Chapter 127 Who Dares to Compete with the Sixth Prince? There really is someone.
Shen Chu also learned from the manager of Green Jade Pavilion that the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant would be auctioned at the treasure appraisal meeting in two days.
She negotiated with the manager of the Green Jade Pavilion, expressing her strong desire to buy the jade pendant and asking if she could be sold it directly to her without going through the auction.
The manager of Green Jade Pavilion refused.
Left with no other choice, she had to go and explain to Zhou Jun first.
Too ashamed to admit that the Marquis of Changning had sold the jade pendant, she could only say with a guilty expression, "My father gave the jade pendant to an old friend to admire. I am truly sorry. I will definitely return the jade pendant in two days and return it to its rightful owner."
Zhou Jun scratched his head, "There's no rush these next two days. My father is still taking medication to regulate his body."
Brother Achu, don't worry. Our family was in the wrong to begin with. I am already extremely grateful that you didn't hold it against us and were even willing to return it.
This whole ordeal has disappointed the Marquis. My mother said that there is still a pair of jade pendants in the house that were bestowed upon us by the founding emperor in his early years.
"I will definitely send it to your residence in a couple of days for the Marquis to enjoy."
When Shen Chu heard him say that, she felt even more embarrassed and repeatedly said that it was no need.
Two nights later, Shen Chu returned early from the Censorate, preparing to go to the Green Jade Pavilion.
She had inquired about the rules of the Green Jade Pavilion beforehand and knew that everyone attending the treasure appraisal meeting wore a mask or veil.
After all, it's an appraisal auction, and nobody wants others to find out that they are the one who paid a high price for the treasure, especially valuable treasures, which are easy to attract the attention of all parties.
She and Hongxiu went out to buy two masks.
When she was choosing a mask, she immediately spotted a fox mask hanging on the stall.
The mask has a white base, two short, chubby ears with bright red ear patterns, a red lotus flower on the forehead, and red phoenix eye circles. It looks round and plump, both rich and cute.
She fell in love with it at first sight and bought it without hesitation.
Hongxiu chose a pink pig mask, which perfectly suited her love of food.
The two men, wearing masks and disguised as wealthy young men, entered the Green Jade Pavilion.
"You two are here for the treasure appraisal event, right? Please come to the second floor of the appraisal building in the backyard!"
The interior of the Treasure Appraisal Building is understated yet luxurious, with all the furnishings made of the finest small-leaf sandalwood, featuring delicate grain and a subtle fragrance.
The porcelain and jade pieces displayed on the display cabinet are exquisite in texture, all exuding understated luxury.
Hongxiu couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Tsk tsk, there are valuable things everywhere. I wonder who the owner of Green Jade Pavilion is. They are really rich and powerful."
No one knows who owns the Green Jade Pavilion. Some say it's a wealthy merchant from Jiangnan, while others say it's a powerful figure from the capital. No one has ever actually seen the owner of the Green Jade Pavilion.
However, to gain a foothold in a place like the capital, to amass various treasures and to hold appraisal events for sale, requires enormous financial and power support.
I heard that some people tried to find out who owned the Green Jade Pavilion and caused trouble at the treasure appraisal meeting, but they were thrown out by the manager. After that, the troublemakers either disappeared in the capital or shrank back and never dared to enter the Green Jade Pavilion again.
Over time, people in the wealthy circles came to know that the owner of Green Jade Pavilion was not someone that ordinary people could afford to offend.
Shen Chu gestured for silence and followed the sign given to him by the servants of the Green Jade Pavilion to find their private room.
The entire second floor was divided into more than a dozen private rooms, each with a half-beaded curtain hanging at the door, which not only made the room quiet but also protected the privacy of the guests.
As I passed by one of the private rooms, I happened to hear a woman's sweet voice shouting from inside, "I don't care, you promised to buy me the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant."
Shen Chu's heart skipped a beat. Did this person also want to buy the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant?
It seemed she had met a competitor tonight, and she subconsciously turned her head to look.
Through the beaded curtain, one could only see a man and a woman sitting inside. The woman wore a veil, obscuring her face, but one could see that her shoulders were sculpted, her waist was slender, and her figure was exceptionally beautiful.
