Chapter 42

"Your Highness, please sit down and rest for a while."

Qi Yuanniang ushered Liu Ju to a table and seated him. She asked Yinliu to serve him warm water and apologized, "I thought His Highness would summon me after seeing the glass bowl Baishan presented. I have been waiting for news, but unexpectedly His Highness came in person.

"This place is shabby, and I haven't had time to clean it. Please make do with it, Your Highness."

Liu Ju shook his head, not caring about these things, but he was more curious about what Qi Yuanniang wanted.

Qi Yuanniang stood up and walked to the bookshelf, took out several bamboo slips from it, held them to Liu Ju, and explained them one by one.

"This volume is compiled by a common woman based on county diaries, available data, and field research. It lists the number of households with assets exceeding one million yuan in the mausoleums surrounding Chang'an. While not necessarily comprehensive, it serves as a reference."

"This is a self-made vision test chart I created after consulting Baishan. I gathered information from each household and found the number of people with poor eyesight."

After saying this, Qi Yuanniang took out the third scroll, but didn't rush to open it. Instead, she asked, "Your Highness, are you aware that glasses have become all the rage in Chang'an in the past two months? Someone has already offered tens of thousands of coins for a pair, and the price is expected to continue to rise."

Liu Ju nodded in confusion: "I'm not exactly sure, but I've heard a few rumors."

"It's not a rumor, it's true." Qi Yuanniang gently tapped the second bamboo scroll. "Your Highness once said that with colored glass, glasses could be mass-produced. So, Your Highness, if it were available to the public, how many people would be willing to buy it?"

After saying this, he asked himself, "If not eight or nine out of ten, then at least seven or eight out of ten, and the price is in the tens of thousands of coins. If the price could be lowered, the number of people would be even greater."

"I once asked Baishan about the price of glasses. They're not that expensive, at least compared to 10,000 or 20,000 coins, they're a drop in the bucket. So, this is a very profitable business."

"So you want me to do this business?" Liu Ju looked puzzled, but after thinking about it, he felt that this method was feasible. "This way, the money you spent on research and development can be recovered as quickly as possible. Not bad."

Qi Yuanniang shook her head: "This is not a business I can do, nor is it what I want."

After saying this, she looked at Liu Ju and added, "But Your Highness can do it. If Your Highness wants, I can help you."

Liu Ju:!!!

Barrage:!!!

— Shit, what does this woman mean? She wants to be the prince's money bag? Is that what she means?

That's a good idea, and it's feasible. A crown prince shouldn't be without money. Money and power have always been inseparable. It's not easy to be a crown prince without money.

Ever since I realized the characters in the show might be real, I've had this feeling of raising a child. So, my dear, promise her. You have to get this money! It will be very beneficial to you.

Liu Ju said nothing, neither agreeing nor rejecting.

"only……"

But Qi Yuanniang's tone changed, and she looked at the glass fruit plate beside her. "I don't know why Your Highness wants this kind of glass, or what you want to use it for. But now that this technology has been mastered, those colored ones can be made equally clear and flawless. We can even develop more colors."

More colors...

Liu Ju blinked, and pictures of colorful glass appeared in his mind. The colors were varied and beautiful. In comparison, the existing colors were too monotonous.

Liu Ju nodded decisively. This can be done.

Qi Yuanniang's expression suddenly turned serious: "Your Highness, the interests involved are greater than the glasses."

Liu Ju paused, becoming increasingly confused: "You want me to do two businesses together?"

Qi Yuanniang shook her head. "If it were just the glasses, it would be fine. But with the glass, the benefits are too great. I'm afraid that even if His Highness were the Crown Prince, it would be difficult for him to monopolize them, let alone possess them."

"So what you mean is..."

"Your Highness, since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have made it your life's wish to defeat the Xiongnu, and have fought numerous battles. From the Siege of Mayi ten years ago, to the Battle of Henan five years ago, to the Battle of Dingxiang North last year.

"Although our dynasty has achieved relatively good results in recent years under the leadership of the Great General, aside from the initial setbacks, the cost is immeasurable. The soldiers' food, military supplies, fodder, weapons, and armaments all come from the national treasury.

