Chapter 5: Sifting Winds

Li Mei held her arms out as Mei Chen dressed her. The silk fabric felt cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the rough cloth she had worn in her past life.

Not having to dress herself anymore was strange, but the attention was nice. Mei Chen’s gentle hands adjusted the layers with practiced precision, securing sashes and smoothing wrinkles.

“Thank you, Mei Chen,” Xiulan said, appreciating the care.

Mei Chen smiled, her eyes warm. “It’s my pleasure, Miss Xiulan.”

Another maid entered, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and a small, round pill. “Doctor Jin sent this health reinvigoration pill for you,” she announced, placing the items on the table.

Xiulan eyed the pill warily. In Phoenix Kingdom Chronicles , pills and medicine were significant. They could heal, enhance abilities, or even save lives. But they could also be deadly if tampered with or created poorly. Jin’s skill wasn’t in question, but the chain of custody was.

“Thank you,” Xiulan said, dismissing the maid with a nod.

That only left her staring at the soup. Could she trust it? Madam Zhang and her sisters controlled most of the household staff. Only a few exceptions, like Mei Chen, stood outside their influence.

Her stomach growled, reminding her of her hunger. She picked up the spoon and dipped it into the broth. The aroma of chicken and herbs filled her senses. She took a tentative sip. The warmth spread through her, easing some of her tension.

“If anything happens to me now,” she muttered, “Father would be suspicious.”

Mei Chen hovered nearby, concern etched on her face. Xiulan met her eyes and saw genuine worry there. She’d need to lean on Mei Chen more.

“Miss Xiulan,” Mei Chen said softly, “Doctor Jin wouldn’t let anything harm you.”

“I know,” Xiulan replied. “But we can’t be too careful.”

She picked up the pill and inspected it. It looked like any other health reinvigoration pill from the game—smooth, round, and slightly translucent. She hid it inside her robe’s pocket.

“Mei Chen,” Xiulan said, “I need your help more than ever.”

“Of course, Miss Xiulan,” Mei Chen replied without hesitation. “I’m here for you.”

Xiulan took another spoonful of soup, feeling a bit more at ease. “I want to go out today, see the city.”

“Miss Xiulan!” Mei Chen stepped back. “But you’ve only just recovered. Should you really—”

“Actually, it’s perfect timing.” Xiulan traced the rim of her bowl. “The festival means crowds everywhere. We won’t stand out. Plus, everyone who might cause trouble is either confined or busy with the banquet activities.”

She smiled. “Since I was injured, no one expects me to take part. I’m free to do as I please.”

Mei Chen’s shoulders relaxed. “That... makes sense.”

“We’ll need money, though. Could you fetch my purse?”

Mei Chen bowed and retrieved a small embroidered bag from a nearby cabinet. The silk clinked as she set it on the table.

Xiulan sipped another spoonful of soup. “Count it for me?”

Mei Chen emptied the contents onto the table, sorting through the silver pieces. “Eighty-seven taels, Miss Xiulan.”

The amount seemed substantial, but Xiulan frowned. Silver might work for common merchants, but cultivator goods required far more valuable currency. She’d need significantly more resources for her plans.

“Bring out my ornaments and jewels too.”

While Mei Chen retrieved several lacquered boxes, Xiulan finished the last of her soup. The maid arranged the boxes carefully on the table, their brass hinges gleaming in the morning light.

Xiulan opened the first lacquered box. A wave of sympathy washed over her for the original Xiulan. The meager collection inside spoke volumes about her position in the family.

Six loose gemstones lay scattered across the velvet lining: two pale jade pieces no larger than her thumbnail, a deep blue sapphire with a minor inclusion, a modest ruby that caught the morning light, and two small diamonds that sparkled despite their flaws.

The gold necklace featured a single emerald pendant—pretty, but nowhere near the quality noble daughters typically wore. Two sets of matching gold earrings completed the pitiful collection, along with a handful of silver accessories and bracelets strewn about like afterthoughts.

No gold bracelets. Of course not. Those came from admirers and betrothals—neither of which existed for the family’s forgotten daughter.

“Is this everything, Mei Chen?”

“I’m so sorry, Miss Xiulan.” Mei Chen bowed deeply. “This is all.”

“What about promissory notes? Other funds?”

Mei Chen’s shoulders dropped further. “Your monthly allowance remains at five taels, Miss. It hasn’t increased since you were a child.”

“And my sisters’ allowances?”

Stolen novel; please report.

“I don’t know the exact amount...” Mei Chen twisted her hands. “But at least a few hundred taels each month.”

“Of course it is.” Xiulan drummed her fingers on the table.

“Miss Xiulan, if we’re going out, perhaps you shouldn’t wear your best pieces—“

“We’re bringing everything except the silver necklace and earring set.”

“But Miss—“ Mei Chen’s protest died as Xiulan raised her hand.

“Find me the quickest path to an honest jeweler.”

Mei Chen straightened her shoulders. “At once, my lady!” She darted from the room, leaving Xiulan to examine the meager collection once more.

Within minutes, Mei Chen returned with another servant in tow. Together, they wrapped each piece in silk, nestling them carefully into the lacquered boxes. The methodical process reminded Xiulan of how rare items were packed in the game.

