Chapter 73 - 73: It Was Something Jiang Peihuan Did Not Want

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Liu Xiu, hailing from a merchant background, had a habitual knack for observing merchandise in each shop she entered. It was this very habit that led her to notice the white jade necklace that Mengyao Lin had just set aside.

The necklace was predominantly gold but the quality of the white jade adorning it was commendable.

“You’ve grown accustomed to exquisite things since childhood,” she mused. “If you say it’s a good piece, then it surely must be.”

Having spoken, Xue Yan turned to the approaching shopkeeper, “How much for this necklace?”

“The madam has a discerning eye,” complimented the shopkeeper. “This white jade necklace is a new addition to our shop, retailing at five thousand taels.” “Five thousand taels?” Xue Yan, a military general by origin, was no stranger to the value of jewelry, yet market prices remained somewhat foreign to her. The quoted price startled her.

She then shifted her attention to Liu Xiu.

Reading Xue Yan’s surprise, Liu Xiu responded with a smile, “Shopkeeper, this white jade necklace, though of fine quality, isn’t quite worth five thousand taels. Let’s settle at four thousand five hundred taels. We have quite a few items on our shopping list today. A bit of a discount would be appreciated.”

“In that case, let’s follow the price Madam said.” the shopkeeper conceded.

“Madam Jiang, my young lady was the first one to lay eyes on this necklace,” a voice suddenly interjected. The speaker was Baojuan, Lin Mengyao’s maid.

Xue Yan and Liu Xiu both looked at Lin Mengyao on hearing this.

“Baojuan, mind your manners,” Lin Mengyao chided her maid before turning to Xue Yan and offering, “I sincerely apologize.”

Although Lin Mengyao’s words suggested an apology, her eyes revealed not a trace of genuine remorse.

She had been drawn to this necklace from the moment she walked in, but a price tag of 5,000 taels seemed a tad steep for her.

However, she was willing to part with 4500 taels.

At her words, Xue Yan’s eyebrows knitted together in a frown. Just as she was about to voice her thoughts, her eldest daughter tugged at her sleeve.

Jiang Peihuan, having glanced at Lin Mengyao, spoke in a nonchalant tone, “Since Miss Lin set her heart on it first, it should rightfully be hers.”

Once done, Jiang Peihuan addressed Xue Yan and Liu Xiu, “Mother, Third Aunt, let’s browse for other items. This necklace doesn’t quite appeal to me.” “Alright, if you don’t fancy it, we shall look for something else.” “Sister-in-law, how about we visit Linglong Pavilion next door?” Liu Xiu suggested in a soft voice.

Liu Xiu said softly.

With a nod, Xue Yan prepared to exit.

However, she was halted by the shopkeeper behind her. “Madam, please hold on a moment.”

The shopkeeper glanced at the white jade necklace, then whispered, “Madam, we have another necklace in our shop. Its quality surpasses this white jade one. Would you care to see it?”

“Superior quality? Bring it to me.”

“Please wait a moment, madam.”

Upon seeing the contents of the box, a flicker of surprise crossed Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

Looking at the things in the box, Jian Peihuan’s eyes flashed with surprise.

The necklace was also crafted from gold, but it was embellished with blood-red jade. A large ruby hung from the pendant at the bottom.

Upon seeing the necklace, Jiang Peihuan instinctively looked at her own ruby ring.

The colors seemed to match quite well.

“This necklace is indeed remarkable.”

Having seen many fine items before, Liu Xiu couldn’t hide a hint of astonishment when she saw this necklace.

Xue Yan also found the necklace beautiful, but she turned to Jiang Peihuan, asking softly, “Huan Er, do you fancy this necklace?”

“Yes, I rather like it.”

“If you like it, then mother will buy it for you.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan nod, Xue Yan beamed at the shopkeeper. “Shopkeeper, could you wrap this necklace for me?”

Hearing Xue Yan’s words, a subtle smile surfaced on Jiang Peihuan’s lips. “Mother, you haven’t asked the shopkeeper the price of this necklace.”

“No matter the cost, if you like it, mother will buy it for you.”

“Shopkeeper, wrap it up.”

“Yes, Madam.”

A broad smile spread across the shopkeeper’s face. After packing the box, he turned to Xue Yan, “Madam, this necklace is a bit pricier than the white jade one. It will cost six thousand taels.”

“Very well.”

Nodding, Xue Yan took out several bank notes and handed them to the shopkeeper.

After receiving the items from the shopkeeper, Xue Yan turned to Jiang Peihuan. “Huan Er, is there anything else you’re interested in?”

“No more.”

Upon hearing Xue Yan’s words, Jiang Peihuan shook her head. Seeing her response, Xue Yan smiled, “That’s fine. Let’s visit the neighboring Linglong Pavilion.”

“Alright.”

Xue Yan and the rest nodded at Lin Mengyao and left.

Mengyao Lin clenched her fists tightly as she watched them leave.

At this moment, the shopkeeper, smiling, approached her. “Miss Lin, would you like me to wrap up this white jade necklace for you?”

Lin Mengyao wanted to decline.

She had taken a fancy to this white jade necklace at first sight, but it was something Jiang Peihuan did not want.

However, upon meeting the shopkeeper’s gaze, she swallowed her laughter and nodded. “That would be kind of you.”

“Miss Lin, I will only charge you four and a half thousand taels for this necklace, as we had initially agreed with Madam Jiang.”

“Thank you, shopkeeper.”

With a smile, Mengyao Lin accepted the box from the shopkeeper. As soon as she stepped out of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, her smile faltered, unable to maintain its warmth any longer.

Once she settled in the carriage, she swiftly swung her hand, landing a solid slap across Bao Juan’s face.

An immediate imprint of five fingers marked Bao Juan’s face. She didn’t dare to utter a cry; instead, she hastily knelt, pleading, “Miss, this is all Bao Juan’s fault. Please, find your calm.”

As she spoke, Bao Juan extended her hand, slapping herself repeatedly.

Mengyao’s eyes, icy and detached, watched Bao Juan. Blood began to leak from the corner of Bao Juan’s mouth.

Regardless, Mengyao displayed no intention of ordering her to stop. Suddenly, a voice from outside interrupted them, “Eldest Miss, the Prince Qing has arrived at the mansion. The master requests your immediate return.”

“Quickly, we must return to the Mansion.”

At these words, a trace of delight surfaced in Mengyao’s eyes.

She turned to Bao Juan, still kneeling to one side, her voice cold, “Enough.”

Tossing a bottle of medicine to Bao Juan, she spoke in a low voice, “If anyone asks, you know what to say, right?”

“Yes, I clumsily fell, Miss.”

“This is top-notch injury medicine. Apply it yourself later.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

Bao Juan quickly collected the medicine bottle, then bowed her head and moved to kneel in a corner of the carriage.

Meanwhile, at Lin Mansion..

“Prince, I prepared this cake personally for you.”

Xiao Junhao, seated in the pavilion, examined the woman before him. His eyes were filled with mockery, yet Lin Mengxin remained oblivious, blind to the derision in the man’s gaze.

All she saw was his strikingly handsome face.

She picked up a piece of cake, presenting it to Xiao Junhao, nearly bringing it to his mouth.

“Thank you, Third Miss,” Xiao Junhao graciously accepted the pastry from Lin Mengxin. However, just as he was about to take a bite, someone whisked the pastry away from him. “Your Highness, this pastry may be difficult to digest. It would be better if you refrained from eating it..”