"I don't know the exact cost, but if I think about it carefully, I know it's going to be enormous. Even if the savings from Emperors Wen and Jing can sustain us for a while, what will happen next? What should we do?

"Your Highness should be aware that since the Qin Dynasty, there has been a law that criminals can be redeemed with gold, and this law has been inherited by our dynasty. However, I wonder if Your Highness has noticed that the amount of ransom has been gradually increasing in recent years?"

Liu Ju frowned slightly. Anyone with a keen eye could find out about the ransom. Qi Yuanniang wouldn't be mistaken, let alone tell such a clumsy lie.

So although Liu Ju had indeed not paid attention to this aspect and did not know the details, since Qi Yuanniang said it had increased, it must have increased.

So what does this mean?

Does Qi Yuanniang mean that his father has no money and is using this method to make money?

To be honest, as the crown prince, Liu Ju had no concept of "lack of money" and did not notice any signs that his father was "lack of money".

But there was one thing he took in. Even with the accumulation of Emperors Wen and Jing...

This point was also mentioned in the comments. Thinking about his father's attitude when he asked the Shaofu to vigorously develop glass, Liu Ju suddenly realized that Qi Yuanniang's guess might be right.

His father was short of money, the national treasury was short of money; or perhaps it was not particularly short of money at the moment and he could still cope with it, but there was not enough left, so he had to prepare for a rainy day and not wait until the point where he was stretched to the limit and made a fool of himself.

In any case, the situation seemed more serious than he had imagined.

Liu Ju thought about it and looked at the bamboo slips in front of him. An idea arose from the bottom of his heart. At the same time, Qi Yuanniang's voice sounded in his ears again, coinciding with what he thought.

"I believe the Crown Prince could report to His Majesty and ask you to use these two items to gather the wealth of the wealthy merchants and gentry in order to enrich the national treasury and strengthen the country."

Qi Yuanniang knelt on the ground, lowered her head, and held the third bamboo slip high in her hands.

Liu Ju took it and opened it, only to discover that it was a memorial in which he stated the pros and cons from his perspective, analyzed the current situation, and offered good advice.

Liu Ju was shocked. The comments on the comment board were even more shocked.

—Who just said she wanted to be the prince's purse?! She's thinking about the national finances. What purse? Just tell me, do you admit that you're narrow-minded?

Admit it, admit it, I admit it so much. This woman is no ordinary woman. Not only is she independent-minded, but she also has a high emotional intelligence. She has accumulated the wealth of the world's wealthy and powerful.

The word "ju" (gather) is used brilliantly. It clearly means "move." But "mouse" sounds too calculating, while "ju" (gather) reveals the majesty of imperial power. All the wealth in the world belongs to the emperor, and the emperor is merely "gathering" it.

So what did she want? I didn't understand. Liu Ju asked her what reward she wanted. She talked about so much, market research reports, analysis of the current situation, and suggestions. Then what? What did she want?

——Are you stupid? You said you investigated, analyzed, and offered suggestions. Don't you understand? Qi Yuanniang definitely wants to be the crown prince and become his disciple.

Liu Ju: …???

Given that comments often promised something certain but ultimately turned out to be completely false, Liu Ju didn't quite believe it. However, he was also a little curious, so he asked directly, "Do you want to become my disciple?"

There are many kinds of followers of the prince, including counselors, staff, guests, etc. Anyone who is loyal to the prince and serves him can be called a follower.

Qi Yuanniang originally just wanted the prince to know her abilities, remember her, and use her when needed. With the help of this relationship, she could use the Qi family as a banner to prop up the Qi family, and then use the revitalized Qi family to move to a higher level. She did not dare to be so direct when she first arrived.

But since Liu Ju had asked, Qi Yuanniang took a deep breath, made a prompt decision, placed her hands on her forehead, and knelt on the ground, saying devoutly: "Yes. I am willing to serve Your Highness and render you the service of a dog or horse."

Liu Ju blinked, feeling a little happy.

He knew about his disciples and had seen many of them, but he was young and had never experienced anything like it. Today was his first time and he felt it was very new.

