Mu Yuanxiu said, "I know where the Chai Family’s house is, I’ll take you there."
The Chai Family is the wealthiest household on this street, it’s easy to find out.
Second Young Master Li and Li Xing’an replied indifferently, "Alright then, since you’re here for the market alone, we might as well come along and return together."
Li Yuzhu didn’t object, "Let’s go together then."
Everyone walked along, eating buns, heading towards the Chai Family.
The Chai Family’s house was at the very end of the street.
It was an impressive rural estate.
The gate was modeled after those of city mansions, with imposing stone lions on either side.
The gate was open, and on a long wooden bench at the entrance, sat an old man guarding the door.
Mu Yuanxiu approached and cupped his hands to the old man, saying, "Uncle, I heard the household is buying snow rabbits? I have six snow rabbit kits here, would you like to take a look?"
The old man responded, "Yes, indeed, where are the rabbits?"
The basket with the rabbits was carried by Li Xing’an, he took it off and handed it over.
The old man glanced at the rabbits and nodded, "Wait here, I’ll get someone to take a look."
He called to a young servant sweeping the yard, "Quickly go tell the steward that someone is here to sell snow rabbits."
The servant acknowledged, dropped the broom, and ran into the backyard.
Before long, a middle-aged man of average height came quickly.
Upon reaching the gate, he immediately asked, "Where are the rabbits? Let me see them first."
Li Xing’an held the basket, "The rabbits are here."
The middle-aged man stroked his mustache and nodded, "Not bad, not bad, I’ll take the rabbits inside for our young lady to see first. If she likes them, we’ll pay."
With that, he waved to a servant, "Take them in for the third young lady to inspect."
Li Yuzhu quickly stopped him, "Steward, you haven’t mentioned the price yet."
The steward raised his eyebrows, "Who on this street doesn’t know our third young lady is looking for snow rabbits? Five hundred wen each, if she likes them, she won’t short you a single coin. Just wait."
As long as the price was settled, Li Yuzhu stopped him, just to confirm.
She moved aside and let the steward pass.
Second Young Master and Li Xing’an, once the domineering young nobles of the Capital, always looked down on others, but today were looked down upon themselves. They wished to kick the arrogant steward.
Li Yuzhu noticed their expressions unchanged, holding them down left and right.
What’s there to be proud of? Humph! The two turned their heads away.
Mu Yuanxiu glanced at them, his eyes glinting slightly.
The steward went into the house and didn’t come out for a long time.
Li Xing’an couldn’t wait any longer and asked the gatekeeper, "Hey, old man, why has your steward taken so long? Your house isn’t that big, from the front door to the back door is only half a bowl of tea’s time, but it’s been two bowls of water’s time, why hasn’t he come back yet?"
The gatekeeper was patient and smiled gently, "The rabbits are for the third young lady’s request, she has to approve. If she doesn’t agree, how could the steward dare to decide?"
That made sense, so everyone had to continue waiting.
After a while, the steward returned with the servant.
The servant tossed the basket with the rabbits out the gate.
"Our third young lady says she doesn’t like these rabbits, take them back." The steward spoke arrogantly.
"Ah—" The timid Great Princess screamed and jumped, hiding behind the Second Young Master.
The Second Princess was so scared her legs started shaking, "Third... Third Brother..."
Third Brother Li Xing’an supported her and pushed her aside.
Mu Yuanxiu walked in front of Li Yuzhu, blocking her view from the basket.