I was a stepmother in ancient times, and I led my whole family to wealth.

Chapter 342 Treasure Pavilion

Duan Jing'an didn't expect her to say these things. It seems that growing up in a farming family and not being around Prince Dun and his wife has left her without any of the petty-mindedness typical of farmers.

"We can't spoil them."

"Alright, sister-in-law, I don't buy for them every day. I only do it because they respect you and treat Xiao Ning'er well."

You know that in some households, the concubine's daughters are at odds with the legitimate daughters and have all sorts of ulterior motives to harm them.

Look, these two in our family have clear eyes. Although they may have some ulterior motives, they have no intention of harming anyone.

I was meeting this aunt for the first time, and although I couldn't treat her as an equal, I couldn't be unfair to her either.

That would be counterproductive and only cause trouble for my sister-in-law and niece.

"Sister-in-law, don't worry, I really don't need this much money. Your sister-in-law has money."

Don't forget, my father is a prince, and my mother is a princess.

"But……"

"Alright, sister-in-law, you pick some for your nephews. I'm not good at this."

Then, Dongfang Jin picked out a white jade necklace.

The jade is warm and delicate, and feels warm to the touch. Each jade bead is round and full, uniform in size, and exudes a soft luster.

The necklace's clasp features a delicate orchid pattern outlined in gold wire, adding a touch of elegance.

She placed the necklace around Gu Yingchun's neck and said softly, "Yingchun, the purity of this jade suits your gentle temperament perfectly. May your future days be as peaceful and beautiful as this jade."

Gu Yingchun lowered her head slightly, a blush rising on her face, and softly thanked him, her fingers gently stroking the jade bead, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"Miss, the Second Madam is so kind."

"Okay, be careful."

Ruyi, [These servants are quite good.]

Hmm, not bad, no one's been gossiping.

You have a good eye for people, sister-in-law.

[She is, after all, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Wen; even if she is weak, she has received higher education.]

【Too. 】

Finally, Dongfang Jin picked up a pair of red coral earrings. The coral was rich in color and lustrous in texture, as red as a burning flame, exuding a mysterious and noble aura.

The earrings are also adorned with several small pearls, the round pearls complementing the vibrant coral, making them even more exquisite.

She handed the earrings to Gu Xuening and said gently, "Ning'er, these corals are bright and eye-catching, and they can bring out your playful and lively personality. Wearing them, you will definitely be the most radiant girl in the world."

Gu Ningxue couldn't wait to put on the earrings, winked at herself in the mirror, and the earrings swayed gently with her movements, looking quite beautiful.

In addition to these, Dongfang Jin also selected bracelets inlaid with cat's eye stones, hair combs carved from tourmaline into the shape of flowers, and sachets adorned with tiny sapphires for them.

Each piece of jewelry is exquisite and made of the finest materials, carrying Dongfang Jin's deep affection and blessings for the three girls.

Seeing the three girls holding the jewelry, their faces beaming with happiness, Dongfang Jin's eyes were also filled with tenderness.

She also picked out quite a few items for her two nephews and her sister's family, whom she had never met.

And the children in the family, each of them had something, so you could say they came back with a full load.

After leaving Duobaoge, the group chatted and laughed all the way to Zhenbaozhai, the most prestigious store in the capital. They heard that Zhenbaoge was owned by the Yun family of Nanbu.

This place is filled with countless rare treasures, attracting numerous high-ranking officials, nobles, and literati to linger here.

As soon as the group stepped into the gate of Zhenbaozhai, a rich aroma of sandalwood wafted over them.

The shop is elegantly decorated, with shelves around the perimeter filled with various antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and beautiful jade and rare stones, all radiating a charming luster under the soft light.

Gu Xuening excitedly rushed straight to the area where the exquisite ornaments were displayed.

Her gaze was drawn to a small jade ruyi carved from Hetian jade.

The jade ruyi was lustrous and translucent, warm to the touch, and its head was carved with lifelike lingzhi patterns.

The lines are smooth and natural, and every detail showcases the craftsman's exquisite skills.

She gently picked up the jade ruyi, her eyes sparkling with delight: "Auntie, come and look, this jade ruyi is so beautiful!"