Especially since he was still young, even though he was the crown prince. What did it mean that Qi Yuanniang was willing to choose him without hesitation at this moment?

It means that he is really good, and it also means that Qi Yuanniang has good taste!

Looking at the glass fruit plate next to him, looking at the glassware and bamboo slips on the large shelf that took up an entire wall in the room, and then looking at the "investigation report" on the table and the "suggestions" in his hand, Liu Ju's eyes moved, and it seemed that it was not impossible.

but……

Liu Ju rolled his eyes and said, "You said it well, but glass can be used for more than just utensils."

He glanced back at the glass shelf. "I've noticed the utensils here—whether they're bowls, plates, or pearls—are all small and simple in shape. Have you tried making anything else?"

This topic change was a bit abrupt, and Qi Yuanniang was stunned: "Your Highness means..."

Liu Ju pointed at the window and began to gesture: "Can you make it this big, with a thickness roughly the same as a bamboo slip? No need for additional shaping or modification, just maintain the existing transparency, square, and smooth and flawless."

The window is so big, square, and flawless...

Qi Yuanniang's eyes flickered slightly, as if something flashed through her mind. She grasped it sharply and asked, "Your Highness, do you want to use glass instead of window screens?"

Qi Yuanniang was startled when she heard these words, but then she became extremely delighted, her eyes shining: "This is a brilliant idea. Your Highness is truly clever and resourceful."

Liu Ju's eyes widened in surprise. "You're so clever," he thought. "I just pointed at the window, and you figured it out before I even said anything."

He thought for a moment and then said, "You can also try glassblowing."

"Blow? How to blow?" This made Qi Yuanniang puzzled.

Liu Ju suggested: "Use a hollow copper tube."

Copper pipe...

Qi Yuanniang murmured, and suddenly her eyes moved again, and she immediately understood: "Your Highness means to wrap the glass solution at one end and blow air at the other end to make the glass solution swell up?"

Liu Ju was even more surprised. "Fuck, you're actually that smart! You figured it out instantly."

Aaah, you are worthy of being the person I value and want to take as my disciple!

Qi Yuanniang didn't notice the change in his expression and was still pondering the feasibility: "This method is completely different from our existing mold forming method."

Liu Ju looked at her with a smile: "It is indeed different. Can you do it?"

Qi Yuanniang didn't hesitate at all and took a deep breath: "Yes! I can do it!"

Liu Ju nodded: "If this big one is okay, what about a bigger one?"

Just as Qi Yuanniang was about to speak, Liu Ju waved his hand, "No hurry, I haven't finished what I was saying. Glass has many other uses."

He shook the bamboo slips in his hand. "This is well written. I should report it to my father. But empty words are not as powerful as seeing it with one's own eyes. Only by letting my father see that scene can he truly appreciate the value of glass."

"If glass can be used to gather wealth, there are many ways to do it. Go get a blank bamboo slip and sit closer. I'll tell you what I'm going to say, and you'll be responsible for taking notes."

Qi Yuanniang did as she was told, flipping through the blank bamboo slips, holding a bamboo pen, and listening attentively. However, with each item she wrote down, her heart grew more filled with wonder and shock.

After she finished writing everything down, Qi Yuanniang's voice trembled a little: "Your Highness... Your Highness, what you said is something I have never heard of or seen before. Do you take it seriously?"

"What I said is of course true. The key is, can you do it according to my requirements?"

Qi Yuanniang was stunned. She lowered her head to look at the contents on the bamboo slips.

The larger the glass, the more prone it is to blistering and shattering. Therefore, crafting a large piece of glass is different from crafting a small object. If it were just the size of a window, she could still handle it. But if she had to follow Liu Ju's advice and control every aspect to achieve precision, it would be extremely difficult.

Qi Yuanniang clenched the bamboo slips tightly, but she was unwilling to give in.

Is making glass easy? It's not easy either, but she made it, too. She's already taken ninety-nine steps out of a hundred, so why should she be afraid of this one?

Qi Yuanniang never fears difficulties in her life and never shows fear, especially when she is afraid before the battle!

