Chapter 735: Straight Walk [Thank You! Again! 37k Chapters Owed]

Glancing at the servants standing by the entrances of the tents, Gu Tingyi smiled and said:

“I must say, Aunt Wu has a truly clever mind.”

“Last year, Li’s jewelry shop did well; this year, there are so many stalls already.”

Nearby, the sharp-eyed Pin Lan hesitated and said: “Third Sister Gu, I’ve played polo here many times before—aren’t these tents all owned by high-ranking families from the capital?”

“Now that they’ve turned into shops, won’t these families mind?”

Hearing Pin Lan’s question, Chai Zhengzheng and the others nearby burst into laughter.

Pin Lan looked at them, puzzled.

Gu Tingyi said: “Little Pin Lan, these families wouldn’t mind at all—because the people who put things inside these tents are mostly their own relatives.”

“Oh! Hehe.” Pin Lan smiled shyly.

Seeing Pin Lan’s open and cheerful demeanor, everyone laughed again.

After walking a short distance,

at the entrance of one first-floor tent, Zhang Wu Niang pulled Ming Lan’s hand and said as they climbed the steps: “Come on! Let’s go inside and take a look.”

The several matrons standing at the entrance hurried to bow and greet the group of noble young ladies, their eyes brimming with delight.

Anyone stationed at the tent entrance had sharp eyes—these unmarried noble girls before them were no ordinary folk.

The group entered the tent,

and began examining the goods inside.

Ru Lan, walking behind, glanced at the rows of treasure shelves displaying fabrics, jewelry, tea and tea sets, incense, and jade, then looked at the matron and couldn’t help exclaiming: “Wow! You have so many things here!”

“Thank you, young lady!” one of the matrons inside smiled.

Mo Lan, who had marched straight ahead upon entering, heard Ru Lan’s remark and sneered slightly.

Seeing Gu Tingyi and Chai Zhengzheng ahead exchange a knowing glance, Mo Lan turned back and shot Ru Lan a reproachful glare.

Unfortunately, Ru Lan caught that look.

Seeing this, Ru Lan angrily quickened her pace, stepped beside Mo Lan, and whispered: “Fourth Sister, what’s that look for?”

Mo Lan took a deep breath, leaned close to Ru Lan’s ear, glanced ahead at the others, and whispered: “What do I mean? You’re making the Sheng family lose face!”

“Fourth Sister, what are you talking about? When have I ever brought shame to our family?” Ru Lan frowned.

Mo Lan sneered softly: “Shops allowed into today’s chrysanthemum viewing should display only top-quality goods! Haven’t you looked at the quality of things in this tent?”

As they spoke, they continued walking behind the group.

Hearing Mo Lan’s words, Ru Lan glanced at the jade on the treasure shelves and touched a few fabrics, then said: “These things are… not bad.”

Mo Lan sneered softly: “I wonder whose tent this is! Plenty of goods, but not a single fine piece—probably this family took bribes to get these items inside.”

“Hmph!” Seeing Ru Lan fall silent, Mo Lan gave a smug little snort.

“I—I just hadn’t looked closely yet!” Ru Lan protested.

Indeed,

after circling through several tents, the noble girls examined a few items, but none made a purchase before leaving.

Watching the noble girls depart, the matrons standing at the tent entrance exchanged weary glances.

“Oh! How come the Lu family’s tent is open already?”

Zhang Wu Niang pointed ahead, where a maid was lifting the curtain of a tent, and called out.

After exchanging glances, Gu Tingyi laughed: “Let’s hurry over!”

Saying this, everyone quickened their pace.

Not just they—noble girls on the upper and lower floors nearby also hurried toward it.

After last year’s Double Ninth Festival,

many noble girls discovered that exquisite jewelry bought inside tents at the chrysanthemum viewing appeared two months later in Li’s jewelry shop.

These were works by master goldsmiths from the Great Zhou and former Bai Gao; buying them first meant wearing them at gatherings—and later, keeping them as treasured bridal dowry.

Entering the Lu family’s tent,

the girls’ maids were left outside.

As before, treasure shelves lined the interior.

But unlike before, the variety here was not extensive.

Only exquisite gold and silver jewelry, inlaid with gems or decorated with ivory and tortoiseshell.

“Wow!”

As soon as they entered, the girls couldn’t help exclaiming.

Staring at the treasure shelves, they were nearly rooted to the spot.

Gu Tingyi smiled at the Lu family matron accompanying them: “Madam, this year’s jewelry seems even more plentiful than last year’s!”

The Lu family matron nodded with a smile: “You’re right, young lady. These are all pieces specially crafted for today’s chrysanthemum viewing, as requested by Aunt Wu.”

“Some designs may appear only here—some may be made as single pieces only!”

“Oh?”

Hearing this, the girls inside all looked astonished.

“With more items this year, is it still one piece per person, like last year?” Chai Zhengzheng asked with a smile.

