“Alright then, I’ll head back first. Later, please come over early, Second Biǎojiù, you and Sister Su.”

Zhou Ruoyi bowed properly before leaving.

After seeing Zhou Ruoyi off, Su Yujin looked at He Yanxiu with some doubt. “Second Master, you seem to be in a good mood today?”

Willing to participate in these gatherings of women and children from the inner quarters.

“These past two days, I’ve been feeling unwell here and there. I think it’s because I’ve been staying indoors too much. I should go out for a walk more often, stretch my muscles, get some fresh air, and change my mood.”

He Yanxiu added, “Besides, Young Master Zhou is so well-behaved and adorable; he’s very lovable.”

I see.

Su Yujin nodded, went inside to change, and then called He Yanxiu to go out together. They weren’t going directly to the Zhou family but rather to stroll around the streets first, looking for something to give Zhou Ruoyi as a birthday gift.

He Yanxiu decided quickly—he bought some fine writing implements.

Boys, after all, were mostly meant to study and learn to read and write, hoping to pass the imperial examinations in the future.

The Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper) were everyday items, and they also had auspicious meanings, making them very suitable as birthday gifts. Su Yujin nodded repeatedly, thinking that He Yanxiu’s choices were excellent.

But a problem arose…

What should she buy after He Yanxiu had chosen these things?

Although she had also brought some yam cakes with jujube paste filling, which Zhou Ruoyi usually liked, and some pearl dumplings, these were fine for everyday gifts, but as a birthday present, they seemed a bit meager.

Su Yujin thought for a moment and finally went into a shop selling gold and silver jewelry, choosing a peace lock engraved with auspicious words.

The style was classic, the weight moderate, and it wouldn’t be cumbersome or ostentatious for everyday wear.

Su Yujin was quite satisfied, nodding and muttering to herself, “That can be considered a return gift.”

“A return gift?” He Yanxiu asked in surprise, “What kind of return gift?”

“It was by chance that I treated Young Master Yi twice. He was grateful and gave me a jade pendant as a thank-you gift. The jade pendant looks to be of excellent quality and must be very valuable. I’ve been somewhat uneasy accepting it, thinking of a way to return the favor. Now is a good time to do so.”

Hearing Su Yujin’s words, He Yanxiu nodded repeatedly. It was indeed a return gift.

One gave jade, the other returned gold…

There was a saying that gold and jade were a perfect match, but this back and forth…

Why did it feel so awkward?

Even though Zhou Ruoyi was only about to turn seven.

He Yanxiu felt like a cat’s claws were scratching inside and only asked the shopkeeper to bring out some men’s items to choose from.

The shopkeeper recognized Su Yujin and, seeing He Yanxiu’s extraordinary bearing and refined attire, hurriedly brought out the shop’s prized possessions: an agate fan pendant, a gold-inlaid jade belt hook, a mutton-fat jade pendant…

He Yanxiu browsed for a while, finally settling on a well-crafted mutton-fat jade pendant.

Seeing He Yanxiu examining it for so long, the shopkeeper quickly said, “Sir, you have a good eye. Although this jade has slight flaws and isn’t top-grade mutton-fat jade, its smooth lines and excellent craftsmanship are its strengths. In terms of craftsmanship alone, it’s almost comparable to items from the palace.”

“This pendant was made from materials I obtained from the capital and had craftsmen there make it. I brought it back as the shop’s prized possession, but unfortunately, I haven’t found the right person for it. I suppose this pendant is only fit for someone of your exceptional talent.”

“This pendant is the one. How much does it cost?” He Yanxiu asked.

“This jade pendant cost me a lot, including the materials and craftsmanship. Since you came with Miss Su, I’ll only charge you for the round-trip fare. I won’t make any extra money on you. Just give me two hundred and thirty taels of silver.”

The shopkeeper was quite honest in his business dealings. He usually sold gold, silver, and jade items at fair prices, and he had a good reputation throughout Qinghe County.

Su Yujin smiled. “This makes it difficult for me to haggle any further.”

“You’ve already given me your bottom line. Miss Su and this gentleman are both worldly people and naturally know their stuff. Even if I wanted to cheat, I wouldn’t dare. This isn’t a one-off deal; I won’t do something that would ruin my reputation.”

The shopkeeper smiled obsequiously. “But since Miss Su has asked, I’ll waive the travel expenses. Just take two hundred and twenty taels, sir. If you want it any cheaper, I’ll really lose money.”

“That’s the price.” He Yanxiu could tell the jade pendant was indeed worth its price, so he nodded and rummaged through his pockets for his money pouch.

After searching for a while, his hands were still empty. He could only smile sheepishly at Su Yujin. “I seem to have forgotten my money pouch at home. Could you lend me some silver first, and I’ll return it to you when I get back?”

Xing’an, “…”

Looking at the money pouch in his hand, he didn’t know what to do.

After a brief moment of thought, Xing’an hurriedly stuffed the money pouch he had just pulled from his sleeve back into his pocket.

Su Yujin blinked, somewhat puzzled.

She had clearly seen the thick stack of silver notes in Xing’an’s pouch when they bought the writing implements, so why was He Yanxiu saying he had no money?

But despite her confusion, since He Yanxiu had asked, she didn’t refuse and simply paid for him.

“Thank you,” He Yanxiu said, accepting the jade pendant and hanging it on his waist.

After Su Yujin had the shopkeeper pack up the peace lock she was going to give to Zhou Ruoyi, the two left the shop, boarded a carriage, and headed towards the Zhou family.

A carriage was already waiting at the Zhou family’s gate. As Su Yujin alighted, the other person also alighted.

It was Yun Yongnian from Yunzhizhai.

“Greetings, Miss Su,” Yun Yongnian greeted, pausing slightly when he saw He Yanxiu following behind Su Yujin.

“Greetings, Manager Yun.” Su Yujin curtsied. “This is my Second Biǎojiù, surnamed He. He happened to be visiting me, and since Young Master Yi is here, he came with me to celebrate Young Master Yi’s birthday.”

He was a very young Second Biǎojiù, handsome and elegant.

Yun Yongnian cupped his hands in greeting, “Second Master He.”

“Manager Yun.” He Yanxiu returned the greeting.

As the three were talking, the Zhou family’s steward led servants to greet them.

“It’s Young Master Yi’s birthday, and I should personally congratulate him and celebrate with him, but I have many things to attend to at the shop and cannot spare the time. This is a birthday gift I prepared for Young Master Yi. Please pass it on to him and also explain the reason to Madam and Young Master Yi. Also, pass on my apology.”

Yun Yongnian presented the brocade box with both hands.

“May Manager Yun’s business prosper.” The steward bowed and accepted the gift politely. “This old servant will certainly pass on the message. Please, Manager Yun, make your way. This old servant also thanks Manager Yun on behalf of my mistress and young master.”

After seeing Yun Yongnian off, the steward led Su Yujin and He Yanxiu inside.

Madam Li, Zhou Ruoyi, and Old Madam Zhou were already waiting in the main hall.

Author’s Note: It’s Friday again. Have a nice weekend, everyone!

(End of Chapter)

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