13 Jiaju, The South (3)

Entering the town, Fei Wanrou was greeted by a large group of people wearing different, vibrant clothes. Some are standing as they chatter, some are busy buying items, and some are busy waiting for customers. The bustling noises can be heard in each corner of the town.

Feeling the tight hold clasping her hand, Grandmother Que started to walk. With such a crowded place, she can easily get lost.

"This town sure is lively," she thought, observing each stall. The loud noise was deafening, making her want to cover her ears. She lives in a small village, it's only then that the town is noisy when there's a momentous occasion. However, such noise from her village cannot compared to the buzzing of this town.

Xiao Zhuo'er, who was being carried, was energetic as he swept his gaze from different stalls from time to time.

After walking for minutes, Grandmother Que finally stopped. Fei Wanrou, whose attention was focused on other shops, stopped, looking up ahead to find a beautiful woman holding a fan. "Oh, if it isn't Elder Que. What can I do for you today?" The shop owner, Lu Ji, asked, smiling as she walked gracefully towards Grandmother Que.

Seeing Lu Ji, Grandmother Que smiled. "Can you help me find new clothes for them? I wish them to have decent clothes." Lu Ji shifted her gaze and realized that there were two children behind Que Yie. Her eyes immediately filled with sweetness. She found herself so fond of kids that she even built a clothing shop for them. Adding adult and elderly sizes along the way.

"Then come on in." As they went inside the stall, numerous clothes in different colors were displayed. With each look, you can tell how well done the clothes were, together with the fabric used. Fei Wanrou began to hesitate. 

"Grandmother, is it really okay? Our robes are still fine," Fei Wanrou muttered, taking a look both at her and her little brother's clothes. Some parts of her robes have been ripped out, but with her sewing skills, her robes can still be used. On the other hand, Fei Zhuo's white robe has few cuts; with a little more stitching, it is easy for his robes to get fixed.

"Don't worry; it's my pleasure to see you both wear new clothes." Since their Grandmother persists, she might as well accept it. If she rejects her any further, Grandmother would be sad. Thinking like this, she then let go of her younger brother, who was carried by her, bowing down in gratefulness; she then grabbed her young brother's hand and left towards the displayed robes.

Seeing her kind gestures, Lu Ji couldn't help but praise the young lady. "What a grateful child. The world needs that kind of innocence nowadays. With Wu state at war, all those young men are now excited." Lu Ji shook her head, clicking her tongue in distaste.

"Look at them," glancing outside, then continued, "All excited, not even thinking about their families that will be left behind." Across her shop, a huge crowd was formed, going wild as they spent their money buying weapons and armor.

Grandmother Yie couldn't help but laugh, seeing how rash Lu Ji was when she had just been graceful earlier. " Now that you mentioned, I also realize that the crowd outside the gate is big as well," she said and added, "Is there something going on?" Que Yie, who realized the changes, was curious.

"There is an order from the Central Palace to gather young men who are willing to fight." she sighed.

"My son also wants to join, but with me as his mother, I can't let him send himself to death."

Fei Wanrou, who was not far away, was listening. Glancing at the chaos outside, she then checks her young brother, who looked troubled, picking some clothes.

Grandmother Que and Lu Ji continued to chat while waiting for the kids to finish. After picking their robes, respectively, they both got out, wearing their new white robes lined with exquisite patterns. Fei Wanrou then carried both of their old clothes and stored them in a sac.

Seeing both of them wearing their new robes, Grandmother Que smiled, handing Lu Ji 30 bronze coins. Bidding farewell to each other, the three of them left.

***

100 Bronze coins are equivalent to 1 Silver coin.

100 Silver coins are equal to 1 Gold coin.