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Before leaving, Gu Qingning once again asked Gu Wanning if she wanted to accompany her, but Gu Wanning couldn't overcome her inner turmoil and ultimately lacked the courage to take the first step, declining the invitation.
With no other choice, Gu Qingning set out with Bai Zhi and Lu Yan. As the carriage rolled down the bustling streets of the capital, she lifted the curtain to gaze outside at the myriad of stalls, each offering a variety of goods and sounds that filled the air. Leaning slightly out of the carriage, she took a deep breath, savoring the rich aroma of life that made her feel a sense of longing.
In her past life, she had been trapped in the Second Prince's residence, dedicating herself entirely to him while maintaining the decorum expected of a royal consort. She never dared to step beyond her bounds or let her guard down, which meant she rarely ventured outside.
Now she realized how much beauty she had missed in her previous life, confining herself to that small world without ever truly experiencing the wonders of life until her last moments.
"Is this Changping Street ahead?" Gu Qingning raised her eyes to a familiar shop and snapped back to reality with a faint smile. "Let’s go check out Zhenbao Pavilion."
In less than half an hour, the carriage stopped outside Zhenbao Pavilion. Bai Zhi looked puzzled and asked, "Miss, aren’t we in a hurry to attend the Chen banquet? Why have we stopped here?"
"You instructed us yesterday not to be late for the banquet," she added, confused.
"It won't hurt to take a quick look first," Gu Qingning replied.
As they stepped into Zhenbao Pavilion, Gu Qingning noticed that the attendants were busy introducing products to other customers and didn’t notice her arrival. After surveying the surroundings, she turned towards the counter.
The female shopkeeper was skillfully calculating on an abacus when she noticed Gu Qingning standing unattended. She immediately greeted her with a smile.
Gu Qingning handed over a piece of paper to the shopkeeper. After glancing at it, the shopkeeper asked her to wait for a moment while she had an attendant bring tea. Then she disappeared into an inner room.
"Miss, this is your custom-made Golden Begonia Linglong Zhuan Yao," said the shopkeeper as she returned moments later holding a box. She opened it in front of Gu Qingning for inspection.
"Shopkeeper, we agreed that this Yao is hers," Gu Qingning stated just as she picked up the Yao when a haughty maid rushed in and stood arrogantly before the shopkeeper.
The atmosphere in Zhenbao Pavilion fell silent as all eyes turned towards the maid.
The shopkeeper felt awkward; after all, this Yao was custom-made for Gu Qingning and could not simply be given to someone else.
Gu Qingning shot a disdainful glance at the maid, an unusual glint flashing in her eyes as she continued to inspect the Yao in her hands.
"The lady said that no matter how much silver it costs, she can afford it," the maid insisted stubbornly as she glanced back at the carriage parked outside Zhenbao Pavilion.
"So what if you have money? Our miss isn’t short on cash!" Bai Zhi retorted with an eye roll directed at the maid.
"You—" The maid was so furious that her anger surged within her; she pointed at Bai Zhi but couldn't find words for a moment.
"What about me?" Bai Zhi snapped back without hesitation. "Are you deaf? I said our miss isn’t short on cash."
"You lowly servant! How dare you be so rude!" The maid was livid. "Do you know who our lady is? She is favored by His Majesty!"
"And so what?" Bai Zhi stood her ground defiantly. "Our miss also has a noble status; are we supposed to fear you?"
"How dare you try to steal from us! You must be tired of living!" The maid trembled with anger.
"Hmph! If our young lady has set her sights on something, no one will take it away!" Bai Zhi straightened her back defiantly.
Gu Qingning remained calm, fiddling with her hairpin, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Just wait! I'll report this right now!" The maid shot a fierce glare at Bai Zhi before turning and rushing out.
The customers in the Treasure Pavilion, all wealthy ladies of high status, paused their activities, intrigued as they turned their attention to the unfolding drama.
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