Mu Qing left the Bai residence and headed towards the bustling West Street. In the very center of West Street were shops selling jade accessories, surrounded by cloth shops, grain stores, and pastry shops. Further along the street, near the city gate, were small stalls where ordinary people sold their own belongings.
The largest jade shop on the street was Yu Pin Lou, frequented by elegantly dressed young men and women. Mu Qing looked around for a while before stepping inside. She chose two jade pendants: a white one carved with bamboo for her father, and a smaller green one carved with orchids for Mu Qi. She also selected a pair of green bell earrings and a white hairpin for Mu Ya and Sima Qingqing, respectively.
Mu Qing turned to the waiter beside her and said, "Wrap up these four items for me, I want them all."
The waiter said, "Yes, sir, I'll pack it up for you right away." With practiced ease, he carefully packed up the items that Mu Qing had chosen.
Waiter: "Young master, the total is eight hundred taels. Thank you for your patronage."
Mu Qing: "Okay." After saying that, she took the items and went to the counter to pay.
The busy shopkeeper looked up and saw Mu Qing, somewhat surprised, then said warmly, "Young Master, it's great to finally meet you. Is there anything in the shop that you like? If so, just take it. The Master and Young Master Bai have both given instructions that you can take anything from any of the Bai family's shops."
Mu Qing was unaware of this detail and was touched upon hearing it, but she still placed the selected items on the counter. She said, "I've chosen these four items." As she spoke, she took out a silver note and handed it to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper looked troubled: "Young master, there are restrictions from above, I really can't accept your money. This..."
Mu Qing smiled and said, "It's alright, I will explain to my grandfather and the others myself, they won't blame you."
Seeing his insistence, the shopkeeper had no choice but to reluctantly accept it.
Shopkeeper: "Young master, shall we send it back to the manor?"
Mu Qing thought for a moment and then nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble."
The shopkeeper smiled broadly and said, "Of course, of course. Take care, young master. Come again next time."
Mu Qing nodded and went out the door.
The shopkeeper glanced at the waiter who was standing there dumbfounded: "What are you standing there for? Get back to work."
The waiter asked blankly, "Is he Young Master Mu Qing? He's so handsome and gentle."
The shopkeeper nodded and said, "Yes." Thinking of the benefits Mu Qing had brought to the impoverished people through his private school and the Huimin Residence, he couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for the frail young boy. He solemnly said, "Young Master, you are truly a good person!"
After leaving Yupinlou, Mu Qing entered the Liao Family Cloth Shop next door. Jiangnan is famous for its silk, and Liao Family Cloth Shop is the largest silk shop in Jiangnan. When the shop assistant saw a customer come in, he hurriedly stepped forward and asked with a smile, "Sir, what kind of silk would you like to buy?"
Mu Qing: "The best quality."
The waiter was delighted to hear this and quickly led the person into the inner room.
Sure enough, the silk in the inner room was of much better quality and texture than that outside. Mu Qing recalled the usual style of Mu's master and the others and selected a few bolts of silk. After paying the bill, he asked the shopkeeper to arrange for them to be delivered to the Bai residence before leaving.
Just as they were about to return to the Bai residence, they ran into Aunt Zhang, who was selling malt shortbread by the roadside in Shanghe Village. Aunt Zhang recognized Mu Qing from afar and, without even bothering with her stall, quickly packed up the remaining malt shortbread into a large bag and ran towards Mu Qing, calling out as she ran, "Young Master Mu Qing, wait!"
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