Qi Yuanniang put down the bamboo slips and knelt again: "Your Highness, please give me some time. I will definitely do it."

"How about a month and a half?"

Qi Yuanniang was stunned for a moment, then she thought that the emperor's birthday would be in a month and a half.

"Your Highness, do you wish to present this as a gift to His Majesty on His Majesty's birthday?"

Liu Ju nodded.

"This is indeed a perfect opportunity. Your Highness has a brilliant idea."

However, this put her time very tight. Especially since His Majesty would be there in person, accompanied by a number of important civil and military officials, this matter could not be neglected. Success was a must, failure was not an option.

It is a risk, but also an opportunity, a huge opportunity.

Qi Yuanniang said in a strong and powerful tone: "Your Highness, please rest assured and leave this matter to me. I will definitely live up to your high expectations."

Liu Ju chuckled softly and looked at Yan Sui: "Give me your badge. You can get another one later."

Yan Sui was confused and took off the token from his waist and handed it to Liu Ju, who then handed it to Qi Yuanniang: "I have never accepted anyone under my wing, so I wonder if I should make a unique token. This token is for the guards, so you can use it for now. If anything happens, you can use it to enter the East Palace and see me."

"promise."

Qi Yuanniang held the sign carefully in both hands. It was a small piece, but it seemed to weigh a thousand pounds.

At that moment, many things raced through her mind. The restlessness and unwillingness that had been lurking deep within her heart for years, the various challenges she had endured after the family tragedy of the previous year, and all the effort and hope she had poured into Liuli over the past year...

Qi Yuanniang suddenly had an urge to cry. She felt her eyes getting warm and gradually moist, but she never let the tears fall. She knelt down and expressed her gratitude.

—Hahaha, I knew my family's Zaza would be willing to take her in. Zaza has finally accepted a subordinate. Not bad, not bad, keep it up. I hope she works hard, strengthens herself, and improves her relationship with Liu Zhuzhu. The witchcraft disaster in history was so tragic. I hope this parallel universe won't appear.

—Hey, I can't help but say, is glass really necessary for time travel? Nine out of ten time travels involve glass. Can't there be a little more originality?

—There's no way around it. Glass was expensive and had a market in ancient times. It was a magical tool for making money. If you don't work with glass, what do you want to do? Some other things are not suitable for making money, and even if some are suitable, can they be as effective as glass?

Indeed, glass was an incredibly profitable business in ancient times, especially when the art was controlled by the state. Considering current economic development trends, such as state-owned enterprises, public institutions, public-private partnerships, investment agencies, and brand franchises, and developing a suitable plan, there's even greater potential.

+1. Having technology, raw materials, and power is the foundation of confidence. Modern businesses have a wealth of tools to promote their products. A little refinement and localization would solve, if not entirely, the pig's military spending problem, at least half of it.

…

The comments were overwhelming, and netizens began to offer suggestions and talk about how to maximize benefits and not waste such a magical weapon; how to have the best of both worlds, so that the country can benefit, the court's financial difficulties can be resolved, and Liu Ju will not suffer any losses.

After all, the prince can serve the public, but he cannot be completely selfless.

A prince without a sense of righteousness for his country and family is not desirable, but a prince with only righteousness for his country and family in his heart and no selfish thoughts will probably not last long.

That's the reality.

The prince needs to work hard for the country, consider the people, and also plan for himself.

Then comments came flooding in like a tide, and Liu Ju was dazzled and dumbfounded.

What the hell, what does this mean? How can this be possible?

Write it down, write it down quickly.

Liu Ju returned to the palace with a bunch of "brilliant ideas" and racked his brains to summarize and filter them, keeping the useful ones and throwing away the useless ones. His main goal was to "discard the dross and retain the essence."

As for Qi Yuanniang, she turned around and threw herself into a new round of work with high morale and enthusiasm, pouring financial, material and human resources into it without hesitation.

Time passed quietly in the excited and busy anticipation of the two, and soon it was the ninth day of June, Liu Che's birthday.

On this day, the harem and the court were filled with joy, and there was an endless stream of people celebrating.

