Yuanshi and Yuexi watched through the carriage window as it moved deeper into the city. The scenery changed gradually, almost subtly at first, then so completely that it felt like they had crossed into another world.
The dusty roads gave way to wide streets paved with pale marble that reflected the sunlight like water. The air grew clearer, cooler, carrying a faint fragrance of incense and flowers. Bridges arched elegantly over canals of clean, slow moving water, their railings carved with intricate patterns of dragons and clouds.
Even the people walking outside looked different, their robes richer, their movements more refined.
Yuanshi pressed her fingers lightly against the window frame.
"Do you feel that?" she murmured.
Yuexi glanced at her. "Feel what?"
"The air. It feels heavier. Thicker."
Yuexi took a slow breath, then frowned slightly. "You are right. It is strange."
Yuanshi was about to say more when the carriage slowed and came to a stop.
The driver's voice sounded from outside.
"We have arrived at TianShan Pavilion."
They stepped down from the carriage and immediately tilted their heads upward.
The building rose so high that its upper floors disappeared into drifting clouds. Sunlight struck the golden tiles of the roof, making them shimmer like molten metal. Fine bells hung from the eaves, chiming softly whenever the wind passed through.
Both sisters stood there with their mouths slightly open.
"…You can't even see the top," Yuexi muttered.
Yuanshi nodded slowly. "It looks like it was built to reach the heavens."
They climbed the wide stone stairs together. Each step was smooth from years of use, cool beneath their shoes.
At the entrance, an attendant in elegant robes greeted them with a graceful bow. Her clothing alone would have made her stand out as a noble back in their previous city.
"Welcome to TianShan Pavilion, honored madams."
The sisters stepped across the threshold and froze.
The interior was breathtaking.
Crystal lanterns floated overhead, casting a warm golden glow over polished jade floors. Silk curtains in soft colors drifted gently between carved pillars. The air was filled with the layered scents of expensive incense, perfume, and fresh pastries.
Young misses and dignified madams moved about gracefully, their laughter soft, their voices low. Jewelry glittered at every turn, catching the light like scattered stars.
Yuanshi clicked her tongue quietly.
"I have never seen so many beauties gathered in one place."
Yuexi rubbed her hands over her arms, suddenly very aware of their comparatively simple clothing.
"We have a long way to go."
An attendant approached with a respectful bow.
"Would the young madams like some wine or pastries while shopping?"
Before they could answer, another attendant stepped forward.
"My name is Attendant Su. I will assist you today. Would you like to purchase clothing, jewelry, ornaments, or furniture? We have just received a new shipment from Daomin Prefecture."
Yuanshi straightened her posture at once, lifting her chin slightly and adopting a delicate, composed tone.
"Ah, TianShan Pavilion is truly impressive. I would like to see the clothing today."
"Please follow me, miss."
Yuanshi let out a soft laugh.
"Mrs., actually. Madam Duan."
Attendant Su blinked, then bowed deeper. "My apologies, Madam. You look remarkably young. You would not lose to any young miss here."
"Do not flatter me," Yuanshi replied lightly, gesturing toward Yuexi. "My sister in law will also be buying today."
Yuexi stepped forward, her expression cool and aloof.
"I am Duan Yuexi."
They were led up two more levels. With each floor, the décor grew more luxurious, the fabrics richer, the customers more distinguished.
When they reached the clothing hall, Yuanshi's eyes widened. Dresses of every color hung in orderly rows, their fabrics shimmering under the lantern light. Some were embroidered with gold thread, others studded with tiny pearls that glowed softly.
She reached out and touched one sleeve, her fingers sinking into silk so smooth it felt like water.
"The quality is completely different," she whispered.
As Attendant Su introduced various pieces, Yuanshi nodded politely while secretly committing the faces of the women around her to memory.
After trying several outfits, her attention fixed on a deep blue dress embroidered with silver patterns that resembled a starry sky.
