Shen Jintang's voice carried a hint of jest, but his eyes were fixed on Shen Youyi, wanting to see how she would react.
Upon hearing this, Shen Youyi immediately realized she had spoken out of turn. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress, her voice tinged with annoyance: "Sister, please don't say that. I just thought these outfits suited you particularly well, that's why I suggested it."
She looked up, her eyes full of sincerity: "But it's really inappropriate to give these to someone else first and then to you, sister. So I won't give these sets to you for now. I'll make two new sets another day and give them to you personally."
Her voice carried a hint of guilt, as if she had done something unforgivable.
Seeing the change in Shen Youyi's expression, Shen Jintang couldn't help but laugh out loud: "You little rascal, you're quite kind-hearted. I was just teasing you. Now that you've brought it over, let me take a look."
Her voice was light and cheerful, and her eyes were full of laughter, as if the teasing just now was just a little joke, relaxed yet intimate.
Upon hearing this, Shen Youyi immediately brought the clothes over, her movements gentle and careful, as if she were holding a priceless treasure: "Sister, take a look first. Based on my many years of experience running a clothing shop, the size of these clothes is perfect. They're practically tailor-made for you."
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Why are there men's versions?"
Shen Jintang narrowed her eyes and looked at Shen Youyi with a hint of doubt in her eyes.
Her fingers gently traced the fabric of the men's clothing.
“Oh!” Shen Youyi explained, “These clothes were originally for Prince Gu. Last time he brought a girl to my shop, but I wasn’t there. That blockhead shopkeeper didn’t realize it was a big deal and let her get away.”
As she said this, her tone carried a hint of helplessness and regret: "When I came back last night, I heard about this and quickly made the new styles that I'm going to promote this year according to the reserved size. Originally, I was going to send a few sets of clothes to Prince Gu so that he could be my walking advertisement."
Shen Youyi sighed again, her voice tinged with regret: "But Prince Gu rejected me without even looking at me. There was nothing I could do but take the clothes back."
"Oh? Young Master Gu?"
Shen Jintang looked at the clothes with a deep gaze, as if she could see a certain arrogant person through them.
“Yes, it’s Prince Gu.” Shen Youyi said with some regret, “There are many good-looking people in the capital, but if we’re talking about the most handsome one, it has to be Prince Gu. I feel like he would look good even if he wore a burlap sack.”
Her eyes sparkled, but then dimmed again: "It's just a pity that he can't wear the clothes I have in the market."
Seeing Shen Youyi's regretful expression, Shen Jintang smiled and said, "Regretful? Then I'll make sure you have no regrets."
Her voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable firmness.
"Liu Huo, get the clothes."
Shen Jintang turned around and gave an order.
"Yes, Master."
Liu Huo stepped forward and took off all the clothes with swift and decisive movements.
He understood perfectly well that his master's patience with this girl was probably a way of making amends for Miss Pei An.
"Does your sister have a solution?"
Shen Youyi opened her eyes wide, her eyes filled with surprise and anticipation, as if she had seen a glimmer of hope.
"Consider it a gift from your older sister to make up for a regret you had."
Shen Jintang patted her shoulder, turned around and walked out, her steps light and elegant.
He had originally hoped to learn about the Ministry of Revenue from Shen Huaixu, but unfortunately, he didn't know anything about it either.
Then there's no need for her to stay any longer.
"Sister, are you leaving?" Shen Youyi quickly stood up and asked, "Sister, aren't you staying at the manor? Aunt Qiu is very difficult to get along with. If she finds out you're not staying at the manor, she might use it as an excuse to cause trouble..."
Her voice carried a hint of worry, and her eyes were full of concern.
"Aunt Qiu?" Shen Jintang twitched the corner of her mouth and said helplessly, "You'll know if you ask your eldest brother."
Shen Youyi scratched her head, watching Shen Jintang turn and walk out, her figure gradually disappearing at the door.
After an incense stick had burned, Shen Jintang returned to the Princess's residence.
The Ministry of Revenue's account books were finally delivered. Shen Jintang had thought there might be something fishy going on, but it turned out that most of the contents were incomplete and damaged, as if they had been deliberately destroyed.
She spent a great deal of effort deciphering each word and sentence, trying to find some clues from these fragmented records.
However, by nightfall, her eyes were already sore, and she still couldn't make sense of it.
"Star Return!"
Shen Jintang called out, pressing his temples as he did so, his brows furrowing slightly.
She felt as if her head was about to explode, and a throbbing pain in her temples made it almost impossible for her to concentrate.
Soon, a pair of hands took her place, gently pressing on Shen Jintang's temples and beginning to massage her.
The strength of those hands was just right, neither too light nor too heavy, which made Shen Jintang relax.
She closed her eyes, enjoying the rare feeling of comfort, and felt that her head didn't hurt as much anymore.
However, suddenly, the force of those hands increased, and Shen Jintang couldn't help but gasp.
"hiss--"
When Shen Jintang opened her eyes, she saw Gu Zhixing standing behind her, his eyes filled with concern and apology.
Did I hurt you?
Shen Jintang frowned slightly and shook his head.
"Let me adjust it." Gu Zhixing made a gesture to continue pressing.
"Your Highness?" Shen Jintang removed his hand, turned to look at him, glanced at the time, and asked, "Why did Your Highness return so early today?"
It wasn't even time for school to end yet; he should usually still be in class at the Imperial College at this time.
Gu Zhixing sat down on the table, smiled at her, and said, "The imperial examination is coming up, so my mother transferred me back to the East Palace to study under the Crown Prince."
His voice carried a hint of ease and joy, because this was something to be very happy about.
Since the Crown Prince's palace is located within the imperial palace, and Shen Jintang is also in the imperial palace during the day, the two of them will have even more opportunities to meet.
Shen Jintang frowned.
If we were to ask which school in Kyoto had the best teachers, the Eastern Palace would undoubtedly be the best, followed by the Imperial Academy, and only then would the private schools outside the palace be ranked last.
It would be better to have Gu Zhixing participate in the imperial examination at the Eastern Palace.
The tutors in the Eastern Palace are all renowned Confucian scholars in the court. Being able to receive their guidance would greatly help Gu Zhixing's studies and future prospects.
However, Shen Jintang's eyes gradually darkened as if she was thinking of something, as if she was troubled by some unpleasant memories.
A hint of melancholy flashed in her eyes, which she quickly concealed, but it did not escape Gu Zhixing's notice.
As she was thinking, something was suddenly stuffed into her mouth.
Shen Jintang instinctively reached out to catch it, and a sweet taste began to spread in her mouth.
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