Chapter 117

It seemed grandmothers were the same in every age.

Seeing how much Madam Zheng liked the child, Madam Xie felt reassured. The two women sat together for a while after the meal, then went home.

This was the first time Xie Hongwen had been away from home for so long. Madam Xie looked distracted throughout the carriage ride, as though her heart had been left behind.

Born into a great family and now the head of her own household, Madam Xie was usually dignified and composed. Even with Xie Hongwen, her affection came with discipline. Shen Lantang had never expected her to miss him so much the moment he was gone.

Shen Lantang covered her mouth and laughed quietly. Madam Xie came out of her reverie and shot her a look.

"What are you laughing at, child?"

"Nothing, Mother. Since you have nothing planned this afternoon, would you like to come with me to see the new fabrics at West Market? I'm not sure who in the household needs what kind of clothes."

"All right." Madam Xie roused herself. "I'm free anyway."

"Good."

Shen Lantang leaned out and asked the driver to turn toward West Market.

After all the bustle of recent days, life without Xie Jin or Xie Hongwen around was suddenly rather... dull. Qi Tongjun had other things to do, too. Shen Lantang finished her remaining work, drew up a marketing plan for the new products, and visited home. After that, she had nothing to occupy her.

But a wealthy woman had her own ways of dealing with boredom. Shen Lantang decided to go shopping. She could pass the time, spend some of the money she had no other use for, and conduct market research—or even buy samples. Three benefits in one trip!

Shen Lantang went