If there were anything that was popular in Ning An town recently, the answer would be food and clothing. It was common for people to ask whether they had eaten in terms of greeting.
Now they would ask, "Have you eaten there today?"
The answer would vary. Some would say. "Yes. My family went to line up early in the morning and finally got a spot." Others might say, "I was late today and didn't manage to get in. Damn it. I'll definitely go early tomorrow and line up."
Or, someone would ask, "did you buy it today?"
Some would answer, "No. There were only two sets on sale. I spent all night waiting. When I went over, there was already a crowd. My young miss was so mad since I failed to get her the dress."
"Sigh, my master is still the same. He made me stand guard there every day."
The people answering were mainly the servants and maids of the large families.
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