Madam Wang was surprised when she heard this, quickly waving her hand to decline, saying, "I can't accept this, I mustn't take advantage of you."
But Liu Ermazi seemed to not hear her, deftly wrapping the fish with lotus leaves and stuffing it into Madam Wang's bamboo basket, smiling broadly and saying, "Your husband has provided so many blessings for the common folk, what's a fish as a gift?"
Madam Wang looked at the fish in the bamboo basket, feeling a mix of gratitude for the kindness and a vague sense of unease.
On her way home, Shopkeeper Zhou, who sold silk, "just happened" to pass by as if he had timed it perfectly.
As soon as he saw Madam Wang, he hurried over to greet her with such enthusiasm that it was hard to refuse: "Madam Zhang, long time no see! I've just received two bolts of excellent Su embroidery. The colors and textures are perfect for making new clothes for the kids. You must accept them." As he spoke, he forcibly handed the silk to Madam Wang.
