After scowering the village for an hour, Susu eventually found a herbalist, funny enough from everyone’s recommendation.

When Susu approached the stall, she was confused. The woman didn’t sell herbs out right, but wooden toys. It confused her, but she wore her best smile, despite wearing her veil.

“Are you Tou Rong…the Herbalist?” Susu asked.

“I am.” Tou Rong answer, filing down a piece of wood in her hand. As Susu’s eyes wandered at the two rows of wooden toys.

The first row was dolls for girls and based on the horse hair used for hair, she could tell how skill she was, as she couldn’t see the nail keeping the hair in one place.

The elevated second row, was filled with Martial Warriors and Soldiers alike, Susu even think she saw someone she knew. “This is Qiang Wei…isn’t it?” Susu asked.

Tou Rong stopped filing and looked up at Susu, discernment written across her face. “Interesting, what makes you say that?”

“The spear and pose. I’ve fought against Qiang Wei; The Iron Spear,” Susu said

“You must be an amazing Martial Artist to be able to fight against The Iron Spear”

“Hardly, I lost in three moves.” Susu Lied, “Qiang Wei is one of the best fighters from the The Crimson Orchid Sect”

“May I know my lady’s name?”

“Tan Ran,” Susu lied.

“I’ve never heard of that name,” Tou Rong answered, placing her file on the stall. “Would my lady pose for me, I can sculpt the next wooden toy based on you?”

“I am no one Ms. Rong, so don’t waste your wood on me.”

“It—“ Tou Rong tried to say, but was cut off by Susu.

“I’m looking for versen seeds and uoni plums.” Susu said firmly.

“I see, give me one moment.”

As Tou Rong began looking for versen seeds and uoni plums. Her mind wandered back to three years ago when the Grand Martial Arts Tournaments took place.

In truth, she defeated Qiang Wei in eight moves, something people weren’t expecting. Then, she went on to defeat Hong Quan, The heir-apparent of the Heavy Sword Sect.

She still remembered the buzz around the stadium, The heir-apparent losing to a Sectless Parsonian? Oh, how that infuriated their Grand Master Shuang Peng.

In all the years of the Grand Martial Arts Tournament, a sectless Parsonian defeated a student from one of the Three Pillars of the Jianghu.

In truth, it wasn’t unheard of for the Pillars to be defeated in such a fashion, but eight moves? Now, that was a sight to see.

To Susu, seeing Hong Quan stirring in silent fierceness, was laughable. As he, was a bully. A bully that got what he deserved, She thought.

Susu would be lying to herself, if she wasn’t proud in the fashion and speed that she defeated the heir-apparent. That was her moment, but as Shi Qiu broke his marriage proposal to her…everything changed for Susu and not for the better either.

“Have you seen Susu, Scorpion Maiden?” Tou Rong asked, as she sat down sifting through her sacks, looking for the versen seeds and uomi plums.

“I have seen her in battle.”

“I’ve heard that she defeated Qiang Wei in sixteen moves.”

“Eight.

“My apologies, eight moves. Is it true she’s a Parsonian? I heard that why she wears a viel.”

“I don’t know, I’ve never seen her face.”

“Ahh…ok, if you don’t mind me asking Lady Ran, where are you from, you’re accent doesn’t sound like you’re from Anqing.”

“I’m from Longyan,” Susu said with a smile.

“Longyan? Your accent doesn’t speak sound like you’re from Longyan…”

“Because I grew up in Fuzhou.”

“Fuzhou? You’re quite far aren’t you.”

“Indeed” Susu said with a light laugh. “My husband wanted to experience the Anqing Wine Festival so we travelled here.”

“You and everyone here my dear, you and everyone here.”

Susu’s eyes to one of the figurines, one she knew instantly. “This is Yan Fan…isn’t it?” Susu asked, changing the topic.

“Yes, that’s Fan the Fearless!”

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“This…is well made.” Susu said calmly.

“I try my best Lady Ran,” Tou Rong said with a laugh, “If you fancy Fan the Fearless, that’ll be five copper ”

“Five coppers? that’s a bit isn’t it? If I were to be interested in buying two. How much would that be?”

“Eight coppers coins.”

Hmm…I see Susu thought. She pulled three copper coins from her pouch. She dropped two into her pan and flashed her best-veiled smile.

“two copper coins for Fan the Fearless.

“I said fi—“

Then, Susu dropped eight more copper coins into the pan. “And I would like the remainder of your uoni plums and versen seeds.”

“Three copper coins for Fan the Fearless and fifteen copper coins for the versen seeds and uoni plums.”

“No. I still need to buy goods for my journey to Longyan”

“…and I need to be paid for my work.”

“Fine…what are the price of the versen seeds and uoni plums without the wooden toy?”

“nine copper coins.” The herbalist said firmly.

“I’m surprised you haven’t charged three silver coins!”

“Look around Lady, does anyone here seem to be able to afford one silver coin? I’m just a woman trying to make a living, I’m not a thief!” Tou Ran snapped.

Susu harrumphed and nodded, pursing her lips as she did so. She couldn’t disagree with the herbalist’s words, but the craftsmanship of the model was lacking. It was decent, but not worth the copper coins!

“I know you’re just trying to make a living Sister, but I still need to eat after I leave this village.”

“So do I, Sister, I have five children to feed!”

“...and I have a daughter of my own!” Susu snapped.

