Seeing Shen Youyi's solemn expression, Shen Huaixu also composed himself, his usually smiling eyes now showing a hint of seriousness.
His gaze lingered on Shen Jintang for a moment, but he ultimately swallowed back the words he was about to say to her to avoid the conversation.
Shen Jintang seemed oblivious, still sitting there upright with her back straight as a pine tree, her posture leisurely and elegant, like a beautiful porcelain doll, the surrounding atmosphere not affecting her in the slightest.
She knew perfectly well that Shen Youyi's serious demeanor meant she had something important to say.
Since Shen Huaixu didn't send her away, she decided to listen.
She gently placed her teacup on the table with a soft thud, awaiting what would follow.
"Speak, what is it?"
Shen Huaixu broke the silence with a calm and steady voice, carrying an undeniable seriousness, as if he were not facing his sister but dealing with important state affairs in the imperial court.
Shen Youyi frowned slightly and slowly spoke, her voice tinged with worry: "I traveled all the way from the Western Regions to the capital, and along the way, I saw that the number of refugees was several times greater than before."
"They were traveling with their families, weary from their journey, making a difficult trip towards Kyoto. This situation was truly strange."
“Although there have been refugees in the past, there has never been one of this scale. Looking at the fear and helplessness in their eyes, my heart was in my throat, afraid that something terrible might happen.”
"Refugees?" Shen Jintang frowned slightly.
Migrants are a common occurrence, but such a large-scale influx into Kyoto is anything but ordinary.
Shen Jintang gave Xinghui a wink, and Xinghui quietly went downstairs.
However, Shen Huaixu remained calm and said indifferently, "It's just that the Yellow River flooded a few days ago, and Yanzhou was affected by the disaster. The people had no choice but to leave their homes. The imperial court has already sent officials to provide disaster relief. There's no need to make a fuss."
His tone was calm, and his eyes revealed confidence in the court's disaster relief capabilities.
Shen Youyi had always respected Shen Huaixu, and hearing him say this, she felt somewhat relieved: "Since you've said so, I'm more at ease. However, the arrival of these disaster victims in the capital will inevitably cause fluctuations in grain prices, so I need to make some preparations in advance to ensure that the business in the shop is not affected."
Her eyes flickered slightly as she considered how to deal with potential fluctuations in grain prices, since her clothing shop was her primary source of income.
Thinking of the clothing shop, her gaze turned to Shen Huaixu, and she looked him up and down before suddenly smiling and saying, "Brother, the clothes you're wearing are from half a year ago. You should change them quickly. I've gotten some new fabric and made a few new outfits. The styles are simple, but the materials are excellent and they're comfortable to wear, just right for you."
A smile played on her lips, her eyes filled with concern and expectation, as if making clothes for Shen Huaixu was the most important thing to her at that moment.
Shen Huaixu frowned slightly and said seriously, "Youyi, as a civil official, I should be honest and upright. How can I pay too much attention to clothing and material things? I appreciate your kindness, but there is no need to change your clothes."
His voice was serious, conveying an unquestionable attitude, as if this matter of changing clothes concerned some major principle of right and wrong.
Shen Youyi's eyes darted around, and she said coquettishly, "Big brother, you're being too polite. I'm making clothes for you not so you can be extravagant, but just so you can be comfortable. Besides, you work so hard for the people every day, so it's only right for me, your younger sister, to give you a few clothes. Don't refuse anymore, go and try them on."
Her voice softened, carrying a hint of coquetry, while her eyes remained resolute.
Seeing that Shen Huaixu was still hesitant, Shen Youyi said again, "Brother, if you don't wear it, wouldn't it be a waste of my efforts? Can you bear to see me work so hard for nothing?"
A hint of grievance flickered in her eyes, as if Shen Huaixu's refusal was a great hurt to her.
Helpless, Shen Huaixu could only sigh, "Oh well, there's nothing I can do with you, little girl."
He shook his head helplessly, but a doting smile appeared on his lips as he got up and walked out.
Seeing this, Shen Youyi's eyes curved into crescents and a smile played on her lips. She hurriedly told the servants to fetch the clothes, and pushed Shen Huaixu out while saying, "Big brother, don't worry, you'll definitely look good in these clothes. I guarantee you'll be the most dashing one in the court."
After Shen Huaixu left, the room fell silent for a moment, but the atmosphere was subtly subtle.
Shen Youyi sat down next to Shen Jintang, her eyes occasionally drifting towards Shen Jintang, hesitant to speak, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes, as if she was considering how to start the conversation.
Shen Jintang understood that Shen Youyi had something to say to her alone, but she didn't bring it up. She just quietly sipped her tea and waited for Shen Youyi to speak first.
The aroma of tea rose gently into the air, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
"What do you want to tell me?"
Shen Jintang spoke first, breaking the silence in the room.
She knew in her heart that if she waited for Shen Youyi to speak first, it would probably be too late.
Upon hearing Shen Jintang speak, Shen Youyi immediately looked up, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at her, and said, "Sister, you're so beautiful! Can I give you a few outfits to wear?"
Her voice was full of surprise and anticipation, making it hard to refuse.
Shen Jintang frowned. Shen Youyi's thought process was truly unfathomable.
She raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "Oh? Why did you suddenly decide to give me clothes?"
Her eyes held a hint of curiosity as she gently turned the teacup in her hand, seemingly pondering the reasons behind Shen Youyi's actions.
Shen Youyi quickly explained, "Sister, I'm giving you these clothes for two reasons. First, I really want to see you in pretty clothes. I think only you can make them look so stunning. Second, you're already beautiful, so you'll definitely look even more amazing in my clothes. Everyone will ask where I bought them, which will boost my sales several times over."
Her voice was urgent, as if afraid that Shen Jintang would misunderstand her meaning, and her eyes were full of sincerity.
"Sister, would you like to wear my clothes?"
Shen Youyi stared at Shen Jintang with expectant eyes.
Shen Jintang looked at Shen Youyi, her eyes darkening as if she had remembered something. Finally, she nodded and said, "Then let me see it. If it looks good, I'll wear it. Your straightforward personality is quite endearing."
Her voice was soft, and a faint smile appeared on her lips, as if she was touched by Shen Youyi's innocence.
Upon hearing this, Shen Youyi was overjoyed and immediately had the clothes brought in.
As she picked up the clothes, she explained to Shen Jintang, "Sister, these clothes were originally made for someone else, but they didn't want them. But don't worry, sister, these clothes have never been worn before, they are absolutely new, and they are one of a kind in Kyoto."
Shen Jintang smiled slightly and teased, "Oh? So I was just a backup option?"
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