Chapter 46: Reencounter with Xing Dairong

Chapter 46: Reencounter with Xing Dairong

Lu Lingyun, enjoying her leisure time, was walking back when she encountered Qiu Ling coming out.

"Madam," Qiu Ling greeted her with a beaming smile, approaching eagerly.

"Where are you headed?" Lu Lingyun asked.

"Out for a stroll," Qiu Ling said, looking pleadingly. "Madam, I heard there's a new thing on the street called soap. It's much better than our household's soap nuts and leaves clothes fragrant. Shall we go see it together?"

"Sure."

Lu Lingyun had nothing else to do, so checking out the new item sounded good.

She instructed the Ningyang Marquis's residence to prepare a carriage and went out with Qiu Ling.

Soon, the carriage arrived at Dong Street.

Dong Street was known for having the most expensive and best goods in the entire Imperial City.

The usual visitors here were the noble ladies of the capital.

Lu Lingyun and Qiu Ling got off the carriage, and a newly opened, crowded general store caught her attention.

"Yes, that's the place!" Qiu Ling pointed excitedly.

"New Continent Department Store?"

Lu Lingyun read the sign aloud.

This name was refreshingly unique. Most shops in this era were named after their proprietors or locations, like Zhaoji Inn or Liuji Cloth Shop, or after places, such as Lake Zhou Dumplings or Liuzhou Vermicelli.

More refined shops might use names like Zhai, Ge, Lou, or Tang, followed by what they sold, like Baozhi Tang or Yashu Zhai.

Others commonly used auspicious terms like Jufu, Jubin, or Xike paired with their restaurants or inns.

But the New Continent Department Store stood out to Lu Lingyun.

It was a name she had never seen before.

And the combination of words reminded her somewhat of the self-service restaurant Xing Dairong had set up previously.

"Intriguing." She smiled, leading Qiu Ling and two maids into the store.

Upon entering, they were greeted by a faint floral fragrance.

The sales attendant was enthusiastically discussing something with several brightly dressed women. "This is the soap everyone's talking about. All the noble ladies in the city are using it now."

"A light rub and the stains come right off. Unlike those old soap powders that take multiple washes, this is perfect for our expensive silk brocades."

"Is it really that good?" Qiu Ling asked, stepping closer.

The attendant glanced at Qiu Ling, noticing her embroidered satin coat, gold hairpin, and gold bracelet. This attire indicated she was from a wealthy family; even moderately well-off households couldn't afford such clothing.

Wearing gold and silver was not just a phrase but a sign of significant wealth.

Some families of lesser means, or even the wives of officials from the literati, might not have such elaborate accessories and clothing.

Qiu Ling clearly came from a wealthy household.

Immediately, he turned his attention to her, grinning. "Yes, sister. Your satin coat needs gentle handling. With this soap, one rinse and a light rub will do the trick."

"You should get the scented one. It leaves a lingering fragrance! One tael per piece."

Qiu Ling turned to Lu Lingyun, delighted. "Madam, this is it!"

Lu Lingyun smiled gently. "Let's buy it."

It was a bit pricey, but Lu Lingyun was willing to try new things.

With her approval, Qiu Ling exclaimed loudly, "Attendant! Wrap ten pieces of this soap for us."

"Right away—"

Before he could finish, a sharp, mocking voice interrupted from behind the counter.

"We don't sell to you!"

As the voice faded, a young woman in a pale pink dress and a peach-colored vest emerged from the inner room.

Her hair was styled in an unmarried girl's bun, adorned with a single pearl silver hairpin, and she wore a jade bracelet. However, the quality was mediocre, making it appear cheap.

Not particularly expensive.

Yet, she seemed to hold a high position in the store. The attendant, who was about to lose a big sale, immediately fell silent.

He couldn't afford to offend her.

Under everyone's gaze, the young woman stopped in front of Qiu Ling and Lu Lingyun, smiling mockingly. "Well, if it isn't the Madam and Aunt Qiu from the Ningyang Marquis's residence."

Saying this was Xing Dairong.

Xing Dairong's tone was unfriendly, and Qiu Ling retorted without hesitation. "Well, if it isn't the former Miss Xing from the Floating Fragrance Pavilion?"

Hearing the words "Floating Fragrance Pavilion," Xing Dairong's anger flared again. She gritted her teeth, glaring fiercely. "Aunt Qiu, it's been a while, but you're still acting like a servant."

"Likewise, you shameless runaway courtesan, you haven't improved much either."

Xing Dairong was livid. "Ha! That foul mouth of yours deserves a good beating, Lu Lingyun. You'd better control your dog, or I'll beat it without regard for its master!"

"Ah! You're the one who..." Qiu Ling raised her hand in anger.

At this moment, Lu Lingyun called out, "Enough, Aunt Qiu."

As soon as she spoke, Qiu Ling reluctantly lowered her hand.

Seeing her humiliated, Xing Dairong was delighted. "Hmph, a dog is still a dog, claiming not to be a servant."

Seeing Qiu Ling about to flare up again, Lu Lingyun grew slightly impatient. "Miss Xing, what do you want?"

"I don't want anything. This is my shop, and I can sell it to whoever I want."

"This is your shop?"

"Of course, this shop is mine. My business is thriving; the soap I developed is selling like hotcakes all over the Imperial City." Xing Dairong looked smug, clearly showing off that she could live well without them.

She also hoped to see shock and regret in their eyes.

Unfortunately, Lu Lingyun remained with a faint smile. "Then congratulations to you."

With no reaction from her, Xing Dairong glared at her with envy. "I'm nothing like some people, who are just parasites, lacking any talent!"

At this moment, Qiu Ling's voice came, "I know, some people rely on their talents in bed, moving from one man to another."

"You're asking for it!" Xing Dairong couldn't hold back anymore and raised her hand to strike Qiu Ling.

Just then, a hand firmly grabbed her wrist. Lu Lingyun held her tightly and looked at her coldly. "What are you doing!"

"Did you hear what she said? She insulted me!"

"It's not your place to discipline her!" Lu Lingyun coldly threw her hand away.

Xing Dairong, enraged, glared at Lu Lingyun. "Do you know who I am now?"

"Who?" Lu Lingyun looked at her calmly. "A young lady or a madam of which household? Or perhaps a concubine?"

"Luo Heng promised to marry me as his main wife! With an eight-person sedan chair and proper marriage arrangements!" Xing Dairong became more excited and proud as she spoke. "When that happens, my status will be the same as yours! We'll both be the mistresses of our households! Lu Lingyun, you can keep that scoundrel Cheng Yunshuo!"

Lu Lingyun looked at her and smiled faintly, waving to her servants. "Let's go!"