"Zhao's Fabric Shop? We have over a dozen fabric shops in Yunsu, but I've never heard of any Zhao's," the stall owner said with a puzzled expression. "Madam, are you perhaps mistaken?"
Li Yue Shu habitually styled her hair into a bun, so the address "Madam" was indeed appropriate. She was also quite used to it.
Seeing her unbothered reaction, Qin Mo Yuan curved his lips slightly.
Li Yue Shu frowned, "Then, among the fabric shops in Yunsu, is there any proprietor who has been seriously ill and is seeking medical treatment everywhere?"
The stall owner pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "I haven't heard of such a thing. Madam, have you come to the wrong place?"
Li Yue Shu fell silent.
She was certain she wasn't mistaken, so why was there no Zhao's Fabric Shop in Yunsu?
As she was contemplating, Qin Mo Yuan beside her tugged at her arm, "A Shu, the person who guided us, when did he disappear?"
Li Yue Shu suddenly realized.
When the man in black appeared, the servant who had been leading them vanished. It had been an emergency at the time, and she had subconsciously assumed the man was killed.
But on second thought, it seemed she had never seen the man's corpse, nor had she heard any commotion.
Li Yue Shu knitted her brows and abruptly looked up at Qin Mo Yuan.
He had clearly thought of something as well, nodding. "After the incident last time, I had my men block all of them outside Tong Mu County."
His words were somewhat vague, but Li Yue Shu understood their meaning.
So, the "patient in Yunsu" was a trap, designed to lure Qin Mo Yuan out and take his life.
However, one point still puzzled her: "How did they know you would definitely follow?"
Qin Mo Yuan shook his head. "I wouldn't necessarily follow, but you never go out alone. Even if it weren't me, it could have been the children."
Therefore, no matter what, he was bound to appear.
Li Yue Shu pouted, "So no matter what, I'm just an afterthought?"
Qin Mo Yuan: "…That was their folly. They were blind to A Shu's worth."
He added as an afterthought, "Just like I was before."
Li Yue Shu blinked in surprise.
Seeing the couple chatting at his stall, the owner, though he didn't understand their conversation, spoke up, "You two seem to be from out of town. Coincidentally, you've arrived during Yunsu's Lian Li Festival. Why not enjoy the sights?"
"You should try my Mandarin Duck Pastries. They're fresh from the oven, still warm!"
Qin Mo Yuan looked at the steaming pastries.
Two plump Mandarin Ducks placed together looked quite delightful.
Li Yue Shu, however, hadn't noticed the pastries. "Lian Li Festival? What kind of festival is that?"
The stall owner chuckled and explained, "Didn't we just have Qixi Festival not long ago? Yunsu's Lian Li Festival is similar to Qixi. While Qixi is mostly for unmarried couples, Lian Li Festival is specifically for married couples."
"Every year at this time, Yunsu hosts events like releasing river lanterns and hanging wish trees, as well as competitions. All the goods in the shops are sold in pairs, but the prices don't change much."
Speaking of his hometown's festivities, the stall owner was beaming with pride, feeling a sense of shared glory.
Li Yue Shu had never heard of such a festival before and asked curiously, "Who came up with this event?"
It could boost Yunsu's popularity and increase the business for shops within the city. Whoever thought of it must be quite clever.
"This has always been an event in Yunsu; it's been passed down for generations," the stall owner said with a smile, nudging his basket forward. "Madam, please take a look at my Mandarin Duck Pastries. My wife and I made them ourselves. Eating them will surely bring you marital bliss and lifelong love!"
Hearing the stall owner's enthusiastic sales pitch, before Li Yue Shu could say anything, Qin Mo Yuan beside her spoke, "Please pack a portion for us!"
"Certainly!" the stall owner responded promptly and began to package the pastries.
Li Yue Shu glanced at the man beside her but said nothing, merely looking at him with a half-smile.
Qin Mo Yuan found her expression peculiar but didn't think much of it, naturally reaching for his money.
However, as he reached into his robes, he suddenly froze.
All his belongings had been swept away by the river, and the half-bottle of medicinal wine he had left was also used up. He was now… penniless.
Only now did he understand the meaning behind Li Yue Shu's expression.
Seeing his awkward gesture, the stall owner seemed to grasp something. "Young master, you haven't brought any money with you?"
Qin Mo Yuan awkwardly rubbed his nose. Just as he was about to say never mind, a fair hand reached out from the side and handed the silver to the stall owner.
The stall owner glanced at Li Yue Shu, quickly accepted the money, and handed over the packaged pastries. "Young master, you are truly good to your Madam. Entrusting even important matters like managing finances to her."
Li Yue Shu smiled, "Actually, he's a live-in son-in-law."
With that, she turned and walked away with a beaming smile, leaving the stall owner stunned.
The stall owner looked at Qin Mo Yuan, his expression one of utter disbelief.
So he was a freeloader, but he wasn't even that good-looking. His Madam, on the other hand, was exceptionally beautiful. How could she have fallen for him?
Qin Mo Yuan twitched his lips as he looked at the stall owner's expression.
He knew A Shu had done it on purpose.
Although they had gone through a near-death experience together, she hadn't forgiven him for deceiving her.
Qin Mo Yuan felt a pang of helplessness and quickly followed Li Yue Shu's footsteps.
Having learned that Zhao's Fabric Shop didn't exist, Li Yue Shu was no longer in a hurry.
She had come all the way to Yunsu with injuries, so she wouldn't leave empty-handed. Since there was a festival, she might as well enjoy it.
Li Yue Shu ate the Mandarin Duck Pastries while observing the lively surroundings.
Qin Mo Yuan followed behind her. Seeing her eat with such satisfaction, he suddenly felt a craving.
Just as Li Yue Shu was about to pop another Mandarin Duck Pastry into her mouth, he suddenly reached out and broke off half of it from her hand.
Under Li Yue Shu's surprised gaze, he took a bite. "It tastes good, but not as good as what A Shu makes."
Li Yue Shu lifted her chin, "Naturally!"
She didn't think much of it, unaware that Qin Mo Yuan was looking at the other half of the pastry in her hand, a smile flashing in his eyes.
One Mandarin Duck for each of them, a perfect match!
"Come and see, the competition is about to begin! Those who wish to participate, hurry!"
A sudden clang of a gong caught their attention. "Couples participating in the competition! The first prize is a grand award. Don't miss out, everyone!"
Many people were gathered there, and Li Yue Shu, feeling curious, walked over.
She saw that in front of a jewelry shop, a man holding a gong stood on a makeshift stage.
He struck the gong while shouting, "The first prize is a pair of exquisite white jade hairpins and a crown, meticulously carved by our master craftsman with hibiscus flowers as the base, symbolizing marital love and everlasting harmony!"
Such a gimmick instantly drew a crowd.
The shop owner was also decisive, directly ordering his staff to bring out the prizes so everyone could see.
"Our shop has been in Yunsu for many years, and our reputation is well-known. This pair of jewelry is worth well over a hundred taels. Anyone who participates in our shop's competition has a chance to win it!"
At these words, the atmosphere became heated, and many people clamored to participate.