After hearing these discussions, Lady Du became quite alarmed. As soon as they left the cloth store, she lamented to her daughter, "These lawless robbers are really too rampant. They’ve even started robbing a woman’s bedroom. How is one supposed to live in peace from now on..."
Cai Wei’s mouth twitched awkwardly, she dryly said, "Mom, this has nothing to do with you. Why are you getting yourself unnecessarily troubled?"
Lady Du said, "Well, I’m worried that those robbers won’t stop. If they ever target us one day, we’ll be screwed. We must instruct Zhang Bo to strengthen our security..."
Cai Wei was speechless...
Lady Du chattered on while she, along with Auntie Liu and Cai Wei, loaded the several large packs of cotton clothes they just bought into the carriage. The cotton-padded clothes and trousers for about ten people, close to dozens of them, almost filled the carriage.
Just as the mother-daughter pair was about to get into the carriage, they suddenly heard a thrilled voice, "Second Aunt, Cai Wei!"
Cai Wei turned her head, following the sound, and saw Third Uncle Mu and Third Aunt Mu, along with their only daughter Cai Lian, approaching them rapidly.
Third Uncle Mu was carrying a big basket, while Third Aunt Mu and Cai Lian each had a small bamboo basket. In no time, they were standing in front of them.
Lady Du grinned, "Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law, are you here to join the market again?"
Third Uncle Mu laughed awkwardly, "Well, today is the last market day, so we woke up early to steam a basket of buns to sell at the market..."
Cai Wei excitedly said, "It’s such a coincidence! Mom and I were planning to buy some steamed buns for the nursing home. Since Third Uncle is selling some here, why don’t we just buy from him!"
Lady Du nodded, "That’s perfect, we’re lucky that the Third Brother and his wife have come to sell buns at the market. They’ve saved our trip."
Third Uncle Mu knew that the mother-daughter duo were trying to help him without hurting his pride, so they made up the story about wanting to buy buns. He blushed and gratefully said, "The stuff we made at home doesn’t cost much. If my sister and niece want it, just feel free to take it. There’s no need to mention buying any, let’s not make it awkward."
Third Aunt Mu took the basket from her husband’s hands and tried to hand it to Lady Du, saying, "You can take it. It’s just a few buns, it’s worth much."
However, Lady Du refused to take the basket, saying, "If we can’t pay, we will buy from somewhere else. Although in such cold weather, who knows how much farther we would have to walk!"
Third Aunt realized Lady Du was firm about this, she sighed, "You’re too kind. You gifted such nice clothes to our Lian’er the other day, and today you’re buying our buns. How could we feel good about accepting this?"
Lady Du laughed, "Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law have helped our family a lot when we were in Mu Family Village. All we’re doing now is merely a token of our gratitude. Please don’t be so formal with us. Moreover, we are sincerely buying the buns. How could this be considered helping you?"
Standing aside, Cai Lian watched her parents and Second Aunt engage in lively conversation. She stood quietly, not making a sound. But her beautiful big eyes occasionally glanced towards the clothing store, with a sense of longing in their gaze.
Lady Du noticed this and laughed, "Lian’er, your new clothes are already made. I was thinking of delivering them to you when we visit Mu Family Village tomorrow. But since you’re here, why not take them back yourself."
After saying that, she ordered Auntie Liu to go to the cart, take out the autumn-colored auspicious cloud pattern brocade beizi, a skirt and embroidered shoes that were made for Cai Lian, to let them bring the clothes back home.