The second shop of Huaxuetang in Beining was chosen by Wang Buyou. The group looked around for several days but couldn't find a place they liked.
"The newly appointed prefect's wife has sent us an invitation," said Lady Hou.
"Logically, we should have gone."
"Mainly, they asked me to bring along the female owners of Huaxuetang as well."
Outsiders were unaware that Huaxuetang was connected to Fengyuelou; otherwise, why would the prefect's wife send invitations to brothel madams? Even if they were both virgins, it wouldn't make sense.
"What happened? Did Hua Xuetang steal their family's business?" Old Madam Cheng asked.
She couldn't figure out why these ladies wanted to see Hua Xuetang's owner. What other reason could it be besides having a grudge against them?
"Mother, you have no idea how well Huaxuetang's business is doing."
The group had been staying in Beining for about half a month. Little Xiangxiang couldn't stand the loneliness and went to Huo Xiaolong's place almost every day. At first, the old lady was quite curious to hear that Hou Xiangxiang had a friend.
This child had never had a girlfriend before, but after going to Pingyang County, she made friends.
The old lady's lips twitched when she saw how her granddaughter and Huo Xiaolong interacted.
These two little girls are really not in line with the teachings she has received for most of her life. Climbing over walls is a small matter. The two little ones are always together, teasing cats and dogs.
Especially the little one, who seems to have some skill and strength. When Xiangxiang couldn't climb down the wall, he jumped on her, and the five-year-old child managed to catch her.
The old lady wanted to say something, but then she noticed the changes in her granddaughter upon her return.
Oh well, as long as the child is happy.
"Once they get their stock, no one can buy it without pre-ordering."
"Such a useful tool, why is it being fought over like this?"
"This is nothing, Mother. When you come back to Pingyang County with me, I'll show you what it means to be young again."
"No matter how much I experience it, can my old face ever go back to its youthful days?"
"That's not necessarily true; you'll have to try it out."
Madam Cheng smiled and continued Madam Hou's words.
"First, ask Hua Xuetang what they think. If they don't want to go, then they don't have to."
"Yes, I understand."
In the end, the group from Fengyuelou followed Madam Hou to make money, and Xiangxiang, that little girl, kept whispering in Huo Xiaolong's ear.
"Are you really not coming with me?"
"My father just died, what am I supposed to do if those young ladies bully me because I don't have a father?"
"You have no idea, before I met you I didn't have a single friend. I didn't even talk to those girls. What if they retaliate against me?"
Huo Xiaolong knew that the little girl was pretending to be pitiful to deceive him, but what if she was?
What if someone really bullies her?
The Prefectural Governor's Residence is where each Prefectural Governor works and lives. If the current Prefectural Governor is promoted or passes away, the next Prefectural Governor will continue to live there.
The new prefect was the border town prefect, who was Xiangxiang's father's former subordinate. The prefect's wife invited them to the banquet to celebrate her husband's promotion and to comfort the orphaned girl and her widow.
Now, almost everyone in the Beining Noble Ladies knows that Prefect Cheng was killed by his own concubine, and they all feel indignant on behalf of the Lady Hou. But they also feel a little envious.
If they didn't have to rely on that deadbeat man to survive, they would also want to live the life of a marquis's wife.
I've heard that people can buy anything from Huaxuetang just by talking to them, and that they have a close relationship with the owner. I wonder if I can strike up a conversation with them this time. It would be great to get a few more bottles of plum blossom ointment; it's really effective.
Bathed in the warm sunlight, the main hall appeared bright and tranquil. There were no ornate decorations, only simple bamboo blinds gently draped over the walls, exuding a refined elegance. On the long table were celadon bowls and plates; though lacking the glitter of gold and silver, they possessed a unique charm.
Since the Lady Hou's husband had just died, none of the ladies present wore bright colors.
Greetings to all the ladies.
Hou Xiangxiang bowed first. Huo Xiaolong hadn't learned it either; he only remembered the etiquette his mother had taught him about juniors.
Greetings to all the ladies.
Let's just follow the example; at least the formalities have been performed.
He Yi raised an eyebrow at Cen Ang.
It's alright, the child didn't embarrass himself, thanks to you, sister.
Cen Ang smiled knowingly as he watched his daughter, wrapped up like a little bear, bow with her bottom sticking out.
Well, at least it's passable.
Huo Xiaolong stood up and winked at acquaintances. She saw Madam Hua, Wang Zheng's wife. The prefect of the border town had been promoted, and Magistrate Wang had also been promoted because of his merits in the matter of the Xiongnu cavalry.
The current prefect of the border town is Wang Zheng, but Pingyang County still needs him. The emperor has granted Wang Zheng special permission to continue working in Pingyang County.
"Madam Hou, who is this?"
"This is Miss Huaxuetang. Didn't you all ask me to bring the owner of Huaxuetang here? He's the one in the back."
The group of women instantly overwhelmed He Qingzhu and her companions, their words implying that they wanted to buy more products for them and ask if they could try out new products first.
Pingyang County has already stockpiled a lot of toothbrushes, and now is the time to sell them.
The owners were all very friendly with the women, so the two children were left to their own devices.
"What's your name?" the prefect's wife asked.
My name is Huo Xiaolong.
"Don't Long'er and Xiangxiang find it boring?"
The two nodded, and the prefect's wife continued.
"Why don't you follow this lady and take a walk around the yard?"
She pushed out her head maid and had her take the two little girls out for a stroll, since most children that age couldn't stay still.
"We also have two children in our household who are about the same age as Miss Xiangxiang. They're over there; you two can play with them."
Hou Xiangxiang tightened her grip on Huo Xiaolong's hand. She felt somewhat awkward and uneasy when she was with people her own age. So, whenever she was in such situations, the young girl could only put on an unapproachable demeanor.
What's wrong with you?
The little dumpling sensed her friend's nervousness and asked...
"I have some..."
"Don't you want to go to crowded places?"
Huo Xiaolong thought Hou Xiangxiang was reserved, so if she didn't want to play, she shouldn't go. Why did she have to join in with everyone?
"Um"
"Then let's go play over there."
Huo Xiaolong didn't really want to hang out with these kids; she couldn't play with any of the children in the red-light district.
Just as the two little girls reached a quiet pavilion, a boy of about ten years old ran over from a distance.
"Sister Long'er!"
"Fragrant little sister!"
The boy was afraid that his voice was too soft for the two of them to hear, so he took a few more steps forward.
"Brother Bin, you're here too?" Huo Xiaolong recognized the newcomer as Wang Zheng's young son.
"Yes, my mother insisted on bringing me."
"Then why don't you go play with them?"
The young boy scratched his head and said...
"I can't get along with them either."
There weren't many boys among the children today, so Wang Bin came over when he saw someone he knew.
"Then why don't you play this with us?"
Huo Xiaolong took out the sleeping little ringed snake from his purse. It was a new snake given to him by Miao Cuifang. She originally wanted to raise a snake gu from a young age for Liu Xu to use.
But the border town is cold, and this one has also fallen asleep and gone into hibernation.
Wang Bin took a closer look at what the little boy was holding and quickly shook his head.
"You two play! I'll just watch you play from here."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
