Transmigrated as a Stepmother: Time to Bring the Family to Prosper!-Chapter 385: People Are People, Jewelry Is Jewelry
The place called "Silver Building" doesn’t just sell silver ornaments; it also offers a variety of rare gemstones and golden hairpins.
There was no trace of a silver building in the small county town, and Zijing Mansion only had this one, specializing in all kinds of accessories needed by both men and women.
Hundreds of exquisitely crafted, luxurious pieces of jewelry were spread out on the counters in the building, with red silk as the background. The dazzling brilliance of gold, silver, jade ornaments, and various gemstones was all showcased, making one’s eyes dazzle and causing excitement.
Gold and silver are valuable, so inside the silver building, each side of the counters had burly men guarding to prevent theft or robbery.
However, most of what was displayed on the counters in the hall were silverware. The truly good stuff was hidden in heavy iron vaults at the back, and only prestigious guests were invited in to view them.
Qin Yao and her husband were dressed ordinarily today, but Liu Ji was carrying a bundle of goods which caught the clerk’s eye. Upon seeing the stacked silk cloth, and Qin Yao’s calm and composed demeanor, he immediately guessed they were from a family with some wealth.
So, he asked Qin Yao if she wanted to see the high-end goods in the silver building.
Who doesn’t love brilliant and beautiful jewelry?
"Sure, I’d like to have a look," Qin Yao agreed generously, saying she wanted to see it.
The clerk immediately signaled another to take the goods from Liu Ji, who then relaxed his hands, stretched his shoulders comfortably, and thought to himself that the silver building’s staff was indeed sharper than those elsewhere.
To look at the premium goods, a person who looked like the shopkeeper came to attend to them. First, he politely invited a man and a woman to frisk the couple, ensuring everything was as it should be before leading them inside.
Inside, it was even more splendid. The entire hall was carpeted with red wool, with exquisite, shiny carved palace lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and silk drapes hanging in an eight-character shape around the room.
Under the eight-character silk drapes were small tables for guests.
Upon seeing guests arrive, the maidservants promptly served tea and snacks, all for free.
Once the guests were seated, the shopkeeper would personally bring out what Qin Yao wanted to see.
Inside the hall were two other noble ladies who, to avoid prying eyes, drew the curtains down. Shadows moved within, and every now and then, a few peals of flattering laughter were heard.
Presumably, the maidservants and maids were helping their mistresses choose styles. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺
Once the shopkeeper left, Liu Ji reverted to his natural state, looking around everywhere and whispering in Qin Yao’s ear with curiosity: "Today really has been an eye-opener."
Qin Yao glanced around; this splendid scene was indeed impressive, a bit like visiting a brand store.
The only pity was that there was only one such shopping store in the city; if someone set up a massive shopping center here, it would be absolutely great.
Of course, Qin Yao was just imagining it; even if there was one, with her current means, she probably couldn’t afford to shop in it.
"Honey, how do you think the silver buildings in the Capital City are like?" Liu Ji asked curiously.
Qin Yao didn’t answer; she didn’t know either.
Liu Ji wasn’t really looking for an answer; he had already imagined a scene grander and more opulent than the inner hall before them in his mind.
Unfortunately, things one has never encountered are hard to imagine. In his mind, the Beijing Silver Building was at best floors coated with gold leaf and palace lanterns made from the legendary Luminous Pearl.
While murmuring softly, the shopkeeper came over with the jewelry, causing Liu Ji to immediately shut his mouth, sit upright, and put on a demeanor of ’I’m not interested in any of this.’
The shopkeeper gently placed the tray on the small table and added a candelabra beside it.
Under the light, a complete set of seven matching pieces of gold inlaid with red ruby jewelry shone captivatingly and caught the couple’s eyes.
Liu Ji clenched the hem of his clothes under the table, silently taking a deep breath, thinking, even if he sold his father, he probably couldn’t afford a single piece of this, right?
It turned out he could afford it after all.
Qin Yao pointed to the smallest ruby golden hairpin and asked for the price. The shopkeeper smiled and said, "This entire set is not sold separately. If madam really likes this hairpin, we could have the goldsmith create another for you, but it’ll take some time."
The shopkeeper hinted, "Orders pick up at year-end as it’s almost New Year, you might not get to wear it in time. Would madam like to try on this set? Madam, you have such a noble aura, only someone like you can carry off this set."
Liu Ji cast a surprised look at this crouching shopkeeper, thinking, a face of nobility? Are you sure it’s not a fierce face? It’s amazing how one can run their mouth without worrying about their own conscience.
With an intense look of grievance beside him, Qin Yao glanced back to see him smiling at her like a blooming flower, considerately saying, "Dear, you’re naturally beautiful. It’ll surely look good on you. If you like it, try it."
Qin Yao’s mouth curved into a satisfied smile, and the shopkeeper immediately waved over a maiden to help Qin Yao put on the jewelry set.
Qin Yao had a simple high ponytail tied up, as she had once cut her hair, now it wasn’t long or short. The maid took it down and was momentarily puzzled, but she quickly found a false hairpiece made of bristles for Qin Yao and with nimble fingers, fashioned a richly elegant high hairstyle for her.
The set contained two bracelets, a ring, a necklace, a step shake, and a pair of hairpins.
The dimensions of the bracelets and ring allowed for adjustment, and Qin Yao easily put them on. The gold-red combination was indeed luxurious and dazzling.
But seeing her hands suddenly appear two shades darker, Qin Yao couldn’t muster a smile.
The necklace was left off, as it was winter and they wore thick, high-collared clothing which made putting it on cumbersome. She just held it up in front, as the shopkeeper personally placed a copper mirror for her. Qin Yao wore a difficult expression, looking like a nouveau riche; it wasn’t flattering!
Words of praise on the shopkeeper’s lips stuck awkwardly seeing such an expression.
The step shake rested on her head, with the side hairpin next to her cheek, the tassels of gold leaves hanging vibrantly swayed.
The step shake was beautiful.
But Qin Yao’s unmade-up face, under the side hairpin’s contrast, just didn’t look quite right.
Lastly, the two golden hairpins were placed on the high hairpiece at the crown of her head. Liu Ji curiously leaned over for a look, his mouth twitching violently, as if she had aged ten years without reason!
"How about... we look at something else?" Liu Ji cautiously suggested.
The shopkeeper was finally relieved, his rigid smile recovered, fearing the customers would get angry and quickly agreed with Liu Ji, "Madam, we also have other jade and silver ornaments in the store; would you like to take a look at a few for your consideration?"
"...Alright," Qin Yao replied hesitantly.
She didn’t blame the jewelry for not looking good, only that her aura was incompatible with the set, making the person and the jewelry two separate entities.
The maid quickly removed the jewelry from her, stored it away, then used Qin Yao’s own hair to fashion a simple coil, pulling out two strands of hair at the side to add a lively, natural touch, aligning it with her persona.
This service left Qin Yao with no complaints and a bit of anticipation for the second set of jewelry.
