Chapter 386: Chapter 386: Third Brother, You’re in Luck

As it turns out, as long as you choose the right style, it won’t be ugly.

The shopkeeper brought out another tray of silver and jade ornaments, even the men’s silver crowns and jade hangings were ready.

Liu Ji, rarely pleased, glanced at the shopkeeper who seemed to be telling tales, and just as he was about to try on the silver crown, a hand suddenly appeared, gently pushing the men’s accessories to the corner of the tray before he could.

Liu Ji’s hand, frozen in mid-air, was caught between advancing and retreating.

Did you think he would be embarrassed?

Not at all!

He naturally reached out and picked up a plain white jade hairpin that could be worn by both men and women, pretending to try it on Qin Yao, “Wife, this one looks good too.”

“Really?” Qin Yao doubted his aesthetic sense, but with everyone watching, she didn’t want to embarrass him, so she reluctantly tried it on, and it wasn’t bad at all.

It’s just that when she held it in her hand, it felt quite fragile, as if it could turn to powder if mishandled.

Qin Yao said to the shopkeeper, “Forget the jade ones.”

The shopkeeper felt a bit regretful, as gold, jade, and gemstones were the most profitable, while silver ornaments only brought in some craftsmen’s fees.

But he continued enthusiastically recommending other silver jewelry for Qin Yao to try on. In the end, Qin Yao, wearied by the selection, picked a few silver ornaments that she was satisfied with and settled the bill.

Two sturdy silver snake hairpins for herself, two pairs of peace and prosperity silver necklaces for the Dragon and Phoenix Twins, and two silver locks engraved with the Heart Sutra for Da Lang and Second Lang.

While checking out, Liu Ji gazed at her with his sorrowful peach-blossom-shaped eyes and gently rubbed her arm with his, whispering, “Wife, buy one for me, buy one for me, I just want one thing…”

He could lose face, but Qin Yao cared about her dignity. She gave him a warning glare; enough already, don’t embarrass me here!

Hurriedly, she picked up the white jade hairpin he had helped select earlier, placed it at the checkout counter, and dismissed him.

Liu Ji’s eyes instantly sparkled with joy, and he pushed further, crouching down, asking her to help him put it on.

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow with a click, picked up the jade hairpin, and with a casual flick, it flew like a dart, accurately piercing through Liu Ji’s hair bun and locking into his hair.

Liu Ji had long been accustomed to Qin Yao’s antics, and he touched the hairpin, very satisfied with how securely it was nestled!

The shopkeeper and clerks in the store were dumbfounded, jaws nearly dropping.

Can a hairpin be worn like that?

The total cost was thirty-two taels and seven coins, a small amount compared to those ruby headpieces that cost thousands of taels of silver.

But back at the inn, Liu Ji hefted the weight of these silver ornaments, feeling his heart bleed, “Wife, at this rate we lost at least twenty taels!”

Qin Yao, however, took it in stride, “Not like we’re planning to pawn them for travel expenses. Even if it came to selling jewelry, they’re worth a few taels of silver, always better than your broken hairpin.”

Liu Ji couldn’t agree, proudly touching his own hairpin, defending, “Jade is priceless, how can gold and silver, such vulgar substances, compare.”

“Besides, since it was a gift from you, it holds a unique significance.” As he spoke, he even moved himself a bit.

Looking at him a moment longer, Qin Yao felt like her soul was being corrupted—he’s so darn narcissistic!

Was that really a gift from her?

Clearly, it was something he shamelessly begged for himself!

Liu Ji wouldn’t hear of it; to him, it was certainly a gift from her!

Qin Yao pulled the quilt over her head, closed her eyes, deciding to just sleep it off—out of sight, out of mind.

…

The next day, Qin Yao surprisingly got up as early as Liu Ji did, and the couple hurriedly ate breakfast before going about their tasks.

They were returning today, but Qin Yao still needed to visit Manager Fang to secure the wood needed for next year’s supply so the stationery factory could start work after the New Year.

Liu Ji stayed at the inn to pack the luggage, feed the horses, and load the carriage.

