
"Let me see the size of the three cent one"
She showed her a piece as big as her palm and the woman requested for two pieces without hesitation. Seeing how the woman bought it another man stepped forward to buy and she swiftly packaged it neatly on the lotus leaf and gave it to the woman who paid and left with satisfaction. She gave the man the piece for tasting and he bought three pieces too earning her fifteen cents immediately. She continued advertising
"For the first three customers buy and get a free piece but paying the same amount. Don't miss out on such good deal"
Hearing her words two women who were still hesitating stepped forward and requested three pieces each which she swiftly packaged for them adding the extra one piece and they paid for it and left happily. The woman beside her who owns the stall next to her walked up to her and asked
"Young lady can I trade my eggs with you for it"
"Sure"
Bartering was common and acceptable at this time. Moreover one egg cost two cent which means it's equivalent to one fairy tofu. The woman happily exchanged two eggs and she packaged two fairy tofu for her. She continued shouting
"Delicious fairy tofu, only twenty seven pieces left. Hurry before you miss out on this fresh food that can be eaten as dish"
Hearing that the people quickly gathered and started buying before it was finished. Su Ying became busy but still kept an eye on everything serving everyone without neglecting anybody. In a blink of an eye she had sold all the fairy tofu and those who came late was disappointed at not being able to get one.
"Don't worry everyone. I will be here tomorrow by this time and the price remains the same so come early"
Hearing her words the felt relieved and resolved to be early tomorrow to get their share. The crowds dispersed and the people beside her stared at her in envy as she sold out all her goods but she ignored them and stuffed the copper coins into her sleeves discreetly placing it in her space. Gathering her things she noticed she had half a linen, eggs, radishes and sunflower seeds which she had voluntarily exchanged with them. She was happy at the sales and decided to head home before the ox cart left so she gathered everything into her basket and walked to the county gate.
She was lucky as the ox cart was already there. Looking at the sky she guessed it was 1 in the afternoon and the children would be hungry she felt anxious. Immediately she got on the ox cart and the other arrived so the left immediately. Arriving at the village entrance three hours later she hurried into the village ignoring the surprised looks of the villagers as they looked at her basket. As she departed the started gossiping
"What could be Xiao's wife be carrying in her basket"
"Have you noticed the kids no longer looked malnourished"
"Indeed she really changed"
"Sigh. Finally the kids won't have to suffer anymore".
Their discussion had nothing to do with Su Ying who had arrived at her house and entered and the kids ran to welcome her with Xiao Shan sitting on the courtyard teaching them how to count.