Chapter Six: Changing Course

Of course Lin Miaomiao knew that Hei Qi and Li Yanhe understood the subtext of her words; they were simply too anxious, the urgency of time making them overlook such minor details.

Upon hearing her, Li Yanhe immediately altered their course of action, turning with An Qi toward the nearest town.

What Lin Miaomiao did not know was that, after their departure, a group of people arrived at the spot where they had rested. They examined the footprints to determine the direction the trio had gone.

So this group set off, but because Li Yanhe and An Qi had deliberately misled their pursuers with a false trail before doubling back to change direction, the first group was led astray.

As the first group pressed on, a second and third wave arrived—black-clad figures, all carefully examining the tracks left by Li Yanhe and An Qi, relentlessly hunting them down.

There were few roads to Daankou, making it easy to discern the route Li Yanhe had taken, and the black-clad pursuers moved swiftly ahead.

Li Yanhe led Lin Miaomiao and An Qi into a bustling small town, untouched by the ravages of war.

At once, Lin Miaomiao was assailed by the tempting aromas of food: there were vendors hawking buns, steamed bread, wontons, and all manner of street snacks. She sniffed the air, and her stomach, betraying her, rumbled audibly.

Indeed, after traveling nonstop for a day and a night, Lin Miaomiao was finally hungry. Yet their only valuables were those salted duck eggs and goose eggs they’d brought along.

She glanced at her two companions and then turned to Li Yanhe. “Let’s sell these duck and goose eggs and buy ourselves something to eat.”

Li Yanhe looked at her and said, “No one eats duck eggs or goose eggs around here. They’re not considered a delicacy, so…”

He did not finish his sentence, but Lin Miaomiao understood at once—since people didn’t eat duck or goose eggs, they wouldn’t fetch much of a price.

She sighed and said, “Let’s just give it a try. Even if we only make a few coins, at least we’ll have something to eat.”

She began to lay out the duck and goose eggs. Thankfully, none of An Qi’s eggs had spoiled, which came as a relief.

She counted them: sixty duck eggs, thirty goose eggs, and thirty chicken eggs. From Li Yanhe’s earlier words, she realized that people in this era didn’t know how to eat goose or duck eggs, and thus wouldn’t buy them.

Though this was common knowledge for everyone else, to Lin Miaomiao it spelled opportunity. She decided to take a chance.

In modern times, people often mixed chicken, duck, and goose eggs into dough to create delicious hand-pressed noodles.

Sitting by the roadside, Lin Miaomiao began to call out, “Dear neighbors, don’t miss your chance as you pass by! Duck eggs and goose eggs at rock-bottom prices! Two duck eggs for a coin, one goose egg for a coin, two chicken eggs for a cent—buy more for a better deal! Don’t miss out!”

Her clear, childish voice rang out through the market. Li Yanhe and An Qi, having never done such a thing before, stood silently on either side, serving as her backdrop.

Unused to this sort of commotion, Li Yanhe whispered to her, “When customers come, just collect the money.”

Then she turned to An Qi: “You keep watch. Make sure no one tries to jostle us and break the eggs.”

The novelty of her cry drew attention, especially from women shopping for vegetables. Soon a crowd gathered.

It is ever thus: where there is a bargain, people come to look. The women were curious about Lin Miaomiao, this fresh-faced girl whose rosy lips and white teeth made her instantly likable.

They crowded around, asking, “Little girl, how much are your eggs? We didn’t quite catch what you said.”

Lin Miaomiao smiled, “Sisters, duck eggs are two for a coin, goose eggs one for a coin, chicken eggs one for a coin. Buy more for a discount!”

Cheerfully, she continued, “My prices are fair. Though duck and goose eggs may have a stronger flavor, add them to flour and make noodles, and you’ll find a new taste—perfect for treating guests without losing face.”

She handed a goose egg to one of the women. “Sisters, you can tell at a glance you’re good homemakers. Buy some goose eggs to treat your husbands—they’ll be delighted.”

“And these duck, goose, and chicken eggs are precious, packed with nutrition. Sisters, why not try something new?”

Her nimble tongue worked its magic. Women, unable to resist a child’s charm, and even a few elders began to select eggs. Soon, it was time to tally up the sales.

“Hey, little girl, I’ll take five duck eggs. How much is that?” a young woman in her thirties asked, placing five duck eggs in her basket.

Lin Miaomiao glanced at her and smiled, “Sister, you have such a kind face. Four coins will do—the extra one is a little gift for good luck.”

Her clear, sweet voice and pleasant words delighted the buyer, who promptly added two goose eggs to her basket. “And I’ll take two goose eggs as well.”

“Certainly, sister. That’s seven coins altogether, but since I want to wish you good fortune, just give me six coins. May your household flourish in harmony.”

The woman, thoroughly pleased, handed over six coins and asked, “Little girl, how did you say to cook these duck and goose eggs?”

Lin Miaomiao replied with a smile, “Though duck and goose eggs are a bit stronger in flavor, add them to flour and press them into noodles—the taste is not only fragrant but also different from plain noodles, truly a delicacy.”

The woman nodded, laughter in her eyes. “Very well, little girl. I’ll have my husband try them. If he likes them, I’ll come back for more.”