Over the past two years, nowhere in Yun'an had changed more than Dyeing Street, now renamed Golden Hall Street.
The once-desolate, dilapidated old street had been completely transformed under the Pei Family's contracted renovations. Its prosperity now rivaled Paulownia Street, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. Had it boasted a few more houses of pleasure, it might have become a city that never slept, with music and singing lasting until dawn.
As the main street flourished, property prices in the surrounding residential neighborhoods naturally rose with the tide. Courtyards that once rented for two taels of silver a year were nowhere to be found, and the old, sparsely traveled alleys had gained considerably more everyday bustle.
Ping'er, who had spent nearly a year alone in the Capital City, had almost grown tired of browsing its shops. With Xiuhe away, she had no companion for her outings and had been terribly bored these past few months. Only after the Cult Leader arrived had her spirits revived, and she took the Cult Leader wandering around every day.
Xue Baijin preferred quiet and was not nearly as enthusiastic about the bustling city as Yunli. But with worries weighing on her mind, staying alone in her room inevitably led to wild thoughts, and she could not settle down to practice either. Lately, aside from going to Skywater Bridge for a look each day, she spent the rest of her time shopping to pass the hours.
At noon, inside the Fan Family's newly opened shop on Golden Hall Street.
Since it was lunchtime, few young wives or girls were browsing the shop. Ping'er, already well acquainted with the shopkeeper, stood before the counter, holding the latest style of skirt against herself.
"Miss would definitely look lovely in this skirt. I've