Chapter 38

“Jinlan, is this the lowly concubine-born girl you mentioned who relies on fighting to climb up in rank?”

A young lady in a red dress walked over to Xia Jinlan’s side, scrutinizing the plainly dressed girl in front of her with open disdain.

In a society where people respected appearances before anything else, the young lady sneered. As a legitimate daughter of a prestigious family, she looked down on scheming, deep-minded concubine-born girls like this one.

“You’ve got some nerve!”

“And you’ve got quite the mouth!”

Xia Qingqing shot back without hesitation.

“You!”

The young lady in red was dumbfounded by the sharpness of Xia Qingqing’s retort. She was at a loss for words—never before had a concubine-born girl dared to talk back to her.

Another girl, dressed in a yellow gown, stepped forward, hands on her hips. “You little brat! What a venomous tongue you have! You need someone to teach you a lesson!”

Xia Qingqing, unfazed, matched her energy, placing her hands on her hips and glaring back. “And with a mouth as foul as yours, what have you been eating—manure?”

“You… You’re insulting me!”

The girl in yellow flushed with anger, tears welling in her eyes.

The other three young ladies couldn’t bear to let it slide and joined in, rolling up their sleeves to berate Xia Qingqing.

Lady in purple: “You’re a waste of food when alive, and a waste of land when dead!”

Xia Qingqing: “You’re so nosy; why don’t you go taste the saltiness of the manure cart at the door?”

Lady in blue: “You’re an uncultured little wretch!”

Xia Qingqing: “Why don’t you show us your so-called ‘culture’ so we can all learn from you?”

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The war of words in the main hall continued, drawing a crowd of onlookers who came to shop for jewelry.

“These ladies ganging up on a single little girl—it’s infuriating!”

“I heard that girl is a concubine’s daughter, while those are all legitimate daughters. They’re teaming up to bully her!”

“Shopkeeper, aren’t you going to step in?”

The shopkeeper nodded and quickly walked over, bowing deeply and clasping his hands in apology.

“Dear young ladies, we’re all here to shop. Let’s not waste energy on arguments! Please, go browse the jewelry. We’ve just received new items today—why not take a look? There’s no need to concern yourselves with unrelated matters!”

Seeing that the crowd’s sympathy leaned toward Xia Qingqing, Xia Jinlan, eager to end the confrontation, pulled Xia Qingqing’s hand and spoke soothingly.

“Xia Qingqing, this store’s jewelry is quite expensive. If you can’t afford it, let’s not humiliate ourselves here. Hurry back home!”

“Exactly! Look at your shabby outfit. Even the simplest pieces on the first floor are beyond your reach, let alone the treasures upstairs!”

“If you’re broke, go home!”

The young ladies regained some of their composure with these jabs.

Xia Qingqing smirked. Thinking of the VIP card in her possession, she walked toward the jewelry store without saying a word.

The crowd watched her leave, chuckling as they headed for the third floor together.

The onlookers dispersed as well.

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“Jinlan, that little wretch from your household—next time, lure her out again. We should beat her up properly. It’d be best if we ruined her face. Let’s see how she dares to show up in public after that!”

The lady in red sneered sinisterly.

“Miss Wen, that little wretch does have some skills with her hands. She’s not easy to beat,” Xia Jinlan cautioned.

Miss Wen smiled coldly. “I’ll get my brother to handle it. He’s a commander in the city patrol, and his men are all capable fighters. A little girl like her would be no trouble!”

“Exactly! Or we could hire some underground fighters. Ruin her face and her reputation—we’ll see how she acts so smug then!” the girl in yellow suggested maliciously.

“Miss Song, doesn’t your family run a martial arts school? When the time comes, find someone to handle her, and I’ll pay for it! If it ensures her downfall, I won’t spare any expense,” Miss Wen declared.

Seeing her friends actively plotting, Xia Jinlan beamed. “Tonight, everyone pick one piece of jewelry—I’ll cover it!”

“Thank you, Jinlan!”

“You’re so generous!”

“As expected of the illustrious young lady of the prime minister’s household!”

The group flattered Xia Jinlan endlessly.

---

Meanwhile, Xia Qingqing noticed the gilded character “谢” (Xie) on the store’s signboard and smiled.

“So, this jewelry store belongs to Young Master Xie? Well then, I won’t hold back. I’ll swipe this VIP card till it’s maxed out—and all on his account!”

She walked back into the store.

---

The clerk, seeing her return, quickly approached to stop her from heading to the third floor.

“Miss, the third floor is for VIPs only. You can browse the pieces here on the first floor. I think you might be able to afford those.”

Xia Qingqing waved the VIP card in front of his eyes.

“Take a good look.”

The clerk’s expression changed as he examined the card, stunned by the sight of the ordinary-looking girl holding it.

“Please wait, Miss! I’ll fetch the shopkeeper immediately!”

“Alright, go ahead.”

“Miss, please have a seat and enjoy some tea. I’ll return shortly!” The clerk ushered Xia Qingqing into a private tea room and quickly brought her tea before hurrying off to find the shopkeeper.

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Moments later, the shopkeeper came rushing in, bowing deeply to Xia Qingqing.

“Miss, I was told you have a VIP card. May I confirm it?”

Xia Qingqing placed the card on the table, leaning back in her chair.

The shopkeeper examined it closely, confirming its authenticity, and immediately returned it to her with great reverence.

“My young master only issued three of these cards, and to give one to you proves you are one of his closest confidants! May I ask your name and residence so we can note it down? Whenever we have new items, we’ll deliver a sample set to you for your first pick!”

Xia Qingqing raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you worried I just picked up this card and am here to scam you?”

“Not at all, Miss. We have our ways of verifying authenticity!” The shopkeeper chuckled.

“Alright then! Can I now head to the third floor to buy the most expensive pieces?” she asked.

“Of course! Let me record your details first, and I’ll personally escort you to ensure you aren’t disturbed by anyone.”

“Fine. My name is Xia Qingqing, the sixth miss of the Ministry of Revenue Assistant Minister Xia Jinxing’s household. I live in the Bamboo Pavilion. Any new jewelry must be delivered directly to me, not to anyone else or any other courtyard.”

“Understood, Miss!” The shopkeeper diligently recorded her information.

Soon, he led Xia Qingqing through a private passage to the third floor.

At the end of a luxurious hallway, in the grandest VIP room, ten dashing young male attendants and ten graceful female assistants stood ready to serve her.

Outside, attendants in elegant uniforms carried trays filled with jewelry boxes into the grand VIP room for Xia Qingqing to select from.

Hearing the commotion, Xia Jinlan and her companions stepped out of their room, astonished by the grand treatment.