Treasures Around Episode 16 Recap
> Treasures Around Recap
Shan Dandan told Pei Pei she planned to invite Painter Tan for a feast, presumably to enlist his help with illustrations. Pei Pei appeared, asking why Painter Tan was there and asserting that as the Young Master of Precious Pei Pavilion, he should be included in business talks. He told Painter Tan to go eat, stating that he and Shan Dandan would solve their problem themselves.
Upset, Shan Dandan questioned how they would get the illustrations now that Pei Pei had sent Painter Tan away. Pei Pei confidently declared he could do the drawing himself. Shan Dandan challenged him to complete four thousand copies. Initially boastful, Pei Pei was taken aback by the sheer number, muttering about the large quantity. Pei Pei began working on the illustrations, drawing each one by hand.
Shan Dandan observed him secretly, thinking he was a fool for doing it manually but acknowledging his talent and appearance. She later entered his room, feigning concern about his exhaustion. Pei Pei informed her he was nearly finished and claimed his illustrations were even better than the originals, eliminating the need for anyone else.
Referencing an earlier time when she had seemingly gotten the better of him, Pei Pei suggested it was now his turn to take advantage, leading to an intimate moment between them. Meanwhile, Su Jue and his uncle observed that news of Precious Pei Pavilion switching to gold and silver jewelry was widespread. Su Jue's uncle expressed surprise that they had stopped selling jade and wondered about their plans. They decided to investigate.
At Precious Pei Pavilion, Deputy Shopkeeper Shan Dandan hosted a tea party for numerous noble madams. She announced that Precious Pei Pavilion would now specialize in gold and silver jewelry, declaring it the "realm of women" in contrast to Su Jade Pavilion, which was the domain of men. She listed the wide variety of jewelry items they would offer, to the attendees' appreciation. Su Jue and his uncle discussed Precious Pei Pavilion's move.
Su Jue's uncle recalled Shan Dandan's "wicked ideas" that caused them trouble before. He noted the tea party with noble madams was a strategic move. Su Jue dismissed it as relying on women for small, embarrassing profits and believed they couldn't compete with Su Jade Pavilion, where men handled the major jade investments. His uncle, however, advised caution and ordered more people to monitor Precious Pei Pavilion's activities closely, a directive Su Jue agreed to follow.
At the tea party, Shan Dandan surprised the ladies by announcing an auction for a selection of their new jewelry collection. She invited them to become the first owners through competitive bidding. The auction proceeded, with the noble madams actively bidding against each other for various pieces. After the ladies departed, Shan Dandan was seen giving money to several women, one of whom Pei Pei recognized and addressed as "Auntie."
The women confirmed this was the deputy shopkeeper's idea, acknowledging it was a tactic used in business. As the women left, Pei Pei commented on Shan Dandan's various strategies. Unexpectedly, some of the noble madams returned. Shan Dandan appeared nervous and started to explain, but one madam clarified that they had used their extra money to support her, deeming it the right thing to do for a friend in trouble.
They praised Shan Dandan's capability and wished Precious Pei Pavilion success, not taking issue with her methods. Pei Pei expressed gratitude for their support. Later, Pei Pei oversaw the installation of a new signboard for the business. The old name, Precious Pei Pavilion, was changed to Precious Pei Jewelry Pavilion, signifying its new focus. Shan Dandan observed the change, understanding that it was Pei Pei's way of showing his support for her endeavors.
Shan Shuangshuang had a conversation with Shan Dandan, pouring her hot water and urging her to rest given how hard she had been working. Shan Dandan acknowledged Shan Shuangshuang's own hard work for her sake. Shan Shuangshuang then asked about her engagement to Young Master Pei, and Shan Dandan replied she was taking things one step at a time.
Pressing the matter, Shan Shuangshuang posed a hypothetical question: if the Pei family were their enemy, would Shan Dandan still choose Pei Pei without hesitation? Shan Dandan found the scenario illogical, questioning how the Pei family could possibly be their enemy and dismissing the possibility. Pei Pei sought out Shan Dandan and presented her with a metal sachet he had made himself.
He explained it was a gift, noting she didn't prefer intricate accessories, and he wanted to give her a proper gift while showcasing his skill. He added that once Precious Pei Pavilion was running smoothly, he would formally propose and give her an even better gift. Shan Dandan was deeply touched, revealing that besides her sister, no one had ever created a gift specifically for her.
Pei Pei gently asked about her parents, and Shan Dandan shared that she didn't know them, having only known her sister since childhood. She recounted how her sister struggled to raise her and they finally found a sense of home in Jade Cloud City when she was twelve. However, whenever she asked about their parents, her sister would say they died of illness and refuse to discuss it, which Shan Dandan knew was a source of pain for her sister.
