kingnovel Chapter 1240 Treasure Pavilion
Chapter 1240 Treasure Pavilion
It was dusk at the hour of You (5-7 PM).
Orange-yellow paintings filled the sky, and a pear wood carriage slowly stopped in front of the Jubao Pavilion, but no one got off for a long time.
Upon seeing this, the crowd in front of the pavilion whispered among themselves, their tone tinged with arrogance and inquiry: "Who is so presumptuous? Doesn't he know that there are rules in front of the Treasure Pavilion, where carriages and horses must be parked far away?"
"Shh—quiet down!" A man in a brocade robe quickly waved his hand and lowered his voice, saying, "That's the Fifth Chamber of Commerce's carriage! Looking around Yuanzhou, apart from the officials, only the Fifth Chamber of Commerce dares to break this rule... If their former president hadn't curried favor with a powerful figure, how could they have such a distinguished presence?"
"A distinguished person?" Someone pondered for a moment. "Could it be... that person from Liuyang Prefecture?"
"Who else could it be but that person?"
"Speaking of Liuyang Prefecture, I have heard a rumor today. Are any of you aware of it?"
"...Is it about that person who posted a reward for the elixir of the red thorn grass?"
"Exactly! It's quite a coincidence that this item was rumored to have appeared in the market during today's auction. Gentlemen... don't you think there's something rather strange about this?"
"What's strange about this? In my humble opinion, this rumor is probably not deliberately spread by the holder of the herbal sap, but simply to raise its value!"
"To raise one's status?"
"Exactly! Think about it, everyone. Once the news of that bounty was posted... how could the value of this item not rise?"
"Hiss—hit the nail on the head! Absolutely right!"
"Hmph, we'll find out what this thing is like and how much it's worth once we go inside. Gentlemen, please?"
"please!"
Several people, accompanied by their attendants, stepped onto the steps in front of the pavilion. Just as the guards at the door were checking their entry passes, the Fifth Chamber of Commerce's carriage made a sound.
"The person has gotten off..." The group turned to look at the carriage, then all paused in surprise: "A woman?"
The person who got off the carriage was wearing a black veiled hat and had a slender figure. Although they could not see her face clearly, they were certain that she was a woman.
"Is there a female manager in the Fifth Chamber of Commerce?" someone asked in a low voice.
“There isn’t one in Yuanzhou, but…” someone said with suspicion, “Isn’t the eldest daughter of the Fifth Family in Liuyang Prefecture?”
"You mean...?"
"Fifth Tanwei." The man looked at the approaching woman in black veil and nodded confidently: "This woman must be the eldest daughter of the Fifth family, Fifth Tanwei!"
Everyone agreed and wanted to go up and chat, but the auction house had rules against asking others for their identities, so they could only give up and walk inside.
After getting out of the car, Shen Zheng looked at the pavilion in front of her through the black veil of her hat.
Four words: ordinary and unremarkable.
If one did not know in advance, it would be difficult to associate this ordinary building with Yuanzhou's top-tier auction house.
"Lord Shen, this way please—" Chen Zhikuan lowered his voice and quickly stepped forward to lead the way, while Hua Duo followed closely behind Shen Zheng, never leaving her side.
As soon as the three of them stepped onto the steps, a woman with a graceful figure and a fragrant scent came out to greet them.
With a smile on her face, she was in front of the three of them in the blink of an eye: "Oh my, I was wondering why my heart had been pounding so hard since earlier, it turns out it's Brother Chen!"
Despite being separated by a black veil, Shen Zheng was still overwhelmed by the fragrance. Upon hearing the woman's address to Chen Zhikuan, Shen Zheng abruptly stopped in her tracks.
what's the situation?
She turned to look at Chen Zhikuan.
A hint of embarrassment flashed in Chen Zhikuan's eyes. He coughed lightly and was about to speak when the woman's gaze shifted and suddenly landed on Shen Zheng.
