A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

"Come take a look at these, which one do you like?"

The round-headed hairpin had a simple design but was made of solid materials. The other hairpins had more complicated and fancy designs and looked more exquisite. According to Chen Wanxing's spending habits, she would definitely choose the former, but young girls would probably prefer the latter.

Sure enough, Qiuju and Dongmei chose styles that corresponded to their names, while Qingsui also chose the twisted braid pattern.

Chen Wanxing didn't restrict them in any way. After they had made their selections, she signaled the shop assistant to pack them up, and then turned to look at the area next to her that mainly displayed children's ornaments.

After scanning the area, she took a liking to a hollow, thin silver longevity lock. The front of the lock was engraved with words such as "May you live a long and healthy life" and "May you have peace and good fortune."

The back features a simple peace pattern, paired with a sturdy red braided cord. Three silver bells adorn the lower edge of the lock plate, producing a very delicate and clear sound when touched lightly.

This is quite good. Chen Wanxing chose four "Long Live to a Hundred Years" necklaces and also picked out a small twisted rope collar with a snap fastener at the joint, which can be adjusted in size and is very suitable for newborns.

Well, that completes the set. Each of my younger siblings has one, and even my two nephews each have one. No one is left out.

Thinking of this, Chen Wanxing suddenly remembered that she had left behind Chen Yanche, who had been quietly waiting beside her. The sixteen-year-old boy had already started to grow taller, and apart from his still somewhat childish face, he already looked like a young man.

The shop assistant followed her gaze, smiled knowingly, and took something out of another drawer under the counter. Instead of placing it on the velvet cloth, he held it in his palm.

It was a silver plaque symbolizing peace and good fortune. It wasn't the kind children wore around their necks, but rather a slightly thicker rectangular plaque with holes at the top and bottom, so a cord could be threaded through it and tied around the waist, or used as an ornament to weigh down a robe.

The front of the plaque is engraved with a circle of auspicious cloud patterns, and the character "安" (peace) is engraved in the middle. The design is simple and elegant, without being childish or overly mature.

"At your age, young man, a lock is too small for you. This auspicious pendant is just right. Hang it on your waist, or tie it to your book bag or luggage. It's for your safety and good fortune, and it also makes you look more mature."

"Master has a good eye. Okay, this is it. These three hairpins, four silver locks, this small necklace, and this ruyi pendant, please give me the total price," Chen Wanxing said.

The shopkeeper took out a small scale and weighed the items one by one. He then used the abacus to calculate: "Three hairpins, each weighing eight qian and three fen. The materials and workmanship of these hairpins are quite heavy. Each hairpin costs two hundred and seventy wen. In total, each hairpin weighs one liang and one qian. The three hairpins together weigh three liang and three qian."

Four silver locks, each weighing five coins…

The shopkeeper, while talking, fiddled with the abacus beads, and finally snapped, "A total of ten taels, two mace, and sixty cash."

This was a huge sum for a farming family. The three younger sisters looked at Chen Wanxing with some unease, hesitant to accept it. Recalling the day's events, Chen Yanche gritted his teeth and accepted the silver medal that had been specially bought for him with both hands. "Thank you, sister."

A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Wanxing's eyes, but when she raised an eyebrow at Chen Yanche, her eyes showed more satisfaction. Since she was sincere in giving him the gift, she certainly wouldn't take it back.

The three younger sisters were all a little confused when they saw Chen Yanche accept the gift. Why did their brother accept such a valuable gift? Wasn't he afraid that his grandmother would break his legs when he got home?

"Since this is a gift from our sister, let's accept it. But since our sister is so good to us, you must remember to be even better to her in the future."

After he finished speaking, his three younger sisters hesitated for a moment before reaching out to take it. It wasn't until they left the shop that their emotions returned to normal, though they would occasionally touch the hairpin in their arms and giggle foolishly.

Seeing this, Chen Wanxing smiled slightly and reached out to rub the head of Qingsui, who was closest to her.

After walking all morning, Chen Wanxing felt her legs were sore, but she was still thinking of going to the pastry shop again to bring some pastries back to her grandmother, parents, uncles, and aunts.

Fortunately, Su Xiang Zhai, the best pastry shop in the county town, was not far from the main street, and Chen Wanxing still insisted on leading her younger siblings inside.

The shop was large and extremely clean, with various pastries, candied fruits, and nuts neatly arranged on wooden trays.

Jujube paste cake, osmanthus cake, sesame crisp, walnut cake, hibiscus crisp... their colors are enticing, and their sweet aroma is irresistible.

Although tasting wasn't allowed here, the aroma suggested the food would taste good. Chen Wanxing casually ordered about ten items, asking the waiter to weigh out a little of each and wrap them separately in thick, coarse oil paper. Finally, he also wrapped a separate packet of maltose and candied fruit for his younger children.

The waiter tied seven or eight bulging oil paper packages into two large bundles with hemp rope. When it came time to pay, the price was naturally not cheap, but Chen Wanxing felt that the money was well spent.

As for buying clothes and jewelry for parents and elders, Chen Wanxing felt that it was neither practical nor practical, and they might not even want to wear them. It would be better to buy them more delicious food to keep at home.

As they left the pastry shop, everyone's hands were full, their arms and hands laden with things. The group looked at each other, their hands full and even a little disheveled, and couldn't help but laugh.

"Now we've really bought everything."

Chen Wanxing smiled, glanced at the time, and said, "Let's go back. We're too tired to walk around anymore, and it's time."

When Chen Wanxing and his group, carrying large bags and bundles, returned to the street corner where they had stored their oxcart, looking somewhat exhausted, there was a lively scene around Chen Hua's oxcart.

Chen Hua squatted by the cart shaft smoking a pipe, while the two women who had come with him that morning returned, tidying up their things and talking and laughing loudly.

To Chen Wanxing's slight surprise, Tian Chuan was also there. He was empty-handed, leaning silently against the carriage shaft, head down, taking small bites of a dry-looking grain pancake, completely out of place with the lively scene around him.

Hearing the commotion, Tian Chuan looked up and his gaze met that of Chen Wanxing, who was looking over there.

How embarrassing! This is so unlucky! He's been waiting here for so long and they still haven't come back. He's so hungry he can't stand it anymore. He figured he'd only need to eat a pancake for a while, and he probably wouldn't run into them.

Just as he took out the pancake to eat, the person returned. He was so startled that he immediately lowered his eyes again, quickly stuffed the last bit of pancake into his mouth, chewed it hard, his cheeks puffed out slightly, and his ears turned suspiciously red again.

Chen Wanxing had no idea that he was eating. Inviting him to dinner was just a polite gesture, and it was normal for him not to want to eat with a stranger.

This person came carrying prey, but now it's clear he walked here. Now he's going back empty-handed and wants to take a ride?