The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Dispute

Xue Yiran found a seat in the main hall and Jinxin immediately called out to the waiter. “Waiter, quickly bring us some tea and snacks for our young master.”
“Right away!” Xiao Jia had just finished serving another table and came over.
“What would you like, young master?”
Xue Yiran had been in the capital for a while but hadn’t had a chance to try the local pastries. Seeing the bustling atmosphere, she thought the food must be good.

Since she wasn’t short on money, she ordered the most expensive pastries and tea.
Xiao Jia was surprised that someone who looked so weak and undernourished would order the most expensive tea in their shop.
Xue Yiran’s flamboyant behavior attracted the attention of the shopkeeper, who hurried over. He looked at the two people dressed as scholars and didn’t think they looked like rich young masters.
“This young master seems to be new here. Our tea and pastries are quite expensive,” the shopkeeper warned.

Xue Yiran looked around and saw that it was just an ordinary tea house, slightly more refined than others. With many people here, she didn’t think it could be that expensive.

Seeing the shopkeeper’s skeptical expression, she decided to show off her wealth. “Don’t worry, this young master has money. Just bring the tea.”
The shopkeeper, seeing an opportunity to make a profit, ordered Xiao Jia to serve the tea.
Soon, the table was filled with tea and pastries.

Jinxin was surprised by the amount and whispered to Xue Yiran, “Miss, we can’t finish all this. Maybe we should take some back for Concubine Dan?”

Xue Yiran opened her folding fan and covered half her face. “I just wanted to show the shopkeeper that I’m not someone who can’t afford it. If he tries to take advantage of us, we’ll just have to deal with it.”
“If you’re sure, miss. Let’s just eat and take the rest back for Concubine Dan.”
As they observed the pastries, Jinxin commented, “The craftsmanship is not bad, but…”

“Let’s eat. I’m a bit hungry after walking around,” Xue Yiran said.
They took a bite of the pastry, and it was hard to swallow.

Jinxin finished eating, but Xue Yiran was disappointed after trying the pastries and tea at the Xue mansion. She couldn’t believe the tea house could stay in business with such bad food.
Just then, Xiao Jia came over to settle the bill. “The total comes out to be 10 taels of silver for the two of you.”
“How much? You think these disgusting pastries are worth 10 taels of silver?” Xue Yiran exclaimed in shock.

She had adapted to life in the Ye Dynasty and knew what 10 taels of silver represented. It was a significant amount, equivalent to almost a year’s worth of expenses for an ordinary family.
Moreover, the pastries were poorly made, and she couldn’t believe they had the nerve to charge 10 taels of silver.
It was like they were running a black shop.

Xiao Jia was taken aback by Xue Yiran’s sudden change in demeanor. He thought she was just pretending to be wealthy, but it seemed she couldn’t afford it after all.

The commotion attracted the attention of many people in the tea house. The shopkeeper hurried over with a smile. “Is there anything else I can do for you, young master?”
Xue Yiran was furious. She thought the shopkeeper had intentionally overcharged her, taking advantage of her.

“You’re running a black shop, aren’t you? This disgusting food costs 10 taels of silver? Are you taking advantage of me because I don’t know the prices?”
The shopkeeper’s expression turned cold. “You’re not here to drink tea, are you? You’re here to cause trouble. You specifically asked for the most expensive tea and pastries, and I warned you about the prices. Now you’re trying to scam me?”

Almost everyone in the tea house turned to look at them. Jinxin felt embarrassed and tugged on Xue Yiran’s sleeve. “Young master, please stop talking. Everyone is watching us.”
Xue Yiran, however, was not one to back down. She raised her voice even louder. “Everyone, please judge for yourselves. The pastries are disgusting, and the price is high. Isn’t this a black shop?”

But instead of getting support, a voice spoke up. “Miss, you specifically asked for the most expensive tea and pastries. The shopkeeper just fulfilled your request. How can you turn around and accuse him?”
The speaker was a young man around 20 years old, dressed in scholarly attire. He was ordinary-looking, but the person sitting next to him was quite handsome. Xue Yiran didn’t expect the man to expose her identity and quickly tried to cover up.

“What are you talking about? I’m a man.”
The young man sneered. “Don’t pretend. We can see right through your disguise. You’re just a woman dressed up as a man, probably to meet your lover.”
The crowd looked at Xue Yiran with disdain, and her face turned red with anger.

She was about to argue, but Jinxin held her back.
Pei Lingyi had been watching from the second floor and decided it was time to intervene. “Is that Third Miss Xue?”

Her voice was gentle and soothing, like a spring lake. Xue Yiran recognized the voice and saw Pei Lingyi walking towards her, wearing a light blue embroidered dress and a veil.
“You’re… Miss Pei?”
Xue Yiran was surprised.
Pei Lingyi nodded. “I was having tea on the second floor and heard the commotion. I didn’t expect it to be you, Third Miss Xue.”

“I’ll pay for your tea, Miss Pei,” Pei Lingyi said, gesturing to her servant to take out the silver.
But the young man who had spoken earlier objected.
“Wait! Miss Xue specifically ordered the tea and pastries and accused the shopkeeper of running a black shop. She seemed confident. Why would she need someone else to pay for her?”