So, while Zhang Yang and the others were busy with their examinations, Huai Zi, Liu Sanshun, and Zhao San wandered around the bustling city of Huzhou. They spent most of their time in the marketplaces selling grain, meat, and vegetables, comparing produce prices and checking the market for local goods to pass the days.
He also spent a whole day in a bookstore, picking out a good number of books: scripts of legendary tales, history books, and local gazetteers. After some thought, he added two books of poetry. He'd heard Juhua teaching Zhao Qing to recite poems and figured she must enjoy it. He imagined buying a couple of books to read with her in the evenings and to one day teach their future son and daughter.
The shop assistant, Xiao Er, saw his rustic attire and was quite surprised he was choosing so many books. Still, business was business, and he couldn't just ignore a customer. So, he put on a wide smile and attended to him with great enthusiasm.
