Chu Wang Fei

富贵堂 Fu Gui Tang – Hall of Prosperity; a famous jewelry store in the story

It was the first time Yun Yi Yi had ever come to the capital since she was born. Compared to the peace and quiet of Su city, the hustle and bustle of the capital was a completely different world!

Yun Yi Yi was. after all, just a thirteen year old girl. Ever since she had passed by the lively streets in the carriage, she had been eager to go sightseeing outside the fu!

And the old madam had always favored her granddaughter that she had raised since she was little. Coincidentally, Yun Qian Meng came and said she was going to bring Yun Yi Yi to the capital’s best, Fu Gui Tang for a bit of shopping. Seeing Yun Yi Yi’s face light up with joy the moment she heard the news, the old madam only smiled and nodded. She had some of the servants to tag along to serve them and sent the two sisters off heartily.

Stepping out of the xiangfu, Yun Yi Yi’s widely opened eyes did not rest. She occasionally lifted the curtains of the carriage to look outside, while her lips never seemed to pause as she pulled at Yun Qian Meng beside her and chatted, “jiejie, jiejie, look, quickly look! That blown sugar candy is so pretty! What shape is that? It looks so detailed and dazzling!”

Yun Qian Meng saw the little girl chirp about like a little sparrow and also looked outside with curiosity. She only saw that on the left side of the street, a hawker had arranged some freshly blown sugar candies on the wooden board of his trolley. Under the brilliant sunlight, the sweets glistened with an orange radiance. Looking carefully, she found that they were actually in the shape of a dragon and phoenix totem; causing her to have a whole new level of respect for the craftsmanship of the hawker!

“xiaomei, please sit properly, be careful not to fall!” Retrieving her gaze, Yun Qian Meng saw that Yun Yi Yi had pulled the curtains aside and stuck her entire head out the window. She couldn’t help but break into a sweat at Yun Yi Yi’s dangerous movements and quickly let Mu Chun pull her back into the carriage before putting the curtains back down.

“jiejie, the capital is so great! There are just so many exciting things! Yi Yi is really envious of all of you, jiejie!” Seeing that the curtains had been properly replaced, blocking her yearning gaze towards the capital from the rather dim interior of the carriage, Yun Yi Yi couldn’t help but sigh, full of envy towards her three cousin sisters.

Yun Qian Meng raised her eyebrows when she saw Yun Yi Yi like that. Having somewhat understood Yun Yi Yi’s personality, she smiled and said, “zumu asked meimei to come over this time because she wants to raise meimei by her side. When the time comes for meimei’s hairpin ceremony, she will definitely find an ideal husband for meimei from the noble gongzi in the capital!”

Yun Yi Yi did not pay attention to Yun Qian Meng’s expression and only lowered her head to daydream along the lines of what Yun Qian Meng had just told her, feeling incomparably happy at the moment.

Before she left home, her mom and dad had called her to her room and told her to make sure she had a good relationship with her da jiejie. This would have a direct impact on how prestigious her future husband’s family would be; and her husband’s family would also have a direct influence on the success of her two older brothers. Hence, in the xiangfu, besides the old madam, the first person Yun Yi Yi would need to suck up to was Yun Qian Meng. In front of Yun Qian Meng, she would always maintain an innocent and naïve appearance. After all, she also knew that her da jiejie liked her the most when she acted like this, otherwise, she would not have decided to personally take her out to go shopping for jewelry!

Even though Yun Qian Meng’s smiling expression had not changed since the beginning of their conversation, the radiance in her eyes had turned slightly cold!

When she had last seen Yun Yi Yi in Su City, she had felt that her smile was pure and honest, and her eyes had been so bright and clear, she could easily see the bottom; the perfect picture of a young miss that had grown up in a boudoir, yet to be tainted by the affairs of the human world.

But meeting again after a few days, her clear and limpid eyes had disappeared, replaced with scheming eyes that were distinctive of women who had experienced the struggles in the inner courtyards. In all likelihood, over the past few days, her aunt and uncle had spent quite some effort imbuing her with the ideology to scramble for power and profit!

However, for her to undergo such a complete change in such a short time, it could be seen that in Yun Yi Yi’s subconscious mind, these vain thoughts had always existed!

Still, as long as she did not get in her way, even if she were to turn the entire xiangfu upside down, Yun Qian Meng would not even blink at her actions!

While Yun Qian Meng was flipping through her thoughts, Yun Yi Yi had moved to sit beside her. She extended both her hands and hugged Yun Qian Meng’s arm, slightly leaning her head onto Yun Qian Meng’s shoulders as she said coyly, “Yi Yi knows that in the xiangfu, other than zumu, da jiejie is the person that loves Yi Yi the most!”

