Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 107 - 106: Shopping

Chapter 107: Chapter 106: Shopping

Upon returning to his room, Chen Afu sorted out the pieces of satin that Mr Luo had given him. Besides the six whole pieces that had to be reserved for his trip back to the village to be made into clothes at the embroidery workshop, there were still some leftover materials.

Based on the size of the remnants, Chen Afu decided to make a set of dark blue half-sleeved robes for Alu, and a white long robe for Dabao. Thinking that Agui and Mrs. Gao were decent folks, he also made a light blue jacket and a goose yellow skirt for Daya.

As for the light pink and snow-white satin, it was given to Aman to make a white undergarment and a light pink skirt, which would pair perfectly with her sky-blue half-sleeved robe.

Mrs. Wang suggested that Chen Afu make a half-sleeved robe out of the over three feet of the red satin Chen Afu had, and he agreed. Although the red robe might be a bit too flashy, shortening it a little and matching it with a white undergarment and a long skirt would still look good. There was white satin at home, so he could make these once he returned.

As for the dark green satin, it was turned into a waistcoat for Mrs. Wang.

Upon receiving the two pieces of satin, Aman was grinning from ear to ear.

Chen Afu greatly liked his cheerful and diligent little cousin. If only she lived in Xiangluo Village, he would have another younger sister to chat with. Although Alan was not bad, due to Mrs. Hu, and her rather introverted personality, they never grew that close.

The group huddled in the small room, sewing until Mrs. Zhang called them for dinner.

After dinner, Dabao was escorted home by Uncle Qing.

In his hand, he was carrying two packets of candy from the Chus’ Mansion, eight pens and four pieces of ink. He then took out two wallets from his pocket, saying that they were gifts from Marquis Chu. Each wallet contained six silver ingots weighing two Qian each.

Chen Afu then took a pack of candy and two pens, two pieces of ink to give to Chen Shi. Chen Shi didn’t want the candies, he told her to reserve it for the village folks back home. The country folks would certainly treasure the treats from the city, especially since these candies were from the capital city and the provincial city. He accepted the pens and ink, stating that these were valuable items and should be saved for Atang when he takes the scholar exam.

At night, while everyone was lying on the bed, Dabao told them, Marquis Chu was like a child, especially fond of sweets, particularly the Snowball Glutinous Rice Dates. He advised to make more of this sweet treat. Besides giving a few to Yan’er, he did not allow anyone else to eat it, even Uncle Chu who tasted a couple was scolded. Marquis Chu called Uncle Chu a big man who was far too fond of desserts...

Everyone burst out laughing. Chen Afu imagining the serious Chu Lingxuan being scolded for his fondness of sweet treats felt incredibly amusing.

The next day, Chen Afu and Dabao were accompanied by Chen Ayu to stroll around town and buy things to take back to the village. They were to return the day after tomorrow and there were many friends and relatives to give gifts to.

Mrs. Wang didn’t enjoy shopping and Chen Afu didn’t want her to go either. Presently, Dingzhou had just received a new governor, and notices affixed everywhere stirred discussions among the common folk.

Before they departed, Mrs. Wang gave Chen Afu the three taels of silver she had on her and said, "You’ve already spent so much, use this silver to buy things. Your grandmother already has a silver hairpin, remember to buy a presentable gift also for your eldest uncle and Agui..."

Chen Shi also handed over some silver and coppers to Chen Ayu, asking him to use it for meals and snacks out in the town, and also to buy some decent gifts for Mrs. Chen and Chen Ye. Ayu and Dabao should be conscious not to walk too much, preferentially opting to take a carriage...

Chen Ayu said, "I understand, father."

Aman wished to join them, but Mrs. Zhang refused, scolding, "You’re so thoughtless! With both your brothers away, who’s going to help out with the chores if you leave too?"

Feeling dejected but having no choice, Aman went into the kitchen to clean the dates. The convenience store at home had begun selling these snacks, which were proving to be highly popular.Chen Ayu proved to be a competent guide, leading them first to view the main gate of the military and political government office of Dingzhou. He knew that everyone from the farms wished to get a glimpse of what the houses of the grand officials were like. If they could not see the house, a look at the main gate would satisfy their curiosity.

Due to the strategic position of Dingzhou, even though it was not the provincial capital, a General was appointed here. Chu Lingxuan was the deputy to this General. The governor of Dingzhou was a fourth-rank official, unlike other governors outside the provincial city who were only fourth-rank subordinates, fifth-rank officials, or even sixth-rank officials in remote small county cities.

The towering Yamen of the General, along with the soldiers in military attire holding swords and spears at the gate, filled Dabao’s eyes with awe. He asked Chen Afu, "Mother, does Uncle Chu work there?"

Chen Afu responded uncertainly, "Um, possibly, I’m not sure too."

After taking in the majestic, red main gate and glancing a few times at the tall courtyard walls, Chen Ayu hailed a donkey cart. After a short ride through several streets, they arrived at the governor’s yamen.

The door wasn’t guarded by soldiers, but by Yamen runners, who were equally imposing.

Excited, Chen Ayu declared, "I’ve heard that the new governor is from our Sanqing County, his old home is in Zhao’s Village of Linfeng Town, only a few miles away from Xiangluo Village."

Chen Ayu and his siblings, who grew up in the capital city, were entirely unaware that the whole of Xiangluo Village knew that Mr. Chen, who once was the son-in-law of Mrs. Wang, was celebrated.

Chen Afu disdainfully remarked, "No matter how close he is, he doesn’t know us. Let’s go."

A high official from Zhao’s Village in Linfeng Town? Chen Dabao’s clever mind spun, sensing something was amiss, but before he could clarify his thoughts, his mother dragged him off to eat delicious food. The tempting food swept away Dabao’s momentary puzzlement, and he hurriedly followed his mother with short, quick steps.

Seeing his cousin totally uninterested in his idol, Chen Ayu dejectedly followed. For some reason, his parent’s lack of interest and their prohibition on discussing court matters at home flustered him when he had eagerly returned home to share the news earlier.

They took a carriage straight to the bustling West Street of Dingzhou. Chen Afu had been here a few times but never had the opportunity to explore. But now, having managed all her affairs, she could enjoy this day purely for fun and shopping, thereby, Chen Afu and Dabao had a relaxed day.

Whenever Dabao expressed a desire to eat something, Chen Ayu would insist on paying, emphatically forbidding Chen Afu from doing so. He righteously declared, "With a man present, it’s improper to let a woman pay."

Dabao was thoughtful; he only desired affordable food, helping Chen Ayu save face and not overspend.

Chen Afu bought some pastries, candies, pens and ink, hairpins, silk ribbons, and camel-colored silk clothes for Chen Ye and Chen Agui. For her own family, she bought similar clothing but of lower-quality silk. The satin was too luxurious and apt for festivals and the Lunar New Year.

Considering Chen Ye’s position in Chen Ming’s eyes, she bought a jade beak pine pipe for Chen Ye, which cost about one piece and two silver ingots.

They continued to indulge until sunset before returning home satisfied.

The next morning, Luo Fang announced that a carriage would pick them up tomorrow morning from the Chu’s Mansion, and then they would head back to the countryside together. He also mentioned that Marquis Chu had taken almost all the snowball glutinous rice dates, and formally requested Chen Afu to make some more for the journey back home.

He then handed over another ten pounds of dates.