"Who do these random pests think they are to bully us? Iâm going right now to find the head of the Kuang Family!" Mu Beichen stormed out with a dark expression, not bothering to greet Han Yan.
Han Yan yawned, ready to head back to her courtyard to sleep. Seeing her grandfatherâs stance, it was clear Kuang Guangyiâs days would now be filled with strife. The Kuang Family head originally didnât like Kuang Guangyi, and now with this incident, Kuang Guangyi could hardly have a place there anymore. Did Kuang Guangyi think he wouldnât be discovered, or perhaps he believed his actions were for the public good and thus wouldnât be blamed? Maybe he thought heâd be rewarded instead of punished.
No matter the reason, the man was an absolute fool! With that conclusion, Han Yan got ready for bed, cuddling Angang and the little pig.
...
After lunch the next day, Han Yan got ready to go to the Xiananyan Chamber of Commerce. She gathered everyone for the outing and brought along Han Yunyun. The afternoon sun was hot, yet the bustling streets were loud with traffic. The Capitalâs splendor was truly unmatched compared to other county cities.
Once the initial novelty had worn off, Han Yan lost interest in the bustling sights and focused on reaching the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce quickly.
"Brother Han Yan, I know a shortcut to the market." Han Yunyun said to Han Yan.
"Why didnât you mention it earlier?" Han Yan hadnât explored the Capital much, so she was unfamiliar with the streets.
"I thought you already knew." Han Yunyun replied sheepishly, leading Han Yan and the group down a narrow alley.
The alley was clearly old, with the flagstones worn smooth and without edges.
Along the alley, small stalls lined up, forming a tiny market.
Unlike other markets, these stalls mostly sold local specialties and household goods, with very few items related to cultivation. However, the variety was abundant and priced affordably, much cheaper than similar items found in workshops.
To Han Yanâs surprise, she spotted the unique Golden Orchid Fruit from Heishi City at one of the small stalls. Although she previously showed little interest in this tangy-sweet fruit, seeing it in the Capital brought a surprising sense of familiarity.
"Yunyun, havenât seen you in a while."
"Yunyun, why didnât your mother come along with you?"
"The young girl is getting more radiant with each passing day. In a couple of years, suitors will come knocking."
The stall owners greeted Han Yunyun warmly, casually handing her a few fruits which she accepted gladly. She then shared them with Han Yan and the others while devouring the rest herself, smiling with crescent-shaped eyes, clearly content.
"Are you familiar with them?" Han Yan asked while enjoying the fruit handed by Han Yunyun.
"Yes, I often come here for snacks. Itâs affordable." Han Yunyun replied softly, slightly blushing.
Seeing her shy demeanor, Han Yan felt some compassion. Clearly, this girl had a sweet tooth, which was normal at her age. But given Aunt Xiuâs poor conditions, she likely hadnât tasted much, making a few fruits her ultimate delight.
"Iâll treat you to a feast soon, you can eat whatever you desire." Han Yan said, patting Han Yunyunâs head.
"Really?" Han Yunyun asked with bright eyes, filled with surprise.
"Why would I lie to you? Plus, we also want to taste the Capitalâs delicacies." Han Yan assured, knowing that the statement was meant mostly to comfort Han Yunyun. They had already experienced most delights, not originally planning on including her due to practical reasons.
"That must cost quite a lot." Han Yunyun remarked hesitantly.
"Did you forget that Mu Chengyang recently gifted me a silver note? A lavish meal would do justice to his kind gesture." Han Yan laughed.
Recalling Mu Chengyang tossing out a generous silver note and the subsequent pain he felt watching it, Huayue and the others couldnât help but chuckle.
As they chatted, a sudden crash rang ahead. A stall had been overturned, scattering golden fruit everywhere, and the elderly vendor fell with red finger marks on his face.
"Old fool, do you even know who we are, daring to ask us for money?" A hefty young boy of about fifteen sneered, spitting fruit juices onto the elder.
The little fatty wore extravagant clothes, clearly from a wealthy family, accompanied by arrogance typical of a spoiled playboy.
"Living so long as if like a useless mutt, having zero sense." Another thin, well-dressed boy added with disdain.
"Keep your eyes sharp, otherwise you wonât even know why youâve been crushed." Another youth stepped forward, slapping the elder again.
The other dozen young people held Golden Orchid Fruit, watching the scene unfold with smug enjoyment.
The poor elderly man, hair and beard streaked with white, and without cultivation skills, crumpled under the blow.
"Old fool, Iâll kick you to death for disrespecting me." The hefty young boy advanced to deliver another kick.
Despite his age, his pampered upbringing gave him some cultivation skills. If the kick landed, the old man would face serious injury or death.
Han Yan frowned slightly. She wasnât one to meddle in othersâ affairs, but her compassion arose seeing the man selling the distinctive Golden Orchid Fruit from Heishi City. He appeared to be from her fatherâs jurisdiction, a child of Heishi City, demanding intervention.
"What are you doing?" However, before Han Yan could intervene, Han Yunyun rushed forward, shoving the hefty boy.
Lately, Han Yunyun had been pestering Huayue and others to practice martial arts, lacking concentration skills but possessing remarkable precision and timing.
Never expecting interference, the hefty boy staggered backward despite his taller and more cultivated stature.
"Grandpa Qin, are you alright?" Han Yunyun supported the elder while asking worriedly.
"Yunyun, oh, Iâm alright, alright. You should leave quickly and not irritate them further." Regaining his senses, the elder said anxiously to Han Yunyun.