Lin He found the price Master Chen offered quite reasonable. She said no more, readily agreeing and declaring she'd take five catties this time - likely the same amount next month when she returned in a few weeks' time. "I'll remember," Master Chen nodded, his single nod conveying understanding.

The group descended to the street where shop attendants had already prepared her purple root bundles wrapped in neat white paper, with clear instructions for future purchases at the same rate. By midday they'd completed the transaction.

"I should treat Uncle Wen and Master Chen to lunch," Lin He suggested cheerfully.

"Next time, child. I have store duties today," Master Chen chuckled, already turning away as if busy preparing for the next customer.

With her goods secured, Lin He walked with Uncle Wen toward his restaurant. The familiar private room awaited them where Wen ordered an entire banquet's worth of dishes before excusing himself briefly to settle the bill. But when he returned, the shopkeeper refused payment categorically - not just for this meal but all future visits, as per Master Wen's personal decree.

After finishing her quiet meal in the alcove without conversation with Wen, Lin He announced she'd visit Xiao Jun and Da Bao at their toy shop where school let out soon. Wen gave his blessing before heading toward Caide himself.

Lin He knew from past-life memories that purple root ointment required several common herbs readily available anywhere. She led Xiao Jun to a pharmacy at the market's opposite end, purchasing various ingredients including the essential angelica. Beeswax and sesame oil were easily acquired elsewhere while she secretly purchased other items - enough for multiple batches of her special formulations.

"I'll take these supplies," Lin He said, loading goods onto Old Qin's ox cart. "Xiao Jun can stay here." She wanted to check on Da Bao alone now.

Arriving at the shop, several unfamiliar faces lingered outside. One young man approached with a bow she recognized suddenly - it was Master Wen's third son's personal attendant!

Inside, the third master Wen Ningmo was browsing dolls while another youth stood by the register area. This latter figure had a different aura entirely, his interest in shop decorations rather than toys evident as he examined every detail.

"Miss Lin!" The shop clerk greeted her warmly.

The mysterious young man turned at this name. Lin He's breath caught - she'd never seen such genuine ancient beauty in person before. His high cheekbones framed almond-shaped eyes with a translucent quality, his long dark hair flowing loosely except for the delicate jade hairpin securing it at the crown. The embroidered green-paisley pattern on his purplish robe shimmered against the silk vest's luster.

He observed her intently, his gaze lingering longer than expected before returning to his inspection of shop displays.

"Wen Ningmo!" His second brother called from across the room. "These are my selections - pay for them."

Lin He noted immediately this must be Wen Ningxuan, second son and clearly different in appearance from his younger sibling. While Wen Ningmo had youthful round eyes, this older brother possessed sharp facial features with classic phoenix-eye structure.

"Child," Wen Ningmo interrupted as Lin He approached the counter. "What new treasures have you brought for my father's shop today?"

Lin He waved off his teasing. Da Bao soon joined her, excitedly inquiring about lunch before she could explain.

"Second Master!" Da Bao greeted respectfully when he arrived.

"This isn't your sister," Wen Ningmo scoffed suddenly. "How are you two related?"

"Is there a problem with that?" Lin He asked dryly, signaling for Da Bao to excuse himself.

But Wen Ningmo blocked the way. "Da Bao needs to finish helping me select toys first!"

Typical petulant child behavior, Lin He thought. She simply ignored his antics as before until he'd wearied of them.

"Fine," she said instead, turning to leave when Wen Ningxuan finally spoke up.

"Xiao Mo, stop this nonsense."

The younger brother reluctantly stepped aside. "Come back soon - I need your help with something," he added petulantly.

Da Bao nodded and began gathering his things while Lin He quietly slipped away, the second son's enigmatic presence still lingering in her mind as she left the shop.