052 Not Taking Advantage of the Chaos, Yet Still Robbing

The next day, quite a crowd had gathered. The first floor of Golden Jade Pavilion was filled with ordinary wares—simple silver hairpins, jade hairpins, gold filigree bracelets. The second floor, however, held rarities, and the prices matched their uniqueness.

Whether common folk or noble ladies, I had instructed the staff to treat every customer with care and attention.

My gaze drifted toward the entrance, where I spotted three familiar figures: Aunt Qiao from the General’s Mansion, Yun Rong, and the maid Qiuling—the very one who once kicked me into the water.

I instinctively raised a hand to shield my face, then paused. What was the point? I was no longer the foolish maid with a humble hairdo; now, I was dressed as a man, with subtle changes that made me, at most, half reminiscent of my former self. There was nothing to fear.

Rising on tiptoe, I hooked my arm around Jin Hu’s neck. “Do I look like a real man, young master?”

Jin Hu was startled for quite some time, and under my fierce glare, managed to squeeze out a timid affirmation. Clearly, I had frightened him—poor innocent boy. I suppose I had indeed been a bit wicked.

Unfolding my fan with grace, I stepped forward. Speaking to Qing Er, who was welcoming them, I said, “You may step down; I’ll attend to these distinguished guests myself.”

“Miss, Madam, I am the steward of Golden Jade Pavilion. May I guide you upstairs?” Whether maiden or matron, one could tell by their coiffures. My address was fitting.

Both nodded, and I smiled. Could I let the chance to properly teach them a lesson slip by, after all the grievances I once suffered? Certainly not. Opportunity knocked, and I would not easily let it go. The chill of falling into the water, the pain that pierced my fingers—I could never forget. I had no desire for elaborate vengeance, but when it came to my door, how could I resist?

“Steward, why does your shop have two floors?” Yun Rong, never having seen such a place, played curiously with the silver hairpin in her hand.

“You may not know, Miss, but our Golden Jade Pavilion offers all kinds of jewelry. The first floor is for common items, but the second floor is reserved for rarities fit for noble guests like yourselves.”

My words struck a chord with Yun Rong and Aunt Qiao, and they eagerly asked to be led upstairs. I thought to myself, the fish have taken the bait.

“Miss, Madam, please look—these are the finest two sets we offer. One is the Lotus Blossom, the other is Peony. Each set is exquisitely crafted, and there’s only one of each. I believe they are perfectly suited for you both.”

“How do I know they’re truly unique?” Yun Rong asked, unable to tear herself away from the hairpiece, clearly enchanted by it.

“Though there are many lotus and peony designs, our shop ensures that every set has its own distinct features. Moreover, it’s uncertain when another set like these may ever appear. Fate has brought you to them; only you two could truly do justice to such precious headpieces.”

My words held their attention, and I couldn’t help but be impressed with myself.

“It does make sense. Cousin, shall we each take a set?” Yun Rong tugged at Qiao Ruoqing’s sleeve.

“They are lovely, but what about the price?”

“For both sets, it’s eight hundred taels of silver,” I replied. The two women clearly flinched at the sum. A nearby attendant twitched his lips—these were items that once went for four hundred taels. Well, I was robbing them, even if not in a time of crisis. So what?