Best friends dressed up in ancient times to become mistresses? You run, I run too!

When they were at the villa in the capital, Zhiyuan and the other girl had met Liu Zhiyi and knew that she was an old friend of Shen Ningzhu and was very much liked by her.

For some reason, Shen Ningzhu did not intend to bring the person with her.

Didn't I expect him to come back today?

It seems they'll be staying by Shen Ningzhu's side from now on. Given how much Shen Ningzhu cares about that woman, there's no room for either of them in the future.

"Oh, Miss, I just remembered that Zhiyi's name seems similar to that of that Zhiyi girl. What should we do?"

Paper Kite's eyes darted around as she tentatively broke the silence.

Her gaze was fixed on Shen Ningzhu, as if afraid to miss a single expression. She wanted to test whether, in Shen Ningzhu's heart, she and Zhiyi were more important, or Liu Zhiyi.

A single name is enough to tell the whole story.

If Shen Ningzhu forces Zhiyi to change her name, it means that Liu Zhiyi holds a higher place in her heart.

Conversely, if Liu Zhiyi were to change her name, it would mean that the two of them were superior to Liu Zhiyi.

Once we've tested the waters thoroughly, we'll be better prepared to act accordingly in the future.

However, to her surprise, Shen Ningzhu only glanced at her indifferently, a glance that gave her the illusion that her thoughts had been seen through.

He instinctively avoided her gaze, forcing himself to pretend that nothing had happened.

She said indifferently,

"It's just a name. Just because you use it doesn't mean others can't. Just keep it as it is. Changing it all the time is a hassle and requires a lot of brainpower to remember."

Paper kite and paper meaning: ...

Soon, the three of them found Butler Zhang.

The other party seemed to be busy with something. When he saw the group of people coming, a hint of suspicion flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his usual refined demeanor.

"Miss Shen, is there something you need to see this old servant about?"

Shen Ningzhu nodded.

He calmly took a folded piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Butler Zhang.

"I need the herbs listed here. Prepare 30 portions according to the dosage in the prescription."

The butler accepted it with both hands and readily agreed.

Shen Ningzhu was somewhat surprised. "Ahem, Uncle Zhang, won't you take a look? The medicinal herbs on this list are quite expensive."

The housekeeper opened it, glanced at it, and still smiled, saying there was no problem.

Shen Ningzhu blinked her fox-like eyes, inwardly marveling, "Is this the domineering aura of royalty?" "I'd also like some pearl powder for my face, is that alright?"

The butler nodded in agreement.

"This old servant remembers that there is a bushel of pearls from the South China Sea that were presented as tribute in the storeroom. I will go and find them for you and send someone to deliver them to your Plum Blossom Garden."

"Ahem, I also want the most expensive rouge and face powder in the capital, as well as various kinds of perfumes and powders."

The butler said with a smile,

"How could I trouble you with such trivial matters, Miss? I had everything purchased early this morning, and I'm sending someone to deliver it to your courtyard right now!"

Shen Ningzhu twitched her lips and went back with her maid. She had only been back in her courtyard for a short while when the things were delivered.

The lead maid carried two small brocade boxes on a tray.

Shen Ningzhu opened each one and looked at it. The box was full of pink pearls, all about the size of a thumbnail, each one round and plump, gleaming with a dazzling luster.

The other box was a small brocade box of melon seeds, probably for her to reward the servants; she was quite thoughtful.

Behind them were a dozen or so maids carrying trays filled with a complete set of expensive rouge and face powder, various fragrant balms and face powders, as well as skin care and cosmetic products.

A row of dressing tables, filled with intricate carvings of golden nanmu wood, were laid out.

In addition, there were eight maids carrying dresses and jewelry.

Embroidered floral dress, Suzhou embroidery moon-shaped dress, floor-length flowing sleeve pleated phoenix-tail dress, jade-colored embroidered branch and flower-patterned ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress).

A silver cloisonné enamel headdress inlaid with gemstones and pearls, a ruby ​​headdress, a silver gilt-gilt kingfisher feather headdress, and five pairs of different jade bracelets. (Image of the silver cloisonné enamel headdress inlaid with gemstones and pearls from the internet. Wow, so beautiful!)

How much is this worth?

What a scoundrel of a man, so generous?

"These are all for me?" Shen Ningzhu pointed to herself, somewhat incredulous.

The maidservant, head bowed and kneeling slightly, replied, "Your Highness, it was all ordered to be done by His Highness."

Shen Ningzhu accepted them all without hesitation;

It's foolish not to take advantage of a good deal. Such beautiful clothes and jewelry, hesitating for even a second would be a desecration.

“Good, they’ll all get a reward. Paper Kite, go and get that box of golden melon seeds, and give each of them some.”

Paper Kite excitedly responded and grabbed a few for each person. Since there was no mistress in the mansion, the maids rarely received any rewards.

Unexpectedly, Shen Ningzhu rewarded them as soon as she entered the manor today, and they were all overjoyed, shouting with delight.

"Thank you, Master, for the reward."

Only then did he leave happily.

Shen Ningzhu glanced at Zhiyuan and Zhiyi, who were looking on expectantly, and casually picked out two bracelets and handed them to them.

"For you."

This prompted the two to express their gratitude once again.

Just then, Liu Zhiyi walked in carrying a food box. "Zhuzhu, get ready to eat."

After speaking, he noticed that there were many more things in the room, and he looked at Shen Ningzhu with questioning eyes.

Suppressing her excitement, Shen Ningzhu ordered Zhiyuan and the other girl to leave. After the door closed, she quickly took Liu Zhiyi's food box and placed it on the table. Then, she excitedly pulled her to open the brocade boxes and wooden chests one by one.

"Look, what is this?"

Liu Zhiyi: ...

Wow... I have to say, these ancient royal families and nobles really ate well!

Look at these exquisite jewelry, the fine embroidery, and the silky fabric.

"Ahhh, sister, I love it!"

Liu Zhiyi gripped Shen Ningzhu's arm tightly and shook it vigorously, so excited that she wanted to shout and scream without caring about her image.

Shen Ningzhu waved her hand.

"Same as always, half for each of us, you choose first."

Ahhh, it's all thanks to her sisters who spoil her. Whenever there's something good, they always let her choose first.

I'm so touched, what can I do?

Liu Zhiyi swallowed hard. "Really...really let me choose first?"

Shen Ningzhu rolled her eyes at her, annoyed. "How could it be fake? Have you forgotten our vow: to get rich and support our sisters?"

Liu Zhiyi felt a little embarrassed.

That's what they say, but all this time, she hasn't given anything in return; on the contrary, Shen Ningzhu has been supporting her all along.

Seeing that she didn't move, Shen Ningzhu nudged her with her shoulder and gave her a look.

Liu Zhiyi chuckled.

"Okay, then I won't be polite, my dear little skirt. Jewelry, cosmetics, here I come, hohoho..."

Shen Ningzhu's lips twitched. "How pathetic. It's just choosing something. Does it have to be so lewd? It's shameful to even look at."

"What do you know? It's just that these things are so beautiful that I'm obsessed with them, crazy about them, and willing to bang my head against a wall for them."

Shen Ningzhu: ...

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent someone to say that there is a banquet tonight that you need to attend with him, and that you should start preparing immediately."