In her previous life, Yun Qian Meng had never gotten used to having intimate relationships with others due to her occupation. Seeing how Yun Yi Yi went so far just to make her feeling known, her warmly smiling eyes only flashed with a trace of cold intent. However, she seamlessly pulled her arm out of the way and poked at Yun Yi Yi’s nose, playfully saying, “Little rascal! If jiejie doesn’t love you, who should jiejie love?”

But Yun Yi Yi did not beam with happiness when she heard this. Instead, she wrinkled her nose and complained with some frustration, “san jiejie is also a sweet-tempered and gentle girl, but it’s impossible to get along well with er jiejie! Yet da jiejie still loves her so much, and even gave her the Ning Zhi cream that was bestowed by the Emperor! Yi Yi just feels that it’s not fair to da jiejie! er jiejie treated da jiejie like that in the past, so why are you still so considerate to her?”

From start to finish, the smile on Yun Qian Meng’s face did not even dim the slightest bit. Even after Yun Yi Yi had finished her rant, she still only smiled and continued to size up the underage Yun Yi Yi!

It was quite likely Yun Yi Yi was told to say these things by someone behind the scenes!

Otherwise, how could Yun Yi Yi who had just arrived at the xiangfu know so much about the happenings in the inner courtyards?

Surely, the old madam could not figure out her motives after she had returned, and was using Yun Yi Yi to fish an answer out of her!

Speaking of the old madam, her suspicions were really too ridiculous. Was she actually that worried that Yun Qian Meng would team up with Su Qing to deal with her?

She should know, that if Yun Qian Meng wanted to deal with her, would she have agreed with Yun Xuan Zhi to go to such a remote place just to bring her back to the xiangfu? To a perfectionist that paid plenty of attention to efficiency like Yun Qian Meng, such an unnecessary move was something she would never waste any energy on!

Yun Yi Yi’s heart pounded wildly while she was under Yun Qian Meng’s gaze. Even though Yun Qian Meng was wearing a smile on her face, her eyes gentle and warm; Yun Yi Yi did not understand why she kept feeling an invisible pressure surrounding her entire body, pressing down on her until was barely able to breathe. She only put on a smile with great effort, and cautiously asked, “jiejie, did Yi Yi say something wrong to make you unhappy?”

When she saw Yun Yi Yi’s apprehensive appearance, Yun Qian Meng’s smile only became even warmer. She simply said, “meimei has definitely said something wrong! If we live close to each other, of course there will be times when we fight and argue! Let’s not talk about other people anymore! san meimei has always been honest person, it’s not uncommon for us sisters to have some conflict when we play together. However, if these little matters resulted in the destruction of san meimei’s future, then I have really failed as the eldest sister! si meimei has only just recently arrived at the xiangfu, so you might not have gotten used to the relationship between us sisters! But si meimei needs to keep something in mind. That is, you can’t simply listen to and believe what some of the servants say! These rumors are too far from the truth! If meimei had just passed them on to zumu just now, zumu might have gotten really angry!”

Finishing, Yun Qian Meng’s smile suddenly faded. She sent a cold look at Yun Yi Yi beside her and didn’t say anything else.

Yun Yi Yi’s face flushed red as she listened to Yun Qian Meng’s barbed words, her heart filling up with blame towards the old madam!

If her grandmother had not pulled her aside last night just to put these things in her head, would she have embarrassed herself so deeply in front of Yun Qian Meng?

It seemed that in Yun Yi Yi’s heart, the old madam had already become just a stepping stone for her to enter the xiangfu; and the person who was really going to lead her to happiness, was Yun Qian Meng! Hence, on the surface, Yun Yi Yi would only have respect for Yun Qian Meng!

Still, although Yun Qian Meng did not care about the old madam’s tricks, Mu Chun who had kept her head lowered in the carriage had already formed fists with her hands, feeling truly outraged at the unfairness against Yun Qian Meng.

When Yun Qian Meng noticed Mu Chun’s reaction, her eyes were filled with genuine warmth. While Yun Yi Yi was busy with her thoughts, Yun Qian Meng extended an arm and touched Mu Chun’s sleeves, comforting her by holding her hand gently; after all, these people were unable to hurt her!

Mu Chun slightly lifted her head only to find that Yun Qian Meng had already retracted her hand and was calmly sitting in the carriage. Even though Yun Qian Meng was now only wearing an indifferent expression, Mu Chun’s heart was already filled with warmth!

As the carriage gradually slowed down and stopped at a suitable place, the servants outside carefully reported, “da xiaojie, si xiaojie, we’ve reached Fu Gui Tang!”

