After Ouyang Siqing left, Qin Yun could not stay in the mansion either. Hong Fu's whereabouts were unknown, and Qingshan had gone to look for her. There was nothing for her to do in the mansion. With time to spare, she decided to visit the market.
Qin Yun returned to the main house and changed into women's clothing. When leaving the mansion, she called for Xiao Ju. The mistress and servant quietly went to the backyard and then slipped out. Sometimes it was more convenient to be in women's attire. If she had left as Scholar Qin, those with ulterior motives in the market would have already made preparations.
The two strolled along. Qin Yun arrived at the same cloth shop. She recalled that a few months ago, she had a dispute with Ming Xiajing in this very shop, and there had also been an auction that day. With these thoughts in mind, Qin Yun veiled her face and entered the shop. Last time she came, she was the good-for-nothing of the Qin mansion; this time, she was an ordinary woman. Fearing recognition, Xiao Ju also disguised herself and wore a veil.
"This young lady looks unfamiliar! Is this your first time at our shop?" The shop assistant this time was very enthusiastic.
"Yes, introduce me to all your best fabrics! I want to make a few new outfits!"
"Please follow me, miss!" The assistant was delighted, thinking he had found a big customer.
The assistant led Qin Yun to the second floor, and then to the premium fabric private room. The room was spacious, with a row of interconnected chambers.
"Miss, the fabrics here are all of the highest quality. Please choose whatever you like!"
"Alright! I'll take a look first. You may go down now!"
"This...?" The assistant looked confused.
"I prefer quiet when choosing, and I don't like anyone disturbing me!" Qin Yun said coldly.
"Very well, I shall take my leave. If you need anything, just call for me outside," the assistant replied.
Qin Yun nodded without speaking. The assistant tactfully departed.
"Young master, do you really intend to buy fabric?" Xiao Ju asked softly after the assistant left.
"Let's see first!" Qin Yun harbored a doubt. Why would such a treasure as the purple-gold gourd from months ago be auctioned at a cloth shop? It didn't make sense. The shopkeeper must have been acquainted with some high-ranking official, otherwise, the auction wouldn't have been held in such a shop.
Qin Yun approached different fabrics, not letting go of any clues. After inspecting everything, the fabrics were indeed excellent, worthy of being called top-grade. These were all natural silk, processed by hand.
"Xiao Ju, casually pick a few bolts of fabric, and we can look elsewhere!" Since they were here, they couldn't leave empty-handed, lest it arouse suspicion.
Exiting the private room, the shop assistant was waiting at the door.
"Has the young lady made her selection?"
"Yes!" Qin Yun took a couple of steps, then stopped when she saw the doors of the rooms ahead were closed. She asked the assistant beside her, "Are the rooms in front also filled with fabric?"
"Yes."
"Open them. I'd like to take a look. If there are any good fabrics, I'd like to buy some more!"
The assistant seemed hesitant, smiling awkwardly. "Miss, you might not be able to afford the fabrics inside. I suggest we forget about it."
Not allowed to see?
"Can't afford it? Who are you looking down on? I have plenty of money!"
The assistant smiled. "Miss, there are many wealthy families with money. Very few can afford the fabrics inside."
"Are the fabrics inside inlaid with gold? Why the mystery?"
"Miss, you guessed right. The fabrics inside are indeed inlaid with gold, so... perhaps you should reconsider."
Gold-inlaid fabric?
Qin Yun smiled. "I have no shortage of money! Whether the fabric inside is inlaid with gold or silver, I must buy a bolt!"
"Miss, are you sure you want to buy?" the assistant asked cautiously.
"I'm sure, but only if... it is as you say."
"Alright, miss, please wait a moment. I'll inform the shopkeeper." The assistant left.
After the assistant left, Xiao Ju came to Qin Yun's side. "Young master, can gold-inlaid fabric be worn?"
Qin Yun didn't care whether the fabric could be worn. What mattered was that the fabric seemed to have an unusual origin. The assistant's expression just now was very mysterious. It was likely that this gold-inlaid fabric had an illicit source.
A moment later, a man in his early fifties, led by the assistant, approached Qin Yun.
"Shopkeeper Wang, this young lady wishes to buy the fabrics inside."
Shopkeeper Wang stroked his greying beard and appraised Qin Yun from head to toe.
"May I know the young lady's surname?"
"My surname is Xiang," Qin Yun replied calmly. Xiao Ju lowered her head. Her young master could lie without batting an eyelid.
Xiang? Shopkeeper Wang thought carefully. There were no high officials or nobles with the surname Xiang in the capital, nor any wealthy merchants.
"Shopkeeper Wang, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that there are no officials or merchants named Xiang in the capital, and you believe I'm bragging and cannot afford the fabric inside."
Shopkeeper Wang was surprised. He hadn't expected his thoughts to be so easily perceived by a young girl.
"The cheapest fabric inside starts at a hundred thousand taels! If you don't have a hundred thousand taels, miss, it's best to return."
One hundred thousand taels? Hearing this figure, Xiao Ju's eyes widened. One bolt of fabric for a hundred thousand taels? Why not just rob someone? Hearing this, Qin Yun was also taken aback.
Seeing the surprised expressions on Qin Yun's and Xiao Ju's faces, Shopkeeper Wang said, "I've said my piece! Does the young lady still wish to buy?"
"I do, but I didn't bring that much money with me today."
Shopkeeper Wang smiled. "It's not too late to come back next time with enough money!"
"May I have a look?"
Shopkeeper Wang shook his head. "No."
"Shopkeeper, you're truly stingy. If you don't even let customers see the goods, how can they buy with peace of mind?"
"If the young lady is not at ease, then buy the fabrics you can see," Shopkeeper Wang said and turned to leave. Qin Yun was utterly exasperated. Looking at the closed door before her, Qin Yun was genuinely curious! This matter was definitely fishy. Conducting business normally, yet not allowing people to see, and requiring them to bring enough money before they could look?
"Young master, the shopkeeper has left. Should we go back?" Xiao Ju's voice pulled Qin Yun back from her thoughts.
"Let's go!" The two, led by the assistant, paid at the counter and then left.
All the way, Qin Yun was absent-minded, lost in thought. She felt that this cloth shop was not right. How could a small cloth shop have so many rare treasures? A bolt of fabric costing at least a hundred thousand, comparable to that dog man's dragon robe!
"Young master, be careful!"
At that moment, a carriage was charging towards them. By the time Qin Yun reacted, the carriage was already very close, about to collide. Qin Yun was shoved hard by Xiao Ju.
"Ah!" Qin Yun fell to the ground, her elbows and knees injured. "Xiao Ju..." Ignoring her own pain, Qin Yun's mind was on Xiao Ju.