At first, the shopkeeper was worried that Mu Er Pang’s size might accidentally knock over some items, so he occasionally glanced at him while talking to Shen Cui.

Later, seeing that he hadn’t moved at all, the shopkeeper naturally noticed his tactfulness. When he saw them off, he smiled and said, “Madam is truly fortunate. The young master is still so young, yet he is so thoughtful and caring. When the young master achieves success in the imperial examinations in the future, Madam will be truly blessed!”

As he spoke, the shopkeeper escorted them to the door.

Coincidentally, several groups of scholars walked by, softly discussing the books they had read the previous day. They were all dressed in scholar’s robes. Although the fabric of the robes was not much different from that worn by ordinary folks, when worn by them, it exuded a scholarly and outstanding aura.

Mu Er Pang couldn’t help but show a look of envy and longing when he saw them.

The shopkeeper noticed and said with a smile, “The young master is also a scholar. You can get such scholar’s robes on this street too. The shop next door is run by an acquaintance of mine. If Madam mentions my name, you might get a discount.”

Mu Er Pang’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, but he quickly shook his head and said, “It’s okay, the one I’m wearing now is fine.”

He then awkwardly adjusted his thick coat.

After being out for a while and only managing to buy a stack of paper for Mu Er Pang, Shen Cui felt guilty and said to him, “Let’s listen to the shopkeeper and ask next door. It’s also time for a change of clothes since the season is about to change.”

Mu Er Pang moved his lips but eventually pulled her aside and whispered, “Mother, let’s forget it. Everything here is expensive. I’ll just wear last year’s clothes for the season change.”

Shen Cui replied, “Let’s just ask about the prices like we did before. Asking doesn’t cost anything.”

Mu Er Pang nodded in agreement.

The mother and son then went to the neighboring tailor’s shop.

The shop was even smaller than the one selling stationery, with only one old tailor looking after it.

Although Shen Cui and Mu Er Pang were dressed plainly, with Shen Cui holding paper from the neighboring shop and displaying a calm demeanor, there was a sense of sophistication about her that comes from being well-traveled.

The old tailor didn’t dare to neglect them. He approached them with a smile and said, “Madam and young master, what are you interested in? We have ready-made clothes, or we can make custom ones.”

Knowing they were there to inquire about prices, Shen Cui didn’t beat around the bush and said directly, “My child wants to have a set of spring clothes that he can wear for a couple of months. The shopkeeper next door recommended your shop, so I’m wondering about the prices.”

The old tailor smiled and replied, “Madam has come at the right time. If you’re in a hurry to wear them, then you’ll have to buy ready-made clothes. Fortunately, it’s the right time now. We can take the young master’s measurements now, make a reservation in advance, and have them ready for him by spring. As for the price, it’s quite fair. A spring outfit made of fine cotton fabric would cost about two or three taels of silver. If it’s for this young master, then it would be around three taels. Madam, feel free to ask around on this street, and you’ll find our prices to be fair.”

As the old tailor spoke, he glanced at Mu Er Pang. Although he didn’t say it explicitly, his meaning was quite clear. Despite Mu Er Pang not being fully grown yet and being short in stature, he was chubby. Fabric was a valuable commodity at this time, and using more fabric meant a higher price, similar to that of an adult’s clothing.

With the clothes and the paper from earlier, it would cost almost half a tael of silver altogether. Shen Cui had only a few taels left.

With just over five taels left, spending a tenth of it in one go felt like money flowing like water, as the saying goes.

The system took advantage of the opportunity to interject into her thoughts, saying, “Why waste this money, host? Look, if you focus on the side tasks, like making handkerchiefs and sewing pouches to advance to the basic tailor level, you can start making clothes yourself. The clothes made with the system’s needle, thread, and fabric come with enhancement effects, which are much better value than this.”

Although the system’s suggestion was tempting, estimating the cost of three hundred shopping points to upgrade from basic to junior tailor level meant Shen Cui remained silent, especially since her shopping points were still in the negatives.

Seeing her mother hesitating, Mu Er Pang immediately said, “Mother, I actually don’t really like these kinds of clothes. I’m fine with wearing ordinary ones at home.”

“Let’s just get one outfit,” Shen Cui finally decided firmly, “Since you grow taller every year, last year’s clothes won’t fit anymore. Let’s make a good one now, and you won’t need new ones for spring and autumn this year.”

The old tailor chimed in with a smile, “Yes, the materials we use in our shop are of good quality and very durable. I’ll make the outfit a bit loose for the young master so it can be worn for two or three years!”

Seeing Mu Er Pang still hesitating, Shen Cui handed over the money decisively and instructed the old tailor to take Mu Er Pang’s measurements.

Mu Er Pang kept insisting he didn’t want it, saying he already had clothes, and he dodged the tailor’s measuring tape.

Thinking that the child wouldn’t accept it as long as she was there, Shen Cui suggested, “Mom’s a little thirsty, go across the street and buy a bowl of tea. Come find me when you’re done.”

Mu Er Pang, seeing she had given all the money and still wanted to leave, changed his tune, “In that case, can I give you all my New Year’s money, Mom?”

The tradition of giving New Year’s money had been around for a long time, but at this age, children’s New Year’s money wasn’t much. It was usually just a few wens, and someone as doting as Zheng Shi would give ten wens at once.

Although the original Mu Er Pang was stingy by nature, he also knew that this was the child’s New Year’s money, which couldn’t be touched, so he always let him keep it.

Mu Er Pang from the past was too lazy to even get off the heated kang bed, naturally too lazy to spend any money. After saving for ten years, he had accumulated a few hundred wens.

“Okay. Then you can use it to make new clothes for yourself,” Shen Cui softly touched his head. Later, the old tailor asked if she had any other requests. Of course, they only made clothes here and couldn’t do embroidery work, but the specific colors and styles were based on the customer’s request.

Shen Cui waved her hand and said with a smile, “Just ask him. He’s spending his own money, so he decides.”

Saying this, Shen Cui was afraid that Mu Er Pang would change his mind again, so she went to wait for him at the tea stall across the street.

Mu Er Pang really couldn’t change his mind now. He obediently let the tailor take his measurements and sweetly said, “Tailor, could you please spare a bit more fabric and make it a bit bigger? I want to wear it for many, many years. I’ll remember your kindness.”

The old tailor had been running his shop on Academy Street for a long time, welcoming many customers.

But everyone knew that scholars were esteemed, and their attitudes were often somewhat arrogant. Even those from the poorest backgrounds rarely got close to craftsmen like them.

A genuine smile appeared on his aged face, and he agreed, “Alright, old man will spare you some extra fabric. This order won’t make me much profit.”

Of course, this was just a polite remark. Saying he won’t make a profit meant he would make less profit.

Mu Er Pang listened but said, “Then… there’s no need. Just make it as you think. Tailoring and making clothes is a skilled job, and it’s hard work. You can’t work without making a profit.”

This truly made the old tailor laugh.

As they were talking, a new customer entered.

The first to enter was a young scholar, around sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed very luxuriously. He pushed aside the curtain and entered, still holding onto another person’s arm. He said as he stepped into the shop, “I’ve told you that your robe can’t be patched anymore. The county exam is coming soon. It’s not appropriate to wear such clothes. I know you must refuse anything too expensive, so I’m having a simple one made here at Old Ge’s place. I’ll pay for it first, and when you have money later, you can reimburse me.”

The person being pulled along declined, “I know Wei Xiong has good intentions, but exams test knowledge, not attire. What’s wrong with a few patches?”

As they spoke, the two of them entered the shop.

Mu Er Pang’s eyes lit up instantly, and he exclaimed, “Big Brother!”