Chapter 21 Slap in the Face

While he greeted Xie Wuyou warmly, he subtly and quickly sized him up.

Xie Wuyou was flattered by the shopkeeper's attitude of being arrogant at first and then obsequious, and his vanity was greatly satisfied.

She glanced smugly at Qian Sisi and Cai Yurou, then sat down on a chair covered with a brocade cushion, enjoying the tea served to her by the waiter, truly treating herself as a distinguished guest.

Cai Yuru was so excited her face lit up. She leaned close to Xie Wuyou's ear and whispered, "Wuyou! Your cousin's name is really useful!"

She's already starting to plan to choose the most expensive material.

Qian Sisi watched coldly, a faint, sneer playing on her lips.

Living in the same general's mansion? A blood cousin? Ha, Xie Wuyou, you really dare to say that.

The shopkeeper, all smiles, directed his staff to present bolts of exceptionally beautiful fabric and sets of exquisite and dazzling jewelry to Xie Wuyou and his companions.

Xie Wuyou and Cai Yurou were dazzled by the sight, and their breathing became rapid.

Xie Wuyou was blinded by the overwhelming wealth and overwhelmed by the shopkeeper's attentiveness, as if these priceless items were truly within his grasp.

She waved her hand and said, "Alright! I'll take this piece of fabric! And this set of jewelry... um, wrap it up too! Yu Rou, Si Si, you two hurry up and pick something out! Don't be shy! Take whatever you like! It's all on me... oh no, it's all on my cousin's tab!"

Cai Yuru immediately rushed towards the light green brocade satin and the gold-inlaid jade headdress she had long admired, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Wuyou! You're so kind!"

Qian Sisi casually pointed to a plain embroidered handkerchief and said indifferently, "This one will do."

She wanted to see just how ugly the ending of this drama would be.

The shopkeeper quietly retreated to the back room, beckoned a quick-witted waiter, and whispered, "Quick! Get on the fastest horse and go to the Zhenguo General's Mansion immediately! Find Miss Xie Sangning and ask her directly! Tell her that a Miss Xie Wuyou, who claims to be her cousin living in the General's Mansion, is making a lot of purchases at our Jinxiu Pavilion, and has stated that all expenses should be charged to Miss Xie's account! Ask the young lady what she thinks! Go now!"

The General's Mansion, Ruixue Tower.

Xie Sangning had just woken up from her afternoon nap and was leaning against the chaise lounge.

The warm pavilion was filled with the gentle fragrance of incense, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside.

The old woman guarding the gate whispered, "Miss, the staff of Jinxiu Pavilion have urgent business to discuss with you. They say it's very important and they need to tell you in person."

Xie Sangning raised her eyebrows slightly.

Jinxiu Pavilion? What urgent matter could there be?

"Let him in."

A young waiter, drenched in sweat and panting, was led in: "I...I pay my respects to Miss Xie! The manager...the manager sent me to inform Miss Xie!"

"What's the matter that you're in such a panic?"

The shop assistant swallowed hard and quickly replied, "Reporting to Miss! A young lady has come into the shop. She claims to be Xie Wuyou, your cousin who lives in the same General's Mansion! She brought two other young ladies and selected many of the most expensive fabrics and jewelry in the shop, stating that all the purchases should be charged to your account, Miss! The shopkeeper is unsure what to do and has sent me to ask for your opinion on whether to charge her or not."

The air froze instantly.

Ru Chun and Ru Xia exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Xie Sangning fell silent.

She held the rose dew, her slender fingers gently caressing the inside of the glass.

"Heh..." A very soft chuckle escaped from her red lips, as if she had heard some ridiculous joke.

"My own cousin? Putting it on my tab? Does Xie Wuyou think that thing around her neck is just for making her look taller?"

"Go back and tell your manager."

"Provide normal hospitality. Make sure to serve this Miss Xie well. Whatever she takes a fancy to, wrap it up for her, and make sure it's beautifully wrapped."

The waiter looked up in surprise.

Xie Sangning's smile deepened:

"but..."

"When it's time to pay the bill, you're not allowed to put it in my name, and not a single penny is allowed to be charged to my account, Xie Sangning's account!"

"Let her pay for it herself. Pay it in full on the spot."

"If she can come up with the money, she can take the things."

If she can't produce it...

Xie Sangning paused, then parted her red lips slightly:

"Then throw her out of the Brocade Pavilion."

"Did you understand?"

The waiter quickly replied, "Yes, yes! I understand! I'll go back and report to the manager right away!"

Inside the Brocade Pavilion, the atmosphere had become somewhat subtle.

Time passed slowly, and the things Xie Wuyou had picked up piled up into a small mountain. The shopkeeper was still all smiles, and the shop assistants served him attentively and thoughtfully.

When it was time to settle the bill, the waiter who had gone out to report finally came running back, panting. He went straight to the shopkeeper, leaned down, and whispered a few words.

The shopkeeper's smile froze instantly, and then he gave Xie Wuyou a deep look.

The shopkeeper took a deep breath and put on a professional smile again, but there was no trace of eagerness in that smile.

"Miss Xie, the clothes and jewelry you selected have been packed for you. Thank you for your kindness. The total amount is 28,000 taels of silver."

"What? These things cost more than 20,000 taels? Fine then... please put it on Xie Sangning's account."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Replying to Miss Xie, I have already sent someone by fast horse to inquire with Miss Xie."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the other distinguished guests who were watching the spectacle, and then raised his voice:

"Miss Xie has decreed: She and you, Second Miss, have no agreement regarding joint spending. You must pay in cash on the spot for any items you choose. Otherwise, all your chosen items will be left behind, and you must leave Jinxiu Pavilion immediately!"

It was like being struck by lightning!

Xie Wuyou felt dizzy and his vision blurred.

Xie Sangning! She actually...she actually dared to be so heartless!

To slap her in the face like that in public!?

"Why can't I remember? I'm her cousin, and I use the General's Mansion's money. My mother is now in charge of the General's Mansion. Why would I need Xie Sangning's permission to buy something?!"

The shopkeeper lost his patience, and two waiters who were ready immediately stepped forward, grabbed Xie Sangning, and carried him out.

"Let me go! You lackeys! I am a young lady from the General's Mansion! How dare you touch me?!"

Xie Wuyou struggled desperately, her hair disheveled.

Cai Yuru was terrified at the sight. Looking at the gold-inlaid jade jewelry box she was still holding in her arms, as if it were a hot potato, her face turned pale and she stammered, "No...it's not what I wanted. Xie Wuyou said he wanted it but I didn't want it!"

She hurriedly shoved the things into the hands of the guy next to her.

Qian Sisi watched the farce with indifference, then stood up gracefully: "Disgraceful."

Without even glancing at the disheveled Xie Wuyou and Cai Yurou, she gave the shopkeeper a slight nod: "The money for my embroidered handkerchief will be delivered later."

After saying this, he quickly left this place of trouble, surrounded by his maids.

"Miss Qian, please take care." The shopkeeper bowed as he saw her off.

Amidst the scorn and ridicule of the guests in the building, Xie Wuyou and his companion were thrown out of the Brocade Pavilion.

First thrown out of the princess's residence, then thrown out of the Brocade Pavilion, Xie Wuyou became famous in Jinling City in a different way.

"Oh dear, isn't this the Second Miss Xie who was just clamoring to give away clothes from Jinxiu Pavilion? Why was she thrown out?"

"Tsk tsk, trying to save face when you're broke. What kind of rich person are you to pretend to be if you don't have money!"

"Serves you right!"

...

Xie Wuyou clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, oblivious to the blood seeping out.