"If you see something you like, don't hesitate to let me know.", Xuan Xu Chen said to Lou Yi. "Although Yu Xiang Pavilion is one of the best shopping pavilions in the kingdom and only the noblest personages can probably afford to go on a spree here, it should still be within the Prime Minister manor's budget to buy a few pieces for Second Princess."
"This seemingly humble tone doesn't suit a person who is above a thousand and below one.", Lou Yi chided amusingly.
The man chuckled at her words as well. It was then that the shopkeeper came forward to greet them.
"Greetings, Prime Minister, esteemed guest.", the shopkeeper bowed to them in respect. "This humble servant welcomes you to our shop."
"Rise.", the Prime Minister said before introducing Lou Yi to him. "This is the Second Princess of the Zhao kingdom and my future wife. I hope you can treat her well in the future. Princess, this is the shopkeeper of Yu Xiang Pavilion's Xin branch, Xiao Han."
A glint hardly discernible to the people in front of him flashed in the shopkeeper's eyes. "My, it is an honor to know you, esteemed Second Princess of Zhao. It is our shop's blessing to have you visit us today."
Lou Yi softly chuckled upon hearing that. "Such glib tongue. I suppose the pavilion's owner is quite happy with how you handle business then."
The shopkeeper's grin became wider upon hearing that. "Not at all, Your Highness. Not at all."
"Alright, we'd like to see a couple of your best jewelry.", Xuan Xu Chen interrupted them. "I intend to gift my future wife something she'd like. I have heard that you have some new stocks that arrived yesterday."
"Certainly.", Xiao Han moved sideways and gestured for them to come inside. "Let me lead you to a private room first."
"Lead the way."
The shopkeeper went ahead of them first and led them to one of the private rooms on the second floor.
"Please sit back and relax, esteemed guests. We'll bring the goods up in a while.", Xiao Han bowed to them. "I'll have some of my staff bring some snacks and tea in the meantime."
"Go ahead."
The shopkeeper then made his way out of the room. Without waiting too long, a servant girl knocked on the door. Only when Xuan Xu Chen called her in did she dare go inside. She was carrying a plate of pastries and tea, which she quietly and gracefully placed on the table. After checking that nothing is amiss and noting that the guests didn't have any need for her services, the servant girl then withdrew from the room.
"Yu Xiang Pavilion has impeccable service towards their guests.", Xuan Xu Chen started to talk when they were left alone. "In the future, if you want to shop or simply just want to look at some pieces of jewelry and clothes, you can visit here. It is safer and more relaxing to shop here than anywhere else too."
"I can go out anytime I want?", Lou Yi asked in surprise. Although the Xin kingdom is much more open when it comes to the affairs of women, there are still some customs that have not yet disappeared. One of them is that married women should not run around whenever they want. If they need to go out, they either need their mother-in-law's permission or their husband's approval.
"I already told you, everything in the manor will be handed to you in the future." Xuan Xu Chen calmly replied while sipping tea. "You also don't need to ask for my approval when you want to go out. Only that you bring guards with you and you report where you are going before you leave the manor. Otherwise, people will worry."
Lou Yi nodded upon hearing his words. "I appreciate that. I will then do so in the future."