Hearing this, Mu Chun and Yun Yi Yi’s personal maid, Yin’er simultaneously lifted the curtains of the carriage. After that, Yun Qian Meng was helped down the carriage, with Yun Yi Yi following closely behind.

Yun fu was a considerably influential family in Su City, the rules and customs they practiced were certainly not inferior to those of the various clans in the capital. As the Yun fu’s young miss, Yun Yi Yi considered herself to be quite experienced and knowledgeable.

However, when Yun Yi Yi stood before the main entrance of Fu Gui Tang, she finally understood that she was only a frog at the bottom of the well. Only a place like this, Fu Gui Tang, could be considered wealthy and luxurious; even the guardian lion statues here were carved from jade of the highest quality!

And above them, inscribed on a black board, was the writing of the previous Emperor; his flamboyant, dancing calligraphy spelling out “Fu Gui Tang“. This was a declaration from the previous Emperor, that this place was for wealthy and respectable people, that the grandeur of this place would not be usurped! For a moment, any feelings of superiority Yun Yi Yi had while at home were completely shattered, as she could only stare blankly, feeling hopelessly lost within the unending tide of people on the street.

Yun Qian Meng had expected Yun Yi Yi to be completely shaken by Fu Gui Tang. She did not comfort her wounded pride, and only faintly approached her, jostling her slightly while asking, “meimei, what happened? Why aren’t you going in?”

After that, Yun Qian Meng took Mu Chun’s arm and strolled leisurely into Fu Gui Tang.

Snapping out of her stupor, Yun Yi Yi stared at Yun Qian Meng’s refined elegance. Looking at her effortless display of picturesque nobility, Yun Yi Yi could not help but wish that she possessed all of these qualities as well!

Mimicking Yun Qian Meng’s demeanor, she also placed a hand on Yin’er’s arm before stepping into Fu Gui Tang.

All of this was actually seen by someone who was looking out of the window from a restaurant on the opposite side of the street. He was pinching a smooth and lustrous South Sea pearl in his hand while staring closely at the two silhouettes that had entered Fu Gui Tang one after another. Sighing, he said, “It really is like Dong Shi the mere copycat! That little brat wants to imitate the bearing of a well-bred young lady, it’s almost too funny!”

Standing behind him, a middle-aged man saw that his master was again starting to prattle on about something and looked worryingly at the South Sea pearl he was fiddling with. He quietly warned his master, “zhuzi, we should quickly return that thing! If someone notices……”

“So what if he notices? Does that fellow still dare to do anything to me? I was nice enough to let him come and choose a daughter-in-law, but that bastard is really something to dare to stand me up! He’d better watch out, because I’ll definitely beat him up every time I see him in the future!” The man suddenly shouted aggressively without letting his subordinate finish.

However, even though he said that, he still carefully returned the South Sea pearl into the brocade box and passed it to his subordinate for safekeeping.

While the middle-aged man thought his master was going to return to the fu, that man instead stroked his chin and stared directly at the entrance to Fu Gui Tang, murmuring, “Jiao Da, which one do you think is good? If it was you, which one would you like?”

Even though the question was not specific, the middle-aged man named Jiao Da had blushed scarlet; quickly retreating with three large steps as he pretended not to have heard anything!

If the scene at the entrance had caused Yun Yi Yi to open her eyes wide, the great lobby in Fu Gui Tang was now really shaking her to her core!

Even though the place was called Fu Gui Tang, it was not the slightest bit tacky. The lobby was elegantly furnished, exhibiting exquisite refinement in all respects. Various types of jewelry were finely sorted and laid out on the many display tables, each of them emitting a unique splendor!

Yet, the display of gold, silver and jade jewelry in the lobby was abnormally harmonious; unlike common stores, which had an unwritten rule not to put gold and jade together!

Yun Yi Yi carefully examined the vast lobby as the excitement, greed and ambition in her heart gradually floated into her eyes!

Yun Qian Meng caught all of it with her eyes, but only smiled coldly in her heart.

Since the old madam was so heavily guarded against her, then she should not blame her if she were to mercilessly destroy the old madam’s favorite granddaughter!

At the very least, she wanted to take some of the attention that the old madam had fixed onto her and pass some of it on to Yun Yi Yi!

At this moment, the Fu Gui Tang’s shopkeeper hurriedly rushed down from the third floor. Seeing Yun Qian Meng, she immediately bowed and said, “Greetings to da xiaojie!”

Yun Qian Meng slightly nodded when she saw the shopkeeper and asked, “Is everything ready?”

Even though Yun Qian Meng’s face was concealed behind the muslin veil, her voice that was as clear as moving water carried grace and esteem. Hearing her voice for the first time, the shopkeeper who had seen countless people still felt her heart tremble slightly, as she respectfully answered, “According to xiaojie’s instructions, I have already set aside Pin Yu Xuan for xiaojie. In a moment, I will personally bring send the jewelry xiaojie has chosen over!”

