The Heir Apparent's Consort's Eighteen Scholars camellia not only had beautifully shaped blossoms, but also bore flowers of several different colors on a single plant.
The blossoms had hexagonal crowns with distinct, tower-like tiers. There really were eighteen whorls of petals between two adjacent corners-no wonder it was called Eighteen Scholars.
This was Jian Ruonan's first time seeing an Eighteen Scholars, and she could not help staring, entranced.
Apparently, even a thousand gold pieces could not buy this pot of flowers.
That was how things were in ancient times: the rich tossed away fortunes, while the poor could not even fill their bellies.
Jian Ruonan was so absorbed that she did not even notice when Jian Chuxue came up beside her.
Turning and seeing Jian Chuxue, Jian Ruonan jumped in fright. "What do you want?"
"Could I take a few minutes of your time, Fifth Miss? Let's speak over there."
Jian Chuxue was dressed as a scholar. Rather than a young woman's delicate charm, she had a certain dashing air. It seemed she was quite comfortable in her role as an adviser.
Jian Ruonan followed her to a corner of the garden. Before she had even settled into place, Jian Chuxue's accusing voice rang out. "Fifth Miss, didn't you agree not to work against me? What's this business with Warm Jade?"
So she had come to confront her about Warm Jade.
Jian Ruonan said, "Mr. Snow, my Warm Jade targets the high-end market. It doesn't conflict with your soap."
Jian Chuxue did not answer immediately. Instead, she stared at Jian Ruonan for so long that her scalp prickled, then gave a cold laugh. "I really misjudged you. A dog that bites doesn't bark."
She stared at Jian Ruonan's pouch. "It seems my fifth sister has quite a few nice things!"