After Dressing Up As a Little Fulang

While An Yun was amazed, he also had another question. He asked curiously, “This lot is used as money here. What should we do if someone imitates this lot and tries to use it for spending?”

In the modern era of strict precautions, fraud couldn’t be avoided, not to mention that in this era, it was likely even easier.

Zang Ya didn’t answer; he simply took out a lottery ticket from the hand of the attendant holding the colourful lottery tickets behind him and handed it to An Yun for him to see.

At first, An Yun felt a little confused until Zang Ya noticed that he still didn’t seem to understand very well and pointed to one of the areas for him to see.

An Yun looked down and saw a pattern at the end of the sign, which resembled a dark auspicious cloud.

“This pattern is only changed one week before the annual gathering. It will basically not be leaked. Even if it is copied, it will just be a crude imitation. If it is recognized, it will be taken away for interrogation immediately.”

A bit of confusion remained in An Yun’s eyes. If someone recognized it and ran away, wouldn’t they be unable to catch him?

Zang Ya was very patient this time and pointed not far away. “Look to the side.”

An Yun looked in the direction of Zang Ya’s finger and saw a guard with a knife standing in an unnoticed corner, staring seriously at the crowd.

After spotting the guard, An Yun quickly thought of something. He glanced around again and soon discovered that there was a guard stationed every twenty meters. It was clear that these people were there to ensure the safety of the gathering.

An Yun couldn’t help but sigh. “Such a generous gesture is truly impressive. Is it really worth it for such an event?”

Zang Ya took the sign that An Yun had seen and handed it to the attendant behind him. After the attendant caught it, he explained to An Yun, “Any vendor who accepts the sign for consumption here will have one-twentieth of the money exchanged used as tax. In the coming year, these vendors can choose their stall location based on their ranking from the previous year, and they can also opt for a larger stall while offsetting part of the rental cost. We also provide uniform tableware. Of course, today’s festival has been publicized for a month to ensure that everyone knows what they should and shouldn’t know, which brings in more people.”

After hearing these words, An Yun looked at the crowds surging around him, calculated today’s consumption, and finally gasped, sighing sincerely, “The people who planned this event are truly amazing. I’m afraid I won’t be able to imagine how much money they’ll make tonight.”

Listening to An Yun’s exaggerated compliment, Zang Ya merely curled his lips slightly but said nothing.

After sighing, An Yun examined the bustle of each stall and suddenly remembered something. Such a large operation, capable of coordinating overall logistics and renting out venues, could likely only be managed with the help of officials.

And the official family here seemed to be the Zang family.

Wouldn’t that mean that most of the money today would flow into the Zang family’s pockets?

Not only the money from the stall owners, but the fees collected when entering the city would also amount to a significant sum, all of which would add up to considerable profit.

Looking at the people coming and going around him, there should be at least ten thousand attendees. It was a rare festival where people were willing to spend money, and An Yun couldn’t fathom just how much money would circulate today.

Thinking about this, he turned to Zang Ya and finally couldn’t help but ask, “Your family is the biggest ruler here, so all this money will eventually go into your family’s pocket?”

Zang Ya turned to look at An Yun, nodding slightly, his tone carrying a hint of approval. “An Yun is very smart.”

An Yun felt that Zang Ya’s words resembled the praise one might give a Persian cat for doing something right. He couldn’t help curling his lips, a bit displeased.

But Zang Ya took his hand and said, “Don’t be upset. Let’s go shopping quickly; otherwise, we might have to head back without even finishing the street.”

After considering Zang Ya’s words, An Yun realized he was right. He had finally come out for an outing, and if he didn’t enjoy himself, he would regret it when he returned.

An Yun had always been open-minded. After reflecting on it, he immediately displayed a big smile at Zang Ya and nodded vigorously. “Alright, let’s go play!”

Zang Ya looked at An Yun’s bright smile with deep eyes, feeling that An Yun was quite easy to coax. If he diverted An Yun’s attention and put something he liked in front of him, he would be happy. This approach could be useful next time.

Once An Yun set his goal to have fun, he no longer struggled with how the place was run. Instead, he looked around, observing the exciting things around him.

An Yun discovered that he might have misunderstood the ancients and even underestimated their wisdom.

The ancients might have been underdeveloped in terms of technology and quality, but the things they created for entertainment were no less than those of modern times. In fact, due to less external information, they racked their brains to come up with many unique snacks and entertainment options.

There were the usual treats like sugar-fried chestnuts, fried potatoes, sugar cakes, kebabs, and tofu. There were also wontons, glutinous rice balls, and fried noodles. Even after trying everything, he could fill his stomach after just one round.

All stalls with colourful flags priced their goods at one coloured sign or two black signs. One coloured sign was worth six cents.

After passing the sign, the vendor would throw it into a small box next to him and hand over the food, making the process convenient and fast.

Along the way, Zang Ya bought nearly everything An Yun showed interest in.

An Yun felt he didn’t have such a large appetite and wanted to refuse.

But Zang Ya didn’t listen to him, saying nonchalantly, “It doesn’t matter. There’s food on the left and right that won’t stick to your mouth. You can take a bite, and the rest can be taken back to share with everyone in the house. They will be very happy.”

Even if it was stained with saliva, the servants in the mansion would probably be happy to receive it.

Zang Ya sensed that An Yun might feel embarrassed if he said this but chose not to mention it.

Eventually, An Yun was convinced by Zang Ya.

During their continued exploration, An Yun tasted many things. The treats he had never been able to afford in his previous life and couldn’t bear to buy were now all available to him under Zang Ya’s guidance.

Zang Ya didn’t eat any of these things. He merely followed An Yun and watched him enjoy his food. Seeing An Yun’s happy expression improved his mood a little, and a faint smile appeared on his face.