Just as Qi Haoxuan left, Qi Hongzhi came looking for him.
"What did you say? Nineteenth Uncle just left?" Qi Hongzhi’s eyes widened. "Where did he go?"
The steward expressed that he didn’t know and didn’t dare to ask.
Qi Hongzhi huffed and left angrily. Yesterday, Qi Haoxuan left him behind at the hunting grounds, and he planned to come today to demand justice from Nineteenth Uncle, only to find that Nineteenth Uncle wasn’t home.
At this time, Qi Haoxuan was taking Tianmiao to stand in front of an antique shop. This antique shop was the largest in the Capital City and was opened by another Prince. Qi Haoxuan would occasionally come to see if there were any interesting things.
Upon seeing Qi Haoxuan enter, the shopkeeper personally came forward to greet him.
"Prince, please come in. A batch of new items arrived a few days ago, would you like to take a look?" The shopkeeper greeted Qi Haoxuan respectfully, catching a glimpse of Tianmiao. Is this woman the one that the Elusive Prince was seeking so publicly the other day? No wonder the Elusive Prince nearly turned the Capital City upside down. Her beauty is just too excessive. He’s been working at the antique shop for decades, seen numerous noble ladies and elegant maidens, yet never seen a woman like Tianmiao.
Her jet-black hair, with a subtle sheen, seemingly matched by the finest jade hairpin. Her features were so flawless, sparkling like stars, her cheeks fair as crème, with a delicate and alluring small red lip beneath her elegant nose. Even more astonishing was her demeanor, every gesture and smile carried an indescribable nobility, no, more accurately, a supreme majesty inspiring worship. How could one feel such about her? Just who is this woman?
"Is there any intricate and amusing piece?" Qi Haoxuan asked. Regarding antiques, he considered some might be brought out from an Ancient Tomb, stuff that he deemed unlucky, unsuitable for Tiantian to use. He was looking for some small, intricately crafted trinket, something exquisite and delicate, preferably.
"Yes, yes, we have a Jade Token. Rest assured, Prince, this is a family heirloom; they had no choice but to sell it, definitely not taken from any unsavory places." The shopkeeper, sharp in his thoughts, immediately understood Qi Haoxuan’s intent upon hearing his words.
"Bring it over," Qi Haoxuan gestured.
After Xiao’er invited Qi Haoxuan and Tianmiao to sit, he served tea. The shopkeeper quickly brought a tray, with a silk cloth covering it. Carefully removing the cloth, he presented the Jade Pendant to Qi Haoxuan on the tray.
Qi Haoxuan touched it and nodded in satisfaction, then handed it to Tianmiao.
Tianmiao received it, feeling cool to the touch, with a jade surface that was crystal clear and intricate floral patterns etched on both sides.
"Do you like it?" Qi Haoxuan looked at Tianmiao expectantly.
"I like it," Tianmiao nodded.
"Buy it!" Qi Haoxuan said directly to the shopkeeper.
"By the way, what does the pattern on this signify?" Tianmiao raised the Jade Token in her hand, smiled at Qi Haoxuan, and asked.
Does the unlearned Qi Haoxuan know the meaning of this pattern? He knows nothing!
He widened his eyes, looking at the Jade Token in Tianmiao’s hand, then caught her trusting gaze, regretting for the first time having dozed off in class.
The shopkeeper observed Qi Haoxuan’s predicament; as much as he wanted to explain, wouldn’t that make the Prince lose face even more? He’s not ready to give up his old life just yet.
"Ah, it seems the Prince has forgotten, but that’s okay, when the Prince remembers, he can tell me later, alright?" Tianmiao said with a gentle smile, "I really like this Jade Token, thank you, Prince, for the gift."