I trade in both worlds

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of Shuimen Street. After Xu Ziqing and Li Wan'er got off the carriage, they saw a wide waterway in front of them. On both sides of the waterway, there were many shops, which were very lively.

Many merchants from foreign countries gathered here. They brought with them the specialty products of their respective countries, making the entire Shuimen Street full of exotic atmosphere.

"Xiaoqing, this is Shuimen Street." Li Wan'er pointed to the shops on both sides of the waterway and introduced: "Look, there are all kinds of foreign languages written on the signs of those shops, some of which I recognize. For example, the 'Persian Gem Shop', you can tell at a glance that it is a shop selling Persian gems."

Xu Ziqing looked around curiously, however, as it was still early, many shops on the street were not open yet.

"Sister Li, it seems we came too early. Many shops are not open yet." Xu Ziqing said somewhat disappointedly.

"Don't worry, let's go have breakfast first. The store should be open when we come back after breakfast." Li Wan'er suggested, "Today, I'll take you to try a special breakfast near Shuimen Street. I guarantee that you will have an unforgettable experience."

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of an antique restaurant. After Li Wan'er handed the carriage to the waiter, she took Xu Ziqing into the restaurant.

Inside the restaurant, the aroma filled the air, and there was a dazzling array of breakfasts. Li Wan'er skillfully ordered a few special snacks, and the two found a seat by the window and sat down.

"Xiaoqing, try this. It's a specialty snack in our capital - soup dumplings. The skin is thin, the filling is tender, and the soup is delicious." Li Wan'er recommended enthusiastically.

Xu Ziqing took the soup dumpling and took a bite. Her mouth was immediately filled with fragrance. She nodded and praised: "It really lives up to its reputation. It's so delicious."

After breakfast, Xu Ziqing paid some money and left the carriage parked in the restaurant, and then they began their shopping trip on Watergate Street.

At this time, the shops on the street have opened for business one after another.

There were all kinds of shops on Shuimen Street, from silk shops to spice shops to jewelry stores, all of which attracted Xu Ziqing's attention.

They first came to a shop selling exotic spices.

Inside the store, there is a wide variety of spices, from common cloves and cinnamon to rare ambergris and myrrh, all of which exude an alluring aroma.

"Xiaoqing, do you want to buy some spices?" Li Wan'er asked when she saw Xu Ziqing was curious about the spices.

Xu Ziqing shook his head: "No, I'm just curious and want to see where these spices come from.

Li Waner explained: "These spices come from all over the world, some from the Western Regions, some from Southeast Asia, and some from even more distant countries, such as Persia."

After leaving the spice shop, the two came to a shop selling exotic clothing. Inside the shop, there were all kinds of clothing, from colorful fabrics to unique headdresses and accessories, all of which showed the exotic culture.

The two were talking as they walked, when suddenly, a gorgeously decorated shop came into view. Above the door lintel hung a banner with Persian patterns embroidered with gold thread, swaying gently in the wind.

"Sister Li, look at that shop, it seems to sell gems." Xu Ziqing pointed at the shop, with curiosity and excitement flashing in his eyes.

Li Wan'er smiled slightly: "Then let's go in and take a look."

The two walked into the store and saw all kinds of gems sparkling under the lights. Rubies were like fire, emeralds were like jade, diamonds were sparkling, and there were also gems of other colors. The dazzling array was dazzling.

"Ladies, welcome." A gentle voice came. Xu Ziqing looked up and saw a couple in Persian costumes walking towards them with a smile.

"Hello, I am the owner of this shop, my name is Ali and this is my wife Shana." The Persian man Ali introduced himself.

"Hello." Xu Ziqing responded politely.

Shana smiled and said, "Ladies, the gems here are all shipped from Persia. Each one is a fine piece. Do you have any favorites?"

Xu Ziqing nodded at her, then carefully looked at the gems in the store, secretly amazed. She had never seen such a wide variety of gems with such bright colors.

The rubies are as hot as fire, the emeralds are as fresh as leaves, the diamonds are sparkling with dazzling light, and the turquoise, red agate, red garnet, emerald, etc. are also unique and beautiful.

These gemstones have been cut, polished and gleamed to their full glory, but have not yet been set in any jewellery, which only serves to emphasise their pristine charm.

"These gems are so beautiful." Xu Ziqing exclaimed.

Shana introduced with a smile: "These gemstones are carefully selected, cut, polished and polished by our best Persian craftsmen. Although they have not been set into any jewelry, each of them has its unique charm and value."

Xu Ziqing nodded and began to carefully select gems.

She was first attracted by a ruby. The ruby was about the size of a pigeon egg, bright in color, like a burning flame, with rich and even color.

She picked up the ruby and looked carefully at its cut surface and glossiness, but unfortunately she didn't understand much and couldn't figure out what it was.

"Shana, is this a ruby?" Xu Ziqing asked.

Shana smiled and nodded: "This is a ruby. The color of the ruby is bright and rich, and the cut surface is smooth and even, which can reflect dazzling light. Moreover, the origin of this ruby is a famous mining area in Persia. It is of high quality and very precious."

Xu Ziqing held up the ruby and looked towards the sunlight; the color appeared even brighter.

She didn't know if it was the right way to check it, but she had to pretend.

"Shana, how much is this ruby?" Xu Ziqing asked, putting down the ruby.

Shana took a look and smiled, "My lady, you have a good eye. This ruby is of top quality and will cost at least four hundred and fifty taels. However, if you really like it, I can give you a preferential price."

Xu Ziqing nodded, put the ruby back to its original place, and began to look for other gems that he liked.

Her eyes fell on a sapphire, about the size of a thumb, and a deep, dark blue in color.

"This sapphire is also beautiful." Xu Ziqing said.

Shana smiled and said, "This sapphire is also produced in Persia. Its color is in sharp contrast with the ruby, but it also has a unique charm. In Persia, it is one of the favorite gems of many royal nobles."

Under Shana's guidance, Xu Ziqing began to carefully select gemstones. Shana patiently explained to her the characteristics of each gemstone and how to select it.