Chapter 32: Overlook One Thing for Another

“That’s only natural. Cousin-in-law has always been exceptionally clever, otherwise my brother and my cousin wouldn’t be so enamored, thinking of her day and night!”
Hua Qinci couldn’t quite grasp the undertones in Liu Bingbing’s words, but for now, she had to avoid this foolish adversary to prevent further trouble. There was truth in what she said: this place was nothing like the countryside. Here, whether merchant or noble, everyone had a sharp mind, and their livelihood depended on it.
Therefore, she must act cautiously, hoping to find someone willing to spend a hefty sum for this ginseng root.
The countryside was not like the city. The bustling streets here were filled with crowds. Not long ago, she traveled with a retinue of maids and servants, living in luxury. Now, she had to seek out her own sustenance—how absurdly laughable.
“Cousin, cousin, I want this, I want this!” Liu Bingbing exclaimed as she shopped along the way. Hua Qinci understood that this was the deposit for dividing the silver, as well as spending money for various expenses in the city.
She had intended to say a few words, but just as she was about to speak, Qin Youtian came over, brimming with excitement, and pulled her toward a stall.
“Darling, look—if you like anything, I’ll buy it for you.”
The stall was dazzling with gold hairpins and jade ornaments, an array of beautiful jewelry. Hua Qinci glanced over—after all, what woman doesn’t like pretty things? She fancied a silver tassel hairpin, which seemed inexpensive yet attractive.
Just as she was about to ask the price, Liu Bingbing snatched it away.
“Oh, it’s so pretty! Cousin, I want this! I want this!”
Liu Bingbing ignored Hua Qinci, her face lit with joy.

Qin Youtian, unable to shake off Liu Bingbing’s persistence, paid for the hairpin and took it in hand. “This is for your cousin-in-law. You can pick another.”
“No, I like this one. Besides, cousin-in-law didn’t say she wanted it; she just glanced at it. I said I wanted it first.”
Hua Qinci gave Liu Bingbing a sidelong glance; her good mood vanished instantly, and she turned away.
Qin Youtian was left flustered, caught between them.
Seeing Liu Bingbing’s relentless pestering, the vendor quickly produced an identical hairpin and smiled, “Young man, why not buy another? The second one will be half price.”
Noticing that Hua Qinci had already walked away, Qin Youtian hurriedly paid and ran after her.
“Qinci, wait for me! Look, this is the one you liked—I bought it especially for you.”
Qin Youtian held the hairpin out to Hua Qinci. She was delighted at first, but Liu Bingbing dashed over, now wearing the identical hairpin in her hair.
Hua Qinci’s extended hand turned into a wave, and the hairpin fell to the ground.
She scowled, not bothering to look back as she walked away.
Liu Bingbing, laden with bags and holding a candied hawthorn in her mouth, finally picked up the discarded hairpin, dusted it off, and said, “See? I told you cousin-in-law wouldn’t like it, but you didn’t believe me. What a waste.”
She tried to put it in her own hair, but Qin Youtian snatched it away.

“Even if she doesn’t like it, it belongs to your cousin-in-law. Even if it sits unused for a lifetime, it can’t be given to anyone else.”
“Hmph, am I someone else? Am I? I’m your eldest cousin!” Liu Bingbing protested indignantly.
She put her things onto the ox cart and led the ox toward the market.
They intended to sell the ox first—to get as much money as possible, as their aunt had instructed.
“Let’s go. We’ll sell the ox first.”
“Hmph, it’s all that vixen’s fault.”
The two women went their separate ways, one heading east, the other west. Qin Youtian finally chose to follow Liu Bingbing.
“Qinci, I’m going to sell the ox first. We’ll meet later at the Auspicious Inn.”
Before Hua Qinci could reply, he dashed off in the direction where Liu Bingbing had disappeared into the crowd.
Hua Qinci stopped, her expression dark and troubled—she was utterly vexed.