Chapter 69: The Hustle and Bustle - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 69: The Hustle and Bustle

Fresh fruits, dried fruits, preserved meats, toiletries, and saddles were all being sold, no less bustling than the main street of Dongdu City.

Closer to the Buddha Hall, more refined items like the Four Treasures of the Study were being sold, ensuring the tranquility of the temple while adding to the variety of the fair.

Along the corridors on both sides of the Buddha Hall, there were stalls selling embroidered goods, hats, and new patterns. Beyond the main hall, paintings, spices, and folk remedies were available.

It was very lively.

As the three sisters strolled, they admired both the simple silver hairpins and the embroidered pouches made with ordinary thread. The maids following them, such as Haitang, handled the payments and carried the purchases. Before long, the maids' hands were full of items the sisters fancied.

"That's enough. If we keep going, you two will buy out half the fair." Xu Mingyue said helplessly, looking at the still-enthusiastic pair.

Bai Siruo had always been one to buy whatever caught her eye, so it wasn't surprising. But seeing the usually discerning Feng Jinyao do the same was a bit unexpected for Xu Mingyue.

It wasn't really Feng Jinyao's fault; it was her first time seeing all this, so she was naturally curious and delighted.

Since her rebirth, her days were filled with planning for the Feng family's future or recalling the sorrows of her past life. Now, with her mind finally at ease, she dove into the fair's excitement.

"Mingyue, don't be a killjoy. It's rare for Ah Yao to be here, let her buy whatever she likes."

Xu Mingyue shook her head helplessly, thinking that the vendors were having an exceptionally good day thanks to this 'ancestor.'

Bai Siruo stopped at a stall selling tassels, picking up a colorful silk-threaded jade pendant. She recalled a similar one at home and, seeing the vendor was an elderly woman, bent down to ask softly.

"Granny, did you make these tassels yourself?"

"Yes, yes. Do you like them, dear?"

"Yes, I do. How long have you been making these tassels? Are they all like this one?"

Hearing her praise and sensing a likely sale, the old woman warmly replied, "These simple ones, I make them every day. I've sold hundreds of these. If you like it, you can take one for just thirty coins."

Hearing 'hundreds,' Bai Sisi's initial excitement faded. She had hoped to find her benefactor through this clue, but it seemed...

Feng Jinyao, noticing her expression, grew concerned. "Cousin, what's wrong? Are you tired?"

"No, I'm fine." Bai Siruo shook her head at Feng Jinyao, indicating she was okay. She then had her maid pay and took the tassel.

Her personal maid, Haitang, understood her well. She knew that the tassel resembled one that Bai Siruo treasured, hence her emotional reaction.

After a while, the three headed towards the rear courtyard. Even before entering, they heard lively sounds from within.

Xu Mingyue opened the door first and saw Bai Lin holding elder Xu’s favorite orange cat, gently teasing it, her face full of affection.

"Auntie loves cats so much; she can't change that no matter where she goes. Those little rascals at home nearly wreck Uncle's courtyard, but Auntie still dotes on them." Bai Siruo teased, glancing at her aunt.

"You cheeky girl. I should let your mother find you a husband to straighten you out." Bai Lin replied, half-jokingly.

Though spoken in jest, Bai Siruo understood the implication. She knew her mother had been frequenting Prince Kang's mansion, likely eyeing one of her cousins. Since nothing had been mentioned, she pretended not to know.

Now, with her aunt's comment, she guessed it had probably been arranged. Hiding her disappointment, she playfully hugged Bai Lin’s neck and said, "Auntie, aren't you going to keep me for a couple more years? You said you couldn't bear to part with me. Were you just teasing?"

Bai Lin doted on her, unable to resist her playful charm. However, she didn't respond directly, knowing that delaying further might miss a good match. She changed the subject, knowing the issue wasn't settled and out of respect for Bai Siruo's reputation with the Xu family present.

Everyone present was astute. Madam Xu realized the Bai family had likely chosen a match and thought of her granddaughter's prospects, her eyes dimming slightly.

"By the way, my husband’s old friend has a small house here. It's not big, but it's peaceful and comfortable, with a hot spring in the back. It’s perfect for soaking in winter. We're here partly for the fair and partly to let Mingyue avoid some gossip."

She sighed as she spoke. "Ordinary families might not have much money, but they have warmth and neighborly support. Our high-status families seem glamorous, but the scandals are unspeakable. The Liang family's shameless actions tarnished my granddaughter’s reputation. It’s truly unfair!"

Her words, full of anger and love for her granddaughter, were clear. Princess Wen Yi, knowing some court secrets, understood.

Xu Gelao had complained to the Emperor, but the Liang family, closely allied with the Wei family, escaped severe punishment due to Wei Guifei's influence. The Emperor's leniency had left Gelao fuming, claiming illness to avoid court.

Princess Wen Yi understood Xu family’s frustrations with the Emperor's favoritism. Though she sympathized, royal matters rarely considered personal feelings.

"Dongdu City’s excitement will pass. Mingyue can relax here for a few days. When she returns, visit us. My mother adores her and would love to have her as a granddaughter if not for Gelao and you." Bai Lin joked, gently petting the orange cat, which lay quietly in her arms.

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