Chapter 20 Taking Advantage
On the bustling Zhuque Avenue in Jinling City, Xie Wuyou and Cai Yurou, the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Works, followed behind Qian Sisi, the third daughter of the Minister of Revenue, on either side.
Cai Yuru wore a light green jacket and skirt. The material was ordinary, but the color was fresh and made her look quite pretty.
She bowed slightly, a perfectly flattering smile on her face, her gaze never leaving Qian Sisi.
Qian Sisi, on the other hand, was completely different. She wore a brand-new satin jacket embroidered with gold butterflies and clouds, her chin slightly raised, her eyes and brows exuding the innate nobility and arrogance of a noblewoman.
The three of them had just come out of a shop selling rouge and face powder. Qian Sisi bought several boxes of the newly arrived Yutangchun lip rouge, and Cai Yurou praised how the color suited Qian Sisi's skin tone.
They were wandering aimlessly, and were about to pass by the Brocade Pavilion.
Xie Wuyou only dared to glance at it briefly each time he passed by.
“Hey, Wuyou,” Cai Yuru suddenly leaned closer to Xie Wuyou as if she had just remembered something, “Have you heard? This morning, your cousin brought Xie Rubao, the chubby boy from the family of the Vice Minister of Revenue, into the Jinxiu Pavilion!”
"What?!" Xie Wuyou stopped abruptly, his voice rising sharply, drawing Qian Sisi's attention.
"Xie Sangning? She took Xie Rubao to Jinxiu Pavilion?"
“Absolutely true!” Cai Yuru nodded vigorously. “Many people saw it with their own eyes! Miss Xie’s entourage, tsk tsk, the maids and servants following behind her almost wore down the threshold of Jinxiu Pavilion! Xie Rubao, that girl, usually dresses so shabbily, has now fallen into a honey pot!”
"Jinxiu Pavilion?" Qian Sisi's previously nonchalant expression vanished, replaced by disdain. "That Xie Rubao from the family of the Vice Minister of Revenue? She thinks she's worthy of being in Jinxiu Pavilion? What's there? Is it something her father's meager salary can even dream of?"
"It was bought for her by that Miss Xie, otherwise her father's salary for a whole year probably wouldn't be enough to buy her an undergarment."
On what grounds?!
Upon hearing this, Xie Wuyou felt a surge of anger rush to her head, burning her internal organs with pain.
Xie Sangning's money! That all belongs to the General's Mansion!
This money belongs to Xie Wuyou in the future!
She had never even stepped into Jinxiu Pavilion. Why should that stupid and fat Xie Rubao, a distant relative she had no connection with, buy it?
Xie Sangning, that bitch, is taking what rightfully belongs to her and acting all generous!
“Wuyou, if you ask me, your cousin really did something wrong! She spends so much money on a stranger without even blinking an eye. You are her own cousin! Blood is thicker than water! She has so much money that she can give to outsiders, but she’s stingy with her own sister? You’ve never even worn any clothes from Jinxiu Pavilion.”
She affectionately took Xie Wuyou's arm and urged, "If you ask me, why don't we go to Jinxiu Pavilion now? You haven't bought any decent new clothes in a long time, have you? With all the banquets and feasts coming up during the holidays, you need to have a few outfits to make an impression, right?"
"Since your cousin can be so generous to Xie Rubao, wouldn't it be a piece of cake for you, her own sister?! Let's go and see what kind of amazing place this top-notch shop in Jinling really is?"
"Yes! Why can she spend money on outsiders but not on me!"
Xie Wuyou puffed out her chest, trying to imitate Xie Sangning's condescending attitude, and said loudly, "Let's go! To Jinxiu Pavilion! I'm in a good mood today, so pick whatever you like! Yurou, Sister Sisi, I'll give you each a set!!"
Upon hearing this, Qian Sisi's lips curled up almost imperceptibly, and a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes.
Give it to her? Xie Wuyou doesn't even deserve it!
As the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, would she lack anything from Jinxiu Pavilion? But it would be good to watch a joke.
She did not object, but said calmly, "Since Sister Wuyou is so kind, then let's go and take a look."
Each of the three had their own thoughts as they walked toward the magnificent and resplendent Brocade Pavilion.
Xie Wuyou walked in front, with Cai Yuru following closely behind, her face full of excitement and anticipation.
Qian Sisi strolled along slowly.
The well-trained young waiter at the entrance of Jinxiu Pavilion had an incredibly sharp eye.
A quick glance at the three young ladies approaching revealed that the first one, though dressed reasonably well, was clearly outdated; the one on the left, with a fawning and excited expression, was dressed plainly; only the one on the right, adorned in a sable coat and exuding an air of nobility, seemed to be a true customer.
The young waiter put on a professional smile, bowed slightly, and focused on greeting Qian Sisi: "Miss, please come in..."
As for Xie Wuyou and Cai Yurou, their smiles faded considerably, and they simply gestured for them to come in.
This subtle difference in treatment, like a fine thorn, pierced Xie Wuyou's sensitive heart.
Her face stiffened, but she was quickly drawn to the overwhelming display of silks and satins, temporarily ignoring her displeasure.
The Jinxiu Pavilion was warm and cozy, filled with a delicate fragrance.
Everywhere you look, there is a dazzling array of lights and colors.
The jade and porcelain pieces displayed in the multi-treasure pavilion have a warm luster, and it is clear at a glance that they are of considerable value.
The clothes hanging on the wall were made of the finest materials, the most exquisite embroidery, and the most novel designs—something Xie Wuyou had never seen anywhere else.
The air was thick with the scent of money and extravagance.
Cai Yuru stared, her eyes wide, repeatedly uttering soft exclamations of amazement: "My God... this fabric... this embroidery... how much money must this have cost..."
She cautiously reached out to touch a piece of shimmering brocade, but before her fingers could even touch it, she was startled by a well-dressed, expressionless steward who glanced at her indifferently. She immediately withdrew her hand, her face turning bright red with embarrassment.
Qian Sisi, on the other hand, appeared much more composed, casually glancing around.
Xie Wuyou's heart pounded wildly, and all the blood rushed to his head.
Everything here beckons to her, silently proclaiming, "With me, you can join the ranks of true noble ladies."
Her mind raced, calculating: Anyway, she wouldn't have to spend any money! Xie Sangning's money was free money; it would all be hers eventually!
She straightened her back, walked to the counter, and said in a commanding tone to a middle-aged man who looked like he was in charge, "Manager, bring out your best materials and the latest jewelry for us to see!"
The innkeeper, a man of many experience, could tell what was going on in Xie Wuyou's mind from her forced composure and modest attire. He remained polite, though: "Yes, Miss, please have a seat. We'll have someone bring it right away." He gestured for the waiter to serve tea.
"Oh, right, shopkeeper. Everything we picked out today should be put on the tab." She paused, deliberately emphasizing the last three words, "Put it on Xie Sangning's tab, Miss Xie's tab! I am her cousin, Xie Wuyou, who lives in the General's Mansion with her! Just put it on the tab, and my cousin will settle the account later."
"Thank... thank you, Miss?"
Upon hearing the name "Xie Sangning," the shopkeeper's polite smile instantly became more genuine, and his eyes turned serious.
That person is one of the biggest patrons of Jinxiu Pavilion. He is so generous that even the owner specifically instructed that he should be treated well!
He immediately bowed, his attitude becoming much more attentive: "Oh! So it's Miss Xie the Second! My apologies! You should have said you were Miss Xie the Eldest's cousin! Quickly, please take a seat! Serve the best tea! Bring out all the finest materials from the storeroom for Miss Xie the Second and our distinguished guests to inspect!"
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