Chapter 54: Appearance and Bearing

The shopkeeper ordered his assistants to bring out several exquisite brocade boxes and opened them right before Song Rongzhi’s eyes. Three sets of finely crafted headdresses lay revealed, each remarkably delicate. Zhao Mengyue was stunned at once; she had been mistaken. The craftsmanship of the ancients was indeed superb. Yet, such treasures were reserved for those of status.

Her gaze fixed on one particular set—a headdress of white jade inlaid with red coral, adorned with cloud-like hairpins and floral ornaments. If she could wear this set, she would surely shine brilliantly at the upcoming palace banquet.

Just as Zhao Mengyue was about to speak, she saw Tang Chaochao take that very brocade box and hand it to Song Rongzhi.

“Mother, this red is so festive. The palace banquet is specially arranged by His Majesty for Father. When you wear this headdress, you will undoubtedly outshine all the other wives,” Tang Chaochao said.

Song Rongzhi cast a fond glance at her daughter. “Nonsense. Mother’s no longer young. If my Chaochao is willing to dress up properly, then she will look beautiful instead!”

Tang Chaochao knew that Song Rongzhi usually preferred a simple style of dressing. However, having mingled a few times with the noble ladies of the capital recently, she realized they were all a bunch of social climbers, constantly flattering the powerful and looking down on others.

Her mother’s gentle nature and plain attire at the banquet would surely invite contempt. If she then suffered any injustice, it would be entirely undeserved.

As the mother and daughter discussed the jewelry, Zhao Mengyue interjected, “Cousin, if Auntie doesn’t like it, why not let Cousin have this headdress instead?”

She wasn’t trying to snatch the set. The other two sets the shopkeeper had brought out were also lovely, but the emerald and red agate ones truly did not suit Song Rongzhi’s age.

Tang Chaochao turned to look, noticing a faint smile on Zhao Mengyue’s face. Since it was her daughter’s first time choosing a headdress for her, Song Rongzhi had no intention of giving it up.

“I think you should look at the others again. I want this set,” Song Rongzhi said firmly.

She then nodded at the shopkeeper, who immediately understood and instructed his assistants to pack the items.

The smile vanished from Zhao Mengyue’s face as she blurted out, “Auntie, that emerald set suits you better. Wouldn’t it be better to give this red coral one to your niece?”

Her words caused Song Rongzhi to furrow her brow deeply, and even Tang Chaochao’s lips curved into an amused smile.

Zhao Mengyue felt embarrassed but truly believed that at Song Rongzhi’s age, a more mature style was preferable.

“Auntie, since the banquet is hosted by His Majesty, I think you should dress more solemnly,” she added.

Song Rongzhi’s frown deepened. The shopkeeper quickly interjected.

“You’re joking, miss. This white jade and red coral headdress will make madam appear younger and will certainly be appropriate.”

This jewelry shop mostly served the most reputable ladies of the capital, and the pieces brought out were naturally suited to such distinguished women.

To the shopkeeper, Zhao Mengyue’s remarks seemed to question his years of experience and taste.

His words struck her like a slap.

She only wanted that set, and Song Rongzhi was already of an advanced age. Why bother competing with a little girl?

Biting her lip, Zhao Mengyue pondered that once back at the general’s mansion, she could ask her great-aunt to help her claim the set. Song Rongzhi would have no grounds to object. It might even save her the silver her great-grandmother had given her.

As these thoughts settled, a hint of secret delight appeared in her eyes.

Tang Chaochao observed this and suddenly said to Song Rongzhi, “Mother, since Cousin likes it, why don’t we just let her have this headdress?”

Song Rongzhi was momentarily taken aback, looking at Tang Chaochao in confusion, only to see her daughter wink at her.

Though unsure of her daughter’s plans, Song Rongzhi went along.

“If Chaochao insists, then this set will be yours.”

Zhao Mengyue was stunned when Tang Chaochao offered the headdress to her. She had hoped her great-aunt would claim it for her without spending her own silver, but realizing she was traveling with them, she knew the expense wouldn’t fall on her after all.

Her smile returned as she nodded to the shopkeeper.

Tang Chaochao smiled and asked the shopkeeper, “Are there any other finer designs?”

The shopkeeper chuckled, “There is one more set, but it’s somewhat pricey…”

“Bring it out for Mother to see.”

“Right away!” The shopkeeper turned and left.

When he returned, he held an exquisite wooden box. Upon opening it, a headdress of jadeite appeared, crafted with an imposing elegance.

Song Rongzhi’s eyes brightened noticeably.

The shopkeeper quickly described it, “Madam, this headdress is made from jadeite of the highest quality, with the finest craftsmanship. Only the most meticulous artisans could carve it so exquisitely. I’m not exaggerating; you won’t find another like it.”

Song Rongzhi picked up one of the jade hairpins and nodded in satisfaction. “How much does this set cost?”

The shopkeeper’s face bloomed into a broad smile. “Six thousand taels of silver.”

Zhao Mengyue’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had accompanied her mother to select jewelry before, but the most expensive piece had never exceeded a hundred taels.

Seeing that Tang Chaochao didn’t even hesitate and ordered it to be packed, her ambition to rise grew even stronger.

Whether in the twenty-first century or ancient times, money and power were equally important. Moreover, in ancient times, power equated to wealth.

Song Rongzhi wished to choose some jewelry for her daughter, but Tang Chaochao shook her head, refusing. Wearing so many accessories was a torment to her.

Seeing her genuine disinterest, Song Rongzhi relented.

All this unfolded under Zhao Mengyue’s watchful eyes, and only jealousy remained.

As the group prepared to leave the jewelry shop, an assistant suddenly stopped Zhao Mengyue from exiting.

Watching the Song family mother and daughter already headed out the door, Zhao Mengyue, in a foul mood, frowned at the assistant.

“How dare you! Why are you stopping me?”

The assistant glanced at the shopkeeper, who still wore a pleasant smile.

“Miss, please settle your bill before leaving.”

Zhao Mengyue froze, incredulous as she glanced toward the Song family by the carriage.

Song Rongzhi was being helped into the carriage by Tang Chaochao, and just then turned to look at her.

Tang Chaochao, puzzled, said, “Cousin, have you forgotten? Hurry up and pay; we still have to go to the fabric shop!”

Zhao Mengyue had never imagined that going out with the Song family would mean she had to pay.

Caught in a dilemma, she turned to the shopkeeper.

“How much is it?”

The shopkeeper’s smile remained unchanged.

“Three thousand five hundred taels of silver, discounted.”

Zhao Mengyue instinctively exclaimed, “What did you say?”

The shopkeeper’s smile stiffened slightly but remained courteous.

“Three thousand five hundred taels of silver.”

Thinking of the five hundred taels in silver notes her great-aunt had given her, and her own savings totaling only a thousand taels, Zhao Mengyue felt utterly crushed.

Yet, she also resented Tang Chaochao a little. If she hadn’t suddenly offered the headdress to her, she wouldn’t be in such an awkward predicament now.