Chapter 6 Cannon Fodder White Moonlight 5 Does Miss He have any brothers or sisters?
The girl wandering in front of Fuguang Pavilion was A Li.
The injury on He Zhiyan's body that night always lingered in her mind, and she wanted to give her brother a medicine bag made by herself.
But Ali was not good at needlework, and there was not much usable fabric left at home.
Coincidentally, Aunt Cui from the alley came to visit.
Aunt Cui told her that the fabrics at Fuguang Pavilion were the best in the capital, and that the rich and powerful loved to buy clothes there, but the prices at Fuguang Pavilion were beyond the reach of ordinary people like them.
Ali kept these words in mind and went out.
After an incense stick of time, she saw the towering eaves of Fuguang Pavilion from afar, and the hustle and bustle of people and people in front of the door, and she couldn't help feeling a little timid.
Ali hesitated and moved to an inconspicuous corner of the street. He looked up at the plaque hanging high in the Fuguang Pavilion for a long time until his neck felt a little sore.
He's father has always been poor. When he sees patients and prescribes medicine for the elders in his hometown, he always charges little or no money. Most of the family savings are spent on this. Although he has a salary from the Medical Officers' Institute after coming to Beijing, it is still meager. Recently, due to many things in the palace, he has not returned home for five consecutive days. Ali does not want to bother He's father about this matter.
Although her brother had become estranged from her, he would still put his monthly pocket money in her room as usual. But in this matter, she didn't want to spend her brother's money.
She touched the old purse in her bosom. Inside it was the money she had saved from selling embroidery and herbs over the years. Although it wasn't much, it was probably enough, right?
Ali calmed himself down, encouraged himself, let out a long breath, and walked in.
The shopkeeper, who was dizzy from counting the accounts, looked up and saw a young lady with extraordinary appearance coming in. He pushed the account book aside and went forward to chat with her warmly.
Fuguang Pavilion has been able to operate in the capital for decades, and the shopkeeper is naturally eloquent. Ali, who grew up in the countryside, has never seen such a posture. Faced with the shopkeeper's hospitality, her little face turned red and she didn't know how to respond.
The shopkeeper didn't show it on his face, but he was nervous inside.
Seeing that Ali was dressed simply and without any gold or jade on her body, his eyes flashed and he cursed himself for being misjudged sometimes. He greeted her casually and went to do other things. Ali couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
She rubbed her hot cheek with the back of her hand and looked around the store carefully. The counters were filled with fashionable fabrics from the capital, and the finest Shu brocade and Yun brocade were displayed in all kinds of styles, which were dazzling.
It's good, but too fancy.
Ali withdrew her hand from stroking the silk, pursed her lips, and glanced at a lady going up to the second floor under the guidance of a waiter, so she also walked up.
Just as she reached the stairs, a waiter stopped her and said with a smile, "Miss, are these fabrics not to your liking?"
Ali waved his hands repeatedly: "It's not that it's bad, it's just that the materials..."
The waiter's eyes quickly swept over Ali, and before she could finish speaking, he began to recommend one thing after another, leading Ali to a corner.
"Look here, young lady! This is the favorite material among the young ladies in the capital right now. It's called Agarwood Satin. It's brightly colored and soft to the touch. Whether it's for making clothes, handkerchiefs, or sachets, it's perfectly suitable."
"Girl, take a look at these. They are all good materials that you can't find anywhere else!"
"The material is good, and the price is also good."
Ali was not good at speaking, and he was unable to get away from him. Suddenly, a clear voice came from behind him, which was particularly prominent among the chatter of the waiter.
"I'll come down to get my mother some clothes."
Ali turned around and saw the shopkeeper talking to a noble young man, his words full of compliments. Her eyes moved slightly.
"The dress Madam requested was made this morning. I had intended to personally deliver it to Madam's residence for her to review, but I didn't expect Madam to come. I'm sorry I neglected it."
The shopkeeper, with his waist bent and his face wrinkled with laughter, said respectfully, "Please move upstairs to the elegant pavilion and sit for a while. I will tell them to pack the clothes."
