All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 17: Selling Abalone

Along the way, they chatted and laughed, with Xu Lingyue’s autumn-like eyes glimmering softly. A gentle smile graced her exquisitely sculpted face.

Today, she wore a light green robe adorned with entwined floral vines blossoming at the sleeves and collar, giving her an ethereal grace.

Xu Qian glanced at the passersby and had an idea. He spoke up, “I’ve suddenly thought of a way to make money. If we could redesign women’s clothing a bit, what do you think?”

Lin Qiye immediately understood what Xu Qian meant — it must be something like revealing designs, black silk, suspenders, or lingerie.

“The idea is good, but it may not suit the present mindset. Women now hold a sense of modesty; it’s not like those eras when morals were looser.”

“Except for the brothel women, of course. After all, women of that time weren’t much different from today’s courtesans.”

Lin Qiye knew the clothing style would be visually appealing, but one could not ignore that women of ancient times held conservative values.

Xu Qian nodded, acknowledging the truth that women then were indeed not much different from today’s courtesans — perhaps even less self-respecting.

Xu Lingyue, holding her sister’s hand, listened to their conversation and felt a wave of disdain. Clearly, they had no proper ideas.

“Sugared hawthorn! Sugared hawthorn!” Xu Lingyin excitedly pointed at a hawker selling the candied treats by the roadside.

Xu Lingyue promptly refused, “Your teeth will be ruined.”

Lin Qiye, noticing this, quickly interjected, “Eating it occasionally won’t hurt. Shopkeeper, four sticks of candied hawthorn, please!”

Hearing the call, the hawker swiftly brought over four sticks, handing one to each person.

Xu Lingyue gracefully accepted hers and gently thanked Lin Qiye, “Thank you, Brother Lin.”

She took a bite, savouring the sweet taste. Her large eyes curved like crescent moons, a sight that could captivate any man.

With their candied treats in hand, Xu Lingyue and Xu Lingyin walked ahead, their steps light and cheerful.

Xu Qian followed from behind, admiring Xu Lingyue’s tall, graceful figure — the youthful charm and elegance of a maiden.

Youth truly is a blessing. Xu Lingyue, his younger cousin, was indeed quite beautiful. If she were to end up with an outsider, it would feel somewhat unfortunate.

Lin Qiye, despite his roguish tendencies, was at least someone reliable — a man of integrity.

As the saying goes, ‘Don’t let fertile water flow to outsiders’ fields.’ Lin Qiye had his merits, after all.

The four of them walked along the bustling street, glancing at the upper floors of the shops, where charming women leaned lazily by the windows. Xu Qian couldn’t help but recite:

“In my youth, dressed in a light robe, riding by the slanting bridge, greeted by the fluttering sleeves of red!”

Lin Qiye chuckled softly. “Listening to songs in the pleasure quarters — it’s just a form of entertainment, isn’t it?”

Xu Lingyue, sensing their mischievous intent, muttered, “Can’t you both have more respectable ambitions?”

Naturally, she disliked such places. Proper women would generally frown upon them.

Xu Lingyin, still holding her sister’s hand, gazed at the women above and innocently said, “Big Brother, those ladies up there are so beautiful!”

Without hesitation, Xu Qian replied, “They’re doing business, of course. If they don’t dress up, how will they attract customers?”

“What business?”

“Selling abalone.”

“Abalone?”

Xu Lingyin, unaware of the hidden meaning, assumed he referred to the seafood.

Lin Qiye, understanding Xu Qian’s jest, simply chuckled without further comment.

“Big Brother!” Xu Lingyue called out, her tone a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. She realised her brother’s words held no good intention.

Xu Qian glanced at her, a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes. Could she have caught on to his playful metaphor?

“Fish meatballs! Get your fresh fish meatballs!”

“Big Brother, I want some!”

“Such a glutton!”

“Don’t ask me; I have no money.”

“Brother Lin!”

“Alright, let’s eat! Shopkeeper, four servings, please!”

“Certainly! Please wait a moment.”

Even Xu Lingyue, who usually maintained restraint, couldn’t help but secretly swallow her saliva. Despite their modest living, good food still held its appeal.

While Xu Qian and Lin Qiye queued for the fish meatballs, Xu Lingyue and Xu Lingyin waited outside.

As they waited, a group of four or five men surrounded Xu Lingyue, teasing her until she was on the verge of tears.

Seeing her distressed expression only fuelled their amusement, their laughter growing louder.

Nearby, a young nobleman on horseback watched with a mocking grin, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Frightened by the crowd, Xu Lingyin burst into tears.

“Such a nuisance!” The nobleman raised his whip, preparing to strike the sisters.

Before the whip could land, Lin Qiye and Xu Qian rushed forward. Lin Qiye’s swift hand caught the whip in mid-air.

“Are you looking for trouble?” The nobleman, enraged, tried to pull back his whip, but Lin Qiye held it firmly.

With a sudden jerk, Lin Qiye released the whip, causing the nobleman to fall off his horse.

His attendants hurriedly gathered around to help him up, their faces filled with panic.

“Are you alright, Young Master?”

The nobleman glared at Lin Qiye, his eyes blazing with fury.

“If that whip had landed on her, I assure you, your head would no longer be on your shoulders,” Lin Qiye declared coldly.

Furious, the nobleman shouted, “How dare you pull me off my horse! You’re dead meat!”

“Seize them! If you care so much about those girls, I’ll have my way with them before your eyes!”

Xu Qian and Lin Qiye instantly realised the situation’s gravity — this was no mere accident but a deliberate provocation.

“In broad daylight, you dare harass a woman? By whose authority?” Lin Qiye questioned. “Might I know your name and your family’s standing?”

The man was Zhou Li, the son of a senior official in the Ministry of Revenue — a man accustomed to wielding power and privilege.

Xu Qian stepped forward, his expression firm. “I am Xu Qian, the nephew of Xu Pingzhi, a Hundred-Household Officer of the Imperial Guard. These two are my sisters. How have we wronged you?”