Liu Ju watched as gifts were presented one after another, listened to one blessing after another. Each gift was carefully selected, precious and rare, and full of profound meaning; each blessing was also carefully prepared, full of praise and compliments, yet never clichéd.

Empresses and court officials, after you finish singing, I will go on stage. It is so lively.

Even Liu Hong, who was barely a year old, presented a pair of longevity characters made of leaves: "Father, I made this with my own hands. May your father be evergreen and prosperous, and may you have everlasting blessings and prosperity."

Even if a child over one year old starts talking early, he or she cannot speak in long paragraphs, but he or she spoke the following sentence fluently.

The gift was particularly creative; though not expensive, it showed the thoughtfulness; the concise speech, though unadorned, was filled with sincerity. Coupled with her fluent speech, grandmotherly accent, and chubby white cheeks, one's heart couldn't help but soften.

Liu Che was amazed at his linguistic talent and laughed heartily. He picked him up and asked, "Hong'er, do you mean you posted all of this by yourself?"

Liu Hong nodded: "Father, I will do the birthday gift. I want to. I won't let anyone else."

Liu Che raised an eyebrow. "Not only did you make it, but it was also your idea? It seems you've been preparing for quite some time, and you've put a lot of thought into it. Father will love this gift."

Hearing that he liked it, Liu Hong seemed particularly happy, and his eyes narrowed into a line.

Liu Che touched his forehead lovingly, then turned to look at Liu Ju, who was watching calmly and uncomprehendingly: "Everyone else has given gifts, but you didn't prepare anything for me?"

Liu Ju smiled and said, "Of course I do, but my gift is not here. Father, you must condescend to come here, so I will wait until everyone else's gifts are delivered. Otherwise, I'm afraid that once I present this gift, Father will not even want to look at the others."

Liu Che: ...

He glanced at Liu Ju and said, "You are so mysterious and deliberately trying to be mysterious."

He cursed softly, but in the end he followed his lead and asked everyone to continue. After the birthday celebration was over, he said, "Is it all right now?"

Liu Ju nodded: "Father, please have someone prepare the carriage. We need to go outside the palace."

"Outside the palace?" Liu Che was stunned, and suddenly thought of something, "But Bowang Garden? I'm curious about what you want to build Bowang Garden into.

"I heard that a while ago, he asked the Shaofu for many people, and he was beating and harassing people day and night. He even had the guards set up a perimeter around the place and sent people to guard it, not allowing anyone to get close."

"Since it's a surprise for Father, and Father hasn't even seen it, how could others see it first? If someone discovers the secret inside and spreads it, the surprise will be gone. Father, let's go quickly. Hmm..."

Liu Ju paused, then pointed at the Minister of the Imperial Household and the Minister of Agriculture. "Have them come along too. Even if they don't come now, we'll have to summon them later. It would be easier if they come together. As for the others, it's up to the Emperor, Father, to decide."

Liu Che raised his eyebrows, thinking about the many things he had made in the past, and had some vague guesses, and his expression became serious.

Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, the two favorite generals, naturally had to accompany him. In addition, he also selected Prime Minister Gongsun Hong, the Chief of the Imperial Household Ji An, and the Minister of the Court Sang Hongyang and several others to accompany him.

A small figure grabbed Liu Che's trouser leg and said, "Father, go, I will go too."

Liu Che lowered his head and met Liu Hong's large, dark eyes. He was slightly stunned. Before he could say anything, he heard Liu Ju say, "Why are you joining in the fun? You won't understand even if you go. The Crown Prince and the Emperor are busy with important matters. They certainly won't be able to take care of you."

Liu Hong pursed his lips, looking very unhappy.

Liu Ju patted his head and said, "Good boy, be obedient. When the prince comes back, he will bring you something wonderful. It will be more exotic than the toys you have now. Take them out and make everyone envious. Then you will be the most handsome boy in Chang'an."

Huo Qubing's mouth twitched at the familiar words.

It sounds like coaxing a child.

Liu Hong was even more unhappy. Lady Wang quietly tugged at the corner of his clothes. Liu Hong curled his lips, then raised his head and replied obediently, "I'll listen to my prince brother."