Listening from the sidelines, Yun Yi Yi asked, somewhat puzzled, “da jiejie, what’s going on?”

Hearing her immature voice, the shopkeeper slightly raised her eyebrows as she saw Yun Yi Yi pulling at Yun Qian Meng while asking all sorts of questions. Immediately grading the girl in her heart, she only felt that this young miss was unfit to wear the jewelry from their store!

Yun Qian Meng noticed the shopkeeper’s expression from behind her veil and also turned to look at Yun Yi Yi.

Since Yun Yi Yi was not of age, she did not put on a muslin veil. While she sweetly asked all sorts of questions, the greed in her eyes was only becoming more and more intense!

“Please lead the way!” As far as Yun Qian Meng was concerned, she did not need to explain anything. Saying a few polite words, she followed the shopkeeper to the third floor.

However, just as they reached the third floor, they heard some gasps of admiration coming from Mu Dan Xuan.

“xiaomei, this jade bracelet truly only suits you! Your arm is fair and slender like a white lotus; it just matches the dark green jade too perfectly!”

“In my opinion, this gold buyao suits our princess more! Tian’er is a blue-blooded peerless beauty, of course she would match this golden phoenix buyao well!”

“I think both of your views are far too vulgar! With Tian’er’s beauty, does she really need any embellishment? Even is she just set her hair casually, it would be enough turn heads anywhere!”

Every one of their words praised the person who had yet to speak to the high heavens. Yun Yi Yi’s eyes flashed with jealousy when she heard them, and suddenly clutched towards Yun Qian Meng, whispering, “Yi Yi still feels that da jiejie is matchless under the Heavens!”

Yun Qian Meng looked at the shopkeeper who was still in front of them, feeling somewhat annoyed by Yun Yi Yi’s hot-headedness. If her whispers were overheard, it would just needlessly create more enemies for herself!

She only coldly retorted, “Don’t say nonsense! You’ve only met with a few people before, how can you boast to the ocean? If other people overheard you, won’t they feel antagonized by our xiangfu? Besides, in this world, no matter how good you think something is, there is always going to be something better! There are plenty of exceptional beauties; when did it become my turn? Next time, you shouldn’t simply say some conceited nonsense!”

Yun Yi Yi did not expect her flattery to backfire, nor did she expect Yun Qian Meng to openly reprimand her with such ruthlessness. For a moment, she felt a bit of anger rising in her heart.

However, thinking again, she realized, since she was now living under someone else’s roof,

the xiangfu was really her only source of shelter. If this matter really caused the xiangfu to land in danger, then it really wasn’t worth it! Hence, she quickly lowered her head to admit her mistake, “jiejie’s scolding is right! meimei was being rude and impetuous!”

Of course, Yun Qian Meng had long since figured out the identity of the other person from the few isolated phrases they had heard just now!

Someone who had the identity of a princess, had a maiden name of Tian’er, and was able to elicit such flattering remarks from these women, could only be the young lady controlled half of the affairs of Hai wangfu, Princess Hai Tian!

For such a young lady to be able to cause these women of similar status to bend and scrape their knees just to curry her favor, it could be seen that Hai Tian not only had her own methods, but her mind was likely quite sharp!

Hai wangfu had gained outstanding achievements during the reign of the previous Emperor, and Hai Wang also loved guests; leading to lots of countless people falling under their wing!

Even though she was a girl, Hai Tian was personally appointed to manage the Wang fu’s matters by Hai Wang. This was not something that any normal woman would be able to accomplish!

It was also reported that before this, there was also a Princess Lin that could be considered her equal in Hai wangfu. However, she had been married off early due to one of Hai Tian’s schemes. It could be seen that Hai Tian was not a tolerant or broadminded person!

If a little difference in opinion over their beauty was to lead to a conflict between the xiangfu and Hai wangfu, it would not be good for them at all!

This was the main reason Yun Qian Meng had openly reprimanded Yun Yi Yi!

The shopkeeper who was walking in front of them didn’t miss a single word between the two sisters, immediately gaining a whole new level of respect for the xiangfu’s eldest young miss.

If any other girl was praised by someone else, they would surely be beaming from ear to ear!

Only in front of her, Yun Qian Meng was confident and fully aware of true meaning of showing off one’s ability!

In the shopkeeper’s eyes, Yun Qian Meng was certainly an exceptional young lady. And she was not merely talking about her appearance, but also her ability and her bright, clever mind!

She just didn’t know who would come out on top if this mysterious eldest young miss was pitted against Princess Hai Tian who was just inside Mu Dan Xuan.