“Yes, young lady. One piece per person.” The Lu matron replied.

“Then, if I find a design I like, could the master craftsman make another copy?” Chai Zhengzheng pressed.

“Of course, young lady—you may!”

Hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng smiled.

As they spoke,

the girls wandered through the tent.

Ming Lan stood beside Zhang Wu Niang, marveling with Pin Lan at the jewelry displayed in delicate wooden boxes.

Listening to the Lu matron answering questions about prices, she sighed helplessly.

Whether Chai Zhengzheng or Gu Tingyi, both came from extremely wealthy families.

Ordinary jewelry didn’t interest them at all; the pieces they inquired about made even the matron’s heart race.

Yet for some reason, both only asked prices—they didn’t buy anything on the spot.

Soon after, Wu Niang pulled Gu Tingyi aside to consult on jewelry.

Ru Lan and Mo Lan, walking behind, continued deeper into the tent.

Chai Zhengzheng, left behind, glanced at Ming Lan standing before a gold bracelet, then walked over.

“Like it?”

Chai Zhengzheng asked softly with a smile.

Ming Lan turned her head, smiled, and nodded: “Yes. The design reminds me of my little mother’s silver bracelet.”

“Didn’t bring enough money?” Chai Zhengzheng asked.

Ming Lan shook her head: “Not that I didn’t bring enough—I didn’t bring any.”

Chai Zhengzheng smiled: “If you really like it, I’ll buy it for you now. Pay me back later when you can.”

Ming Lan scratched her cheek and shook her head: “Chai Sister, better not. My entire fortune wouldn’t cover this one bracelet.”

Chai Zhengzheng paused, then nodded with a smile: “Alright then. Let’s go look at something else.”

Chai Zhengzheng understood: Ming Lan was a concubine-born daughter, with a grandmother and a legitimate mother; spending on her little mother’s belongings was socially improper.

Though Ming Lan bought nothing, Mo Lan and Ru Lan each picked out a piece of jewelry, had the Lu matron wrap them, and went to the tent entrance to pay.

Gu Tingyi bought a pair of earrings for Meng Jie—each earring ended with a tiny, exquisitely crafted gold bell that chimed softly when moved.

Pin Lan had already chosen a gold hairpin beside Chai Zhengzheng.

But after hearing Ming Lan and Chai Zhengzheng’s conversation, she hesitated, then put the hairpin back.

Chai Zhengzheng noticed Pin Lan’s action, smiled faintly, and continued walking deeper.

Chai Zhengzheng walked slowly, looking around,

when suddenly,

her gaze fixed on an elaborate long-life lock, richly made with fine materials.

“Good thing I didn’t have to go to a goldsmith’s shop,” Chai Zhengzheng murmured to herself.

She then waved to the Lu matron.

After circling the tent, everyone returned to the entrance.

Empty-handed, Pin Lan spotted a colorful headstring woven with gold thread hanging nearby and hurried over with a smile to ask the price.

After learning the cost, she pulled Ming Lan over and bought a very long headstring with her own money.

“Cut this into four pieces—one for each of us.”

Pin Lan said at the tent entrance.

Hearing this, Ru Lan, who had already bought her items, glanced at the goods in Xi Que’s hands, then at Ming Lan’s empty hands, pursed her lips and said: “I don’t need mine. Give it to her.”

Mo Lan, seeing other girls gathered at the Lu tent entrance, also smiled and nodded: “Fifth Sister’s right—I’ll give mine to Sixth Sister too.”

“Thank you, both sisters!” Ming Lan bowed in gratitude.

Hearing the Sheng girls’ conversation,

the maids and servants of other noble families waiting outside whispered among themselves.

When Zhang Wu Niang, Chai Zhengzheng, and the others emerged from the tent, many noble girls smiled and bowed in greeting.

Chai Zhengzheng and the others naturally returned the greetings and exchanged pleasantries.

Standing outside the Lu family’s tent,

Gu Tingyi looked at the items the maid beside Mo Lan was holding and smiled: “Little Mo Lan, the things you bought—I’m sure they’d look lovely hanging around your veil hat.”

A flicker of unease crossed Mo Lan’s face; seeing Chai Zhengzheng and the others nodding, she smiled and replied: “Tingyi sister is right.”

The group wandered to a few other stalls, bought some other items, then returned to the second floor.

On the second floor,

“The young ladies are back.”

The maid beside the screen smiled and announced.

Hua Lan sat smiling among the wives of officials, gazing toward the screen.

Seeing the ornaments Mo Lan and Ru Lan had brought back, and glancing at the laughing Pin Lan and Ming Lan, Hua Lan’s smile faded slightly, her eyes narrowing a little.

After a little more conversation,

Liu Mama appeared beside the screen,

Bowing with a smile to all present, she said: “Ladies, the eldest daughter requests my young ladies join her.”

Madam Bai and the others nodded with smiles.

