The spring sunshine was just right.
Though the Unscrupulous Old Daoist had swindled him out of a tin of tea, he had at least heard an auspicious phrase, so Meng Yuan was in rather good spirits.
Meng Yuan strolled along at an unhurried pace and made his way out through North City's main gate.
Songhe Prefecture was laid out with the wealthy in the south and the poor in the north. This area was not far from the docks East of the City, so many laborers and odd-job men lived here; it was a thoroughly mixed place.
Moreover, vast stretches of farmland lay north of Songhe Prefecture. Thus, a vegetable market had sprung up outside the city, serving as a thoroughfare between the inner and outer areas.
With spring's arrival, all things revived. The refugees outside the city had vanished, scattered who knew where, and the place instead brimmed with life.
Near noon, quite a few people still passed by carrying shoulder poles. Some sold straw sandals, some sold mung beans, and some sold pork.
Meng Yuan did not head straight for Auspicious Lane. He first wandered around, familiarizing himself with the terrain a little before making his way there.
Auspicious Lane was somewhat secluded, yet plenty of people came and went.
Before Meng Yuan had even stepped into the lane, he saw a woman in her forties or fifties leaning against the wall at its entrance, smiling at him.
Even the white powder on her face could not conceal its pockmarks. Her clothes hung loosely on her, and a flower was tucked beside her ear.
"Young man, come here. Auntie wants a word with you." The woman spoke as though they were familiar, smiling warmly.
"Me?" Meng Yuan did not understand and could only point at himself.
"Who else