In the afternoon, after being confined to the mansion for half a month, Qiao Wanyan finally stepped out.
At long last, I can finally experience life in ancient times! she thought, her heart brimming with excitement.
A vision of beauty emerged from the carriage, her cloud-like hair cascading around a face as delicate as a flower. Her eyebrows were naturally dark, like distant, unpainted mountains, and her lips were as red as desert sand, untouched by rouge.
In the past, Wanyan always adorned herself with the most exquisite makeup and the most vibrant, eye-catching dresses when venturing out. But today, with her bare face and simple attire, she inexplicably radiated an aura of innocence and purity.
She resembled a fragile treasure, evoking a desire to protect and cherish her, stirring the deepest, most tender emotions in the hearts of those who beheld her.
Huibaolou, the most renowned silver shop in the capital, was known for its exquisite and expensive hairpins and jewelry, and Qiao Wanyan was a frequent patron.
"Miss Qiao, it's been too long! We've just received a new shipment of hairpins and rings. Would you do me the honor of browsing our latest collection?" The shopkeeper greeted her with an obsequious smile, his eyes practically vanishing into the folds of his face as he welcomed his prized customer.
Qiao Wanyan, with a dismissive wave of her hand, followed the shopkeeper to the second floor, eyeing the jewelry he presented with theatrical flair. "They're all quite… adequate. Wrap them all up."
What girl doesn't love a good shopping spree? she mused. Even in the real world, she'd been a certified shopaholic. It was her way of pampering herself, a reward for a job well done, at least in her own estimation.
The shopkeeper nearly vibrated with glee, barely managing to contain his grin. "Of course, Miss Qiao! Right away!"
"Hold on," she interjected, a sudden thought striking her. "Wrap this one separately, and be extra careful. It's the prettiest of the lot, so make it presentable. I want to give it to my dear older sister."
Ziyuan's jaw dropped. "Miss? Why would you give her the most beautiful hairpin? I heard Xiaoying, that viper who serves the eldest young lady, called you a 'vixen' today! You dragged yourself out of bed before you were even well, and I was worried sick! Now you're buying her such a gorgeous gift? I'm beyond furious!"
On the staircase leading to the second floor, He Zhiyu froze, his ears perked.
Xiaoying? Isn't that Yihuan's personal maid?
Qiao Wanyan offered a serene smile. "My maternal grandfather sent some Shu brocade today, and Mother is giving a piece to my eldest sister. I simply thought this hairpin would perfectly complement the fabric. Besides," she added with a dismissive shrug, "it's the people around my eldest sister who lack proper upbringing. Xiaoying is just a child, like you in many ways, so it's understandable she might make mistakes. It has nothing to do with my sister herself."
Time to find a few trinkets that won't make me look completely out of character, Wanyan thought, carefully examining the pieces. Too much generosity would raise suspicion. Simple designs, but undeniably expensive… that's the ticket. Something she can pawn if she ever needs funds. Pity I can't just give her money outright, but that would blow my cover.
Ziyuan was utterly bewildered. What had gotten into her young lady? In the past, anyone daring to call her a "vixen" would have been begging for mercy with broken legs.
And today? Not only was the maid punished with a mere kneeling, but her young lady was actually gifting the maid's mistress with a beautiful hairpin?
Miss, has your fever addled your brain? Ziyuan wondered, her brow furrowed with concern.
Ziyuan fumed. "Miss, servants only act out when their masters allow it! The Crown Prince already dislikes you! What if Xiaoying is spreading rumors behind your back? You should have Madam sell her off! That way, she can't cause any more trouble!"
"Alright, alright," Qiao Wanyan replied, a genuine smile gracing her lips. She was genuinely enjoying herself. The craftsmanship of ancient jewelry possessed a unique charm, and she found herself appreciating the artistry, though she was careful not to show it. The original Wanyan had been practically born with a diamond-encrusted spoon in her mouth, so any overt enthusiasm would be out of character. "I know you're doing this out of loyalty, but Xiaoying practically grew up with my older sister. I can't bring myself to do that to her. And you, you sweet thing, why are you always so eager to sell people off? Besides," she continued, a touch of wistful contemplation in her voice, "I've been thinking… it would be a good thing for my older sister to find a good match in the future. If the Crown Prince truly loves her, and if my sister truly desires him, then who am I to stand in their way? It's for the best."
Honestly, who cares about the Crown Prince? she thought with an inward eye roll. Handsome or not, I'm immune. I've seen my fair share of ridiculously good-looking actors, idols from every corner of the globe, and even male models thanks to the family business. At this point, handsome men are like pretty plants – pleasant to look at, but I'm far too busy to actually nurture them.
"Miss!" Ziyuan was practically beside herself, so agitated she wanted to storm Mingxiang Pavilion and shove Qiao Yihuan back from whence she came.
Qiao Wanyan placed a comforting hand on Ziyuan's arm. "I've made up my mind. It's for the best if my elder sister marries well. I shall remain with Father and Mother for the rest of my days, a happy, contented spinster."
Being single is the ultimate key to happiness, she declared silently. Unless, by some miracle, I stumble upon a man who can love me wholeheartedly, then maybe I'd consider it. But ancient men? Absolutely not. I have zero interest in sharing my man with a harem. I'm perfectly capable of loving myself, thank you very much.
Ziyuan was convinced she was trapped in some sort of bizarre dream, no, a nightmare, a nested nightmare!
Having settled the bill, Qiao Wanyan reached the foot of the stairs, ready to depart, when she spotted Prince He Zhiyu heading her way.
Her eyes widened in what she hoped was convincing shock and astonishment. As he approached, she instinctively took a step back, then hastily curtsied, murmuring, "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Oh, blast it all! she mentally groaned. She'd completely forgotten about this plot point from the second timeline. Yes, in the second timeline, Wanyan had engineered a seemingly accidental encounter with the Crown Prince. The truth was, she'd known key plot points and skillfully schemed her "chance" meeting.
Curse my terrible memory! she thought, inwardly berating herself. She tended to skim over sections of the novel, and her recall of the finer plot details was woefully lacking.