Discussing national affairs is something people only do in private whispers, and no one, not Shopkeeper Lin or anyone else, dares to publicly criticize the imperial court.
As for Wufu, although she isn’t exactly afraid, she must acknowledge that in an era where Imperial Power is supreme, no matter how capable she is, she cannot surpass its exalted status. After all, she is just one person, a young woman at that.
Now, living a peaceful and stable life isn’t so bad.
Two people entered the shop, and Wufu looked up to see it was her younger Uncle Zhou Xueli and his newly-wedded wife.
Wufu stood up as Shopkeeper Lin asked curiously, "Miss, who might these be?"
"They’re my Uncle and Aunt. Shopkeeper Lin, you’ve just returned, why don’t you rest for a bit? Jin Xi here will suffice." Wufu said.
Shopkeeper Lin didn’t stand on ceremony and, after instructing Jin Xi to take good care of the guests, retired to the back room.
Jin Xi was indeed clever, and hearing from Wufu that these two were relatives, immediately brought over two bowls of mung bean soup.
"You go sit too, if I need something I’ll call you." Wufu also dismissed Jin Xi.
Now that the weather was hot and clients sparser in the afternoon heat, Jin Xi took a seat behind the counter.
Only then did Wufu invite Zhou Xueli and his wife to sit down, and offered, "It’s awfully hot today, Uncle and Aunt, why don’t you have a bowl of mung bean soup to cool down?"
Zhou Xueli and his wife were still stunned by Wufu’s imposing manner and grace, which suggested she was the owner of the shop.
Lady Liang, seeing her husband stunned, gently nudged his hand.
Zhou Xueli came to his senses, sat down, and asked, "Wufu, why are you here?"
"Oh, I’ve been hired as an external craftsman by this shop to help carve some jade. But what about you Uncle and Aunt, what brings you out in this heat?" Wufu explained briefly.
What, an external craftsman?
Zhou Xueli was bewildered, Wufu’s words leaving him somewhat confused. What craftsman?
It took a while before he snapped out of it after another nudge from Lady Liang, managing to reply, "We’re accompanying your Aunt on a visit back home."
"I needed to buy some thread and needlework, and since we were passing through the town, I had your Uncle come with me," Lady Liang also explained shyly, "Remember when you gave me those two pearls at my wedding, Wufu? I thought of having them turned into earrings at the Silver House."
Wufu had forgotten about this.
"Aunt, did you bring the pearls with you?"
Lady Liang nodded, took out her purse, and handed over the two pearls.
Wufu took them, not even bothering to look, and simply asked, "Shall I have them make something for you? What design would you like, Aunt?"
Lady Liang was surprised internally, but she still shook her head, "I don’t really know."
"In that case, I’ll take care of it," Wufu smiled, "When they are ready, there’s no need for you to come all the way here; I’ll bring them to you."
"Won’t that trouble you too much?"
Wufu shook her head and laughed softly, "It’s no trouble at all, it’s on my way."
With that settled and having nothing more to discuss, she said, "Uncle, Aunt, I’ve got things to attend to. If there’s anything else you need to buy, this young man will offer you a discount."
At Wufu’s signal, Jin Xi quickly came over to assist them.
With Jin Xi attending to them, Wufu didn’t linger. After all, she wasn’t particularly close to them, and this was merely a courtesy. The fact that she was polite was because Zhou Xueli hadn’t wronged her; had it been his brother and sister-in-law, Wufu was certain she wouldn’t have spared them a glance.
Zhou Xueli watched, dazed, as his niece walked into the back room.
Meanwhile, Lady Liang took the opportunity to discreetly inquire about Wufu with Jin Xi. Learning that Wufu could carve jade and having seen her previous work left her astonished.