"Oh dear—" she exclaimed in surprise, her face showing annoyance, "Brother Chen actually brought a distinguished guest today? I hope the distinguished guest will not take offense at my rudeness."
"Manager Yun..." Chen Zhikuan looked helpless and cupped his hands, saying, "In front of such an honored guest, I hope Manager Yun will not make fun of me anymore."
Cloud Manager?
Upon hearing this form of address, Shen Zheng understood.
Such a lively woman is indeed qualified for the position of manager.
Yunniang covered her mouth and chuckled. Her gaze swept over the hilt of the sword behind Hua Duo, and she paused slightly, looking troubled. "Brother Chen, although your esteemed guest is indeed a esteemed guest of Jubao Pavilion, the rules of the auction are set by the higher-ups. Could you please talk to your esteemed guest about whether the sword... could the pavilion temporarily keep it for your esteemed guest? Once the auction is over, Yunniang will definitely return it to its rightful owner as soon as possible."
Hua Duo frowned subconsciously upon hearing this, until Shen Zheng spoke up: "Then let's put it in the car. We will abide by the rules of the pavilion, and we also hope that Manager Yun can guarantee our safety."
"Of course, please rest assured, esteemed guest!" Seeing Hua Duo put the knife back in the carriage, Yun Niang stepped aside to make way: "Please come in, esteemed guest. The private room upstairs has been prepared. It is clean and bright. If you feel uncomfortable, please just call Yun Niang!"
Chen Zhikuan nodded his thanks and led Shen Zheng into the pavilion.
After entering the cabinet, Shen Zheng felt the scene before her eyes suddenly change in the blink of an eye.
Compared to the unremarkable exterior, the interior of Jubaoge exudes luxury in every aspect.
Beneath their feet was a soft, thick cashmere carpet; above their heads hung exquisitely carved and luxurious palace lanterns; even the walls on both sides were adorned with countless calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and the jade and porcelain pieces on the antique shelves were all treasures.
Looking around, the lobby on the first floor was already full of guests, all of whom were dressed in fine clothes. Their gazes seemed to fall on Shen Zheng unintentionally, then quickly looked away, and then they talked in hushed tones.
Led by the servants, Shen Zheng and the other two went up to the third floor.
Their private room wasn't the best location, but it wasn't bad either; you could see the competition stage just by looking up.
After entering the private room, Shen Zheng did not sit down, but stood in front of the carved railing and looked down at the hall.
Chen Zhikuan stood to her side and behind her, and whispered, "Lord Shen, may I go and find out when the Red Thorn Grass Liquid will be served?"
Shen Zheng looked at a figure who had just entered the hall, shook her head, and quietly asked, "That person... is it Meng Hanshan?"
Chen Zhikuan followed Shen Zheng's gaze, examined it carefully for a moment, and nodded: "It is indeed Lord Meng. Speaking of which... has he seen you before?"
As the two were talking, they saw a servant in the pavilion say something to Meng Hanshan. Meng Hanshan nodded and then looked up at the third floor.
The moment he looked up, Shen Zheng had already retreated back to the private room.
Chen Zhikuan also stepped back. After thinking for a moment, he said in a low voice, "Lord Shen, for your safety, if there are no strong competitors when bidding for the Red Thorn Grass Liquid later, please do not show yourself. I will bid for it myself. What do you think?"
Shen Zheng listened to the faint conversations around her and nodded slowly.
It's good, but how can there be no formidable rivals during the bidding process?
When that time comes, she can't let the Fifth Chamber of Commerce stand in her way while she hides in a private room and reaps the benefits.
"Clang—" A crisp gong sound echoed throughout the pavilion.
As the conversation gradually subsided, Yunniang, with a smile on her face, slowly stepped onto the competition platform under everyone's gaze.
"Distinguished guests, the auspicious time has arrived—"
Yunniang stood in the center of the competition platform, her voice gentle and melodious: "Thank you all for your kindness in taking time out of your busy schedules to gather here and appreciate these rare treasures together!"