A guard appeared in the doorway, his posture rigid. Perfect timing.

“Your name?” Xiulan asked.

“Guard Luo Han greets the Second Daughter.” He bowed stiffly.

“Good. You’ll carry these.” She gestured to the boxes and purse.

The morning air carried a hint of spring crispness as they stepped into the manor grounds. Unlike the chaos of her arrival, their departure proved remarkably simple. The guards at the gate barely glanced up from their posts as the small group passed through.

The city streets bustled with activity. Merchants called out their wares while children darted between market stalls. The aroma of steamed buns and grilled meats wafted from nearby food stands. Xiulan’s stomach tightened with interest, but she pushed the temptation aside. Business first.

Mei Chen led the way and navigated the crowded streets with practiced ease. Behind them, Luo Han’s steady footsteps kept pace. The jewelry boxes remained secure in his arms.

The artisan district emerged around them, marked by increasingly elaborate storefronts. A modest building with polished windows caught Xiulan’s attention and ended up being their destination. A small bell announced their arrival as they stepped inside the jeweler’s shop.

The gentle tinkling faded as an elderly man emerged from behind a beaded curtain. His keen eyes sparkled beneath bushy white brows as he approached their group.

“Welcome to my humble establishment.” He bowed with practiced grace.

“I have some pieces that need appraising,” Xiulan said.

The jeweler gestured toward an ornate table surrounded by cushioned chairs. “Please, make yourself comfortable, young lady.”

Polished wood gleamed as Luo Han set the boxes down. Xiulan settled onto a plush red cushion, appreciating the quality of the furnishings. The jeweler produced a set of delicate tools and a jeweler’s loupe from his sleeve.

“Let us begin.” He opened the first box with reverent care.

The sapphire caught the morning light streaming through the window. The jeweler held it up, examining it through his loupe. “Despite the minor inclusion, this is quite valuable. The color is exceptional—worth at least 3,000 taels.”

He moved to the emerald pendant next. “Remarkable clarity. The setting is pure gold, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. This piece alone would fetch 5,000 taels.”

The ruby gleamed like a drop of blood in his weathered hands. “The cut is masterful. 4,000 taels, easily.”

The diamonds sparkled as he examined them. “These may be small, but their quality is outstanding. 2,500 taels each.”

The jade pieces earned an appreciative nod. “Imperial grade jade. 1,500 taels each.”

He assessed the remaining gold pieces with practiced efficiency. “The additional pieces total approximately 1,000 taels. Altogether, your collection is worth roughly 21,000 taels.”

“Miss Xiulan.” Mei Chen stepped forward anxiously. “The emerald pendant and the ruby were birthday gifts from Lord Lin. Perhaps we shouldn’t—”

Xiulan held up her hand to quiet Mei Chen. The maid’s concern was touching, but they had no time for sentimentality. She considered the jeweler’s appraisal.

It wasn’t wise to sell to the first appraiser, but their time today was limited. The prices seemed reasonable from what she remembered. In Phoenix Kingdom Chronicles , mortal activities were often summarized, focusing more on the immortal side of things. So she wasn’t exactly sure. Still, the values felt right.

The jeweler, sensing her hesitation, leaned forward. “Miss Lin, given the significance of these pieces and their origin from Lord Lin, I can offer an additional 1,000 taels.”

Xiulan’s eyes narrowed slightly. She nodded. “Agreed.”

“Excellent choice,” the jeweler said, his smile widening. “Would you prefer the payment in cash or a promissory note?”

“A promissory note,” Xiulan replied. “Carrying that much silver would be impractical.”

The jeweler nodded and disappeared behind the beaded curtain. Moments later, an official entered, carrying a contract and a seal. The official’s presence added a layer of legitimacy to the transaction, and the red-ink seal was as binding as a notary’s seal.

Xiulan signed the contract with a steady hand. The official pressed the seal into the wax, finalizing the deal. The jeweler handed her the promissory note with a respectful bow.

“Thank you,” Xiulan said, tucking the note into her coin purse.

As they left the shop, Luo Han carrying the now-empty boxes, Mei Chen couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. “Miss Xiulan, what do you need so much money for?”

Xiulan smiled, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Mei Chen, take us to the treasure pavilion.”

Mei Chen’s eyes widened in surprise. “The treasure pavilion, Miss Xiulan? Why would you want to go there? It’s not a place for us?”

Xiulan waved off her concern. “Just some business I need to take care of.”

Mei Chen laughed, shaking her head. “Miss Xiulan, you’re so active now. I shouldn’t be surprised by anything you do.”

Xiulan’s smile broadened. She hadn’t been sure if Blackmere had a treasure pavilion, but this confirmed it. Most counties in Phoenix Kingdom Chronicles did, but not all. They weren’t typical destinations for mortals, which was why Mei Chen’s confusion was fair.

The treasure pavilion dealt almost exclusively with spiritual items and cultivation relics. Immortal goods that held little value for ordinary people. Most wouldn’t even know what to do with them.

There wasn’t any clear list for mortals to even know what there was that they could use.

But that wasn’t true for her. Not anymore.

There was one thing she needed immediately to make her first steps.

“Let’s go.”