“da xiaojie, we’ve reached Pin Yu Xuan! I will now go and prepare!” The shopkeeper led Yun Qian Meng into the pavilion before she slowly retreated.

As soon as the doors to Pin Yu Xuan were closed, Yun Yi Yi’s eyes lit up as she quickly swept them around the pavilion. Her hands felt around the place curiously as if she needed to touch the things in order to feel certain of their existence!

Yun Qian Meng just took a seat before the table and received the tea that Mu Chun had offered her. While drinking carefully, her mind was busy contemplating the moment Su Qing would surrender to her demands.

After Yun Yi Yi was satisfied, she somewhat tiredly sat beside Yun Qian Meng. After finishing a cup of tea, she widened her eyes and asked curiously, “da jiejie, how are the prices here?”

Recollecting her thoughts, Yun Qian Meng smiled faintly and answered, “Don’t worry about the money! As long as you like something, jiejie will buy it for you!”

Seeing how generous Yun Qian Meng was treating her, a grateful expression floated into Yun Yi Yi’s eyes. However, she was also not an entirely stupid person. Although Yun Qian Meng did not state a bottom line, she still understood that she could not go too far this first time. Otherwise, she might never have a chance to come here again!

Yun Yi Yi’s heart was filled with admiration and envy as she looked at Yun Qian Meng gracefully sipping her tea. Although she was extremely curious about the jewelry Yun Qian Meng had chosen for her, she still restrained herself and imitated her, slowly lifting her cup to take careful sips of tea.

At this moment, a polite knock came from the door. Mu Chun checked who had arrived before she opened the wooden door, letting in the shopkeeper and eight servant girls who each carried a display tray. Small boxes of various textures were displayed on the trays, but as they were currently closed, it was impossible to see the jewelry inside. Seeing this, Yun Yi Yi was almost at the edge of her seat!

The eight servants stood in a row as the shopkeeper walked forward and said smilingly, “da xiaojie, these are the things you ordered. Please look over them!”

Finishing ,the shopkeeper stopped before the first servant and opened the small box made of the finest topaz, a brilliant luster radiating from within……

Yun Yi Yi was already itching to take a look at the valuables, but Yun Qian Meng only stood up and sauntered over slowly and unhurriedly. Even though Yun Yi Yi’s heart was burning with excitement, she had no choice but to follow behind Yun Qian Meng and walk over slowly.

“Yi Yi, come take a look. Do you like this set of head ornaments?” Yun Qian Meng intimately pulled Yun Yi Yi’s hand and pointed at a full set of pearl-encrusted, topaz jewelry, gently asking the already enraptured Yun Yi Yi.

Yun Yi Yi just stared at the, delicately crafted, exquisite, noble and elegant jewelry. Seeing the new and original as well as beautiful patterns and designs, Yun Yi Yi only forcefully nodded her head!

Yun Qian Meng smiled lightly and then pulled her to the second box, made of red sandalwood. The box was opened to reveal many layers; and all sorts of women’s jewelry, from earrings to golden hairpins could be found in this box; the dazzling radiance of it all almost blinding Yun Yi Yi’s eyes!

Yun Qian Meng did not mind Yun Yi Yi and continued to drag her along the entire row. After they had looked over the final set, she finally let go of Yun Yi Yi’s hand and asked with a slight smile, “jiejie has prepared these. So, which ones did meimei take a liking to?”

Hearing this question, Yun Yi Yi only wished she could say that she wanted everything!

Even though she understood, don’t mention taking all eight sets, even a single earing from one of those sets was already of considerable cost; she really liked all of the jewelry she was shown! Feeling sorry if she let go of this piece, and feeling regret if she lost out on the other, her wide eyes couldn’t stop flittering between the boxes, unable to come to a decision after a long time!

Yun Qian Meng saw how difficult it was for her to decide and immediately knew that Yun Yi Yi was definitely feeling greedy, wishing to keep everything. Her smiling expression slightly faded as she said, “jiejie still feels that the last set is most suitable for meimei! Since meimei is still young, the brightly colorful and cute jewelry from that set suits you the most!”

Yun Yi Yi listened to Yun Qian Meng’s opinion and quickly moved in front of the jewelry set, reaching out to put on each piece. Looking at her even more dainty appearance in the mirror, her smile widened as she replied happily, “jiejie’s insight is really good! meimei couldn’t decide after so long, but jiejie managed to discern it so easily!”

However, beneath her broad smile, a heavy sense of disappointment still flashed across her eyes.

Yun Yi Yi couldn’t help but think to herself that it would so much better if all of this could be given to her!

