Ning Dao Covered with Snow

Chapter 303 Split up
Although Xiao Wang was very reluctant, he knew that Yan Ciwan had things she had to do, and at this moment, all he could say was—

"Take care on your journey, I'll be waiting for you to come back."

Yan Ciwan nodded, handed her horse to Xiao Wang to look after, and then turned and walked towards the West Market, with Fu Bai and Yue Jin quickly following behind.

Qiu Shuang and Dong Li knew that Yan Ciwan was going to deal with the Five Gods Sect. If they followed him rashly, they might expose Yan Ciwan's whereabouts. Therefore, the two of them had no choice but to stay with Xiao Wang and watch Yan Ciwan leave.

After Yan Ciwan's figure disappeared into the depths of the night, Xiao Wang looked at Uncle Jiu and whispered, "Go and fetch the magistrate of the West Market."

"Yes." Uncle Nine accepted the order and left.

Xiao Wang gazed at the dimly lit West Market and prayed silently that Yan Ciwan would return safely from her journey.

……

The curfew was lifted tonight, and there were more people in the West End than usual.

Compared to the orderly East Market, the West Market was much more chaotic. It was a place where all sorts of people from all walks of life gathered. The already narrow streets became even narrower and more crowded because they were lined with vendors. Pedestrians were practically shoulder to shoulder, and you could easily hit someone if you raised your hand.

Fu Bai led the way, Yan Ciwan followed closely behind, and Yue Jin silently trailed behind.

The three of them worked hard to push aside the pedestrians blocking their way, and occasionally they would yell at those with bad tempers.

After a great deal of effort, they finally reached their destination.

Fu Bai pointed to the shop called Anji Spices across the street and said, "That's An Tong's spice shop. He and his wife should be doing business there right now."

At this moment, all three of them were sweating profusely from being squeezed, their clothes were wrinkled, and they looked quite disheveled.

Yan Ciwan tugged at her clothes and asked, "Does the shop have a back door?"

“Yes, but you have to go around from that side.” Fu Bai pointed to the street on the right.

Yan Ciwan looked in the direction he pointed. She had to walk to the end of the street to get to the back door, which looked like quite a long way.

She thought for a moment and said, "Yuejin, stay here to provide backup. Fubai, go to the back door and see if you can sneak in quietly. If you can, then look for any hidden doors."

"how about you?"

"I'll go in through the main gate and meet them."

Before Fu Bai and Yue Jin arrived, they had already been instructed by the Grand Master that they should follow Yan Ciwan's arrangements. Therefore, after listening to Yan Ciwan's words, the two did as she said.

Yan Ciwan wanted to wipe the sweat from her face, so she reached into her sleeve pocket to take out an embroidered handkerchief, but instead pulled out a sweat towel.

She paused for a moment when she saw the handkerchief, and Xiao Wang's gentle and handsome face immediately came to mind. After hesitating for a moment, she finally folded the handkerchief and put it back in her sleeve pocket, and then took out an embroidered handkerchief to wipe her face.

After tidying herself up, Yan Ciwan strode across the street and into Anji Spices.

A rich aroma wafts towards you as soon as you enter.

Although it was already night, there were still many customers in the shop buying spices. A middle-aged couple was busy serving customers. Judging from their appearance, the couple were both of Hu ethnicity, but they spoke fluent Chang'an Mandarin.

They must be the An Tong couple.

Yan Ciwan's gaze fell on An Tong. He looked to be in his thirties, with lake-blue eyes, dark brown curly hair, and a black turban that was common for men these days. He was also wearing a loose-fitting, round-necked robe that was typical of men in the Daye era. To make it easier for him to work, the hem of his robe was shorter, and the sleeves were rolled up, revealing his two strong arms.

To retrieve the goods, he lifted the side curtain and went inside. As soon as the curtain was lowered, his figure disappeared. Yan Ciwan sensed something was wrong. By now, Fu Bai should have reached the back door. If Fu Bai sneaked in through the back door, he might run into An Tong.

We need to find a way to attract An Tong's attention.

As Yan Ciwan was pondering, she suddenly heard a voice—

"Honorable guest, what kind of spices would you like to buy?"

Yan Ciwan looked in the direction of the sound and saw the Hu woman shopkeeper standing beside her, looking at her with a smile.

The female shop owner was voluptuous, wearing a long dress with a low neckline, half-sleeved top, and a cinched waist. She wore glittering gold jewelry on her arms and neck, and perhaps because she had been working with spices for many years, she was also covered in a strong fragrance.

She looks like she's An Tong's wife.

Yan Ciwan asked, "May I ask how you are addressed?"

The female shop owner smiled broadly: "My name is Adan."

"I want to buy some calming spices."

Adan immediately brought out a tray from the counter with four kinds of spices on it. She enthusiastically introduced them, saying, "These are all calming and soothing. Which one do you prefer?"

Yan Ciwan pretended to pick up the spices and examined them, her brows furrowing slightly.

Upon seeing this, Adan immediately asked, "Does our esteemed guest not like the smell of these spices? We have other calming spices in our shop, but since we don't have them in stock, we can't show them to you right now. If you don't mind, you can leave your address, and we'll notify you when we get new stock so you can come and pick out your items."

Yan Ciwan put the spices back, looking like she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Adan noticed her hesitation and suggested, "Shall we go sit over there and have a cup of tea?"

"it is good."

Yan Ciwan and she sat down together at a table by the window, where there were two armchairs and a small table.

Adan put down the tray, picked up the teapot, poured a cup of tea, placed it next to Yan Ciwan, and said with a smile, "Tell me what you need. As long as it's within our shop's capabilities, we will do our best to meet your needs."

Yan Ciwan picked up the teacup, but instead of drinking it directly, she dipped her finger in the tea and wrote three characters on the square table: Yangjinhua (洋金花).

When Adan saw these three words, his expression suddenly changed.

Yan Ciwan said, "I want this spice. The price is negotiable."

Adan, having abandoned his previous enthusiasm, put on a stern face and refused: "No! This is a prohibited item explicitly forbidden by the imperial court. We are honest business people and would never sell such a thing. If you want to buy spices, we warmly welcome you, but if you want this harmful substance, please leave immediately. Our shop does not welcome you!"

After saying that, she gestured for him to leave, her attitude quite resolute.

Yan Ciwan was not intimidated by her appearance and spoke calmly.

"Call An Tong here. I want to talk to him in person."

Adan looked her up and down, and asked suspiciously, "How do you know my husband?"

"Since I've come to you, it's because I have some connection with you."

Seeing that she was fair-skinned and beautiful, with a delicate and frail appearance, and that her words were rather ambiguous, Adan had a bad feeling. Her brows furrowed tightly: "What exactly is your relationship with my husband?"