At the same time, elsewhere in the city—within the Northern Market District of the royal capital.
The place bustled with voices, and the long-missed warmth of the sun shone through carved wooden windows, spilling across the polished floors of the old and established Jin Xiu Workshop.
The air was filled with the subtle, refreshing fragrance unique to new cloth.
Xun Xue stood before shelves brimming with goods, her fingertips gently brushing over bolts of gorgeous fabric.
Yun Jin flowed as smoothly as water, while Sky Silkworm Silk shimmered with a luster as radiant as moonlight. She carefully compared the texture and patterns, her expression wholly focused.
“These two rolls of Yun Wen Brocade, and that bolt of pink-and-white Sky Silkworm Silk—wrap them all up.”
Having made her selection, Xun Xue spoke gently to the shop attendant waiting nearby.
She was thinking of making a few more bright and lively outfits for Xiao Qian Cha, as well as purchasing some comfortable everyday clothes for Xiao Wan Bai.
That little one always wore those two sets of dark Priestess Robes; just looking at her in them made Xun Xue feel stuffy on her behalf.
Lu Qian Cha was better off; she had plenty of pretty ready-made clothes stored in her spatial ring.
But Ling Wan Bai had only two sets of Priestess Robes, and if both were dirtied, the poor girl could only huddle in her quilt, or revert to her original form and hide away, which was truly pitiful.
Lu Qian Cha stood quietly at Xun Xue’s side, her blue eyes sweeping over the intricate patterns, but showing little interest. To her, clothes only needed to be light, sturdy, and unobtrusive.
Still, as long as she could stay by Xun Xue’s side, she didn’t mind standing here all day.
The faint, clean scent her mother carried lingered at her nose, and feeling the warmth of Xun Xue’s fingers—this was Lu Qian Cha’s greatest peace and happiness at this moment.
Ling Wan Bai, meanwhile, resembled a delicate little jade statue, quietly standing on Xun Xue’s other side.
Her gray eyes stared straight ahead, her small face still expressionless, making it impossible to tell if she was curious about the dazzling fabrics or simply bored out of her mind.
Xun Xue stowed the carefully wrapped fabrics from the attendant into her spatial ring, then naturally reached out with both hands—taking Lu Qian Cha’s hand with one, and Ling Wan Bai’s cool little hand with the other.
Her voice was gentle: “We’ve finished buying fabric. Come on, let’s visit the Eastern Market.”
The three of them had only just stepped out past the door curtain adorned with brocade tassels, when the lively bustle of the Northern Market District surged around them.
Ling Wan Bai, who had followed Xun Xue like a quiet shadow, suddenly lifted her little head. In those usually calm gray eyes, a rare glimmer of light danced, small yet clear.
“Are we going to eat something delicious?”
Her voice remained as calm as ever, but the anticipation she tried so hard to hide still slipped through—the slight forward tilt of her body, and her small hand unconsciously clutching Xun Xue’s sleeve.
Xun Xue looked down, just in time to meet Ling Wan Bai’s eyes—trying to stay serene, but sparkling nonetheless. A gentle curve lifted her lips: “Yes.”
She answered softly, and gently pinched the cheeks of her two little ones, saying, “What do you want to eat? I’ll buy whatever you want today.”
“I want Char Siu Bun!”
Lu Qian Cha seemed to ignite instantly, bouncing with excitement, her little hand raised high and shaking eagerly.
Her sapphire-like eyes sparkled, making no attempt to hide her desire.
It was as if she could already see, right through the crowd, those steaming hot, thin-skinned, generously filled, sweet-and-savory, juicy buns before her eyes.
She’d been craving them ever since their last stroll through the market.
“All right, we’ll buy as many Char Siu Buns for our little Qian Cha as she wants.”
Unable to hold back a laugh, Xun Xue ruffled that soft little head. She then turned to Ling Wan Bai, who was striving to maintain her composure, though her gaze was glued to Xun Xue with obvious longing.
Her voice softened further: “And you, Xiao Wan Bai? What delicious thing would you like to eat?”
Ling Wan Bai considered seriously for two seconds, her brows even knitting a little as if weighing a momentous decision.
Then she raised her small face, her gaze unwavering and concise as she declared, “…I want to eat meat.”
“All right, I’ll buy you plenty of Fresh Meat Buns filled with meat in a bit.”
Xun Xue promised, her brows and eyes full of warmth.
“Thank you, Honored Immortal.”
Ling Wan Bai replied with the solemnity of a Priestess, her tone calm. Yet the fluffy big tail behind her began to wag lightly from side to side, quick and lively, wordlessly betraying a joy too great to conceal.
Xun Xue didn’t expose the little one’s thoughts. Smiling, she ruffled Ling Wan Bai’s soft hair, then tightened her grip on the two little hands, leading them into the lively crowds of the Eastern Market.
It was noon, and the Eastern Market was in full swing. The enticing aromas of food and the enthusiastic cries of vendors wove together under the warm sun.
The three soon arrived before a Baozi Shop shrouded in steaming mist and overflowing with mouthwatering fragrance.
“Boss, two Char Siu Buns and two Fresh Meat Buns, please, packed separately.” Xun Xue spoke clearly to the busy shopkeeper.
“Coming right up, dear customer! Just a moment!” The boss grinned broadly, deftly packing the buns into two thick oilpaper bags and handing them over, steaming hot. “Anything else you’d like?”
“That’s all, thank you.” Xun Xue shook her head gently and placed several shiny copper coins on the counter.
“Here you go, take care! Come again for more!” The boss called out cheerfully.
No sooner had they stepped out of the Baozi Shop’s fragrant haze than Xun Xue handed the two warm bags to her eagerly waiting little ones.
Lu Qian Cha could barely contain herself; she cupped the bag in both hands, immediately pulling out a plump Char Siu Bun, and took a huge bite with her little mouth.
Firm, springy meat pieces wrapped in a savory-sweet filling burst across her tongue, bringing an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
Her fluffy tail began swishing furiously, and her face shone with pure, unhidden happiness.
Beside her, Ling Wan Bai maintained her composed expression, nibbling daintily at her own plump Fresh Meat Bun.
But the tip of her fluffy gray tail was swaying ever so slightly from side to side, revealing her inner delight in silence.
Xun Xue looked at the two little wolves beside her, contentedly eating with their tails wagging wildly, her eyes overflowing with a gentle, springlike warmth.
“Would you like a little more to eat?” Xun Xue’s voice was as soft as the wind.
“Mm…Noo more! I’m stuffed!” Lu Qian Cha’s cheeks bulged, her voice muffled as she mumbled like a greedy little squirrel.
“And Xiao Wan Bai? Want to try some other treats?” Xun Xue turned to Ling Wan Bai, who had already finished eating quietly and was now looking at her with those gray eyes.
I’m full too.
Ling Wan Bai swallowed her last bite, answering crisply, her face as calm as ever.
Xun Xue nodded with a smile, once again taking the hands of her now satisfied little ones.
She picked out a few special sweets and preserves from the Northern lands, then, with hearts and hands full, they set off on the road back to Shui Qian Palace.
Yet, that warmth and happiness came to an abrupt halt before the gates of Shui Qian Palace.
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