Pei Miao smiled slightly, his tone gentle and polite, his demeanor revealing his generosity: "Thank you."
The shopkeeper said he didn't dare and led Pei Miao upstairs with a smile.
This young Lord Pei is of noble status, with the Pei family and the Zhou family as his backers. With Lord Pei's current reputation and ability, he will surely become the leader of these major families within a few years. Such a distinguished guest is rare to see. If Fuguang Pavilion can take over all the businesses of these major families, its status will naturally be further elevated.
The shopkeeper was thinking in his mind, and while leading the way, he observed his face and said some flattering words.
The two turned a corner, and Pei Miao, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped.
The shopkeeper was puzzled. He looked at the corner of the lobby. There was nothing special there. There was only a girl and his shop assistant standing there. The two of them spoke in a high voice.
Before the shopkeeper could explain, Pei Miao had already arrived in front of the two of them.
The guy had his back to her and didn't know what was happening behind him. He was still recommending Ali with saliva flying around him and trying to stop her.
Ali was forced to retreat continuously, and in horror he avoided the offensive hand of the waiter, just wanting to leave here as soon as possible.
Seeing that Ali had nowhere to retreat, the waiter snorted and laughed: "I advise you to just look at these, young lady. The material upstairs is worth a fortune, and I'm afraid you don't have the pleasure of seeing it!"
As soon as the words fell, there was silence all around.
Ali's frail body, like a willow tree, paused, and he lowered his head in embarrassment, tears welling up in his eyes.
The faint smile on Pei Miao's face had disappeared. Although he asked the shopkeeper, he didn't look at him: "Is this the rule of Fuguang Pavilion?"
Although Pei Miao has the best temper among the young masters of aristocratic families, he is also a person who cannot tolerate any grain of sand in his eyes and always criticizes the matter rather than the person.
The shopkeeper felt bad and quickly grabbed the clerk and said, "I'm sorry for not being able to discipline him properly and disturbing Master Pei!"
He turned around and scolded, "Get down quickly! You disturbed our distinguished guests and are still standing out here!"
The man was scolded so harshly that he was completely dazed and could only kowtow and beg for mercy.
Pei Miao frowned upon seeing this and said in a cold voice, "You should apologize to this girl."
The shopkeeper didn't expect Pei Miao to pay attention to such a small matter. You must know that the Censorate where Pei Miao works is responsible for supervising officials and enforcing discipline. Although it is not directly related to merchants, if he is determined to make trouble, not only will he not want to do business with him, but even the boss will be in trouble.
The shopkeeper glanced at Ali, who was trying hard to hold back her tears. Although he was uneasy, he still stepped forward with a smile and said, "My dear lady, I apologize for the poor hospitality and have offended you. Please don't take it to heart."
Ali was not used to being stared at like this, so he avoided him and lowered his head to the ground: "I, I..." He seemed to be very sad, and his voice was shaking.
The shopkeeper's smile faltered. Pei Miao's gaze from behind him was like a thorn in his back. He chuckled dryly, "I wonder what kind of fabric the young lady would like to buy? Well, I'll personally accompany you upstairs to choose. I'm sure I'll find something that suits your taste."
Ah Li shook his head, his eyes still drooping anxiously, and he forced himself to speak: "Thank you for your kindness, shopkeeper. I'm just taking a look. I won't disturb you anymore."
After saying that, he wanted to leave.
"Miss, please stay." Pei Miao, who had been standing aside, suddenly spoke.
As if he felt that the voice was particularly familiar, Ali stopped hesitantly, but still did not dare to look up like a frightened bird.
The man who spoke was standing a few steps away from her and had no intention of stopping her by force, which made Ali feel a little relieved.
Pei Miao spoke slowly, "I just met Lord He at the palace gate. He mentioned Miss He to me while we were talking. I didn't expect to meet her here again."
He knew who he was and was familiar with his father.
Only then did Ali raise his head and meet Pei Miao's gaze. Tears that had not yet dried were condensed on his eyelashes, threatening to fall. Surprise bloomed in his eyes and then quickly disappeared.
