Chapter 54: Selecting Jewelry

Bai Yiran coaxed Lin Jinyan in soft, gentle tones, repeatedly instructing her not to mention anything regarding the imperial family from her dreams ever again.

Only after Lin Jinyan gave her repeated assurances and mentioned that her tutor had assigned coursework requiring her to return home, did Bai Yiran allow her to leave.

Once outside the General's Mansion, Lin Jinyan instructed Lin Shun to go to the Xingyue Pavilion in Yongfu Lane in the southern part of the city, saying she wanted to buy some jewelry to bring home as gifts.

After Lin Shun complied, the carriage swayed its way toward Yongfu Lane.

Lin Jinyan lifted a corner of the side curtain to observe the bustling atmosphere of the marketplace outside. On the main street not far from Yongfu Lane, she spotted an elegant two-story teahouse. The three large characters on the plaque above the entrance, "The Sleepless Marquis," were as vigorous as a startled dragon yet possessed an air of elegance. Beside it hung a wooden sign with the word "Tea" written on both sides, rotating slightly in the breeze.

Lin Jinyan watched for a few more moments, only lowering the curtain once the carriage had passed the teahouse. A moment later, the carriage came to a halt, and Lin Shun announced, "Miss, we have arrived."

Gu Momo lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage, supporting Lin Jinyan as she descended. Once steady, Lin Jinyan looked around and said to Lin Shun

"It is not good to have the carriage blocking the entrance to the lane. Move it a little further up to the corner and park it there. All of you wait there, and Gu Momo can accompany me inside."

Noticing that the Xingyue Pavilion was filled with female patrons, Lin Shun complied, leading several attendants to drive the carriage to a nearby open space to wait.

Lin Jinyan entered the Xingyue Pavilion with Gu Momo. A gracefully dressed woman in simple attire approached them with a smile

"Madam, Miss, please come inside."

Gu Momo smiled and said, "I am merely a *momo*; this is my young mistress."

The woman looked surprised. "You possess the temperament of a matriarch; I misjudged you. I hope you will not take offense. Please, come inside, both of you. My name is Yu Niang, and I am the manager of this Xingyue Pavilion. Please let me know if there is anything you require."

Yu Niang spoke with such sincerity that it brought an irrepressible smile to Gu Momo's lips.

Lin Jinyan walked around for a look but did not find anything particularly stunning; after all, having served as Empress for two years in her past life, she had seen far too many exquisite things.

Seeing Lin Jinyan's cursory inspection, Yu Niang stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "Is the Miss buying these as gifts? We have more unique pieces in the private rooms. If the Miss is interested, please follow me."

Lin Jinyan nodded and followed Yu Niang to the back courtyard, where Yu Niang brought out several boxes and opened them one by one.

Lin Jinyan selected two pairs of exquisite earrings and, finding the price reasonable, had them wrapped.

Seeing this, Yu Niang brought out more jewelry. There were two jade bracelets of good texture and color; Lin Jinyan took them in her hands to examine them closely. When she asked the price and found the two bracelets totaled nine hundred taels, she had them wrapped as well.

Upon exiting, she picked out a hairclip in the main hall that was of average quality but possessed an exquisite design.

Lin Jinyan spoke up, "Please have the manager pack these for me. We will go for a stroll and return later to collect them. Does the shop have a back door?"

"I will have them packed and wait for you. We do have a back door; please follow me."

Yu Niang smiled and led the two to the side door. Only after watching the mistress and servant walk into the lane did she turn back to the counter.

A young maidservant nearby asked Yu Niang, "Sister, they haven't even paid yet. You just let them go."

Yu Niang smiled and said, "The carriage and attendants are waiting up ahead; she will certainly return. That lady's temperament and vision are far from ordinary; why would she come here just to play a trick on me? Most likely, she is a young lady from a strict household who has slipped out for some fun during a break."

Not far from the Xingyue Pavilion, Lin Jinyan stopped in front of a shop named Taifeng Grain Store. After observing the entrance for a moment, she led Gu Momo inside.

(End of Chapter)