The daily struggles of divorced women in ancient times

Xia Mianwan thought about it and still felt a little worried, so she gave a few more instructions before she went out with a basket. Changlong Street was at its busiest time, and Xia Mianwan looked left and right, feeling very curious.

The people of Dachen are open-minded and there are not many restrictions on women, especially in Yanzhou in the south of the Yangtze River. Because it is close to the wharf and has developed water transportation, the people here are more open-minded.

As a result, there are many shops on Changlong Street opened by women, or with female shopkeepers.

Xia Mianwan visited many shops in the evening and bought many things, including rouge and powder, ready-made clothes for Chen Ge'er and Yu Jie'er, pens, ink, paper and inkstone, as well as some small items like hair bands and hair ties.

Changlong Street is considered the city center. There are many kinds of shops on the street, both high-end and low-end. After a round of walking, Xia Mianwan had a general idea in her mind, and went to the pastry shop to buy some pastries. Xia Mianwan packed some braised food at the braised food shop and went back.

In addition to Changlong Street, Yanzhou City also has four main and bustling streets: Linshui Street, Henglu Street and Dongmen Old Street.

There is no need to rush, and Xia Mianwan plans to stroll around the rest of the streets later.

As soon as the door was opened, the two little kids heard Xia Mianwan's voice, climbed down from the couch, and ran over with their short legs.

"Mom, you're back!"

"Yes, mother is back and bought you a lot of gadgets and new clothes." Xia Mianwan placed the clothes and gadgets on the couch, and took out some pastries and handed them to the two little kids.

"Well, you guys eat something first. Mother will go to the kitchen to make something to eat." As she said that, Xia Mianwan took out a large box of milk from the space, poured three cups, and gave one cup to each person.

"Sister Xia, are you there?"

"Sister-in-law Chen, why are you here?" Xia Mianwan heard the voice and came out from the kitchen.

"Sister Xia, do you need to buy firewood? There are mountain people nearby who will deliver firewood every few days. It's cheaper than buying it on the street."

Xia Mianwan welcomed the Chen family into the main hall, handed them a glass of water and said, "Thank you, sister-in-law Chen, I want it."

Although the Chen family members were dressed rather simply, their eyes were very clear. Xia Mianwan felt that the Chen family members were decent people.

"Where is your daughter Susu?" Xia Mianwan asked when she saw someone from the Chen family coming over.

Chen Jia smiled cheerfully, "There are merchant ships arriving here today, and many merchants will stop to do business. My daughter and her sisters made some cakes and went to the dock to sell them."

Xia Mianwan heard this and asked, "Susu is so young, but she already knows how to do business?"

Chen Jia sighed and said, "My husband didn't leave me any property except this house. Susu has been sensible since she was young. She knows that life is not easy for us mother and daughter. She started to follow me to do odd jobs at different houses when she was very young. Fortunately, she is a little older now and has many ideas. I let her do what she wants. Every time she goes out with her sisters, she can earn dozens of coins."

Xia Mianwan patted her hands and said, "After all the hardship comes happiness. I guess this is why the eldest sister-in-law of the Chen family is so helpful to me!"

Xia Mianwan saw through Chen's surprise and said a little embarrassedly: "I was just thinking about myself..."

"I understand, Sister Chen. Oh, I do have something to ask."

"What's the matter?" Chen Jia asked in confusion.

"I am planning to open a shop in the front. I need to make a living. But I have two children at home, so I am naturally too busy to take care of them. I would like to ask you to help clean up the house and take care of my two children. Do you think I can pay you 500 coins a month?"

The Chen family didn't expect such a good thing to happen. They nodded happily and said, "Big sister, you pay me well. Don't worry, I am willing to do it!"

Xia Mianwan smiled and nodded, "Then I can start working at the beginning of the month, is that okay?"

"Okay!" Mrs. Chen responded readily.

After seeing the Chen family off, Xia Mianwan put away the things she had just bought from the street, lit a fire and started cooking rice.

There were braised food in the basket, and she had just bought some vegetables and tofu. Xia Mianwan thought about it and fried some vegetables and a plate of spicy tofu. After putting them on the table, she called the two children to come over for dinner.

Chen Ge'er and Yu Jie'er have always been very well behaved when eating, perhaps influenced by the days of exile. They think sleeping late in the summer is not a bad thing, so they don't think about changing.

After dinner, Xia Mianwan went to the Chen family again to ask if there was any school suitable for Brother Chen here.

The Chen family was very dedicated and agreed to help find out and tell Xia Mianwan when the time comes.

Day by day, the life is very fulfilling, busy and warm.

Xia Mianwan suddenly thought of Zhou Chengze again. They thought it was time for them to go to Yanzhou. However, she did not tell Zhou Chengze about coming to Yanzhou at that time. If there was a chance, she would definitely want to meet him.

Before going to bed, Xia Mianwan told the two children stories from the picture book as usual, and then fell asleep with them.

The night is deep.