The Northern Song Dynasty returned south, seeking the truth of the Dao.

The surrounding diners couldn't help but turn to look at Wang Zhenhuan upon hearing his words. An elderly man sitting at the same table even smiled and said to him, "Young Taoist priest, you're not a local, are you?"

"This kind person has a keen eye. I am indeed not a local. I have only been in Xiayi for a short time," Wang Zhenhuan replied.

Upon hearing his words, the old man nodded and said with a smile, "In that case, young Taoist priest, you've found a treasure! Zhang Ji's tofu pudding is famous throughout our entire Xiayi."

"What the kind man said is absolutely right, this tofu pudding is truly delicious. I just wonder who can make such delicious tofu pudding. I really wish to pay them a visit." Wang Huanzhen couldn't resist taking another spoonful and putting it in his mouth.

"It's far away, yet right before your eyes. Look, it's right here in the shop." The old man raised his head, gesturing for Wang Zhenhuan to look into the shop.

Wang Zhenhuan followed his gaze and, sure enough, in the small shop, a woman dressed in hemp clothing was intently serving tofu pudding. Wang Zhenhuan looked closer and, sure enough, it was her.

It was the mother of the woman who had fallen into the water that day. If nothing unexpected happened, she should be Widow Zhang herself. Having learned from the previous experience, this time Wang Zhen only glanced at her, confirmed her identity, and then turned away.

When he turned back again, the old man was already carrying a sack and walking out of town. Wang Zhen watched his departing figure disappear into the crowd.

He frowned, then lowered his head and ate the tofu pudding in his bowl in small bites. He wondered if he had just seen wrong, but the old man seemed to have a faint aura of yin energy clinging to him.

The yin energy was very faint, almost invisible. It shouldn't have been carried by him personally, otherwise Wang Zhen would have noticed it much earlier when they were at the same table. It wasn't until he left, when his back was exposed, that it became apparent.

Wang Zhen then noticed something strange about the old man's back. He scooped up a spoonful of tofu pudding, not thinking much of it. Perhaps someone in his family had recently passed away, hence the lingering eeriness.

Such things are rare, but not uncommon either. So Wang Zhenhuan only pondered it briefly and didn't take it to heart. And so, he spent a full half hour drinking a bowl of tofu pudding the size of his palm.

The young girl acting as the waitress didn't come over to urge him on. On the contrary, every time she accidentally bumped into Wang Zhenhuan, she would nod to him. This continued until most of the customers had left the shop.

Wang Huanzhen's bowl was empty. He got up, took out two copper coins from his sleeve, and held them in his hand. Then he turned around, went into the shop, handed the coins to the woman, and said with a smile.

"Shopkeeper, this tofu pudding truly lives up to its reputation. I couldn't put the spoon down after just one bite. No wonder the shop is so popular."

"Young Taoist priest, you're too kind. It's all thanks to the kindness of our neighbors. I'm just a woman, barely managing to make ends meet with this little shop," the woman said with a smile after taking the copper coin.

Seeing the woman's humble manner and manner of speaking, which was unlike that of an ordinary person, Wang Zhenhuan immediately made up his mind. The best way to get a smart person to do something was to be frank with them.

Only sincerity can prevent suspicion. So, after pondering for a moment, Wang Zhenhuan asked, "May I ask, sir, that you sell grain in your shop?"

Upon hearing Wang Zhenhuan's words, the woman nodded without hesitation and said, "That's true, but you're too late today, Daoist. The shop is sold out of grain. If you'd like to buy some, please come earlier tomorrow."

"That's not the case. I have a question for you. May I ask, sir, did the famous brewer in town, Old Sun, buy his grain from you? I'd like to inquire about buying some wine from him."

Wang Zhenhuan truthfully explained his purpose and thoughts, hoping to get a response from the woman. Upon hearing Wang Zhenhuan's question, Widow Zhang hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Indeed, as you said, that old man Sun has always bought his grain from me. However, since that incident, he has moved out of Xiayi, and naturally he has stopped brewing wine. If you go, you will probably make a wasted trip."

"It's alright. If we don't manage to buy any drinks, we can just consider it a visit to an old man," Wang Zhenhuan said with a smile. Women are generally more emotional, even the strongest women are no exception.

Upon hearing Wang Zhenhuan's words, the woman's gaze softened considerably. She stepped out from behind the stove, looked around, and picked up a piece of firewood that hadn't completely burned out from under the pot.

He then approached Wang Zhenhuan and drew a few lines on the ground. He then told Wang Zhenhuan where Old Sun was currently living. And, fearing Wang Zhenhuan might not understand, he even used the map he had drawn on the ground to explain further.

Wang Zhenhuan immediately felt a sense of goodwill towards this woman. She was sensible and understanding. Although her life had been filled with hardship, she was strong and self-respecting. Good people should be rewarded.

Thinking of this, Wang Zhenhuan took out a few copper coins from his pocket, channeled his spiritual energy into them, and then handed them to the woman. The woman hurriedly waved her hand and refused, saying it was a small matter and she absolutely did not want it.

Left with no other choice, Wang Zhenhuan had to say, "Please have mercy, kind sir. This copper coin is not for asking for directions. It has been blessed by this humble Taoist priest and can ward off evil and bring good fortune if carried with you. Please accept it."

"Since that's the case, then I'll shamelessly accept it." Hearing Wang Zhenhuan's words, the woman finally took the copper coin. Wang Zhenhuan had blessed two coins in total, just enough for her and her daughter.

The woman clearly noticed this as well, and took out a handkerchief from her pocket, carefully placing a copper coin inside and wrapping it up. She handed the other one to the girl behind her.

He carefully placed the item close to her body before turning around. Looking at Wang Zhenhuan, he said, "Daoist, don't be anxious. That old Sun has a strange temper. He likes anyone he likes, but he doesn't care about those who are wealthy."

Although he's a winemaker, his best produce comes from the Huai River. I just bought two at the early morning market to give to him. I'd be grateful if you could take them with you, Taoist priest.”

Having said that, she scooped two carp from the basin of water beside the stove. She simply tied them with straw rope and handed them to Wang Zhenhuan. Wang Zhenhuan, seeing how thoughtful she was, couldn't help but admire her inwardly.

The woman, seeing that he was empty-handed and fearing that what he brought might displease Old Sun, simply gave Wang Zhenhuan the river carp she had bought for herself. Although this was just a small detail, it was enough to show how meticulous and thoughtful the woman was.

This time, Wang Zhenhuan didn't stand on ceremony. He took the still struggling carp, smiled, and nodded to it, saying, "This humble Taoist would be impolite to refuse. Thank you, kind sir." Then he turned to leave.

Seeing that Wang Zhen truly understood her meaning, the woman smiled and nodded, then called out loudly from behind, "It's me who's troubling you, Daoist Master. Please come and have some tofu pudding another day!"

"That's certainly how it should be..."