CHAPTER 740: CHAPTER 739: THE GIRL DOESN’T WATCH HER MOUTH

Ah Jiu and her party didn’t rush their journey but merely maintained their usual pace, reaching the prefectural city without any hitches. After arriving, they rested for half a day; the rest of the people went to prepare for boarding the ship at the docks and the necessary supplies while Wufu took two maids with her to the Hundred Treasures Silver Building.

In the prefectural city, Shopkeeper Lin was in charge of the Hundred Treasures Silver Building. Seeing Wufu, he was surprised and delighted and ushered her into the inner hall to talk.

"It’s only been a few months since we last met, but Miss Wufu’s elegance is more apparent than ever," Shopkeeper Lin appraised her with a glance and complimented with a smile.

The young girl had grown up; her features were delicate and ethereal, and her demeanor remarkable. Compared to the ordinary boudoir maidens, she was in no way inferior.

"Shopkeeper Lin has grown even better at flattery; no wonder you have the talent to be a shopkeeper," Wufu retorted with a cunning smile.

Shopkeeper Lin suppressed his laugh and bowed slightly, "You jest, my lady. But truly, seeing you this time was an unexpected pleasure."

"As a consultant for your establishment, I should always come to check in," Wufu said, glancing at Purple Jade.

Purple Jade handed over a red case.

"Shopkeeper Lin, I have urgent matters that require me to travel far and the date of my return is uncertain. These are the jewelry designs I have drawn up over these days, and the marketing plan for the first half of the year—I leave them in your care," Wufu declared.

Shopkeeper Lin was thrilled, he immediately opened the box to see several design sketches and a small scroll within, and also a tiny brocade pouch.

He looked at Wufu meaningfully.

"Inside the brocade pouch is a jade bell," Wufu said. "Shopkeeper Lin, you can estimate its value and sell it."

Shopkeeper Lin hastily poured out the bell. The pinkish purple Jade Bell was exquisitely carved with elegant patterns. Enclosed within the hollow bell was a green bead; he recognized it as a natural flowering pattern from Peach Blossom Spring, which had been crafted into a Jade Bead.

"You have excellent craftsmanship, my lady," Shopkeeper Lin said after examining it closely, very much taken with the piece.

Peach Blossom Spring material was rare to begin with, and now it had been made into a Jade Bell with such delicate carvings—it was an instant delight to any beholder.

"Shopkeeper Lin knows I’m lazy; in these past few months, this is the only piece I’ve created," Wufu said with an embarrassed smile.

Shopkeeper Lin looked toward the hairpin on her head, "It’s more than just that, isn’t it?"

Wufu laughed heartily, without denying it, "I only carved a couple."

"It’s good that the lady has works to show. Make no mistake, every month people come asking whether the lady has any pieces available!" Shopkeeper Lin said with a smile, "This one Jade Bell, I must plan carefully how to sell it."

Wufu was only responsible for the carving; how to sell it and to whom it should be sold was the shopkeeper’s business.

"This year is the Empress Dowager’s sixtieth birthday, and the imperial court has sent an envoy from the Ministry of Rites to seek out rare treasures as gifts for her majesty’s celebration. If there was a pair of these Jade Bells, it would have been perfect," Shopkeeper Lin remarked as he fiddled with the Jade Bell.

Wufu was taken aback: "Is the Empress Dowager’s birthday being celebrated with such grandeur?" They even sent an imperial envoy to gather treasures.

Shopkeeper Lin’s expression shifted slightly, and he lowered his voice, "My lady, you mustn’t speak so carelessly outside. She is the most revered woman in all the land; her birthday celebration is naturally unlike any other."

Realizing her faux pas, Wufu sheepishly grinned, "It’s just because I see Shopkeeper Lin as one of my own that I let my words slip without a thought."

"Still, we must be cautious of ’walls with ears,’" Shopkeeper Lin said, "Previously, the birthdays weren’t celebrated so grandly, but this is her sixtieth after all!"

"Understood, understood," Wufu chuckled to herself.

Deciding it was best to drop the subject, Shopkeeper Lin picked up the scroll, and they began to discuss the marketing and development plan. Afterwards, he took her on a tour of the Silver House. Wufu provided some suggestions and rearranged the display of the jewelry and jade ornaments, enhancing the image and class of the Hundred Treasures Silver Building.