With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, there are many banquets in the capital. Chrysanthemums are in bloom, and rare treasures from all over the country are delivered by caravans. Various flower-viewing banquets, tea-tasting banquets, and treasure-appraisal banquets follow one after another.
Although no men in the Shen family held official positions, Shen Ning was highly regarded among noblewomen and had a wide network of connections, so she received many invitations to banquets.
Shen Ning chose to attend several important banquets with many people, and while doing so, she declined some less important gatherings. Although she didn't go, she sent gifts along with her.
Exquisite and unique little items, without being too expensive, are enough to win the favor of these ladies.
Sometimes, a well-timed refusal and creating distance can make you seem mysterious and sophisticated. When dealing with such people, being too enthusiastic and ingratiating can actually be counterproductive.
However, there was one person she couldn't refuse, even if she could refuse others.
Princess Chang Le.
Although it wasn't a banquet, Princess Chang Le had simply invited her to go archery together.
Shen Ning: "......"
Should we make her the bottom-ranked one?
Shen Ning still went, taking the lively and playful Yu Zhu with her.
The archery and horseback riding training ground was located in the suburbs of Beijing, and it was also a royal horse farm.
When Shen Ning arrived, she found that there were quite a few people there. Several girls dressed in riding outfits stood together, looking heroic and creating a beautiful scene.
However, their expressions changed slightly upon seeing Shen Ning arrive.
Those who can play with Princess Chang Le are all the most elite noble ladies from aristocratic families. Unfortunately, these are people that Shen Ning cannot get along with, and they also look down on Shen Ning.
"Isn't this the one from the Shen family? What's she doing here?"
"It was probably the princess who summoned her. She was so obsequious before, she really managed to win the princess over."
"I don't know what the princess was thinking, insisting on associating with this kind of person. She even spoke up for her before."
"Who told him to be so sweet-talking? He's all servile and obsequious. The princess probably just sees it as a joke and teases him."
Knowing that no male members of the Shen family were in the court and that no talented individuals had emerged from the younger generation, these people ridiculed Shen Ning without any restraint. As the saying goes, they always pick on the weak, and Shen Ning was the weak one.
They look down on lackeys, and even more so on those who fawn over them, deeming them spineless, power-hungry, and vain.
"What are you talking about?" A cold voice rang out, and it turned out that Princess Chang Le had arrived at some point.
The group turned around and found Princess Chang Le standing behind them, which made them feel slightly awkward.
"The princess has arrived! We're greeting Miss Shen, aren't we, Miss Shen?"
Their eyes showed disdain, but they had to say polite words, after all, they still had to give Princess Chang Le face.
Princess Chang Le was furious. Did these people really think she hadn't heard them?
"Probably, but your way of greeting each other is quite unique. I haven't learned it before, so I didn't react for a moment." Shen Ning smiled and walked over, reaching out to take Princess Chang Le's hand: "I don't know how to shoot arrows. Would Your Highness be so kind as to teach me a thing or two?"
Princess Chang Le left with Shen Ning; her status gave her the confidence to show these people the cold shoulder.
“You don’t need to be so careful. You’re my guest. If they insult you, just insult them back. I’ll back you up.”
Fearing that Shen Ning might think that she was associating with rude people, she added, "They're not usually like this."
Girls raised in prominent families are naturally well-mannered.
Shen Ning nodded: "I understand."
A titmouse came to the peacock's nest and won the favor of one of the peacocks, which naturally attracted ridicule from the others.
Shen Ning is now like that mountain sparrow.
With no one backing her up, Shen Ning wouldn't get angry recklessly, because power can truly be deadly.
If these people's father and brothers were to get angry even slightly, the Shen family, which she had been struggling to support, would face utter destruction.
Anyway, it's just a few words of complaint, nothing serious, and it's all about making money through harmony.
As long as she manages her business well, even if they look down on her today, they'll still have to spend money to buy her things in the future.
What's wrong with giving them a little leeway if they're future big spenders?
Thinking this, Shen Ning took out the gift box she had brought: "Princess, there's no need to apologize, but if you feel sorry for me, could you wear this?"
The box was opened, revealing a crown made entirely of pearls. It had a silver base, was inlaid with pearls, and had a dazzling ruby in the center. It had no special patterns, looked simple, but was very eye-catching.
The pearlescent and gemstone-like luster complement each other, creating a simple yet sophisticated effect.
"So beautiful!"
Princess Chang Le wore her hair in a ponytail today, with a simple hair crown.
He immediately took off his own hair ornament and put this on.
Is it pretty?
Shen Ning nodded with a smile: "Of course it looks good. I personally drew the design and created it especially for the princess. It's unique and the perfect match for her."
Princess Chang Le's face immediately lit up with a smile, a genuine joy from the bottom of her heart.
Others didn't understand why she approached Shen Ning, but they didn't know that Shen Ning had countless reasons for her to like him, even though she couldn't even shoot an arrow.
It's really comfortable to be around someone like Shen Ning. She's naturally approachable without making you feel like she's trying too hard to please you, and she's opinionated without making you feel offended. She's like the water in a hot spring—inclusive and just right.
As they approached the archery target, the others gathered around and immediately noticed the crown on Princess Chang Le's head. Its color was simply too beautiful, and it was inlaid with pearls.
"Princess, your hair ornament is so exquisite."
"The workmanship looks good, it's so beautiful, I really want one."
Princess Chang Le was about to boast that it was a gift from Shen Ning when Shen Ning smiled and said, "I bought it from a newly opened shop called 'Qianjin Fang' on Chunfeng Street. They specialize in jewelry and can provide designs for custom-made pieces. The shopkeeper said they recently received a new batch of pearls, but the quantity is limited, and it will probably be next year before they're all gone."
Upon hearing that the quantity was limited, everyone immediately became anxious: "Qianjinfang, have you ever seen this shop before?"
"I've never seen it before. I haven't been shopping in a long time. They say it's newly opened."
"I saw it up ahead, it just opened, and lots of people are going to see it."
"Will there be any left when we get there?"
"I don't know, but I'll go and see later."
"Okay, I'll go with you."
They've only just arrived, and everyone's hearts are already soaring.
Princess Chang Le realized that Qianjinfang was definitely Shen Ning's business. This person was using the gift to promote himself. She whispered in Shen Ning's ear, "You really know how to be shrewd."
Shen Ning took it as a compliment and said in a greedy manner, "When I make money, I'll treat the princess to a meal."
A princess who's short of people invites herself to dinner?
Her expression was one of disgust, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips: "I'm very picky about food. I need all kinds of delicacies, otherwise it would seem like you're not being sincere."
Shen Ning smiled and said, "Then I must prepare well and never let the princess down."
Princess Chang Le chuckled: "You're such a smooth talker!"
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