In the Chu Residence's reception hall, the two old brothers of the Chu Household and their steward had all bent down close to the treasure's opening. The light spilling through the gap was not especially bright, but it was unmistakable.
"Rattle, rattle, rattle..." The shell began to shake.
"Eh? It can even shake on its own?"
Second Master Chu had barely finished speaking when the shell snapped shut with a clack!
The two old brothers exchanged a glance. Master Chu reached out and touched the shell, but nothing happened. Then he picked it up and tried to pry it open, only to find that it would not budge.
"Elder brother, let me try!"
Second Master Chu took the shell and pulled hard. He had been the one to open it earlier, but this time, no matter how much strength he used, he could not open it.
"Careful, careful! Don't break it!"
"Master, Second Master, shall we try a chisel?"
"Nonsense!" "What if you damage it?"
Neither of the old brothers agreed. The Chu family had a discerning eye for art. Both its material and its exquisite workmanship marked this as a treasure, and the changes just now had added a touch of mystery.
Naturally, no one thought this shell was a natural object. After all, "one look was enough to tell" that a skilled artisan had painstakingly carved it.
"Elder brother, there must be another treasure hidden inside. What do you think it is?"
"Hmm, perhaps a Night-Luminescent Pearl. A pearl hidden within a shell-an auspicious symbol! It also means that through this marriage, Zhao'er has taken a luminous pearl for his bride!"
The steward beside them eagerly chimed in.
"That makes sense. Very well said, Master!"
"Ah, it's just a pity we don't know where the giver is. Such