Chapter 325: Chapter 325: Suffering Wife vs. Homewrecker (11) Chapter 325: Chapter 325: Suffering Wife vs. Homewrecker (11) Gu Shengyin dismounted from the carriage, followed by her two maids, Jian Jia and Zhi Lan, as they strolled along Strange Goods Street.
On this street, young ladies like her accompanied by maids and wearing veils were not uncommon, therefore they did not attract attention.
In Qi Country, although the etiquette for women was not extremely strict, allowing them to go out without wearing veils, daughters of prestigious families generally covered their faces to signify their lofty status.
The items on Strange Goods Street, though not necessarily exquisite, had their own unique charms.
As Gu Shengyin walked and looked around, the two girls behind her were continuously amazed by what they saw.
“Miss, what exactly do you want to buy?” Zhi Lan asked curiously.
They had seen many items along the way, but had not noticed their mistress show interest in any.
Gu Shengyin smiled mysteriously, “Of course, the things that everyone likes.”
Zhi Lan was baffled, but Gu Shengyin chose not to elaborate.
Soon, she spotted her target.
This was a shop that specialized in selling various items from the West, reportedly owned by a great sea merchant. The merchandise here was considered among the best in Strange Goods Street.
Gu Shengyin went inside because she intended to meet someone there.
Indeed, as soon as she entered, she saw a figure in white accompanied by a maid, both examining the goods.
Gu Shengyin actually admired Zhang Mingshu greatly; each time she saw her, she was clad in a fresh, simple white outfit.
In Qi Country, white was not a particularly popular color. Liang Family girls, for example, wore dresses in pink, red, yellow, green, and the like, while white was used mostly for winter fur capes.
Which elder would prefer their young ones dressed in plain white, as if mourning, rather than in festive colors?
However, some men found this gentle, frail look akin to “lotus emerging from clear water” appealing, didn’t they?
Qin Yuanzheng was a case in point, right?
Zhang Mingshu was not wearing a veil or any face covering, and Gu Shengyin approached her, noticing that she was examining a collection of red and blue gemstones.
Items like these were abundant in Gu Shengyin’s own residence since the Emperor liked to distribute a portion of foreign tributes to his ministers, and as Imperial Tutor, Grand Tutor Liang often received the finest share.
Naturally, those “ornamental yet impractical” items usually ended up in Liang Chenyu’s courtyard.
So while these treasures were valuable, they were not enough to catch Gu Shengyin’s eye.
It was some other items that appeared dubious.
Gu Shengyin silently observed Zhang Mingshu pick and choose.
After a while, it seemed Zhang had finally made her choice, and Gu Shengyin, upon closer inspection, saw that the most beautiful ruby was now in her hand.
The shopkeeper beamed with joy; this ruby was among the priciest, and selling it would bring him a tidy profit.
Zhang Mingshu was about to pay when Gu Shengyin quietly approached her.
“Shopkeeper, please wait a moment.”
The shopkeeper looked at Gu Shengyin with confusion.
Gu Shengyin smiled lightly and said, “This ruby, while precious, must truly be worth the price for the customer to spend silver on it. Wouldn’t you agree, shopkeeper?”
Zhang Mingshu looked at her in surprise, pondering the implications of her words, and her gaze turned to the shopkeeper with uncertainty.