The shopkeeper froze, and all the customers in the shop perked up their ears, turning their heads in unison.
My mother, of course, wouldn't let the shopkeeper be in a difficult position. She touched the set of ruby hair ornaments and scoffed, "Whether one can afford it or not, one's own purse knows, doesn't it? Madam Song, why are you shouting so loudly with such an excuse? Even if you don't buy it, no one will think that the Dali Temple Minister's mansion can't make ends meet."
Madam Song's expression changed. With an air of wealth, she declared, "Shopkeeper, wrap up everything I looked at just now, and that set of ruby hair ornaments too. I want them as well."
A big customer! It felt like my mother's mood brightened considerably.
However, Song Shuxian's complexion turned a bit unpleasant.
I glanced over. The total price of the items they had looked at earlier was less than half the price of this set of ruby hair ornaments. Moreover, the color was not something she could wear when she took it home. Tsk, I even felt sorry for her. After all, Uncle Song, though powerful, was an honest official with no fortune to squander.
But Madam Song was clearly trying to compete with my mother again.
Having made a large sale, my mother was in a good mood, but seeing Madam Song's haughty demeanor, she couldn't let it go. She pushed the hair ornaments towards herself and said, "Madam Song, do you know what 'first come, first served' means?"
"So I said I wanted it first, and you haven't said anything yet, have you?"
"Highest bidder wins. Shopkeeper, how much is this set of ruby hair ornaments? I'll add another hundred taels of silver."
The shopkeeper understood her intention but still looked troubled. "Madam Wang, this doesn't seem quite appropriate, does it?"
"How is it not appropriate? Does your owner not want to make money?"
"Then I'll discuss it with Madam Song."
Madam Song glared. "Is this how you do business?"
The shopkeeper said, "But madam, a hundred taels of pure profit. It's not good for you to block our small shop's financial path. How about this, we have a sapphire-colored set, which is more suitable for your young lady than this one. Why don't you choose that set, and I can give you a little discount."
This was quite considerate, and the guests nearby thought it was reasonable.
But Madam Song felt insulted. The same item was sold at a higher price to Qing Ya, and she was offered a discount. It was clearly implying that she was not as wealthy as Qing Ya.
How could that be? She immediately said, "I want this set. I'll add two hundred taels."
Seeing my mother about to bid again, I quickly pulled her aside. "Mother, we are also in business. Harmony brings wealth. Harmony brings wealth, ha. Don't make it difficult for the shopkeeper."
"Hmph, then shopkeeper, bring out the sapphire set for my daughter to see."
The shopkeeper wiped the sweat from his brow and hurried to prepare it.
Madam Song, like a rooster that had won a fight, started causing trouble again while waiting for the shopkeeper to pack her box. She first looked me up and down, then said, "Madam Wang, if I may say so, your young lady can at most be a Crown Prince's Consort. Only a main wife can wear such bright red ornaments. No matter how good the ruby hair ornaments are, what a waste to let them sit and gather dust? I think those flamboyant hairpins over there are more suitable. What do you think?"
She particularly emphasized the words "flamboyant," clearly mocking me for being a concubine who could only rely on her looks.
My mother, whose anger had not subsided, erupted instantly. She was not a person with a good temper to begin with, and she had even less patience for people she disliked. Moreover, she was worried about my brother, so how could she tolerate this?
I watched her expression suddenly turn cold. "As if your daughter has that destiny."
Madam Song said, "It's still better than some merchant's daughter who is not of high standing."
As soon as she said this, the people around her changed their expressions and subconsciously took a few steps away from her. In such a small space, a circle of empty ground was inexplicably created around her. Song Shuxian's face even turned pale, and she tugged at her arm, anxiously saying, "Mother, what are you talking about?"
"Did I say something wrong? Your father is, after all, a third-rank official. Your family background can sweep away some people's by miles."
"Mother, the Empress..." Song Shuxian was extremely anxious, afraid her mother would say something else, and could only remind her in a hushed voice. But no matter how low her voice was, others could still guess.
Madam Han was like a strangled rooster, suddenly silenced. Her face, which had been flushed with excitement moments ago, turned pale in an instant. She looked at the female guests in the shop, her head starting to spin.
Among these women, many had men with higher official positions than Uncle Song, and there was even a Censor's wife. Even if Uncle Song was favored by the Emperor, her careless words today would likely not be silenced.
Song Shuxian, no longer caring about the jewelry, grabbed Han Shi and fled in dismay.