The man next to her had his back to the door of the private room, so only his broad shoulders and back could be seen. Hearing the woman's coquettishness, he just chuckled softly, his laughter deep and resonant.
She felt the laughter sounded familiar, and just as she was about to take another look, Hongxiu tugged at him, "Young master, our private room is across the street."
She had no choice but to look away and go into the private room first.
The appraisal event began, and soon it was the turn of the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant.
The manager of Green Jade Pavilion called out, "The next treasure is the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant."
A collective gasp filled the air.
Especially when the box is opened, the jade pendant emits a soft pink glow under the light, and the patterns inside are exquisite and captivating.
The commotion around them grew even louder.
Shen Chu felt somewhat anxious; it seemed that many people were determined to obtain the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade.
"The bidding will now begin. The starting price for the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant is 30,000 taels."
Sure enough, as soon as the shopkeeper finished speaking, people in the surrounding private rooms started bidding.
"Thirty-one thousand taels!"
"Thirty-two thousand taels!"
"Thirty-five thousand taels!"
Hongxiu grew anxious and tugged at Chen Chu, saying, "With so many people bidding, young master, can we even buy it?"
Shen Chu subconsciously touched the silver notes tucked into her waistband.
Besides the 30,000 taels that the Marquis of Changning sold the jade pendant, she took another 20,000 taels. Could she get the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant for 50,000 taels?
"Don't rush, let's wait and see."
In just a short while, the price had already reached 40,000 taels.
Just then, the woman from the private room opposite came out and shouted, "Forty-five thousand taels!"
There was a moment of silence, then someone suddenly shouted, "It's Miss Qingqiu!"
Seeing that someone recognized her, Xie Qingqiu removed her veil, revealing her beautiful face, which drew gasps of surprise from those around her.
Shen Chu rubbed her fingers together. Since Xie Qingqiu was here, could the man with her in the private room be Pei Yuan?
Xie Qingqiu curtsied and said with a smile, "I've heard that wearing the Ice Flower Hibiscus Jade Pendant can nourish both the face and the body."
Qingqiu has longed for this jade pendant for a long time, and today she dares to compete with you all. If Qingqiu obtains this jade pendant, she will certainly wear it to play the zither and dance for you gentlemen another day.
These words were spoken with grace and wit, and immediately drew applause from many people.
“Jade pendants are most suitable for beautiful women. Since Miss Qingqiu wants them, then we will not compete with her.”
Someone laughed and said, "You speak so grandly, but I bet you're too afraid to compete with the Sixth Prince."
Everyone knows that Xie Qingqiu is Pei Yuan's confidante.
Amidst the laughter of the entire room, Xie Qingqiu turned and glanced into the private room.
A cold snort came from the private room, "If you want to compete, then bid."
"It's the Sixth Prince! The Sixth Prince has actually come to the Jade Pavilion!"
The room fell silent; no one dared to joke with Xie Qingqiu anymore.
A sudden surge of tension rose in Shen Chu's heart. What bad luck! She had to run into Pei Yuan, who also wanted to buy this jade pendant.
The manager of Green Jade Pavilion called out loudly, "Anyone else willing to raise the price? Forty-five thousand taels for the first time!"
"Forty-five thousand taels, the second time!"
The private rooms were quiet all around.
The manager of Green Jade Pavilion looked around and sighed inwardly, thinking that it seemed this ice-flower hibiscus jade pendant would belong to the Sixth Prince.
Those who come here are all discerning regulars, and the Sixth Prince has revealed his identity, clearly intending to use this ice flower hibiscus jade pendant to win a smile from the beauty.
Who dares to contend with the Sixth Prince? Unless they're suicidal.
The manager of Green Jade Pavilion picked up the gavel, ready to shout out the predictable "Forty-five thousand taels, third time, sold!"
He had barely opened his mouth, before he could utter a sound, when suddenly someone shouted, "Forty-five thousand and one taels!"
Pei Yuan, who was bored in the private room, suddenly sat up straight when he heard this clear and gentle voice, and a smile of interest appeared on his lips.
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