It turned out to be the young man I met at Puji Temple that day.
Ali looked at him and seemed to have forgotten what to do for a moment.
Seeing the shopkeeper's puzzled expression, Pei Miao explained, "This is the daughter of Mr. He from the Medical Officer's Office."
The people in the store noticed the commotion and gradually began to look over. Pei Miao smiled gently at A Li and said, "This isn't the place to talk. Why don't you go upstairs and sit down? We can go pick out the fabric later."
Ali nodded obediently and followed Pei Miao upstairs.
The two sat down, and a maid served them tea and snacks. They were about to close the door and leave when Pei Miao stopped them: "No need to close the door. Please just stand guard outside."
The maidservant retreated immediately.
Ah Li looked at Pei Miao. He poured two cups of hot tea and explained, "Although we only happened to meet Miss He and drink a cup of tea, it would be detrimental to Miss He's reputation if word got out that a single man and a single woman were in the same room. I hope Miss He won't think I'm meddling."
Ali blushed slightly. This was the first time she had spoken to a man like this, other than her father and brother. She was so nervous she didn't know where to put her hands and feet. She could only clutch her sleeves tightly. "Ali understands. Thank you, Master Pei, for rescuing Ali today."
The words he said were so shaky that his face turned redder.
"It's just a small favor, don't worry about it."
Pei Miao frowned and pushed a plate of plums in front of Ah Li, motioning her to try some. "Although Fuguang Pavilion is just a place where clothes are made, the salt-pickled plums they serve here are quite delicious."
A-li was flattered and thanked him, then added, "Besides today, there was also that day at Puji Temple... Young Master has helped A-li twice, and A-li really doesn't know how to repay you."
Pei Miao laughed: "I originally wanted to invite Miss He for a cup of tea, but I didn't expect that after she came in, she would just say thank you, thank you again. It seems that I, Pei, am really boring. I have left Miss He with nothing to say."
Hearing the joking tone in Pei Miao's words, Ali's heart began beating like a drum and he dared not look into his eyes again.
Seeing that Pei Miao didn't say anything else, Ali also breathed a sigh of relief and was no longer as reserved as before.
Seeing that she had relaxed, Pei Miao continued the previous topic: "When I met Lord He this morning, he was about to return to the Medical Officers' Office. My mother had been ill recently, so I spoke to Lord He for a few more words. Lord He is fine, but he is quite worried about Miss He."
After hearing the news from He's father, Ali felt much more at ease. Although He's father had asked someone to bring him a message in the past few days, she was still worried and gave Pei Miao a grateful look.
Pei Miao took a sip of tea and asked casually, "Master He said he was worried about his two children at home. Does Miss He have any brothers or sisters?"
"Yes, Ali has an older brother who is three years older than me."
Pei Miao nodded and stopped talking, as if it was just a casual question.
Seeing that he looked worried, Ali remembered what he had just mentioned and opened his mouth to speak but stopped.
"Miss He, do you have anything to say?" Pei Miao met her eyes and smiled.
Ali was stunned for a moment, then nodded very slightly: "Master Pei, are you worried about Madam Pei's illness?"
Hearing this, a deep glint flashed across Pei Miao's eyes. He paused for a few breaths before sighing, "Indeed, my mother is suffering from illness, and as a son, I am naturally worried. The doctors in the palace couldn't find any cause for her illness, and I also invited several doctors from the palace, but they didn't help."
Ali stared at the sandalwood table in front of him for a long time, almost staring a hole in it. After a while, he hesitated and said, "I have studied medicine with my father since I was young. I can't say that I can cure all diseases, but I can still see common symptoms of women. If..."
She pursed her lips and found that Pei Miao was staring at her intently, as if waiting for her to continue.
"If Master Pei and Madam Pei agree, A-Li is willing to treat Madam Pei. If I can alleviate her pain a little, it will be considered as repaying Master Pei's kindness."
Pei Miao put down the teacup, and the smile in his eyes deepened.
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