Dongfang Jin walked over with a smile, before she could even speak.

A sharp voice suddenly rang out: "Hmph, what an ignorant girl, you're so enamored with a mere jade ruyi."

Oh, who do we have here? Isn't this the young lady from the Rongguo Duke's mansion?

"We haven't seen you in ages! What brings you to the Treasure Pavilion?"

Her startled reaction caused everyone to turn around and look at her. They saw that it was Lin Wan'er, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel.

She was dressed in a gorgeous brocade dress and wore a gold crown inlaid with rubies. She was looking at Gu Xuening with disdain.

Dongfang Jin frowned. This person was really ugly. Apart from having big breasts, all of his facial features were small, as if he was underdeveloped.

This is outrageous! Anyone, no matter how small, can bully the young ladies of the Rongguo Duke's mansion.

It seems my father-in-law is truly a despicable person.

"Whose household is this?"

Duan Jing'an's face was rather unpleasant, and she said coldly, "She is Lin Wan'er, the eldest daughter of Lin Haifeng, the newly appointed Minister of Personnel last year. She is fifteen years old."

I heard she just got engaged to the second son of the Marquis of Ping'an.

Ye Zi said angrily, "This Lin Wan'er is Hua Ling Shu's lackey."

Duan Jing'an tugged at Ye Zi's arm: "Ye Zi!"

Marquis Ping'an?

Zhou family.

It seems that the family of the Duke of Zhenguo is related by marriage.

Is this a case of someone borrowing the tiger's power?

When Gu Xuening heard her speak, her face turned bright red instantly. She gripped the jade ruyi tightly, bit her lower lip, and a hint of grievance appeared in her eyes.

Seeing this, Dongfang Jin stepped forward and said calmly, "Miss Lin, everyone has a love for beauty."

Xue Ning was merely admiring the exquisite craftsmanship of the jade ruyi; she wondered why Miss Lin had spoken so rudely.

Lin Wan'er sneered, and when she saw Dongfang Jin's beautiful face, a hint of jealousy flashed in her eyes: "Who are you? Stop pretending to be a good person."

"Go ahead and buy it if you dare! Can you even afford it?"

Dongfang Jin looked at her face, which was twisted with jealousy: "You have to think about it. Here, we'll look at something else."

Xiao Ning'er, give her the jade ruyi.

Remember, we don't harm people, and we're not easy to bully.

You are the legitimate daughter of the Rongguo Duke's Mansion. As long as the Rongguo Duke's Mansion still exists, no one will dare to bully you.

Besides, you also have your aunt.

Lin Wan'er twisted the handkerchief in her hands and looked at them angrily: "Do you think that just because you've gotten involved with the Rongguo Duke's Mansion, you can do whatever you want in the capital?"

How dare you boast! Today I'll see how long you can protect her!

"It's just a dilapidated ducal mansion. They're just pampered children at home; what's there to be so proud of?"

As she spoke, she reached out to snatch the jade ruyi from Gu Xuening's hand.

Gu Xuening subconsciously took a step back, but accidentally bumped into the shelf behind her.

With a loud crash, several precious porcelain pieces were knocked to the ground and shattered into pieces.

The store fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were on them.

Some gloated, some watched coldly, some scorned and disdainfully, some mocked, and some pitied.

Lin Wan'er shouted gloatingly, "Gu Xuening, you're in trouble."

Dongfang Jin watched all this, wondering what kind of life the mother and son were living in the Rongguo Mansion.

Duan Jing'an seems too weak and easily bullied, being bullied wherever she goes.

Isn't it said that mothers are strong?

Ruyi, [it's probably because of the trouble caused by your arranged marriage.]

That's quite possible.

Ruyi, [It seems that the mother and daughter are not in a good situation.]

It seems I need to talk to Gu Chenglin; his brother still seems to have some reservations about his wife.

[It doesn't look like it at all.]

What do you know?

【without】

The shop assistant at Zhenbaozhai turned pale upon seeing this and rushed over, exclaiming, "What... what are we going to do? These porcelain pieces are the shop's prized possessions!"

His shout interrupted her conversation with Ruyi.

Ruyi jumped up and down in the space, "[Jin-jie, is this junk the store's prized possession?]"