The next day.
Yuchuan withdrew three taels of silver from the Xu family's accounting room and walked towards the street with Nian Jiaojiao.
Nian Jiaojiao was wrapped layer after layer, and after a few steps, she gasped, "Hoo, hoo... Chuan'er, you've put too many clothes on me..."
As Nian Jiaojiao spoke, large swathes of white drifted into the air.
Yuchuan comforted her, "My wife, the weather is too cold. You have an exam tomorrow. If you catch a cold, how can that be good? My wife, please bear with it... I'll support you."
Nian Jiaojiao had no choice but to lean on Yuchuan as they walked.
"Hahaha, Third Brother, look quickly, there's a woman being helped by a man on the road!"
Not long after they walked, an arrogant burst of laughter reached their ears.
Nian Jiaojiao turned her head and saw a young girl in a carriage pointing at her and Yuchuan, laughing heartily.
"Fu'er, don't be rude!"
The man beside her gently chided the woman next to him. However, the man's face was obscured by shadows, making him indistinguishable.
The woman in the carriage wore extremely luxurious clothing, and the butterfly pomegranate gemstone hairpin on her head was clearly valuable, indicating no ordinary background.
She pouted, "Third Brother! You're scolding me again! Not allowed to do this, not allowed to say that every day, it's truly boring!"
"Fu'er!!"
The man in the carriage intensified his tone, clearly showing signs of genuine anger.
"Alright, alright, I won't say it then..."
As she spoke, she couldn't help but mutter, "Alas... I'm so pitiful, to have such a strict brother..."
The man shot her a glance, and the woman called Fu'er immediately covered her mouth, signaling that she would say no more.
Seeing that the woman had finally become quiet, the man in the carriage then said gently to Nian Jiaojiao and Yuchuan, "My sister is ignorant, please forgive us."
Seeing the sincere attitude of the person, Nian Jiaojiao did not want to dwell on it and replied, "It's nothing, it's nothing."
The shadow in the carriage seemed to nod at her, and then she reached out and drew the curtain.
"Uncle Ren, let's depart," the man said to the coachman.
"Yes, young master."
After walking for about half an hour, Nian Jiaojiao and Yuchuan arrived at Mobaoxuan.
At this time, many young servants in Mobaoxuan were attending to guests.
"Two, what do you need?" a young servant in green greeted them.
Nian Jiaojiao casually said, "Just looking around."
The servant glanced at Nian Jiaojiao and smiled, "Is this lady here to participate in tomorrow's Tong Sheng examination?"
Nian Jiaojiao nodded, "Yes, you young servant have quite sharp eyes."
The servant happily accepted Nian Jiaojiao's praise, "Our Mobaoxuan's business surges during these days every year, mostly for preparations for the Tong Sheng examination. However, it's rare for ladies like you to come in person."
Nian Jiaojiao looked around. Indeed, most of the people present were older elders or men selecting items in Mobaoxuan, with very few women her age. She guessed that these were either family elders buying calligraphy and paintings for their juniors, or husbands selecting them for their wives.
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was thinking this, the servant led her and Yuchuan to the right side.
"This lady, and husband, please come this way."
The three of them came to a counter filled with writing brushes. The servant in blue at the counter was busy packing for a customer.
"This lady, take a look here, are there any writing brushes you fancy?"
Seeing Nian Jiaojiao staring at a writing brush on the counter, the servant in green enthusiastically introduced, "Lady, you have excellent taste! This writing brush you are looking at is the treasure of our Mobaoxuan!"
Nian Jiaojiao knew it was extraordinary as she saw this writing brush separated from the others. As expected, the other party continued to introduce, "This writing brush is called the 'White Jade Ten Thousand Longevity Without End Brush'. The brush body is made of white jade and dark green jade. It is simple and unadorned, highlighting the beauty of the jade material. It is finely carved and lustrous enough to be used as a mirror. Furthermore, the brush handle is engraved with the inscription 'Ten Thousand Longevity Without End'."
After hearing this long introduction, Nian Jiaojiao decisively moved her gaze away. Without even asking the price, she knew that even selling her and Yuchuan would not be enough to afford this brush.
The servant in green, seeing their attire, could discern their thoughts. He did not show any contempt, but instead smiled and said, "Actually, this brush has only one drawback, which is that it's a bit heavy and not suitable for you, madam, to use for the exam. Why don't you look at this one instead."
Nian Jiaojiao took it and examined it, and the servant's introduction came to her ears, "This brush is made from the hair on the back of wild mountain rabbits. It is tough and resilient, with stronger elasticity than wolf hair. It allows for sharper strokes and is suitable for writing straight and square characters."
As he spoke, the servant observed Nian Jiaojiao's expression, but seeing that she remained impassive, he was temporarily unsure of her thoughts and continued, "Also, the price of this brush is moderate, only three taels of silver. Because of this, this type of brush is very popular among scholars."
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was about to say that she didn't need a brush, a woman in fine clothes walked down from upstairs and said towards the counter, "Someone! Bring me the most expensive brush from here!"
The servant in blue quickly put down his work, rubbed his hands, and walked over, bowing to the woman. "Fourth Miss."
At this moment, Nian Jiaojiao also recognized the woman as the young girl named "Fu'er" she had met on the road.
"Hmm, why are you here? Where is Manager Cheng?" the young girl asked.
"Manager Cheng had something to attend to at home today and has temporarily handed over the shop's affairs to me to manage," the servant replied respectfully.
"Oh wow! This Manager Cheng is so busy! Since he's so busy, why is he still a manager? He might as well focus on his own business!"
The young girl fully utilized her sharp tongue, and the servant beside her could only stand by and smile helplessly. One was her employer, and the other was her direct superior. As a minor figure, he could not take sides with either...
When the young girl was unhappy, her gaze suddenly fell upon Nian Jiaojiao and Yuchuan standing by, and she immediately walked over. "Yo! What a coincidence, we meet again!"
Nian Jiaojiao was unsure of the other party's intentions for a moment. Was she straightforward, or did she harbor ill will towards her?
Seeing that Nian Jiaojiao remained silent, the young girl, acting as if they were old friends, said, "Since we met twice in one day, we must be fated. Are you also participating in tomorrow's Tong Sheng examination? How old are you? My name is Tong Fu, what's yours?"
The string of questions made Nian Jiaojiao feel a little amused. However, she could confirm that the other party harbored no ill will towards her. She also gave Tong Fu a friendly smile, "Tong Fu, hello, my name is Nian Jiaojiao, I'm 16 years old, and I will indeed participate in tomorrow's Tong Sheng examination."
"16 years old? Then aren't you taking the exam for the third time?"
Upon hearing Nian Jiaojiao's words, Tong Fu mistook her for a candidate who had failed multiple times. A strong sense of recognition arose in her heart, and she exclaimed excitedly, "That's such a coincidence! This is my second time taking the exam too! Sigh... studying is really hard, don't you think?"
Nian Jiaojiao did not explain, but smiled and nodded. Tong Fu seemed to have found a confidante and generously said, "Hey! I've made you my friend! How about this, it's your first time visiting my family's shop today, see if there's anything you like, and I'll give it to you!"