After dividing the work, everyone started to get busy. Bai Ruozhu, however, was not in a hurry to start her tasks. Instead, she spent some time calming down Dengdeng before stepping outside and asking Wei San to accompany her to look for slave traders in Beiyu City.
Aunt Lin was getting old, and spinning thread was physically demanding for her. With increased workload, she needed an assistant to help with spinning and other household chores.
Wei San, who had been a carriage driver in Beiyu City for many years, knew a few slave traders' addresses. He recommended one to Bai Ruozhu, saying he heard that this trader was honest and forthright, always stating the exact condition of the slaves for sale.
Soon, Bai Ruozhu met Ge Yapo, the slave trader. She was not as obsequious as Bai Ruozhu had imagined. After sizing up Bai Ruozhu, she asked, "Are you looking to buy maids? How many? Any particular requirements?"