After introducing the first box, Li Chunlan moved on to the second box. The box was so brightly lit that it almost blinded Xu Wanying. It was full of jewelry, and in the very center was a novel and very valuable headdress.
"This phoenix-winged ruby headdress is my favorite. Before I got married, I specially asked my father to have it made by Master Mingji. Look how beautiful these two big wings are, and all these rubies look so festive. It's a pity I can't wear it now. Rather than letting it gather dust in the trunk, I'd like to give it to you. You'll definitely look beautiful wearing it!"
Li Chunlan personally picked up the most precious headdress, reached out and stroked the phoenix with outstretched wings, a hint of reluctance in her eyes.
“Sister-in-law, a gentleman does not take what others love. Since you like it so much, you can keep it by your bedside and play with it every day. There’s no need to give it to me!” Xu Wanying’s words were sincere.
Although she loves money, she wouldn't go so far as to take away what someone else cherishes. Besides, Li Chunlan's apology this time was so generous, so she's not the kind of person who doesn't know what's good for her.
“Take it, it’ll look great on you!” Li Chunlan handed the headdress to her without giving her a chance to argue, her attitude quite generous.
[Host, this headdress is indeed Li Chunlan's cherished possession, but it's also a source of her psychological trauma. After marrying into the Marquis's household, she accompanied Madam Cen to her first banquet, dressed in her finest attire, wearing this very headdress. Before boarding the carriage, Madam Cen advised her that the headdress didn't suit her, but she wouldn't listen. As a result, she was thoroughly ridiculed by the noble ladies, who mocked her as a pheasant adorned with phoenix feathers, saying that even if she flew to a branch, she would only be a clumsy, fake phoenix.]
The system sighed as it spoke, causing Li Chunlan to stiffen. Her deeply buried dark history had been unearthed once again, and her face turned bright red with embarrassment.
Li Chunlan quickly turned her back, pretending to be tidying up jewelry, but actually trying to hide her expression so that Xu Wanying wouldn't catch her again.
[Ha, what fake phoenixes! They talk like they're real phoenixes. They're probably just jealous of Li Chunlan's fine attire. A merchant's daughter is adorned with gold and silver, everything exquisite, each piece exceptional. Meanwhile, these are all noblewomen of high status, their jewelry can't compare to a single hairpin from Li Chunlan. Naturally, they're envious.]
Those so-called noble families are probably all dirt poor behind closed doors, having to pawn their valuables and tighten their belts just to survive! The Marquis of Zhongyi's mansion is a prime example; they're so poor they have to sell their heir's marriage. Surely, many other noble families are in the same boat.
The system applauded her enthusiastically: "Host, you're incredibly insightful! Several so-called marquis and earl families have to be extremely frugal just to barely make ends meet!"
Li Chunlan was deeply moved upon hearing this conversation between the two people.
This was originally a lifelong wound for her, and she was not allowed to mention it to anyone. After that, she didn't even dare to leave the house. Cen tried to comfort her, but it was no use.
The thought of those glamorous ladies standing together, staring at her with strange looks, filled her with shame; she wished she could disappear into the ground.
Now that she knows the inside story, she suddenly feels relieved. The oppressive feeling that had been so dark and gloomy suddenly cracked open, allowing her to breathe.
“These two boxes contain antiques and calligraphy. I don’t know much about these things, but they are all genuine. It would be a waste to keep them in my storage. It would be better to give them to someone like my sister-in-law who understands them!” Li Chunlan was open-minded, and her tone became more natural and intimate.
"Thank you, sister-in-law!" Xu Wanying nodded obediently in agreement.
[Sigh, I don't understand how to appreciate their beauty, but that doesn't stop me from knowing they're valuable.]
The system immediately chimed in, offering a proactive suggestion: "Host, I'm an expert! I know everything about these antiques and paintings—their value, their meanings, and their beauty. Spend a little energy to learn a great deal!"
"You're trying to trick me out of my energy again, get lost!" Xu Wanying said irritably.
Okay!
"Here are some rouge and face powder, all personally selected by me. This powder is made from pearls from the East China Sea; it's very fine. Let me know when you've used it all. Look, it's a shame to grind these large East China Sea pearls into powder, so I brought them along. Have someone attach them to your embroidered shoes; they'll look beautiful!"
When the topic turned to cosmetics, Li Chunlan perked up again and opened a large wooden box filled with pearls. The largest pearls were the size of a baby's fist, while the smallest were the size of marbles. Each one was round and lustrous, clearly priceless.
Here we go again! People carefully maintain the pearls they inlay in their jewelry, afraid of getting scratched by gold and silver. And she goes and puts them on her shoes! Those shoes are worn every day, walking on pebbles; they're bound to get scratched, and they'll collect a lot of dust every day!
It's rare to see even the system showing such jealousy; it seems everyone has feelings of resentment towards the rich, and even a program system is no exception.
"The last box contains tonics and ointments. These two boxes of Zijin Huayu Ointment are something I asked someone to find for me. They're better than the last one. Sister-in-law, you can use this one!" She specially took out two ointments and pushed them to Xu Wanying's side.
Xu Wanying glanced at it; this time, even the box for the plaster was exquisite, looking like a gift from the emperor.
After all, this kind of plaster was a treasure of the Imperial Medical Academy. Because the medicinal materials were extremely precious and hard to obtain, the production was very limited, and only the most favored people in the palace could use it.
[Oh dear, this time the Purple Gold Scar-Removing Ointment is genuine! The last one was a counterfeit. Although it also had scar-removing effects, it wasn't nearly as good as the real thing. The real one can even remove old scars, and with prolonged use, it can make your skin look brand new, like a peeled egg. Before, Consort Yue and Imperial Noble Consort in the harem fought tooth and nail over this box of ointment, giving the Emperor a real headache.]
Xu Wanying immediately perked up: [Consort Yue and the Imperial Noble Consort? They're both acquaintances! Consort Yue is the one who seduced the Emperor earlier in that moon-colored brocade, right? The Imperial Noble Consort is even more familiar—she's the Sixth Prince's mother; that little fat boy almost broke the Sixth Prince's arm!]
[Yes, it's these two, both the Emperor's favorites. However, the Imperial Noble Consort is more powerful, after all, her family has a strong backing, her father and brothers are both key ministers, while Consort Yue is not as high in status as the Noble Consort, and mostly won the Emperor's favor through her own efforts.] The system continued to add.
What are you waiting for? Let's get this juicy gossip out!
[Host, this will require a lot of energy!]
[Flowers! Am I that kind of stingy person?]
Li Chunlan was initially a little ashamed, after all, the system had exposed that the purple gold blood-stasis ointment she had received earlier was a fake, and she was feeling rather uncomfortable. However, upon hearing the big gossip about the two noble ladies in the harem, her ears perked up instantly.
Ahhh, she really wants to know too!
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