Yun Qian Meng already saw through her thoughts. But she knew that she must not indulge these types of people. Otherwise, in the future, their appetites would only get bigger and bigger, their greed and selfish desires leading them to plot against others for riches!

Yun Qian Meng only stood up and calmly said, “Since this is the case, shopkeeper, we’ll take this set! As for the two sets for laotaitai and san xiaojie, we’ll settle the accounts after sending a messenger to the xiangfu’s treasury room!”

The shopkeeper, having also seen through Yun Yi Yi’s inner thoughts, immediately expressed her approval of Yun Qian Meng’s actions.

After all, Fu Gui Tang’s jewelry was not cheap. The set that Yun Yi Yi had just picked was itself worth almost five thousand and two hundred liang of silver!

“Yes!” The shopkeeper quickly replied before she led Yun Qian Meng outside.

At the same time, the door to Mu Dan Xuan were pushed open as an elegant, cool beauty emerged from within.

Such a strong presence could only belong to Hai Tian!

Hai Tian was currently completely made up, with her black hair adorned with numerous openwork amethyst jade hairpins encrusted with pearls about the size of the tip of her finger while her dainty ears were pierced with similarly colored amethyst jade earrings. The penetrating gaze from her clear eyes exhibited a brilliance that was impossible to ignore, causing most people to feel cold just looking at her.

And Hai Tian was surrounded by three pretty young women, which were presumably the same three people they had overheard earlier!

However, at the moment, Hai Tian’s attention was not focused on the three women beside her. Instead, her sharp eyes pierced through the crowd and fell on Yun Qian Meng. As she looked at the muslin veil on Yun Qian Meng’s head, she couldn’t help but carelessly crease her eyebrows.

This subtle action from her immediately aroused the attention of the people beside her!

A young servant ran through the crowd with a panicked expression and kneeled before Hai Tian, lifting up a light purple muslin veil with her hands.

Another servant saw this and immediately took the veil, carefully helping Hai Tian put it on. After that, everyone heard a severe voice from behind the veil say, “Take her back and beat her to death!”

Even though Hai Tian was so ruthless in public, the people beside her did not seem to disapprove of her actions. Instead, the three women seized the opportunity to scold the young servant, none of them having even a shred of pity for the young girl.

The young servant seemed to have expected such a result all along, not even struggling or begging for forgiveness. Her face only paled as she was dragged away by a few strong mama.

Yun Yi Yi was also terrified by the beautiful lady’s ruthless actions and quickly hid behind Yun Qian Meng.

During the uproar, Yun Qian Meng’s group had managed to reach the head of the stairs, while the group from Mu Dan Xuan had been there for a while. For a moment, both groups stood at either side of the stairs.

The three young women immediately glowered at Yun Qian Meng’s group, while Hai Tian and Yun Qian Meng only looked face to face from behind their veils.

The shopkeeper also never expected the two of them to really bump into each other, and was inwardly thinking quickly to find a way to dissolve the awkward situation!

After a short moment, Hai Tian only felt the veiled young lady opposite her smile, as she heard a clear and elegant voice say, “Please, you first.”

Right after that, Yun Qian Meng voluntarily moved three paces backwards to give way for Hai Tian and her posse.

Hai Tian’s eyes momentarily flashed with confusion before it gave rise to a cold fury.

However, she had already lost in poise and dignity from the previous exchange. With so much attention on them at present, she could not lose to the opponent any further!

Hence, she only stepped forward slightly while staring fixedly at the calm eyes concealed behind the muslin veil, coldly saying, “Many thanks!”

Yun Qian Meng too, only slightly nodded before shifting her glance away.

The three young women felt that Yun Qian Meng was considerably tactful. Seeing that they had already spent quite a long time outside today, they quickly crowded around Hai Tian as they walked down the stairs and got onto the Hai wangfu’s carriage.

When they got onto the carriage, one of the women felt that Hai Tian did not seem to be too happy and asked probingly, “I wonder which family that xiaojie from before is from, not even bowing when she saw Tian’er! Does she think that she is so amazing just because she gave way to us? Tian’er gave her thanks, but she still acted that way. I really want to tear her mouth off!”

As soon as she said that, the temperature in the carriage plummeted. The two others immediately shot her a look while Hai Tian remained taciturn. However, her heart was actually filled with curiosity towards Yun Qian Meng!

Still, there was no need to rush!

Someone that could enter Fu Gui Tang was definitely from a wealthy and respectable family.

And for the shopkeeper to personally show them around, their status must be even more distinguished!

As long as she knew these two points, it was not difficult to find out which family that well-bred young lady was from!

Furthermore, there was unveiled young miss standing beside her. Finding her was practically no effort at all!

