Chapter 101: Running Into the Xie Family Again
After leaving Datou at Jishi Hall, the trio of transmigrators switched into full shopping mode.
Wen Yao was especially fascinated by the little trinkets lining both sides of the street. With the New Year approaching, the streets were more crowded and the variety of goods had increased.
She bought pretty hair ornaments for Wen Ying and Wen Di, small gifts for Datou and Jin Xiuyi, and silver-plated hairpins for Li Shi and Cai Shi. Though only plated, the designs were lovely.
She wanted to buy a pair of small gold earrings for Luo Shi, but after browsing the jewelry shops she couldn’t find anything she liked. Then she remembered the simple gold ball studs she had once bought. Perfect for Luo Shi. After checking the price in her “space,” she quietly bought a pair and added them to the family gifts.
Seeing she had bought gifts for everyone except herself, Wen Xiuyi and Wen Jun asked, “Yao Yao, why not get something for yourself?”
What could she say—that the hair ornaments looked too old-fashioned? She shrugged. “I’ll buy something later. Cheap and delivered.”
They knew she could buy anything from her “space,” so they didn’t press further.
They visited a bookstore to buy brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for Datou, plus cheap sets for the Wen boys. That covered everything.
“What about Grandpa?” Wen Yao asked.
“I saw tobacco earlier. Buy him two jin—he’ll be thrilled,” Wen Xiuyi said.
Wen Jun frowned. “Smoking is harmful.”
“…Right, right. Then snacks instead,” Wen Xiuyi corrected.
Doctor Wen nodded in agreement.
They stopped by a general store for candy and snacks, then headed back with bags full of goods.
A carriage passed them on the road, forcing them aside. Moments later, it suddenly turned around and stopped in front of them.
Wen Yao muttered about the dangers of mixed traffic—just as the carriage halted.
A maid stepped out. She studied the trio, then approached and bowed slightly. “Miss Wen.”
Wen Yao blinked. She recognized the woman faintly.
“I serve the Xie family,” the maid explained. “We met when you visited the Xie residence.”
Ah, the Xie family. But hadn’t they been eager to distance themselves before? Why turn back just to greet her?
“What brings you here?” Wen Yao asked directly.
“My mistress sent me to invite you,” the maid said politely. “I went to Gutong Village, learned you were in town, and was about to return when I saw you here. Madam hopes you will come with me—she has something to ask of you.”
Wen Yao guessed immediately. “Is something wrong with Young Master Xie?”
The maid shook her head. “This time it’s the Old Madam.”
The lofty old matriarch? Wen Yao wasn’t thrilled—but she liked Madam Xie and trusted her character.
“Father, Brother, you go find Datou. I’ll see what this is about,” she said.
They were worried, but Wen Xiuyi said loudly, “We’ll wait at Jishi Hall with Doctor Jin and Shopkeeper Qiu,” making sure the maid heard.
Reassured, Wen Yao boarded the carriage.
On the way, she asked the reason. Surprisingly, the maid answered.
“The Old Madam has lost her appetite. The kitchen has tried everything. She barely eats a few bites. After hearing someone praise Miss Wen’s cooking, Madam sent me to invite you to try improving the Old Madam’s appetite.”
“…Ah.”