When Qin Yao arrived, Manager Fang was swamped with work. She waited for a full thirty minutes before he had time to finalize next year’s wood requirements.

The process was quick though; the contract signed, deposit paid, all settled within half an hour.

Seeing Manager Fang busy counting newly delivered goods, the two exchanged only brief greetings, and Qin Yao left behind some New Year gifts and departed.

That day, the sun unexpectedly showed its sunny face as Qin Yao returned to the inn; the sky was clearing up, making it perfect weather for travel.

Liu Ji had bought food for the journey, even set up a small charcoal stove inside the carriage. Qin Yao went to check out of the inn and settle the room charges.

With all matters in Prefecture settled, Qin Yao got into the carriage, sat down, and Liu Ji took the reins to set off.

After a while, a familiar young voice called from behind, prompting Liu Ji to slow down and turn around, spotting Qi Xian.

“Teacher asked me to come see you off.” Qi Xian jumped down from the cart, accepting a small wooden box handed by Shi Tou, which thudded onto Qin Yao’s carriage shaft.

Qi Xian glanced apologetically at Qin Yao; the box was a bit heavy, and his hand slipped—not intentionally banging against her carriage.

Qin Yao chuckled, shaking her head, “Be careful, young master, my carriage shaft is fine, but a scholar’s hands are precious.”

“What’s inside?” Liu Ji asked as he reached out to open it for a look.

Blocked by Qi Xian, he mysteriously instructed, “Wait until you’re home to see it.”

Liu Ji agreed on the spot, inwardly resolving to open it right after leaving the city!

Qi Xian knew all too well about his fellow apprentice’s nature; this so-called rustic knave had no concept of trustworthiness.

Thus, he reminded Qin Yao to help in supervising resoundingly.

Qin Yao readily agreed.

Qi Xian waved at Liu Ji, “Safe travels to you both.”

Liu Ji swiftly reached over to pat his head, seeing his disgruntled expression, smugly snapped the reins, and shouted, “Giddy up!”

And out they went.

Qi Xian took a deep breath, internally reminding himself not to stoop to this scoundrel Liu Laosan’s level; a gentleman must maintain decorum, barely restraining himself from impulsively cursing after the departing carriage: “Shameless scoundrel!”

Shi Tou suppressed his laughter, dutifully advising, “Young master, the wind is strong outside, please get on the carriage.”

Qi Xian glanced at him, fully knowing that Shi Tou wanted to laugh!

Straight-faced, Shi Tou helped his young master onto the carriage.

“Young master, what exactly did Teacher give Mr. Liu?” Shi Tou asked curiously.

Qi Xian’s puffed-up cheeks relaxed, revealing a mischievous grin, “Since Teacher sent it, naturally it’s something good.”

Shi Tou: Young master, you are skilled in stating the obvious.

Soon as they were out of the city, Liu Ji was hit by a cold gust of wind, causing him to sneeze loudly, almost blowing out a snot bubble. Quickly, he reached for the backup cotton coat hanging by the carriage door, awkwardly slipping his hands into it like a poncho to shield the front of his chest against the wind, which helped.

Once the carriage was on the road heading towards Kaiyang County, Liu Ji used one hand to hold the reins, while impatiently probing behind the carriage curtain with his other hand, eager to extract the wooden box Qi Xian had given them to see its contents.

Yet his hand groped only empty air.

In a hurry, he lifted the curtain to look back, only to find Qin Yao had at some point secured the wooden box onto her lap, reminding him righteously, “Liu Ji, be a man of your word; since I promised Qi Xian to supervise, I will follow through.”

Seeing her fists as big as sandbags and his own shivering body, Liu Ji decisively dropped the curtain, conceding the sea is wide after retreatment.

Unexpectedly, as he let the curtain down, Qin Yao opened the box herself.

After all, Qi Xian hadn’t forbidden her from looking.

Sweeping a quick, curious glance inside, Qin Yao lifted an eyebrow with a “Wow~”, Liu Laosan you’re in luck!

Inside the box lay a heap of “winter homework” set by Gongliang Liao for dear Mr. Liu!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep