Ji Yue Xuan
After Lu Nian Fu finished breakfast, Qing Ya handed her a letter. "Miss, this is from Madam, sent by someone."
"Mother?" Lu Nian Fu really didn't expect to receive a letter from Li Shi.
Opening it, she saw that Lu Fei's birthday was approaching, and her mother wanted to bring him back to celebrate. Although it was still a mourning period and not suitable for grand banquets, he was, after all, the only young master of the household and the true master of the dye workshop. Li Shi felt that being too low-key would be detrimental.
So, she decided to host a few tables at home.
She asked Lu Fei to return on time for his birthday celebration. Of course, she didn't forget to send an invitation to Lu Nian Fu, his elder sister.
Lu Nian Fu frowned.
Lu Fei was only eight years old. Why the need for such a grand celebration? Moreover, holding a banquet during the mourning period, while not a grave offense, could lead to severe repercussions if someone were to seize upon it. A charge of unfilial piety would be a heavy burden for a scholar to bear.
She immediately took up her brush and wrote a reply to Li Shi.
Given their proximity, the servants made a couple of trips, and Li Shi's reply arrived the next day.
Regarding the reputation of a scholar, Li Shi dared not be careless. She had already canceled the originally planned banquet, only instructing Lu Fei to return home for his birthday. Even without inviting guests, he still needed to come home for a bowl of longevity noodles.
This request was not excessive, and Lu Nian Fu readily agreed.
Lu Fei's birthday was on the first day of November, less than four days away. While mother and son would be reuniting, Lu Nian Fu had no intention of joining the festivities. Seeing that the weather was pleasant in the afternoon, she took Qing Ya to the market to pick out a birthday gift for Lu Fei.
Qing Ya offered her suggestion, "Miss, why not pick a set of writing implements for Young Master? It's the most suitable gift for a scholar."
"He's still a child. It's miserable enough to be forced to study every day. Do you think he'll be happy receiving something related to studying for his birthday?"
"Then, a set of clothes?"
"Mother will take care of that."
"Then, jewelry, perhaps a silver necklace? One inlaid with precious gems."
Lu Nian Fu chuckled, "Have you been reading those strange storybooks again? If a child wears something so precious, what if he's robbed?"
Qing Ya: ...
"You should decide yourself, Miss. I'm out of ideas."
Lu Nian Fu smiled and walked forward. After a few turns, she stopped in front of a shop with a very small storefront. Qing Ya looked up – Wang's Kites.
Qing Ya: "Miss? Are you buying a kite for Young Master?"
"Yes, he's been mentioning how nice the weather has been lately and how he wants to go fly kites outside. As his elder sister, how can I not fulfill such a small wish?"
"But a kite is only a few coins. Isn't this gift a bit too meager?"
Lu Nian Fu was unfazed. "A gift's value lies in its sincerity, not its price. If he judges the value of gifts by money at such a young age, won't he grow up to be materialistic?"
She stepped into the shop. Inside, only a young girl was tending the store. Various kites hung on the wall – colorful butterflies, striped tigers, fierce eagles, each lifelike.
Lu Nian Fu chose an eagle kite.
One tael of silver.
Qing Ya grumbled all the way. One tael of silver wasn't much, but buying a kite with it seemed incredibly wasteful. However, Wang's Kites were famous, with many merchants even coming from afar. The kite was worth the price.
This autumn had been rainy, and it was rare to have such good weather. After buying the gift, Lu Nian Fu didn't rush back.
The shops on Xi Long Street were less upscale than those on Jing Hang Avenue, but they were well-equipped and offered many handicrafts. Lu Nian Fu preferred the small stalls, browsing and buying whatever caught her eye as she walked.
Before they had even finished walking down one street, Qing Ya was already carrying a pile of items.
Qing Ya was strong, and the weight of the items was manageable. The problem was the bulk. Seeing that the topmost box was almost obscuring her eyes, Lu Nian Fu had a pang of conscience. "Shall we spend some money to have someone deliver these back to the manor?"
"No, Miss. Instead of spending that money unnecessarily, you might as well give it to me as a reward."
This miser.
Lu Nian Fu couldn't help but roll her eyes at her. "I don't usually skimp on your money. Why are you trying to earn even this small amount?"
"Miss, with your grand family and great fortune, you wouldn't understand the hardships of a servant."
Her monthly allowance was four taels, a unique amount in the manor. The young lady also gave her occasional rewards, so her income was indeed not low. But alas, her hobbies were many – watching plays, listening to storytellers, buying storybooks, and going wherever there was excitement. Most importantly, she loved to eat and ate a lot.
It was manageable when she was in Xiangshui Town. The food options were limited.
But after arriving in Yangzhou City...
She hadn't saved any money. How could she not strive to increase her income?
Lu Nian Fu glanced at her, about to say that even if she took the items back, she wouldn't give her any extra money. However, before she could speak, Qing Ya spoke first. "Miss, look at that person. Doesn't he look like Constable Song? Carrying two large bundles, is he perhaps looking for the young master?"