Fresh seasonal fruits, dried fruits, cured meats, toiletries, and horse saddles were all hawked for sale here, no less vibrant than the main streets of Dongdu City.
Closer to the Buddhist hall, more refined items like stationery were sold. This ensured that the temple fair's offerings were comprehensive without disturbing the tranquility of the shrine.
In the corridors flanking the Buddhist hall, one could occasionally find stalls selling embroidered goods, hats, and the latest fashion accessories. Passing through the main hall, one would find books and paintings, spices, or folk remedies and secret elixirs being sold in the rear.
It was truly lively.
The three sisters strolled and browsed, admiring silver hairpins and simple silk pouches with equal delight. The maids following behind, such as Haitang, simply paid and collected the items, and soon their hands were full of the treasures the trio had fancied.
"Enough, enough. If you keep browsing, you'll empty out half the temple fair's goods."
Xu Mingyue looked helplessly at the two still caught up in the excitement and spoke to stop them.
Bai Siruo, who always took what she liked, was not surprisingly buying so much. It was Feng Jinyao, who usually appeared to have a discerning eye, who also behaved this way, which surprised Xu Mingyue a little.
In fact, it was not Feng Jinyao's fault. It was her first time seeing such things, so naturally, she was filled with more wonder and joy.
Since her rebirth, her days had been consumed by either planning for the Feng family's future or recalling the sorrows of her past life. Her mind, finally at ease, had plunged headfirst into the lively scene.
"Mingyue, don't be a spoilsport. Since A'yao is here, she should buy whatever she likes."
Xu Mingyue shook her head helplessly, lamenting that with the presence of this "ancestor," the vendors' business would surely flourish much more today.
Bai Siruo stopped at a tassel stall and picked up a jade pendant tassel woven with colorful silk threads. She remembered a similar one she treasured at home. Seeing that the stall owner was a simple, honest old woman, she bent down and asked in a low voice.
"Grandmother, did you make this tassel yourself?"
"Yes, yes. Does the noble lady like it?"
"I like it, I like it. I just wanted to ask, how long have you been making these tassels? Is it similar to this one?"
The old woman, hearing her praise and seeing that the sale was almost certain, spoke enthusiastically.
"This style is not complicated. This old woman makes them every day. I must have sold hundreds of tassels like this. If the noble lady likes it, please take one. It's not expensive, only thirty wen."
Upon hearing "hundreds," Bai Siruo's initial surprise suddenly dimmed. She had hoped to find a clue to her savior through this, but it turned out not to be the case.
Feng Jinyao, standing nearby, noticed her expression and asked with concern, "What's wrong, cousin? Are you tired?"
"It's nothing." She shook her head at Feng Jinyao, signaling that she was fine. She then turned and asked her maid to pay and take the tassel.
Others might not know, but Bai Siruo's personal maid, Haitang, understood.
The tassel was very similar to the one her mistress treasured, so it was no wonder she was moved by the sight of it.
Having browsed enough, the three then circled from the back of the main hall towards the rear courtyard. Before they even entered, they could hear the lively sounds emanating from within.
Xu Mingyue pushed the door open ahead of them and happened to see Madam Bai, the eldest aunt, holding her grandfather's beloved orange cat in her arms, gently petting it, her eyes full of affection.
"Aunt's love for cats is truly a habit she can't break, no matter where she goes. Those little darlings at home have almost torn down Uncle's courtyard, yet Aunt still dotes on them."
She shot a sideways glance at Bai Siruo, who was good at poking at people's sore spots.
"You, with your sharp tongue and mischievous ways, are truly wicked. I'll have your mother arrange a marriage for you soon, find a husband to properly discipline you."
Although spoken in jest, Bai Siruo took the words to heart.
She actually knew that her mother had been frequenting the Prince Kang's mansion these days, likely eyeing one of her cousins. But since it was never mentioned, she pretended not to know.
Now, being brought up so abruptly by her aunt, she had a general idea. It seemed like things were almost settled.
Suppressing a flicker of disappointment, she feigned ignorance and snuggled up, wrapping her arms around Madam Bai's neck and pouting.
"Aunt, aren't you going to keep me for another two years? Didn't you say you couldn't bear to part with me? You're sending me away so soon, was everything you said before just to trick me?"
"You..." Madam Bai tapped Bai Siruo's forehead, looking at her with affection and indulgence. She had never been able to refuse her when she acted this way since she was little; there was nothing she wouldn't grant.
However, any further delay might mean missing out on a better husband and family background. Thus, she didn't respond directly, instead stumbling over her words to change the subject.
After all, this matter had not yet been officially disclosed, and the Xu family was present. For Bai Siruo's reputation, it would not be appropriate to reveal it at this time.
Everyone present was a shrewd individual. Upon hearing this, Old Madam Xu knew that the Bai family had chosen a suitable match. She couldn't help but think of her own granddaughter's marriage, and a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes.
"Speaking of which, an old friend of my husband has a small residence here. It's not large, but it's quiet and comfortable. There's also a hot spring channeled to the rear, perfect for soaking in during winter. This trip, besides visiting the temple fair, is also to bring my Mingyue girl here to avoid trouble."
She said this, sighing.
"Although common folk don't have much money, they have enough to eat and live comfortably, with harmonious families and supportive neighbors. Pity us high-ranking families; we appear glorious, but the sordid affairs within are unspeakable. The Liang family committed such shameless acts, yet my granddaughter's reputation is still tarnished. This world is truly unfair!"
The sharpness in her words and her affection for her granddaughter were evident. Princess Wenyi, being of royal blood, knew some of the inside story.
She had heard that Elder Xu had once gone to the palace and lodged a complaint before His Majesty. Unfortunately, the Liang family was closely allied with the Wei family, and Consort Wei also whispered in the emperor's ear. Consequently, the Liang family did not suffer severe punishment, only a few reprimands.
The Emperor's attitude had angered the Elder for many days, causing him to feign illness and stay home from court.
Upon hearing Old Madam Xu's words, Princess Wenyi understood. It seemed that the entire Xu family harbored some resentment towards the Emperor's favoritism of the Wei and Liang families.
In fact, both emotionally and logically, she could understand the Xu family's predicament. However, matters within the imperial family could not be judged by emotion or reason.
"There are many distractions in Dongdu City, and they will pass quickly. Let Mingyue consider this a trip to relax and enjoy a few days of peace. When you return, come visit my home. My mother is very fond of this girl. If it weren't for fearing that Elder Xu and you would be reluctant to part with her, she would have wished to adopt her as a granddaughter."
Madam Bai said playfully. The orange cat in her arms, under her gentle stroking, lay obediently in her embrace, unlike its usual mischievous self.