Hua Lan also rose, bowed, and took her leave with a smile.

As Hua Lan led the several Lans toward the exit, a burst of bright laughter rose from below.

Ru Lan, fond of spectacle, glanced down and laughed: “It’s our brothers returning.”

After saying this, Ru Lan noticed Hua Lan’s expression and asked, puzzled: “Big sister, what’s wrong?”

Hua Lan shot Ru Lan a glance but said nothing, walking straight toward Wang Ruofu.

Below,

Qi Heng grinned, gripping Chang Bai’s sleeve.

Beside him, Gu Tingye smiled and waved at Chang Bai: “Chang Bai, go take a stroll through the flower paths with Wu Lang and Yuan Ruo!”

Chang Bai shook his head with a smile: “I won’t go. What’s there to see?”

Xu Zaijing stepped forward, slinging an arm around Chang Bai’s shoulder and smiling: “Chang Bai, come on! Just consider it flower viewing.”

Chang Bai said: “Then why didn’t you call Second Brother?”

Gu Tingye puffed out his chest proudly: “I’m betrothed! Today I’m just here for the fun.”

“Big brother, let’s go!” Chang Feng said, pushing Chang Bai’s back as they walked together toward the flower path.

Walking along the flower path,

A faint fragrance drifted through the air,

Chang Bai no longer needed pushing—he walked ahead, chatting with Qi Heng on his own.

Chang Feng walked beside Xu Zaijing, taking two steps then craning his neck to glance up at the second-floor wooden pavilion.

“Chang Feng, what are you looking at?”

Xu Zaijing asked with a smile.

At these words,

Chang Bai, walking ahead, turned to look back.

Seeing Chang Feng say nothing, Chang Bai turned forward again.

Once Chang Bai turned away, Chang Feng whispered beside Xu Zaijing: “Fifth Brother Xu, Second Brother Gu says your eyesight is sharp—look up at the second floor. Is there any other girl beside Mother?”

“Oh?”

Hearing this, Xu Zaijing’s interest instantly rose; he glanced toward the pavilion as they walked.

After a moment, Xu Zaijing shook his head: “No other girls beside your aunt—only Sister Hua Lan is speaking.”

“Oh.”

Chang Feng nodded slightly, a touch disappointed.

“So today your aunt wants to arrange a match for Chang Bai?” Xu Zaijing smiled.

Chang Bai smiled and glanced again at the wooden pavilion: “Yes. They say it’s a Feng girl.”

Xu Zaijing shook his head with a smile: “I doubt it.”

As they spoke, they walked most of the way along the path.

Chang Feng still glanced up at the second floor from time to time.

The midday sun was bright,

On the second-floor side,

Behind a screen,

The layout resembled that of Chai Zhengzheng’s group.

Madam Hai was chatting under a large umbrella with several official wives.

Hai Chaoyun and the other girls sat under another umbrella, with maids Zhu Jian and Bao Xiu standing by the railing.

After whispering to her companion while shielding her mouth with a fan, a maid by the railing called out: “Miss, the young master of the Qi State Duke’s mansion and his friends are coming this way!”

Hearing this,

The girls beside Hai Chaoyun exchanged glances, then rose and walked to the railing.

All of them shielded their heads from the sun with fans, gazing down at the men still walking among the flowers.

“Where are they?”

Someone asked.

The maid pointed to Xu Zaijing and the others among the flowers: “Miss, there!”

At that moment,

Not only on Hai Chaoyun’s side,

But also on the other side of the screen, many official wives and noble girls had heard the commotion and were watching the scene around them.

Several noble girls had joined their mothers and elders at the railing, peering down.

One or two noble girls doing this would violate proper maidenly conduct,

But when a whole group did it, it was merely joining the spectacle—“the law doesn’t punish the crowd.”

Seeing the many girls on the second floor, Liang Han quickly straightened his clothes, walking taller and prouder.

Chang Feng, beside Xu Zaijing, looked up at the women and girls on the second floor, feeling the weight of countless gazes, and somehow began walking with awkward, mismatched steps.

Seeing this, the noble girls pointed and whispered,

“Hahaha!”

The noble girls laughed aloud, their voices clear as they hid their mouths behind fans.

Chang Feng’s face burned red with shame; hearing the laughter, he hurriedly ducked behind Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing felt the gazes from above, smiled calmly, and bowed slightly; his eyes swept across the second floor, and he was about to speak—

Suddenly,

“Hey hey!” Liang Han’s startled voice rang out.

“Ha ha!”

The laughter from the ladies and noble girls on the upper floor grew louder.

Xu Zaijing turned his head and saw Liang Han, so focused on the second floor that he had stepped carelessly between two potted plants, tripped on the pot, and tumbled into the flowerbed.

On the second floor,

Watching Xu Zaijing and Chang Bai, both shielding their foreheads with their hands, looking confused and embarrassed,

Hai Chaoyun couldn’t help laughing.

(End of Chapter)