Thinking along these lines, Hai Tian’s expression suddenly changed, as a gloomy light shone from her eyes……

On the other side, Yun Yi Yi who had gotten onto their own carriage also began to discuss the Princess Hai Tian that they had just met!

“da jiejie, do you know who that person just now was? She was as pretty as a flower! But her expression was just a bit too cold, and the way she treated her servants was too heartless!” Yun Yi Yi trembled slightly as she recalled the fierce glare that Hai Tian had shot towards her just now.

She had no idea just what kind of environment that young lady had grown up in. Just why were those obviously pretty eyes so terrifyingly filled with daggers?

Yun Qian Meng just listened to Yun Yi Yi’s comment on Hai Tian without saying a word.

Within a tiger’s den like Hai wangfu, if Hai Tian was a compassionate and lenient person, she would have ended up as a pile of bones a long time ago!

Really, did Yun Yi Yi expect everyone to be like Yun Xuan Zhi and let a concubine take full control of the xiangfu?

The foundation of Hai wangfu was much deeper than that of the xiangfu. With their underground connections, Hai wangfu had long turned into a fort for the vicious and greedy!

If Hai Tian did not wield and exercise her power strictly, perhaps Hai wangfu would have devolved into lawlessness!

Even though Yun Qian Meng was not used to her ruthless method of handling matters, she was still able to appreciate her cold decisiveness!

After chatting for a bit, the carriage arrived back at the gates to the xiangfu. By the time Yun Qian Meng and Yun Yi Yi had paid respects to the old madam and returned to Qi Luo Yuan, it was already time for dinner.

Although Mi mama went out of the fu together with Yun Qian Meng, she had parted from them midway.

When Yun Qian Meng finally returned to Qi Luo Yuan, Mi mama had already gotten the servants to prepare dinner for her!

Seeing the table full of fine food, Yun Qian Meng smiled and said, “mama and Mu Chun should sit down. Let’s eat together!”

But Mu Chun and Mi mama were both obstinate and would not sit down no matter what, leaving Yun Qian Meng with no choice but to eat alone. After taking a bath, she sent everyone else away and kept only Mi mama in the room for questioning.

“xiaojie, Xia mama told nubi that the Ning Zhi cream is real! That year, the old madam accidentally pricked her finger while doing some embroidery and forcefully demanded the Ning Zhi cream from furen!” Mi mama saw that Yun Qian Meng had only let her stay behind and knew exactly what she wanted to know. Hence, she immediately told her everything she had found out from Xia mama!

Still, after hearing what Xia mama had to say about this matter, Mi mama’s impression towards the old madam had taken a thousand zhang nosedive!

How can someone who would dig for ways to snatch something away from her own daughter-in-law be a good person?

It would seem that in this place, there were only selfish and money-minded people!

Besides appearing somewhat influential to outsiders, the life in this kind of household was definitely not as cozy as the normal life in a common household!

Yun Qian Meng had also guessed that since the Ning Zhi cream was so precious, Qu Ruo Li might not have even been willing to use it on herself. There was just no way she would be so generous as to gift it to the old madam; so the old madam must have used some ruse to swindle it away from her!

Hearing Mi mama’s report, Yun Qian Meng only made a cold smile and continued to ask, “What did Ying Qiu say?”

Coming to this point, Mi mama made a genuine laugh and said, “xiaojie was really clever to leave behind a bit of Ning Zhi cream at Ying Qiu’s place beforehand! The girl just told me today that the Ning Zhi cream was not complicated to make! The real headache is just how long it would take to collect all the medicinal ingredients to make the Ning Zhi cream! She has also tested it and found that there were no poisonous substances in the Ning Zhi cream that laotaitai had sent over, so xiaojie can feel free to use it!”

At this moment, Mi mama suddenly paused as she realized that the Ning Zhi cream had already been given to Yun Ruo Xue. Her heart was momentarily overcome with regret as she bitterly said, “It seems that er xiaojie has really benefited this time, getting such a good thing without any effort!”

Yun Qian Meng, however, did not think this way. In this world, everything was a matter of give and take. There was certainly no such thing as a free lunch!

If a bottle of Ning Zhi cream that she had no need for was all she needed to give up to cause a falling out between Su Qing and Yun Ruo Xue, she would consider it a most worthwile transaction!

Still, looking at Mi mama’s current pained expression, Yun Qian Meng smiled and explained, “With Yun Ruo Xue’s personality, she will definitely treat the Ning Zhi cream as a life-saving medicine and smear it over her wound every day! mama, do you still remember what the doctor told me before? Before the scab of the wound falls off, you absolutely can’t smear anything on it! But Yun Ruo Xue has always loved her own beauty. Now that her appearance was harmed, she surely can’t help but wish for it to recover immediately! Under these circumstances, how will she listen to the doctor’s orders? I think she almost can’t wait to use up the entire bottle of Ning Zhi cream on her face right away!”

