Chapter 121: Quite Interesting

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Shen Nanyuan said, “I’m not sure what kind of jewelry you like, cousin. Let’s take a look at the jade shop.”

Though she had been here for quite some time, she hadn’t really browsed the jade shop much; the few times she did come were with Gao Xueluo.

Wu Miaofu responded softly, “Thank you, cousin.”

The capital was bustling with people everywhere, vibrant and lively. She couldn’t help but lift the curtain and look outside, her eyes reflecting all that she saw, an uncontrollable curiosity evident in her gaze. When they reached the jade shop’s entrance, she gazed at the lavish storefront, a flicker of timidity suddenly rising in her heart.

Shen Nanyuan stepped down from the carriage and said, “Let’s go in.”

The items in the jade shop were quite luxurious and valuable. Sometimes, they needed to visit other places and couldn’t carry the items conveniently, so they could ask the shop assistants to deliver to the residence. The last time she came with Gao Xueluo, they had the assistants deliver the pieces to the Duke of Zhen Guo’s mansion. The shopkeeper recognized her immediately upon seeing Shen Nanyuan and greeted her with a beaming smile.

“County Lady, what a surprise to have you grace our humble shop today.”

Operating a jade shop under the emperor’s watchful eye was no small matter; the owners were not ordinary folk.

Shen Nanyuan replied, “I’m here to browse with my cousin.”

The shopkeeper slightly bowed and called out, “Prepare tea quickly for the County Lady and the young miss.”

Shen Nanyuan waved her hand, “No need, we still have other places to visit.”

“It’s just a cup of tea; it won’t take long. It’ll be ready soon,” the shopkeeper said, then raised his voice, “Hurry up!”

The assistants immediately busied themselves.

Wu Miaofu followed closely beside Shen Nanyuan, her heart swelling with admiration.

The jewelry in the jade shop was dazzling, making Wu Miaofu’s almond-shaped eyes shine even brighter. The first thing she noticed was a beaded flower hairpin adorned with tassels, alongside a finely carved hollowed jade exquisite red hairpin. Especially the beaded flower hairpin, which closely resembled the one Shen Nanyuan wore on her head today.

Shen Nanyuan was sipping the tea the shopkeeper had brought over and asked, “Miaofu, is there anything you like?”

Hearing this, Wu Miaofu hesitated briefly, then pointed at the beaded flower hairpin. When she looked back, her eyes were moist and shy.

“This one.”

“Your taste is truly exquisite,” the assistant praised. “None of the other hairpins in the shop can compare to this one. The pearls in the center of the beaded flower are rare top-grade pale purple pearls, and the flower itself is lifelike. You have a truly discerning eye.”

Wu Miaofu smiled radiantly, clearly flattered.

Shen Nanyuan remained silent, a faint smile playing on her lips.

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No matter which hairpin Wu Miaofu liked, the assistant seemed ready to lavish praise.

Shen Nanyuan said, “Just one? Let’s look at a few more.”

“Yes,” the assistant smiled. “Such a beauty shouldn’t buy just one. Take a look at some of the other jewelry. Would you like to try wearing this one first?”

Wu Miaofu nodded, “Alright.”

Liu’er took the hairpin and carefully placed it in her bun. She looked into the bronze mirror, turning her head slightly; the tassels swayed delicately, exquisitely crafted.

Her gaze inevitably fell on Shen Nanyuan, observing the similarly styled beaded flower hairpin in her hair. She compared them in her heart, frowning for a moment.

Though Shen Nanyuan was sitting there calmly, she exuded an understated noble elegance. Wu Miaofu bit her lip tightly.

She couldn't compare.

Seeming to sense the gaze, Shen Nanyuan glanced sideways, her eyes sparkling like stars, a fleeting glance that was enchanting. She asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Wu Miaofu quickly shook her head, embarrassed, and withdrew her eyes. “Nothing much.”

Lowering her gaze, she then looked at another hairpin inset with emeralds. The assistant, very perceptive, noticed her attention and hurriedly smiled.

“Miss has an excellent eye for jewels. This hairpin is made entirely of mutton fat jade, and the emerald on it is especially precious. There is only one like it in the entire capital. Buying this is a true bargain—you won’t find anyone else with the same hairpin.”

Listening to the assistant’s words, Shen Nanyuan found it amusing.

It sounded like the spiel from a store having a big clearance sale.

The shopkeeper noticed her amused expression and, feeling embarrassed, said, “County Lady... I will explain everything properly soon.”

“No need,” Shen Nanyuan said leisurely, placing the tea cup on the table. “It’s quite entertaining.”

The shopkeeper relaxed slightly.

After a brief hesitation, he asked, “County Lady, haven’t you found anything you like in the shop?”

“Not exactly. There are many beautiful pieces,” Shen Nanyuan glanced around, “but I don’t really need anything.”

The ones bestowed by His Majesty were still in the storage room. She was not extravagant and currently had no need.

The shopkeeper smiled and took a plate of pastries from another assistant, placing it in front of Shen Nanyuan. “The County Lady is favored by His Majesty. The red hairpins and jewelry you wear are all crafted by the Imperial Household Department’s Grand Store. The pieces you wear are uniquely sought after by noble ladies in the capital.”

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Shen Nanyuan smiled dryly but said nothing. She thought to herself that no wonder the assistant was so smooth-talking—it was clearly all coached by the shopkeeper.

Hearing this, Wu Miaofu paused, raising the bronze mirror. Her eyes settled on the red hairpin on her own head, similar to Shen Nanyuan’s.

...So her jewelry was personally gifted by His Majesty.

Liu’er had long been dazzled by the dazzling array of jewelry and grew a bit excited. “Miss, this one is pretty too!”

The assistant’s eyes lit up, about to speak, but was suddenly cut off by Wu Miaofu’s faint voice.

“No, that’s enough. This is already plenty.”

At that moment, Shen Nanyuan understood why men who accompanied their girlfriends shopping often ended up exhausted.

They barely browsed, but after sitting here for so long, she herself felt a bit tired. She stood up, and the assistant smiled, “Miss, you’ve chosen three hairpins and two pairs of earrings. Would you like us to deliver them to the Duke of Zhen Guo’s mansion?”

Shen Nanyuan nodded, “Yes, please. We still have other places to visit.”

“Very well.”

Qing Su took out a bag of silver to pay. Wu Miaofu, feeling a bit shy, approached Shen Nanyuan. “Cousin, did I buy too much?”

“That’s nothing,” Shen Nanyuan said indifferently. “I think you bought too little.”

We have money!

Aside from the palace, the wealthiest in the entire capital was the Duke of Zhen Guo’s mansion.

On this point, Shen Nanyuan was quite confident.

After Qing Su finished paying, the shopkeeper smiled and escorted them to the door, bowing. “County Lady, young miss, please take care. Next time, if you wish to browse, just send someone to inform us. We will bring the finest and newest jewelry to the Duke of Zhen Guo’s mansion for your selection.”