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The Xie Family had no shortage of money and was generous to its daughters-in-law. For a man as straightforward as Xie Jin, thinking to cheer his wife up with jewelry was no small feat.

Shen Lantang had already guessed where he was taking her, but she put on an innocent look. "Where are we going?"

Xie Jin smiled faintly. "It's a secret."

"..."

The carriage traveled a little farther before slowly coming to a stop. Shen Lantang frowned slightly.

This place...

Xie Jin helped Shen Lantang down from the carriage and led her a few steps to an opulently decorated shop. "We're here."

Shen Lantang looked up speechlessly at the three large characters above the door: Jade and Gold House.

"Welcome!"

The shopkeeper hurried out to greet them, then froze when he saw who was at the door.

Shen Lantang spoke first. "Shopkeeper, do you have any new jewelry?"

"We do, we do! We have the widest selection of new jewelry on this street. I'm sure you'll find something you like. Please, come in!"

Manager Liao was quick-witted and soon recovered.

While the shopkeeper went to fetch the jewelry, Xie Jin leaned closer to Shen Lantang and said softly, "I hear this shop makes the best gold and silver jewelry. Their designs are quite original."

Shen Lantang widened her eyes. "Really?"

Thank you for the compliment, my lord!

The shop did have several new sets. One featured gold hairpins, a necklace, and earrings shaped like lilies. The petals were as thin as cicada wings, so delicate it seemed one could see the ground through them. Their veins were clearly defined, making them as lovely as real flowers. Red gems set in their centers lent them an air of luxury. In short, the set was both elegant and charming.

Another set had a blue theme, with gemstones covering the entire headdress. It made such a striking impression that anyone could tell at a glance it was expensive.

Oh no, I'm looking at these like a designer. I need to see them through a customer's eyes.

"Let me try this one on."

A female attendant of about twenty immediately stepped forward. Jade and Gold House had another distinctive feature: it hired women specifically to help female customers try on headdresses. Since many pieces needed a suitable hairstyle, these attendants would redo customers' hair and makeup to match. Shen Lantang called the women who did this work "Face Stylists."

It was this thoughtful service that set Jade and Gold House apart from other jewelry shops. Later, many shops copied the practice. Any respectable shop without a Face Stylist would find its wealthy customers questioning its quality. For a time, skilled women were in such demand that even many married women came out to work. But that was a story for another day.

Shen Lantang studied her reflection, then turned to Xie Jin beside her. "Does it look good?"

Xie Jin answered without hesitation. "It does."

"Since my husband likes it, shopkeeper, I'll take this set."

"Thank you for your patronage. I'll wrap it for you."

The attendant deftly packed the entire set in an elegant box tied with silk ribbon. The ancients had an eye for fine details that surpassed even modern tastes. The pinewood box had patterns carved along all four sides and a complete peony on its lid. Peonies symbolized wealth, while the Jade and Gold House emblem was carved in the upper right corner. The box had been scented; when lifted, it gave off the deep fragrance of aged wood.

Everything about it spoke of luxury and refinement.

Even as its chief designer, Shen Lantang felt a quiet delight when she held the finished product and breathed in its pleasant scent.

Xie Jin saw how much she liked it and felt satisfied too.

"Thank you, my dear husband," Shen Lantang said sweetly.

She had just received an expensive gift. It would have been rude not to sound sweet.

Xie Jin smiled, wrote his name on a strip of cloth, and handed it to the attendant. The attendant tied it to the box, which would be delivered to the Xie Residence that afternoon according to the address written on it.

As they left the shop, Xie Jin said sincerely, "Their service really is attentive."

From the refreshments and water served in the shop to the offer to deliver their purchase to the Xie Residence, every detail put customers at ease.

Shen Lantang smiled along with him.

Thank you again for the compliment, valued customer.

After buying the jewelry, the two went to a pastry shop. They ordered two plates of small treats and had them with tea upstairs.

With their hunger lightly sated, they went out again. Passing a tea shop, Shen Lantang went in and bought two packets of tea. Xie Jin glanced down at them, said nothing, and obediently paid.

Next came two shoe insoles, a sewing kit, a box of beauty cream, and a pack of medicinal plasters...

Those were easy enough to carry. Shen Lantang tucked them into the small bundle the shop had given her.

"Is there anything else you'd like to buy?"

Shen Lantang was about to answer when a fine horse came to an abrupt stop before them. A man in military uniform swung down from the saddle.

"Commander!"

Xie Jin frowned slightly and stepped forward.

"Has something happened at the barracks?"

"The barracks..." The man glanced at Shen Lantang. She considerately moved aside, and he leaned close to Xie Jin's ear and spoke a few words in a low voice. Xie Jin's expression turned grave.

When the man finished, Xie Jin turned to Shen Lantang. She stepped forward at once. "If you have something to attend to, my dear husband, please go ahead."

"But you..."

"It's already afternoon. There's only half a day left, and you've spent most of the day with me. I'm quite content."

"Then I'll spend time with you again another day."

Xie Jin did not hesitate further. He mounted the horse and told his subordinate, "My wife's carriage is at the Chen Family Teahouse. See her home."

"Yes, sir!"

Xie Jin soon rode off. The subordinate he had left behind bowed to Shen Lantang and cupped his fists. "Madam, please rest inside a shop while I bring the carriage around."

Shen Lantang entered the nearest shop. Before long, the man returned with the coachman and carriage. She climbed in, and the carriage set off toward the Xie Residence by the same route.

As they passed an intersection, Shen Lantang suddenly spoke. "Don't go back yet. Take me somewhere else first."

Rankings

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Time-Travel and Rebirth Romance

Devoted Love

Jiang Ciyu

Mind Reading

Salty Fish