Instead of asking about the phoenix crown as Manager Wu had expected, Jiang Segu questioned Manager Wu, "Since Manager Wu knew that this phoenix crown was inappropriate, why did you still accept it into Zhenbaozhai?"
Her gentle voice suddenly turned stern, making Manager Wu's heart skip a beat, but he still held onto his position as manager and could not be subservient to a young girl like Jiang Segu.
"Replying to Sixth Miss, this is not the first time that Treasure Pavilion has accepted items of dubious origin. When we sell them, we always inform the buyer of the item's origin, which is why things have always been peaceful!"
The implication is that Jiang Segu did not disclose the origin of the phoenix crown when he presented it to Prince Jing'an, which may bring trouble to Zhenbaozhai!
Jiang Segu sneered, "I don't know anything about other things, and I can only listen to whatever Manager Wu says. But unfortunately, I happen to know the origin of this phoenix crown."
This phoenix crown originally belonged to the favored concubine of the last emperor of the previous dynasty. If this concubine were to die peacefully in her old age, it would be a fine item!
Unfortunately, this favored concubine died young, and was even sentenced to death by imperial decree on charges of treason and collusion with the enemy.
Because the emperor still held some affection for her, he bestowed upon her a cup of poisoned wine. However, upon receiving the imperial edict, the favored concubine immediately struck her forehead against a pillar to prove her innocence, dying from bloodshed. At that time, the concubine was wearing this very phoenix crown…”
Upon hearing this, Manager Wu's face turned somewhat grim, and his straight spine hunched slightly.
"Afterwards, treacherous officials instigated the emperor, who believed he had been misled. He ordered the execution of several key officials who had impeached the concubine and the extermination of their entire families. This aroused dissatisfaction throughout the country, and uprisings broke out in all directions. The Tartars almost took the opportunity to devour the great land of Northern Wei."
Fortunately, our Emperor Gaozu was brave and skilled in battle, and managed to save the country.
During the war, this phoenix crown was likely stolen from the palace during the chaos of the city's fall, and its whereabouts have been unknown ever since!
Jiang Segu's voice was soft and gentle, but his gaze toward Manager Wu was sharp. "I wonder, when you accepted this phoenix crown, did the other party say any of this to you?"
Under Jiang Segu's piercing gaze, Manager Wu bent even lower, "I did say that! But..."
"But when Manager Wu saw that the man's asking price was not high, he thought that the pearl on the phoenix crown alone would be enough to break even. If I'm not mistaken, Manager Wu originally planned to dismantle the phoenix crown, use the pearl to inlay other hair ornaments, and melt down the gold on the phoenix crown to make other hairpins or flower crowns."
Manager Wu nodded repeatedly, "Sixth Miss is right, that's exactly what I'm planning!"
"But why hasn't Manager Wu made a move yet?"
Shopkeeper Wu's smile froze. "The head chef said that dismantling these items would greatly reduce their value. Furthermore, the dismantling process might damage the pearls..."
Jiang Segu continued, "So, Manager Wu wavered and thought it would be better to sell this phoenix crown as an ordinary phoenix crown and conceal its origin from the customers!"
Manager Wu, whose thoughts had been exposed, murmured in agreement.
"Manager Wu never imagined that if people knew that this phoenix crown was stained with blood and was once the relic of a concubine of a fallen kingdom, they would take the opportunity to cause trouble at our Zhaotai Academy. At that time, the century-old reputation of our Zhaotai Academy would be ruined!"
And you, as the culprit behind this, how are you going to apologize to my mother? Do you think that because my mother is gentle and kind, she won't hold it against you? Even if my mother doesn't hold it against you out of consideration for our past relationship, I'm not someone who's easily appeased!
Shopkeeper Wu's legs went weak, but he still forced himself to stand there, looked up at Jiang Segu, and asked, "Since you know the impropriety of this phoenix crown, why did you still..."
Do you think it's appropriate for a young woman to wear such a phoenix crown?
Manager Wu shook his head.
"Does Manager Wu think a concubine should wear such a phoenix crown and flaunt it?"
Manager Wu thought for a moment, then shook his head.
The phoenix crown was originally only entitled to be worn by the principal wife, but the emperor of the previous dynasty was incompetent and licentious, disregarding the rules, and bestowed the phoenix crown upon his favorite concubine. Therefore, such rules in our dynasty have become even stricter.
Prince Jing'an already has a principal wife. Even if he favors Miss Song again, she will at most be a concubine.
A concubine is also a mistress!
Her children were all born to concubines.
Thus, this phoenix crown will never have the chance to be seen by the world again!
Four hundred taels of silver were enough to appease Prince Jing'an. This deal was worth it!
Thinking this through, Manager Wu was completely convinced of Jiang Segu's abilities. He knelt down on both knees, and before he could speak, he slightly turned his body to avoid Jiang Segu's kneeling and spoke again.
"I don't blame Manager Wu for the phoenix crown incident, after all, you were acting in the best interests of Zhenbaozhai. But regarding the phoenix painting, I still have some questions for Manager Wu to ask."
"Sixth Miss, please feel free to ask me anything. I will not hide anything from you."
Was Manager Wu present when the Phoenix Painting was sold?
Manager Wu nodded, "When valuable items are sold at Treasure Pavilion, I will always be present. Firstly, to explain their origin to the customers, and secondly, to ensure that no one with malicious intent will steal them!"
"So, according to Manager Wu, the Phoenix Painting was an authentic work before it left Zhenbaozhai?"
"Yes!"
"Who else has come to see this phoenix painting in the past few days?"
Manager Wu asked the waiter to bring the record book, from which he found the record of the phoenix painting.
"The Phoenix painting was only received by Zhenbaozhai half a month ago, and so far only three customers have specifically asked to see it."
The first one was Chang Lehou, who was present when I was collecting the paintings. He looked at them for a while, but didn't like them much, so he bought a painting of clouds and pines and left.
The second one was Miss Song, who came the day before yesterday. She initially ordered three paintings, but for some reason, she left without buying anything! I do remember that she really liked the phoenix painting and held it in her hands, admiring it for a long time!
The last one was Prince Jing'an. He didn't look at it much, nor did he ask me to explain it. He paid the money and left with the painting!
"Manager Wu, think carefully, who did Miss Song bring with her when she came here?"
Manager Wu frowned; he had never paid attention to these things before.
At this moment, the waiter standing to the side cautiously spoke up: "I remember when Miss Song San came, she was accompanied by a maid and a man who looked to be about forty years old. Since it is rare to see young ladies accompanied by male servants, I took a few extra glances at the man."
"If you saw that man again, would you recognize him?"
The waiter nodded.
Jiang Segu breathed a sigh of relief.
Song Yuhui came not to buy paintings, but to look at them!
As for that man, he must be the one who forged the phoenix painting.
Once we find that man, everything will be resolved!
But where should she begin her search?
Jiang Segu recalled Mr. Xiao's words; she had to go to Yuehua Street in the north of the city herself...
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