The rustling leaves swished across the mud pavement, bristling slightly. Susu’s lips were drawn to a line, but she wasn’t angry, she, however, was annoyed. There wasn’t a reason to be, she understood the herbalist’s plight, but she had her predicament.

“I can’t afford nine copper coins. For just seeds and plums.”

The herbalists sat back down on her stool and began contemplating. Susu could see the windmill spinning within her mind. “What reason do you need plums and seeds?” She asked, after thirty seconds of silence.

“I can only produce milk twice a week. I was told by an Old Nan that Uoni Plums can provide nutritional sustenance for my daughter during that period. She also mentioned that versen seeds can preserve the milk for an extended period, at least till we make it to Longyan.”

“I see…I’m not surprised you can’t produce milk with those teats. It doesn’t help with how haughty you are…either,” Tou Rong spat, laughing at the size of Susu’s teats.

Susu’s cheeks flushed red instantly, but thanks to her veil Tou Rong couldn’t see her shame.

I'm not that small! Susu thought, touching her breast unconsciously.

The herbalist’s lips curled into a teasing smile, then she shook her head. “Eight copper coins for the seeds and plums. Six copper coins for the figurine.”

Tou Rong pulled a draw from her stall, fishing her hand into it. Then, she picked up an empty box by her feet. She sprinkled purple seeds which were highlighted yellow in one section of the box. “I only have four uoni plums left, if you can wait a week, you can get six more. ”She said pulling a drawer to her right.

The herbalist dropped the faint orange coloured plums into the second compartment of the box and handed them over to Susu who eyed her confused. “Three copper coins for the figurine.”

“The negotiation has ended. If you want to leave the figurine, it’s OK My dear Longyanian, but I’m not selling it for dirt cheap. Make a decision.”

Susu violently dished into her purses, pulling ten copper coins free. The pan dinged angrily as if she’d slammed them down with her fingertips.

“Thank You.” The Herbalists with a mocking bow, “NOW, I have some advice for you. Don’t worry it’s not related to your attitude, but it’s related to your daughter’s safety.”

Susu bit her lip in frustration, feeling as though she’d paid a fortune. She didn’t, but she knew what she paid in a small village like this. Normally though, she’d wiggle and haggle her way at any merchant she came across.

Now that she had a child with her, and no milk to feed her. She had to bite the bullet and hoped the milk didn’t spoil on their way to Longyan. On top of that, they were late in reaching their Master’s, so time truly was of the essence. “What about my daughter’s safety?” Susu asked stupefied.

Susu’s hand unconsciously slid into her purse. Frustration painted itself across her face, as she knitted her brows, feeling missing copper coins her purse once held. “You’re with your husband?” To Rong asked.

“Yes...” Susu answered. “Why are you asking all these questions?”

“Because Bandits have been roving between Anqing and Longyan. If you’re travelling alone with your child and Husband, you are likely to die. It’d be best if you stayed in the village for a few weeks.”

“A few weeks? I think we’ll be fine. I saw some Imperial Guards at the tavern around the corner.”

“Imperial Guards? what are you talking about?” Tou Rong said, faced puzzled.

“Imperial Gaurds have commandeered the Yellow and White Mist tavern”

“That’s….that’s GOOD NEWS! The village chief’s petition finally reached the right authorities. We’ve been sending petitions to Governors of Longyan and Anqing asking for help.”

“Wait…the village hasn’t been looted?”

“It hasn’t…and before you say anything. Our Chief has investigated everything all of us, Thoroughly.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything Sister, but don’t you find this weird?”

“Of course I find Bandits roaming around the village weird, but what am I to do? I am but a simple wood carver hoping to make ends meet when passersby such as yourself require sustenance.”

The words of the herbalists hit Susu in her heart, making her contemplate how she reacted earlier. She was short, snappy and somewhat rude, all because she couldn’t get the versen seeds, uoni plums and figurine at the price she desired.

On the other hand, the herbalists, who took up another profession as a craftsman to provide for their families were being shorted by her.

Yet I dare to call myself a hero, Susu thought bitterly. Master would be disappointed with me. I’ve shamed him with my behavior…I must apologise.”

“Sister…” Susu said softly. “I want to apologise for how I’ve acted. It was uncalled for.”

A light chuckle danced in the air, startling Susu. The herbalist turned to her, smiling gently. “It’s quite alright Sister, If I had trouble nursing my brats, my moods would always be lit a fire. You take care of your young one and I’ll see you in a few days, alright?”

“Thank you, Sister,” Susu said, clasping her hands with a slight bow. She picked up a box of versen seeds, uoni plums and jugs of milk and left, leaving the herbalist to her crafting.

The sun had finally risen above the dawn, taking flight in the sky. It was still early in the morning, but at least the chickens had stopped croaking.

The people of Yellow Orchid village murmured, cursed, sang, and cheered. They did everything that made the village life, but for some reason…it didn’t affect Susu.

She had finished her shopping for the long trip to Longyan. It would take them roughly forty-five days by foot, twenty if Zhao Xing and her used their Qinggong.

The journey no doubt would be long, but walking around the Huaxia was always dangerous, but not too dangerous for her. However, a new in the form of the child was beginning to daunt her. How in Boddshivta’s life would be she feed the baby on her way to Longyan. No…how the hell am I supposed to feed her, for the rest of her life?

These thoughts cross her mind with each step she made, but nothing came to mind, so she did the only thing she thought best, head back to Xing so that they could leave.