Given such a clear explanation, Mi mama’s earlier resentful expression quickly turned into undisguised joy. She then connected Yun Qian Meng’s words and exclaimed, “Only, if er xiaojie does this, it would produce the opposite result! The wound on her forehead will not get any better, in fact, it will only get even worse! By then, her small face will really be ruined! And after all of this, the originator of the wound is still Su Qing, perhaps this time, those two will really become enemies!”

“However, Su Qing still has her daughter in her heart! In order to protect their relationship, she would have no choice but to promise to let Yun Ruo Xue attend the birthday feast!” And by then, Qu Ruo Li’s dowry would finally be completely returned to her rightful hands!

These matters were tightly intertwined, with one thing linking to another. It would seem that Yun Qian Meng would not need to use any force, nor would she need to press hard while her opponent was backed into a corner by these seemingly unimportant matters, leaving her with no choice but to compromise!

However, no matter how happy Mi mama was at the opportunity to retrieve the dowry of the late furen, the wound on da xiaojie’s arm was like a heavy rock crushing her heart.

Yun Qian Meng might say that she didn’t mind the scar, but that was definitely only be a lie!

After all, just which young lady did not care about her own appearance? This time, she really had no other choice but to use a self-harming tactic like this. Otherwise, who would really take such a great risk with their own body?

What’s more, after a few days of nursing her body, she had already recovered completely. And what had benefitted the most from the added nutrition was her fair skin, as it was now as slippery and smooth as a freshly peeled egg!

She was naturally unwilling to leave behind a scar on such beautiful skin, hence she had prepared a way out a long time ago!

Shui’er and Bing’er were exactly her best messengers!

The Empress Dowager had always hoped that she would become one of her chess pieces, and allowed her to set up her own traps!

If this chess piece was wounded, but not able to be discarded, the Empress Dowager would certainly spare no effort to make sure the chess piece was properly healed!

Since Yu Qian Di was famous for his filial piety, as long as the Empress Dowager wanted something, Yu Qian Di would definitely not try to obstruct her, let alone a mere Ning Zhi cream that was barely remarkable amongst the numerous treasures within the palace!

Yun Qian Meng saw Mi mama’s worried expression from behind the copper mirror and felt her heart soften. Hence, she changed the topic by asking, “That’s right, how is Xia mama’s condition these days? Has she gotten better at speaking?”

When she brought up Xia mama’s injured state, Mi mama only made another worried face. Although she did not want to tell Yun Qian Meng the honest truth, she only shook her head helplessly and replied, “Just the same as always! A watched pot never boils, Ying Qiu says that it will take some time before she will recover!”

Yun Qian Meng felt that her explanation was rational and did not ask further. Noticing that it was getting late, she also sent Mi mama away to rest.

The first thing next morning, before Yun Qian Meng had even gotten out of bed, Yun Ruo Xue had brought a few servants to visit Qi Luo Yuan!

After waiting in the side room for a long time and drinking three cups of tea, Yun Ruo Xue finally saw Yun Qian Meng walk in slowly. She immediately welcomed her enthusiastically, respectfully bowing and greeting, “ermei pays respects to jiejie!”

Yun Qian Meng saw that her forehead was still wrapped in gauze and also passionately helped her raise her half-crouched body, asking with concern, “meimei is not well, it’s fine to just send a servant over. Why did you come such a long way?”

At her words, Yun Ruo Xue’s face actually showed a touched expression. Her eyes momentarily reddened as she sobbed, “jiejie really does care for meimei! But now, meimei is disliked by everyone. If meimei doesn’t do something quickly, then meimei might really have no more ground to stand on!”

Hearing this, Yun Qian Meng quickly understood. Yun Ruo Xue had come today only to discuss the matter of the birthday feast from before!

Pretending not to understand, Yun Qian Meng exclaimed in shock, “I can’t believe the people in the fu would treat meimei this way! Let me tell laotaitai, and then we will go and take care of those people!”

Yun Ruo Xue was immediately startled. She had only planned to come her to ask Yun Qian Meng if she was really going to bring Yun Yan and Yun Yi Yi to the birthday feast. If the old madam really got involved with the matter, she would certainly be scolded again. Hence, she hurriedly quelled the matter, saying, “jiejie should not get angry! zumu should not be bothered by these little things!”

Yun Qian Meng also dropped the matter. She too did not really want to put on a play in front of the old madam over such a small matter as it was just a waste of her own time and effort. Still, looking at how Yun Ruo Xue’s unwillingness to leave, she got right to the point and asked, “ermei must still be anxious about the matter of the birthday feast, right?”

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