Chapter 118: The Young Lady Still Has Forethought

“No, no, didn’t we agree earlier that we’re going shopping today?”

So that was why Zhang Xiaolan was so eager to get up—she was going shopping! Women, no matter the era, always love a good shopping trip; Zhang Xiaolan’s habits remained unchanged whether in ancient times or the modern age.

“Well, we could go out later,” Xiao Lian said, puzzled by the contradiction of being utterly exhausted yet insisting on rising early to shop.

If it were her, she would have chosen to rest. Xiao Lian had rarely been shopping herself, always busy working in the Wang mansion, with hardly any leisure time. Even when she had a chance to go to town, it was always rushed, never truly enjoying it.

“Of course, you have to shop to your heart’s content! The shops here close early. If I don’t get up early to hit the streets, it’s like not shopping at all! We’ll buy what we need first, then head to the west side of town to enjoy the lotus blossoms and the lake. Don’t you want to eat lunch out and play a bit longer?”

Zhang Xiaolan was even more familiar with the area than Xiao Lian; she’d heard about the best places to visit from others. It had been a long time since her last shopping trip, and she wanted to go out and breathe some fresh air.

“I do want to! You really have foresight, Miss.”

Hearing Zhang Xiaolan’s plan sparked Xiao Lian’s curiosity—it sounded wonderful, and she happily agreed.

“That’s just experience talking. Take Ling Xiao along to help carry the bags. When we get back, you can show off to Haizi and make him jealous. How’s that? I’ve thought of everything for you.”

Xiao Lian perked up even more at the prospect of something to boast about in front of Haizi.

After breakfast, they called for Ling Xiao and the three set off immediately. Though Ling Xiao didn’t quite understand the situation, he was glad to accompany Zhang Xiaolan out.

“Miss, miss, look! Look, they’re selling sachets here—so fragrant and pretty!”

Soon, Xiao Lian was drawn to a small stall and dragged Zhang Xiaolan over. It was selling fragrant sachets. She picked one up, sniffing it, noticing it smelled different from those she’d seen before.

“They are quite exquisite, with a mix of herbal scents. Much more refined than those I’ve bought before, and the fragrance is very elegant.”

“These sachets contain aromatic medicinal herbs. You can tie them to your waistbands or under the elbows, or even hang them on bed curtains or carriage interiors. They smell wonderful and repel insects.”

Xiao Lian eagerly browsed, explaining the benefits to Zhang Xiaolan. She truly wanted one—not only did they look beautiful, but they were also practical.

“If you want one, I’ll give you one.”

Zhang Xiaolan saw through Xiao Lian’s little scheme. This clever girl never wanted to spend her own money and had been trying to get Zhang Xiaolan to pay all along. Smiling to herself, she indulged her.

“Thank you, Miss,” Xiao Lian said with an exaggerated, joyful smile, then resumed her careful selection of sachets.

Watching her, Zhang Xiaolan couldn’t help but chuckle. This little one was sharp—never willing to part with her own money.

“Ling Xiao, you should pick one too,” Zhang Xiaolan said, noticing Ling Xiao standing quietly behind them, watching.

“I don’t need one,” Ling Xiao replied, uninterested.

“No need to be polite. I’ll pick one for you,” Zhang Xiaolan said, thinking he was just being modest. She dove into the stall and selected a jade-green sachet, handing it to him.

Ling Xiao looked at the sachet quietly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He gently cupped it in his hands—he would surely cherish it.