As soon as the proprietor heard Gu Shengyin's words, he knew that she came with bad intentions. (那店家一聽顧盛因開口就知道來者不善)

He scanned Gu Shengyin from head to toe; his eyes spotted a Qianhu1 green duìjīn2 that was ten points not eye-catching and his pupils shrank.

The most important thing for businessmen was that they must have a good eye. The clothes of the woman in front of him, if he saw it correctly, should actually be made with “Qianhu green”, a fabric from Jiangnan. (眼前這女子身上的衣物，若是他看得不錯，所用面料應該是來自江南的"千湖綠")

She wore a Qianhu green top, the hem of her skirt swaying lightly as she walked; the light breeze fluttering through gave the feel of the sun dappled across sparkling waters, which was well received by the n.o.ble ladies.

Qianhu green was extremely precious and rare. Even if a few dozen of them were made each year, the majority of them were offered as tribute. Families that could use Qianhu green to make clothes…

The proprietor put on a smile: “I wonder what this xiao jie wants to enlighten me with?” (店家臉上堆出一個笑容："這位小姐不知有何見教)

Gu Shengyin did not want to speak up for Zhang Mingshu, but she had an objective and did not wish to offend people.

“Coincidentally, my family has a box of rubies. Regardless of the color or transparency, they are all much better than the ones that the proprietor has. This price, the proprietor is not sincere ah.” She pointed out.

Sure enough, the proprietor's face changed. With a forced smile, he faced towards Zhang Mingshu and bowed: “I am truly sorry to this xiao jie. This was originally my wife's item but was taken out. Unexpectedly, it was misplaced today and was seen by this xiao jie. I deliberately announced a higher price thinking to let you back out on the purchase. Here, I give you an apology.” (那店家果然面色一變，強笑了笑，朝着張明姝彎了彎腰："實在是對不住這位小姐。這紅寶石原是我們老闆娘的物件，不外賣的。哪知今日放錯了地方，被小姐您看到了，我才故意報了個高價，想讓您知難而退的。這裡給您賠不是了。)

Zhang Mingshu did not have a clear understanding of the situation, but was still aware that there was a problem with this ruby.

Her face was somewhat unsightly. She did not intend to ask for the ruby that she had previously chosen.

Turning her head to see that Gu Shengyin had already stepped outside, she quickly chased after her with her maidservant.

“This xiao jie, please wait.” Zhang Mingshu called out softly behind Gu Shengyin.

Gu Shengyin was precisely waiting for this call and paused her footsteps: “This gu niang3 is calling me?”

Zhang Mingshu walked a couple steps to catch up with Gu Shengyin: “Just now, many thanks to xiao jie for speaking on my behalf.”

Gu Shengyin indifferently smiled: “I merely can't bear to see that proprietor subst.i.tute shoddy goods, that's all.”

Zhang Mingshu thought for a moment: “Today, I am truly thankful to xiao jie. I don't know if it is possible to let this little woman be a host and invite xiao jie to a meal to express my grat.i.tude?”

Gu Shengyin, of course, refused.

Naturally, Zhang Mingshu would not let her refuse, so Zhang Mingshu invited Gu Shengyin to come to her house.

“Zhang gu niang lives alone?” Gu Shengyin appeared surprised as she asked.

Her question caused Zhang Mingshu's eyes to turn red and Gu Shengyin promptly apologized. (她這一問，張明姝就是眼眶一紅，顧盛因連忙告罪)

Zhang Mingshu changed the subject and chatted with Gu Shengyin about other things.

She was surprised to find that her new friend was extremely knowledgeable. Regardless of what she was talking about, she could answer and show exceptional consideration to her feelings.

Zhang Mingshu suddenly felt like she had become close friends with Gu Shengyin.

In the capital, although living in Zhenbei w.a.n.gfu, she was still an orphan. Those young ladies from n.o.ble families did not put her in their eyes. Thus, even though Zhenbei w.a.n.gfei frequently took her out, she did not make any friends. (是以鎮北王妃雖然經常帶她出門，卻沒有交到幾個要好的朋友)

Ever since being placed in this courtyard, she had become even more unable to find someone to communicate with. It was rare to meet someone who she could talk with so Zhang Mingshu was naturally happy.

By the time a servant brought out food, Zhang Mingshu had already changed her mouth to Meng jiejie. (等到下人將飯菜端上來的時候，張明姝已經一口一個孟姐姐了)

Of course, Gu Shengyin could not leave the house and only said that her family name was Meng, taking on her mother's family name.

JMin's Corner:

How is everyone doing? Hope all is well ?

Ari's Corner:

1. Qianhu means ‘thousand lakes'; Hubei is known as the Province of a Thousand Lakes, but we don't know if the story is set in a real world setting or not↩

2. b.u.t.toned Chinese jacket or a top↩

3. girl / young woman / young lady / daughter / paternal aunt (old)↩

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