Xiao Qiniang had never felt so frustrated. Ever since she learned of her background, she had dedicated her life to meticulous planning. Before speaking or acting, she habitually thought through every possible scenario to ensure nothing went wrong.
She had always believed she did an excellent job, perhaps not perfectly, but at least seven or eight tenths well. This habit had benefited her greatly, yielding many rewards.
Just when Xiao Qiniang thought she could continue to sail smoothly with this habit, she met Li Man'er.
This person never played by the rules. Yet, Li Man'er, without seemingly doing much, could easily shatter her hard-won dignity and respect, leaving her filled with shame and nowhere to hide.
That was the kind of person she was.
Recalling the rumors about Li Man'er from the past, Xiao Qiniang couldn't help but smile bitterly to herself. Who had ever taken those words seriously? Li Man'er had tricked everyone in the world.
"Seventh Miss?" Li Man'er waved a hand in front of Xiao Qiniang. "What is it? What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing," Xiao Qiniang replied. "What were you saying, Man'er sister?"
Li Man'er looked at her with concern, as if genuinely worried about Xiao Qiniang. "Are you alright, Seventh Miss? Your complexion doesn't look good. Did something happen? You can tell me."
"I'm fine," Xiao Qiniang thought to herself, utterly defeated. What could she possibly say to Li Man'er? That jealousy had distorted her features? That she was inferior to Li Man'er?
"I was just thinking of Uncle Gong and feeling a bit wistful. It's almost New Year in two days."
Li Man'er also fell silent. After a moment, she said, "They say everyone's life is predetermined. As the saying goes, life and death are fated, wealth and honor are from heaven. You shouldn't be too sad."
Oh, thank you so much!
She had never encountered such a way of comforting someone.
"You are very thoughtful, sister."
"Don't be sad. I have a way to guarantee you'll feel happy again."
Xiao Qiniang's curiosity was piqued. "What way?"
"For women, when you're angry, sad, or feel wronged, the best solution is shopping, it's buy, buy, buy!"
This was a stress-relief method known to everyone in later generations, though sometimes constrained by economic conditions, preventing most people from indulging.
Now, she had the means. With so much money in hand, it was the perfect opportunity to distract Xiao Qiniang.
"Buy, buy, buy?"
"Yes, shopping makes us happy. We buy lots of good things, beautiful things, and our mood will naturally improve," Li Man'er said. "We came out shopping specifically to pick gifts for you, so this is the perfect chance for a 'tycoon's cure' for your unhappiness."
Tycoon?
Xiao Qiniang had never heard the word, but its meaning was easy to guess.
"I..."
Before she could speak, Li Man'er grabbed her and pulled her towards the street, declaring with immense generosity, "Everything today is on me."
With that, she dragged Xiao Qiniang and rushed into a nearby shop.
The people guarding Xiao Qiniang quickly followed, afraid of losing sight of the two.
Li Man'er seemed to have no ulterior motives, only a desire for pure shopping. She bought seven or eight bolts of fabric alone, choosing the most expensive and fashionable ones, spending money without batting an eye. Hundreds of taels of silver were casually paid out, stunning not only the shop owner but also everyone accompanying Xiao Qiniang.
If Xiao Qiniang hadn't stopped her, Li Man'er might have bought out the entire shop.
"That's enough. Money isn't meant to be spent like this."
"I'm happy," Li Man'er said. "Let's go buy some rouge and powders."
Servants carried the bolts of fabric to the carriages. Li Man'er, with Xiao Qiniang in tow, entered a shop selling rouge and powders.
This shop sold all sorts of grooming and beautifying items for women: hair oils, face powders, lipsticks, and various kinds of rouge. There were even bath beans for washing and salt for rinsing the mouth.
In a later era, this would be a one-stop cosmetics store.
Li Man'er bought quite a lot again, instructing people to carry it to the carriages.
"Is that enough?" Xiao Qiniang asked with a wry smile, having spent another two hundred taels without blinking. "No need to buy more. I'll have to use these things until next year."
However, after buying all these items, her mood did seem to improve a little.
"That won't do. Let's buy some jewelry, jade pendants, and other small trinkets," Li Man'er suggested. "It's New Year, we need to add a few precious items."
"I bought a few last time. That's enough."
"That won't do."
Xiao Qiniang helplessly tugged on Li Man'er's arm. "Just listen to me. I can barely walk. We spent so long picking out fabrics and then bought so much powder, my feet are hurting."
"Then... let's go sit in the teahouse next door," Li Man'er pleaded softly with Xiao Qiniang. "We've finally come out. Who knows when we'll be able to come again. Let's just browse a bit more!"
Xiao Qiniang patiently agreed. "Alright, we'll go to the teahouse for a while, rest, and have some tea."
"Okay, I'll pay," Li Man'er said.
Xiao Qiniang wasn't sure what Li Man'er was up to, so she decided to follow her and see what she intended to do.
The two found a grand teahouse and went directly to the second floor, requesting a private room.
The main hall downstairs was almost chaotic. Xiao Qiniang couldn't help but frown, feeling an inexplicable premonition, as if something significant was about to happen.
"What would you like to drink, honored guests? Our teahouse offers a complete selection of teas, all fresh from this year's harvest. We guarantee quality and fair prices, ensuring you'll want to return. Our pastries are meticulously crafted by master chefs, using fine ingredients, with flavors you won't find anywhere else."
Li Man'er tossed a small silver ingot. "You speak so well. This is for you."
The young waiter's face lit up with a wide grin. "Thank you, young master, for your generosity." He naturally knew Li Man'er was a woman, but flattering guests was his specialty. He knew exactly what to say and what not to say.
"Serve us a pot of your best tea, and two types of pastries. Include a plate of the Eight Treasures Assortment. There will be a reward if you serve us well."
"Yes, yes, yes. Please wait a moment, honored guests."
Zhuyu and two older women stood behind Xiao Qiniang. Others were either guarding the carriages, looking after the goods, or waiting downstairs. In accordance with Xiao Qiniang's instructions, they had blocked both the front and back entrances of the teahouse, fearing Li Man'er might escape.
Li Man'er was well aware of their intentions. If she truly wanted to escape, even with more guards, none of them could stop her.
Soon, the tea and snacks were served. Li Man'er said, "My throat is so dry, I need a drink first."
Unseen by anyone, she held a fine, smoke-like powder, which she carefully poured into the teapot through the spout.
Li Man'er poured herself a cup of tea and began to drink in front of everyone.
Xiao Qiniang naturally assumed the tea was fine and also drank a cup.