Suppressing his thoughts, Jiang Huai headed toward the bathhouse.

The bathhouse had fewer people than Jiang Huai had imagined. Perhaps it was still early, not the usual time for bathing, or maybe, with winter approaching, the chilly weather made bathing risky. If they could avoid it, most people would rather not bathe at all.

If it weren’t for his own unbearable discomfort, Jiang Huai figured he wouldn’t have come either.

Glancing at the grime on his body, Jiang Huai asked one of the bathhouse workers for a bucket. Since he was so dirty, it was better to scrub himself first before soaking in the bath.

The worker glanced at Jiang Huai but said nothing, handing him a bucket before suggesting he buy some bath beans. Otherwise, it would be hard to wash off all that dirt.

Jiang Huai hadn’t thought of that. He asked the price of the bath beans but opted for the cheapest type made from soap pods, skipping the ones with “special effects.”

After hastily paying, Jiang Huai headed into the changing area. He tied up his hair to avoid getting it wet too soon, then undressed and carried the bucket into the bathing area.

The bathhouse wasn’t too cold because of the heated pool, but it was still chilly once his clothes were off. Not wanting to waste time, Jiang Huai quickly wet himself down and began scrubbing with the bath beans.

It took two buckets of water before Jiang Huai finally felt somewhat clean. Only then did he dare to step into the pool to soak.

Because he had come early, the pool water was still relatively clean. Jiang Huai sighed in relief. Even if the water had been dirty, he would’ve had to bathe anyway, though it would’ve made him uncomfortable.

Relaxing in the warm water, Jiang Huai savored the rare moment of peace. He exhaled deeply, feeling like this was the first time in a while that he could truly unwind.

However, Jiang Huai was well aware that this comfort wasn’t something he could enjoy on his own. It was thanks to Xiao Jingzhao’s money. If it weren’t for Xiao Jingzhao, Jiang Huai might still be stuck in the military camp. Even if General Wang had let him stay, it probably wouldn’t have been this easy.

His top priority now was earning money.

Fresh out of the camp, Jiang Huai had been pondering ways to make money. The young boy selling wool he had bumped into earlier gave him an idea.

In just a few days in Anyuan Prefecture, Jiang Huai had heard enough descriptions of the place to understand how bitterly cold it was. The need for warmth here was evident.

While he didn’t have the means to make other warm clothing, knitting sweaters and scarves from wool might be possible. If he could spin the wool into yarn, he could make sweaters, long johns, scarves, and the like.

Jiang Huai hadn’t properly knitted in years, but as a child, he had done it a few times with adults. Although he was rusty, the basic skills were still there.

Of course, it all depended on whether he could successfully spin the wool into yarn. Without that, everything else was pointless.

Trying to recall how to spin yarn, Jiang Huai dug deep into his memory. He had read many novels, including transmigration stories where some authors included detailed instructions for realism. Back then, readers joked about how these writers seemed determined to teach them how to spin yarn and knit sweaters. Now, Jiang Huai was grateful he hadn’t skipped over those sections out of boredom.

He even remembered going out of his way to read more about it out of curiosity. Though he had only skimmed through the information, bits of it still lingered in his memory.

Perhaps crossing into this world had strengthened his soul, as his modern memories were surprisingly clear. While not photographic, with effort, he could recall fragments of knowledge.

After racking his brain until it hurt, Jiang Huai finally pieced together the basic process of spinning yarn. Deciding he had thought enough for now, he set the idea aside to avoid further headaches.

While Jiang Huai was brainstorming ways to make money during his bath, Xiao Jingzhao was being surrounded by people elsewhere.

“Is this really the same outfit that man was wearing?”

“Authentic, no doubt about it! Look at the style, the color—it’s exactly the same.”

“But why does it look different now?”

“Well, clothes on a hanger and clothes on a person naturally look different. Imagine your husband wearing this—he’d look dashing!”

The shopkeeper had always known that a good model could enhance clothing sales, but now he had seen it firsthand.

Initially, after Jiang Huai left, the shopkeeper had regretted his impulsiveness, thinking he might have acted too rashly. But soon he realized the money had been well spent. With Xiao Jingzhao wearing the outfit and standing by the entrance, passersby couldn’t help but glance inside.

Those interested in buying clothes would take a second look, drawn by the way the winter attire looked on Xiao Jingzhao. The shopkeeper seized the opportunity to lure them in with enthusiastic pitches. Seeing how good the outfit looked on Xiao Jingzhao, many customers found themselves tempted.

The only drawback of the winter attire was its less-than-stylish design. Wealthier customers were put off by its appearance, while those willing to wear it couldn’t afford it. But with Xiao Jingzhao as a living advertisement, the perceived flaws seemed to vanish, and people only saw how sharp and spirited the outfit made him look.

Surrounded by chatter and noise, Xiao Jingzhao frowned slightly. He silently calculated the time, waiting for Jiang Huai to return.

After a few rounds of customers came and went, the shopkeeper was grinning from ear to ear. He had sold out the stock of winter outfits and even managed to sell a few extra items. In just a short while, he had made more than he usually did in an entire day. His eyes shone with warmth as he looked at Xiao Jingzhao.

Even knowing there was a cold face behind the mask, the shopkeeper didn’t mind. He even poured a pot of tea for Xiao Jingzhao to keep him entertained while he waited.

“My good brother, if you ever need clothes again, come to my shop! I’ll give you the best price—no tricks!” the shopkeeper said with a cheerful smile.

Xiao Jingzhao remained silent. The shopkeeper wasn’t expecting a response anyway; he just wanted Jiang Huai to hear this message.

After a while, Xiao Jingzhao spotted a familiar figure approaching. He immediately stood up to meet him.

The shopkeeper also noticed Jiang Huai but stayed behind to mind the store.

Quickening his pace, Xiao Jingzhao took the bundle of old clothes from Jiang Huai’s hands and positioned himself to shield Jiang Huai from the wind blowing in from the side.

Feeling the biting wind blocked off, Jiang Huai smiled at Xiao Jingzhao and leaned closer to him, taking advantage of his warmth.

Having just bathed, even with dry hair and thick clothes, Jiang Huai still felt the chill seep in with every gust of wind.

“Looks like you make a pretty good model, huh?” Jiang Huai mumbled, noticing the shopkeeper’s eager gaze in their direction.

“A lot of people came and bought clothes,” Xiao Jingzhao replied quietly.

Jiang Huai looked up, sensing a hint of pride mingled with grievance in Xiao Jingzhao’s tone. Was it his imagination? Beneath the mask, Xiao Jingzhao’s expression was hard to read, but his downcast eyes carried a sharp yet enigmatic glint.

“Just this once. Soon we’ll have money of our own,” Jiang Huai said, grabbing Xiao Jingzhao’s hand. His warmth was comforting after being indoors for so long. Jiang Huai didn’t hesitate to cling closer.

“Did you find some money?” Xiao Jingzhao blurted out.

It suddenly struck Jiang Huai that he could solve the financial problem by claiming he had “found” the money. It was a simple yet plausible excuse.

“Of course not. I’ve just thought of a way to make money,” Jiang Huai laughed. “If it works, we might even have enough for next year’s labor levy.”

A money-making idea?

Xiao Jingzhao wasn’t particularly interested in Jiang Huai’s business plans, but seeing Jiang Huai so happy about it, he chose to remain silent. Instead, he began considering how to subtly help Jiang Huai without making him feel indebted.

Returning the rented winter clothes and donning the warmer set Xiao Jingzhao had taken off, Jiang Huai felt enveloped in warmth.

Rejecting the shopkeeper’s plea to keep Xiao Jingzhao as a model for a while longer, Jiang Huai paid and prepared to leave. But before they went, he remembered the boy selling wool earlier. The boy’s patched-up coat and hand-me-down attire were clear signs of his family’s struggles.

