Chapter 350 - 207: Forced to Sell the Embroidered Screen_1
Qian Hua was drenched in sweat with worry. "Miss," he said, "some noblemen came to the shop, accompanied by eunuchs with dust whisks. It must be a Prince. They asked to see the embroidered screen, and when I told them it was at the Weiguo Duke Mansion, their faces darkened. They demanded that we go with them to Liang Mansion. I’m afraid that those people are not ones the Liang Family can afford to offend..."
Qian Yixiu felt a sinking feeling in her heart. The imperial relatives were not someone even Old Lord Liang could afford to offend. Besides, it wouldn’t be right to involve the Liang Family in offending such noble people, even though she had once saved Uncle Liang’s life.
She regretted not having sold the screen to Huang Wanchun or Prince Consort Pan. Selling it to Huang Wanchun would have made her more money. Selling it to Prince Consort Pan could have built a good relationship. But she just couldn’t bear to part with it, indulging in wishful thinking until now, still unable to keep it safe. If that nobleman insisted on buying, no matter how much they were willing to pay, she wouldn’t dare to bargain. Such a loss it would be.
With a heavy heart, Qian Yixiu straightened her clothes and followed Qian Hua to the front of the shop.
At the back door of the shop, they saw a pale, beardless man holding a dust whisk standing there. Seeing her approach, he blocked her with his hand and said, "No idlers allowed." His voice was shrill, unlike that of an ordinary man.
Qian Yixiu shivered. Was this the so-called ’Rootless Man’?
Qian Hua bowed with a smile. "Two eunuchs, this young lady is my master."
When Qian Yixiu entered the hall, she saw a man sitting in a chair with two men standing behind him. The seated man was dressed in brocade and had an arrogant demeanor with an imposing attitude.
One of the standing men asked, "Is this young girl the owner of the Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop?" Seeing Qian Hua nod, he continued, "This is Prince Shou, Zhu Hongtang. We’ve heard that your embroidered screen is exquisite, with unparalleled embroidery skills, and His Highness wishes to see it for himself."
Prince Shou, Zhu Hongtang, the Emperor’s brother, though not of the same mother, was highly trusted by the Emperor and in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Hearing this, they hurriedly knelt down to kowtow. "The humble subjects pay respects to Your Highness." Then, Qian Yixiu informed, "Your Highness, the screen is currently at the Weiguo Duke Mansion."
Prince Shou stood up and said, "Let’s go take a look together, then."