Shan Dandan then showed Pei Pei a small, simple stone she had worn since childhood. She explained it was left by her parents and served as her lucky charm, always providing strength during difficulties. She gave the stone to Pei Pei, hoping it would bring him luck and jokingly calling it her dowry. Pei Pei affectionately called her silly and promised to provide both betrothal gifts and dowry.
Upon arriving at Precious Pei Pavilion, Shan Dandan was met by Shopkeeper Hao and the Old Madam. Shopkeeper Hao proudly presented the ledger, announcing that the current orders and income had surpassed Precious Pei Pavilion's best performance when it sold jade. He attributed the success to everyone's hard work but acknowledged Lady Dan Dan's business talent.
Shopkeeper Hao stated his intention to step down as Shopkeeper due to his age and inability to keep up with trends, proposing to hand the position over to Shan Dandan, whom he deemed most suitable. Shan Dandan initially hesitated, citing his role as a founding member, but Shopkeeper Hao insisted that the business's revival was thanks to her management and expressed shame for having doubted her earlier.
The Old Madam supported Shopkeeper Hao's decision, encouraging Shan Dandan to accept and highlighting her capability. Shopkeeper Hao assured them he wasn't leaving and would continue to help with minor tasks. Shan Dandan finally accepted the position, and everyone congratulated her as the new Chief Shopkeeper of Precious Pei Pavilion. In Su Jade Pavilion, Su Jue and his uncle discussed Precious Pei Pavilion's rising success, noting their jewelry profits were nearly catching up to theirs.
Su Jue's uncle wanted to know how they achieved this, mentioning the exquisite jewelry was reportedly made by Lady Shuangshuang and the clever sales ideas came from her sister. He expressed regret over letting Miss Shuangshuang leave. Su Jue dismissed the regret, insisting that as long as he was alive, Precious Pei Pavilion must remain inferior to Su Jade Pavilion. Shan Shuangshuang spoke to Shan Dandan, now Chief Shopkeeper Shan, admiring Pei Pei's technique.
She compared his skill to Su Jue's, finding Su Jue's average, especially recalling how Pei Pei quickly mastered the left-handed knife technique while Su Jue took decades. Shan Shuangshuang wondered why Su Jade Pavilion, so successful under Su Zhiyan, now resorted to shady practices. Pei Pei, present during this conversation, lamented the state of the jade market in Jade Cloud City, where opportunists sold inferior products instead of showcasing true carving skills and gentlemanly conduct for people seeking good jade.
Suddenly, A-Liu arrived excitedly, reporting that a wealthy patron had come to Jade Cloud City, spending tens of thousands of taels at once. Shan Dandan and Shan Shuangshuang were astonished and decided to see who this generous person was. In the street, Shan Dandan and Shan Shuangshuang spotted a grand carriage and Shan Dandan confidently stopped it. The occupant was identified as Si Ruyu from Mo City. A servant questioned who dared impede them.
Shan Dandan introduced herself as the Chief Shopkeeper of Precious Pei Pavilion and invited Si Ruyu to see their jewelry, boasting of its quality and recent auction success. Si Ruyu's servant replied that their young master had seen plenty of jewelry and preferred jade, considering jewelry inferior. Si Ruyu himself stated he found gold and silver jewelry nothing special and preferred spending time with ladies.
Understanding his disinterest, Shan Dandan cleverly turned to the ladies accompanying him, suggesting they might like to look. She complimented one lady and proposed a shell hairpin, mentioning unique materials like wood, stone, and fabric, assuring the ladies that wearing their accessories would enhance their beauty and make them the talk of the town. The ladies were intrigued and asked Si Ruyu to take them to Precious Pei Pavilion, which he agreed to, amused by Shan Dandan's name.
Upon arriving at Precious Pei Pavilion, Si Ruyu recognized Pei Pei and addressed him directly. Si Ruyu mentioned having heard of Pei Pei's past reputation for idleness and irresponsibility, comparing it to his own former self, but acknowledged that Pei Pei had clearly changed. Shan Dandan directed A-Liu to show the ladies the accessories while she assisted. The ladies were delighted by the jewelry. They admired various pieces and asked Si Ruyu to buy them.
Shan Dandan calculated the total, announcing it was three thousand taels, though offering a discount. Si Ruyu was surprised by the price for what he called "trinkets." Shan Dandan defended the value, emphasizing their uniqueness and exquisite craftsmanship. She also hinted at potential long-term business partnerships. The ladies continued to insist they wanted the jewelry. Si Ruyu agreed to buy all they selected and told them to pick more, though Shan Dandan noted their stock was limited.
Hesitating at the price, Si Ruyu proposed a contest: if he won, he would receive the jewelry for free; if Shan Dandan won, he would buy all the accessories in her shop, potentially leading to a long-term supply partnership if they sold well. Shan Dandan readily accepted the challenge. Preparations for their contest began.