If he was going to experiment with wool products, he’d need some raw material. It wouldn’t hurt to buy the wool directly from the boy, especially since the shopkeeper seemed to know the child.

Turning back, Jiang Huai asked, “Shopkeeper, do you know where that boy selling wool lives?”

The shopkeeper’s cheerful expression fell slightly. He assumed Jiang Huai was planning to buy wool for warmth and started to dissuade him. “Young master, don’t be fooled into thinking wool is as warm as sheepskin. Wool can make a decent mat but isn’t much for keeping warm.”

“Don’t worry, I just want to take a look. If it doesn’t work, I won’t buy it. I’m on a tight budget anyway,” Jiang Huai said with a smile.

The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment before sighing, then explained where the boy’s family lived.

Although eager to start earning money, Jiang Huai and Xiao Jingzhao knew they needed a stable place to live first. After days of searching, they settled on a house in the western part of the city.

Situated near the west gate, the location made it convenient for entering and leaving the city. Most importantly, the house had a spacious courtyard, perfect for Jiang Huai’s experiments.

The low rent was due to the house’s poor condition, having been damaged in a conflict. Several rooms were in ruins, and many nearby homes were also available for rent, driving prices down.

Jiang Huai learned that many original residents had fled due to raids by the barbarians. Those who remained were too poor to leave, so they stayed despite their fears.

While the low rent saved them money, the house itself was almost bare. Most of the usable furniture had been taken by the previous occupants, leaving behind a creaky bed and a few stools.

Opening the door to the empty house, Jiang Huai took a deep breath, ready to make a remark, but ended up choking on the dust.

“Cough, cough!” Jiang Huai quickly escaped outside, coughing repeatedly before finally calming down after a few breaths of fresh air.

“Here, drink some water,” Xiao Jingzhao offered, handing Jiang Huai a water flask. There was a faint smile in his eyes, clearly amused by Jiang Huai’s blunder.

After taking a sip, Jiang Huai felt the irritation in his throat ease.

“Good thing the weather’s nice today,” Jiang Huai said, glancing at the clear sky. It was probably the best weather since they had arrived in Anyuan Prefecture.

“Let’s clean up today,” Jiang Huai suggested. Seeing Xiao Jingzhao’s confusion, he explained, “We’ll give the place a thorough cleaning.”

But after surveying the large courtyard and their limited manpower, Jiang Huai reconsidered. “Actually, let’s just clean the rooms we’ll be staying in first. The rest can wait. Maybe the next rain will wash it clean for us.”

With that, the two of them—neither particularly skilled at cleaning—began sweeping, splashing water, and scrubbing. After much effort, they managed to clear some of the dust and make one room livable. They cleaned the bedframe, laid down a new straw mat, covered it with a sheet, and placed their blankets on top, creating a makeshift sleeping area for two.

Jiang Huai also inspected the kitchen. The built-in stove and cupboards were still intact, but everything else, even the firewood, had been taken. Only a few scattered twigs remained, likely deemed too insignificant to collect.

Gathering the leftover twigs, Jiang Huai estimated there was just enough to cook a single meal.

The thought of cooking made Jiang Huai’s mind wander to the delicious food he had once enjoyed. Adapting to the ancient world, the hardest thing for him to accept was the food.

During the exile journey, meals had improved somewhat after meeting Xiao Jingzhao, but they were still mostly dry rations or coarse grain porridge with wild vegetables. The occasional bit of pickled vegetables was a rare treat. Even the guards in charge didn’t eat much better.

After arriving in Anyuan Prefecture, the meals in the military camp were average at best. Now that they were free, they could eat slightly better, but the flavor still left much to be desired. Compared to modern cooking, both the preparation and seasoning were painfully crude.

Jiang Huai was determined to make some improvements now that he had the chance.

“Where did we put the salt we bought?” Jiang Huai asked as he rummaged through their belongings.

Knowing they would need essential supplies, Jiang Huai and Xiao Jingzhao had shopped for necessities before moving in. Salt was among the items purchased, though Jiang Huai couldn’t remember where they had stored it in the chaos of unpacking.

Xiao Jingzhao, however, had already anticipated this and brought out the salt, oil, and other essentials.

Seeing that Xiao Jingzhao had prepared everything, Jiang Huai couldn’t help but give him a thumbs-up. “You’re the best, Brother Wei!”

“What does that mean?” Xiao Jingzhao asked, curious about the gesture.

“It means you’re amazing, number one,” Jiang Huai said with a grin, wiggling his thumb. He reached for the salt.

“That’s all it takes to be amazing?” Xiao Jingzhao asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

“Of course! I was ready to tear the place apart looking for it, but you already had it ready. Such attention to detail is incredible,” Jiang Huai praised sincerely.

Xiao Jingzhao lowered his gaze, hiding his expression. Jiang Huai guessed he was blushing. Over the past few days, Jiang Huai had noticed that while Xiao Jingzhao was meticulous in his actions, he seemed unused to praise. A single compliment often left him visibly uncomfortable.

Jiang Huai suspected Xiao Jingzhao had faced constant criticism in the past. Not wanting to pry into personal matters, Jiang Huai decided to boost his confidence with positive reinforcement whenever possible.

Opening the salt package, Jiang Huai saw the coarse, gray-black chunks of salt. He dipped a finger in and tasted it—bitter and unpleasant, with a sharp, salty aftertaste.

Truly the cheapest salt, and truly awful.

Noticing Jiang Huai’s reaction, Xiao Jingzhao frowned slightly. He remembered how Jiang Huai had insisted on buying the cheapest salt, even though better options were available. At the time, Xiao Jingzhao hadn’t understood why. Now he suspected it was because Jiang Huai had never tasted such poor-quality salt before and didn’t know what to expect.

“Let’s not use this. I’ll buy better salt,” Xiao Jingzhao said, worried that Jiang Huai might ruin their meal with it.

“No need. I knew it’d be bad when I bought it,” Jiang Huai replied, stopping him.

Every chemistry student learned the process of purifying coarse salt in school. While some impurities couldn’t be removed, the process could eliminate enough to make the salt more palatable. Instead of spending extra money on high-quality salt, Jiang Huai figured it was more economical to purify the cheap salt himself.

However, purifying salt wasn’t a business idea he planned to pursue. The salt and iron industries were tightly controlled by the government, and selling private salt was punishable by death. While it might be an option of last resort, Jiang Huai already had wool as his starting point and didn’t want to risk crossing that dangerous line.

Purifying a small amount for personal use shouldn’t be a problem, though. The only downside was that the final step of evaporating the water required a lot of firewood, and they didn’t have enough. Jiang Huai urged Xiao Jingzhao to buy more firewood.

While Xiao Jingzhao was out, Jiang Huai filled a clay pot with water and added coarse salt until no more would dissolve.

This first attempt wouldn’t produce much refined salt, but it would be enough for cooking.

As the water turned from clear to cloudy, Jiang Huai rummaged through their belongings and retrieved a filter he had made during their journey.

The filter was a crude device, crafted from a thick bamboo tube. Layers of cloth, charcoal, fine sand, coarse sand, and small stones were packed inside, designed to filter impurities from water.

Initially, Jiang Huai hadn’t planned on making such a device. The water from streams had been clean enough, and boiling it was usually sufficient. But after a period of heavy rain, the water turned muddy, prompting Jiang Huai to create the filter.

Though it worked well, the filtration process was slow, so Jiang Huai rarely used it. Now, however, it was the perfect tool for purifying the saltwater.

Unaware of Jiang Huai’s plans, Xiao Jingzhao assumed he was simply being frugal. On his way back with firewood, Xiao Jingzhao stopped by a street vendor selling stuffed flatbreads. After some thought, he bought a few. If the meal turned out poorly, at least Jiang Huai would have something decent to eat. Tomorrow, he’d buy better salt.