Chapter 446 – Fearless of Price, Buy Buy Buy (3)
Wu Libai’s wife was momentarily stunned and asked, “Is there anything else?”
The Jujia Shop is the most famous smuggling and antique store in the Northern Border; there’s no ‘most expensive’ item, only ‘more expensive’ items. Many Northern Border nobles frequent this shop to flaunt their status. To be honest, the shop has vast connections and can get almost anything, and most importantly—the shop’s background is very clean, making it quite trustworthy.
“Ladies, please wait a moment; I’ll fetch something for you.”
With that, the Shopkeeper went upstairs and brought down a palm-sized purple sandalwood box, intricately carved with complex and ornate patterns. A faint yet delightful aroma wafted through the air, sparking the curiosity of many noblewomen, who leaned in to catch a glimpse.
However, they still maintained their composure, sitting in their places, waiting for the Shopkeeper to present the treasure.
“Ladies, please take a look.”
The Shopkeeper said, delicately opening the hidden clasp with his slender, pale fingers, revealing the treasure inside.
The room was brightly lit, and the dazzling light reflecting off the item nearly blinded them. One lady gasped and raised her hand to shield her eyes, her delicate complexion paling as her rough voice turned high-pitched.
“Ah, what is this? It’s blindingly beautiful!”
After a moment, everyone adjusted, and the sounds of gasps filled the room like a gasp of fresh air.
Inside the sandalwood box lay a exquisitely crafted dragon and phoenix hairpin!
The hairpin was entirely translucent, originating from the same source as the previously displayed Colored Glaze Artifacts. A dragon and a phoenix intertwined together, with intricately detailed dragon scales and phoenix feathers that looked lifelike. The phoenix spread its wings ready to take flight, while the dragon seemed poised to soar into the heavens. Each held a tassel made of transparent beads, sparkling brilliantly under the sunlight, truly mesmerizing.
The Shopkeeper carefully took it out, the beads softly clinking together, creating a delightful sound.
Liu Zhi had entrusted him with twenty glass tea sets and this dragon and phoenix hairpin, leaving the price decision solely in his hands.
Seeing the glimmers in the eyes of these Northern Border noblewomen, the Shopkeeper knew he could sell the hairpin for a fantastic price.
Women might not necessarily adore delicate antiques, but they absolutely couldn’t resist the allure of dazzling jewelry.
With a warm smile, the Shopkeeper said, “This treasure took a lot of effort to acquire, ladies, what do you think?”
Wu Libai’s wife declared loudly, “Buy it! Shopkeeper, be quick and give us a price.”
The other ladies were unwilling; after all, they had just purchased the finest Colored Glaze Artifacts and didn’t want Wu Libai’s wife to monopolize this rare treasure.
The plump noblewoman raised her chin slightly, casting a sideways glance.
She indignantly said, “Wu lady, that’s not fair. None of us said we wouldn’t buy it; how can you claim it all for yourself? I want this hairpin too. Shopkeeper, we are all familiar with each other’s ways here. How about the highest bidder wins?”
The Shopkeeper knew how to maximize value; he understood that such a transparent, dazzling piece wouldn’t be sold just once. Therefore, he couldn’t overcharge the very first customer, or there’d be no room for future negotiations.
This reasoning was akin to fattening a pig and slaughtering it only during the festival—because it’s rewarding when it’s ripe.
“Ladies, please heed my words; I have news that this jewelry isn’t the only one available.”
The Shopkeeper eased the tension in the room, “Only, they’re currently with someone else, and it’ll take some time to bring them over. If you ladies can wait a bit, you can buy them later; let’s not spoil the mood.”
The noblewomen’s expressions eased slightly; they believed in the shopkeeper’s capabilities, knowing he could get whatever they desired.
However, the early bird gets the worm! There were just a few treasures available, but a whole lot of competitors.
Once word spread about this dragon and phoenix hairpin, who knows how many Northern Border noblewomen would want to buy it? How many competitors would there be?
Thinking of this, each of them had their own thoughts brewing.
At that moment, a familiar male voice echoed from outside. Wu Libai’s wife’s expression changed, feeling somewhat displeased.
The Shopkeeper raised an eyebrow discreetly; he had heard of Wu Libai’s fierce reputation but was seeing him in person for the first time.
If he were a commoner, he would probably be bowing and scraping, or making a fool of himself by this point.
But who was the Shopkeeper? He had dealt with many of the Northern Border’s noble families. In the past, the Northern Border’s princess had a crush on him and wanted him to be her close aide—he had managed such a big scene, so why would he fear a Wu Libai?
Meanwhile, Wu Libai had learned that his wife spent forty-one thousand coins on a set of flashy but useless items, and he turned green with fury.
“It’s just a bunch of gimmicks! You’re too generous, and it’s obvious you’ve been fooled,” Wu Libai said.
Wu Libai’s wife snorted, rolling her eyes at her husband and pointing at the set of glass tea sets. “If I’ve been duped, then what do these items even represent? You’ve been to Dongqing and seen their customs firsthand, you know quality when you see it—come take a look if this stuff isn’t worth it!”
Wu Libai was at a loss for words after being retorted by his wife, his dark brown face twisted in frustration.
After a long pause, he awkwardly muttered, “It looks like porcelain…”
At present, the technique for firing porcelain exists, but much of the porcelain produced is of poor quality, often cracked and not too visually appealing. So, most of the common folk in Central Plains still use clay products. As for porcelain, Wu Libai had a set he often admired, and it was considered a luxury in the Central Plains.
The Shopkeeper smiled and said in a soothing tone, “Porcelains are mostly blue or gray, and their quality is rough, made from ordinary clay. Although I can’t say for sure the method for crafting these Colored Glaze Artifacts, they are translucent and bright, of crisp quality, uncomparable to common porcelain!”
Wu Libai had nothing to counter this.
He was quite familiar with Central Plains goods, and there was truly nothing like this material.
Most earth colors are gray, black, yellow, and brown; there was no way to produce something transparent.
Seeing he couldn’t articulate an argument, Wu Libai’s wife snapped, “Hmph! It’s not like I’m using your money; why be so stingy?”
Wu Libai became increasingly frustrated but didn’t dare to argue with his wife in front of others, lest it become a laughingstock.
Seeing the Shopkeeper bowing his head, he was even more irritated.
The Northern Border’s culture is so superficial; extravagance runs rampant, and one can’t escape the Jujia Shop. Even with similar shops sprouting like mushrooms, the Jujia Shop still firmly holds its ground, raking in loads of silver coins over the years. Wu Libai was livid, “It’s all you scheming scoundrels who have fostered this trend of extravagance in the Northern Border!”
The Shopkeeper smoothly replied, “General, you’re mistaken. Life is short; if one has a fortune of thousands of silver coins, why suffer with poor meals? Your esteemed wife is of noble status, and her attire and daily expenses should match her identity. Otherwise, how is that different from wearing fine clothes at night while still eating plain rice?”
The Shopkeeper’s message could also be summed up as:
If you can’t afford to buy your wife gifts, why complain when she buys them herself?
Wu Libai’s expression was beyond words.