Yuexi noticed immediately. "You like that one."
"It is beautiful," Yuanshi admitted.
"Try it."
After some persuasion, Yuanshi disappeared behind a screen.
When she stepped out, the entire room fell silent.
The dress flowed around her like liquid night. Silver threads caught the light with every movement, sparkling like distant constellations. Her long hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and the lotus birthmark beneath her right eye stood out vividly against her pale skin.
She looked as though she had been carved from flawless jade.
A collective sigh rose from the room.
Attendant Su clasped her hands. "Madam, you should absolutely buy this dress. I have never seen anyone wear it so beautifully."
A middle aged woman nearby smiled warmly. "Younger sister, you look stunning. You must buy it."
Yuanshi lowered her gaze shyly. "It is indeed beautiful, but there is no occasion to wear such a dress."
"Nonsense," the woman replied with a wave of her hand. "There is always an occasion for beauty."
Yuexi, however, was frowning deeply at the side.
That dress will be extremely expensive…
She leaned closer and whispered urgently, "You are not seriously buying this, are you? It costs fifty silver taels. That is enough to feed a small family for a year."
Yuanshi smiled calmly. "It is a small investment. Besides, we have plenty of money."
"A dress is not an investment," Yuexi muttered.
Yuanshi tilted her head toward her. "It would look very beautiful on you too."
Yuexi almost choked on her own breath.
They continued browsing, trying on more clothes. The fabrics rustled softly as they moved, attendants constantly adjusting sleeves and hems.
Then Yuanshi collided with someone.
The young miss before them was excessively adorned. Bright fabrics clashed, jewelry clinked loudly with every movement, and her heavy rouge made her face resemble a painted mask.
She looked tacky.
Two similarly dressed girls stood behind her.
The young miss sneered. "I wonder when TianShan Pavilion started letting dogs inside."
Yuexi's temper flared instantly. "You…"
Yuanshi shot her a quick warning look.
Not here.
Then she turned her gaze toward the girl's companions instead.
"Should you really allow your young miss to wander around in such a state of mind?"
The girl stiffened. "What are you implying? How dare you insult me, the Young Miss of the He family?"
Yuanshi gasped softly, covering her lips as if shocked.
"My apologies. I judged unfairly based on appearances. Please forgive this madam for mistaking a stranger's condition. After all, the sages teach us not to judge a book by its cover."
She bowed slightly and walked away without another word.
Yuexi pressed her hand to her mouth, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
Attendant Su looked completely stunned.
As they continued shopping, Yuanshi and Yuexi noticed how cold and snobbish the other young misses were.
Eventually, they gathered their purchases and moved toward the cashier, eager to leave.
Suddenly, a loud commotion erupted.
The tacky Young Miss He was screaming at someone.
"Look at you, Guming. You cannot even pay for a simple hairpin. Your Gu family has fallen so low. What is a pauper like you doing in TianShan Pavilion?"
At the center stood a pale, delicate girl clutching a small box. Her fingers trembled so badly the lid rattled.
"I am sorry," Guming said softly. "I miscalculated my allowance today. I will return it to the shelf."
Young Miss He snorted. "Do not let her leave. She clearly intended to steal."
Another girl chimed in, "How the mighty Gu family has fallen."
"You mean the city lord's daughter cannot afford a hairpin worth thirty taels?"
A crowd gathered, whispers spreading like ripples.
When Yuanshi heard the words city lord, her eyes sharpened. It was as if a light bulb had gone off in her mind.
She stepped forward calmly.
"Add her bill to mine."
The chatter stopped instantly.
She signaled Attendant Su to combine the items with her own purchases, then reached into her purse and paid without hesitation.
Her goods were packed neatly, and Attendant Su followed behind her and Yuexi carrying the bundles.
As Yuanshi stepped toward the exit, a voice called out behind her.
"Miss, please wait."
She stopped.
A slow smirk spread across her face.
"Jackpot."