Chapter 95: Treasures - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 95: Treasures
"Second Brother, what do you think?"
Feng Jinyao asked while holding the jade pendant. Such a valuable item must undoubtedly be a treasured heirloom of the Qiao family. Not only did Shen Shi deceive and pawn it off, but she also treated it as worthless.
"The Bai family shouldn't bear this blame. Let me investigate this thoroughly. Third Aunt must be held accountable for this!"
The Bai family had always had a good reputation in the Eastern Capital. Shen Shi had only recently returned and had already become the subject of gossip. Although he was an outsider, he had heard plenty about the illustrious deeds of the Bai family's 'legitimate daughter.'
Shen Shi was still unaware that her actions had been exposed. She was still delighted with the three thousand taels she had received. The money now lay in her lap, and the pain behind her was lessened. The festive season was no longer melancholic; she felt rejuvenated, her spirits unusually high.
Hurrying back to Bai Sihan's courtyard, she found Bai Sihan sitting listlessly on a stool, idly doing needlework. She wasn't skilled in embroidery but making a patterned handkerchief was within her capabilities.
Since the banquet at the Wei family's house, she hadn't had the opportunity to leave the Bai family's compound, let alone make a splash in lively social circles. Naturally, her mood was unpleasant.
Dongqing, serving by her side, was cautious, fearing she might displease Bai Sihan in any way.
Seeing Shen Shi arrive looking so cheerful, Bai Sihan was puzzled.
"Han'er, come here, let Mother have a look."
In recent days, Shen Shi had been resting in bed, rarely appearing. Today, not only did she come over with a happy face, but she also asked curiously, "Why did Mother come over? It's freezing cold outside, don't strain yourself. Is there something urgent that you needed to call me for?"
Shen Shi sat happily beside her, with Dongqing cushioning a soft pillow on the stool, and the wound wasn't that painful.
"You've been eyeing the treasures at Treasure Pavilion. Tomorrow—no, today—we'll go. We've been in the Eastern Capital for quite some time now, and we haven't gone out for a stroll, right?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Sihan's eyes brightened. "Mother..." Her expression dimmed again, "But where do we get the money? The jewelry and headpieces at Treasure Pavilion are worth dozens of taels each. Father's monthly allowance for me is long gone, and aren't you tight on funds too?"
Hearing her daughter's sensible words, Shen Shi lovingly stroked her hair. It was adorned only with a simple silver hairpin from Qiongzhou, and she couldn't help but feel distressed when she thought of the richly dressed young ladies at the recent gatherings.
"Don't worry, Mother has money. You just focus on choosing."
"Really?"
"Really!"
Only after receiving a positive response did Bai Sihan, without caring where the money came from, immediately put on her shoes and socks, threw on a cloak, and happily took Shen Shi's arm as they walked outside.
As they walked, she confirmed again, "Mother, can I really choose?"
"Of course, my child, with your beauty how can you do without some fitting jewelry? It's almost the holiday season, and those visiting the Bai family are no ordinary people. Even if you can't attend the banquet, just dress up charmingly. If someone comes to our door, serve them well in your aunt's room. If you catch the eye of a noble lady, you could rise to great heights, couldn't you?"
Isn't it difficult to marry into the Prince Kang's mansion? No problem, other options are fine too.
In this large eastern capital, if not a prince's mansion, then an earl's mansion; there must be someone with good taste who will notice her daughter.
Doesn't that wench in the main house have no children?
Just let Han'er hang around in front of her every day, annoy her to death!
If Bai Lin doesn't agree, she'll cry to her father-in-law and fight for her daughter's future.
The mother and daughter got into a carriage and headed straight to the Treasure Pavilion.
The Treasure Pavilion caters to the wealthy, and its exterior is naturally grand and magnificent. The shop has three floors, and the higher you go the more expensive the items. Some are even just samples, requiring a down payment and a queue for the craftsmen to complete.
Upon entering, they were dazzled by the array of treasures, their greedy looks noted by the shop assistant, who, judging from their attire, thought they weren't capable of affording much. Thus, his enthusiasm, though present, lacked sincerity.
Bai Sihan was fully absorbed in the beautiful jewelry, paying no mind to the shop assistant's thoughts.
"Quickly bring out your best items for me to see."
"Certainly, right this way."
The shop assistant, though somewhat snobbish, knew better than to show it. The capital city was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. He served them tea and brought a few boxes from the first and second floors for the mother and daughter to choose from.
Seeing the hairpins inlaid with blue kingfisher feathers, the jade-inlaid pearl hairpins, and the butterfly-patterned jade pendants, Shen Shi wasn't very impressed. These items were far inferior to what Princess Wen Yi had given last time, so she frowned and said sternly.
"What kind of trash are you trying to fob off on us? Do you think we can't afford it?"
She then pulled out a silver note worth a thousand taels and slapped it on the table, almost making Bai Sihan spill her tea in shock.
Seeing the money, the shop assistant's politeness turned genuine, and he immediately slapped himself a couple of times, quickly apologizing to them.
"Oh dear, I didn't realize you were distinguished guests. Please, follow me upstairs. The best items are on the third floor. You'll definitely find something you like!"
Shen Shi finally felt satisfied seeing his obsequious manner.
Bai Sihan, too, was pleased. In these times, money really talked.
The mother and daughter went up to the third floor, where the shop assistant stopped at the door, and a man dressed as a manager took over, fawning over them.
"Please come in, esteemed guests. Whether you want something ready-made or custom-made, we can fulfill your desires."
He then opened the door to the third floor, revealing a set of low-key yet luxurious rosewood cabinets adorned with delicate porcelain vases containing red-plum branches. If not led here, the mother and daughter might have thought they had wandered into a study.
Not a single valuable item in sight, Bai Sihan grew impatient.
"Manager? Where are your items? Why can't I see anything?"
The man knew from her tone that this was their first visit and said kindly, "Miss, please, take a closer look."
Upon closer inspection, they realized the cabinet tops were not wood but rare glass, reflecting the dazzling treasures inside.
Such clever craftsmanship, no wonder it attracted so many noble ladies.
Shen Shi took a deep breath, suppressing her glee, afraid that showing her inexperience would make the manager laugh. She then assumed the demeanor of a noblewoman.
"Bring out the items, looking at this is giving me a headache."
"Yes, ma'am."