This episode was revealed, and no one paid any attention to it. The emperor set out on his journey to Bowang Garden.

Bowang Garden is located southeast of Weiyang Palace, not far away, and can be reached in less than half an hour by car.

Construction began after the crown prince was established in February. It is still early to be completed, but some houses and sites have been built.

What Liu Ju wanted to do this time also required a house and a site, and he had to rush things, but time was too tight. If he made a last-minute choice and had to start from scratch, it would definitely be too late.

Liu Ju waved his hand generously, saying, "Let's go with Bowang Garden. Aren't the ones in Bowang Garden already built? They're perfect. Just a few modifications and they'll be ready to use. Why bother with all that time and effort?"

So, under his suggestion, the decision was happily made.

The house was being worked on at the same time as Qi Yuanniang's glass kiln. Everyone was hammering and banging. It took almost all of Liu Ju's power and manpower, three shifts working day and night, and finally it was completed two days ago, in time for Liu Che's birthday.

Everyone arrived at the address and followed the route Liu Ju indicated. The first thing that caught their eyes was a...store?

Because it's a renovated building from the Prince's Courtyard, the shop's exterior is imposing and the interior is spacious. But this is truly a shop, and a unique eyewear shop at that!

There is an eye chart hanging on the east wall of the store, and there is a horizontal line drawn on the ground about ten and a half feet away from it. This is where the test is conducted.

There is a workbench in the west corner of the store, which is where the lenses are adjusted.

The most surprising thing was the display cases in the middle of the store. They were about half a person's height, with wooden bottoms and transparent tops, allowing one to clearly see the neatly arranged eyeglass frames inside.

All kinds of frames are basically made of bamboo strips and bamboo strips, but the colors and patterns painted on each frame are different, and the variety is dazzling and overwhelming.

Everyone stared at the transparent display case with wide eyes, looking at it in disbelief. "This...this...didn't His Royal Highness say that there wasn't enough material to make the glasses?"

If you can’t make glasses, why do you make this thing?

Everyone didn't understand, everyone was confused, and everyone thought Liu Ju was sick!

Liu Ju smiled and said, "It's not the original material for making glasses."

He held out a pair of glasses and said, "Feel them and you will see they are different."

Everyone was suspicious, touching their glasses, then touching the display case, and they were all stunned.

Indeed. They look the same, but they feel different.

so……

Everyone gasped. "Your Highness the Crown Prince once said that if you could make pure, transparent glass that clears away all impurities... Is this glass? Your Highness the Crown Prince, have you made glass?"

Liu Ju smiled and raised his head, feeling very proud.

The meaning is self-evident.

Everyone felt their hearts pounding, their eyes reddening. Most of the people who came today knew about the telescope; even if they weren't completely clear, they had a vague understanding. Therefore, Liu Ju's tacit agreement had a significant impact on them!

Ji An even jumped up and said, "Your Highness, do you know what glass means? This is an important military supply. How can you use it like this? It's a waste! A waste of natural resources!"

The Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance and others nodded one after another, each of them feeling as if their heart and liver were dug out, and their faces looked as ugly as if they were constipated.

Liu Che glanced at Liu Ju. He knew about the glass matter. Liu Ju had reported it to him, but at that time Liu Ju said that he had to wait a while.

He originally thought it was finished but not completely, and needed improvement. Since that was the case, he wouldn't ask too much and just waited for it to be completed. Who knew it was for this!

Liu Che frowned slightly, but still chose to believe his son first and see what he was up to.

As I was thinking this, I heard Liu Ju say, "Don't worry, everyone. It's not over yet. Let's finish reading it first."

Everyone: ???

besides?

Liu Ju led the way, bypassing the optician's shop. Behind it was another house. It didn't seem large, but the moment he looked up, he could see its "unique" and "unique" windows. They reflected a dazzling light under the sunlight, made of the same material as the display case.

It's glass, it's glass again!

Liu Che's heart stagnated slightly, and the hearts of his ministers ached even more.

Liu Ju seemed oblivious to this. He led everyone inside and said with a smile, "It can block the wind and rain without affecting the view, and the sunlight can pass through unimpeded. Isn't it much better than the original window screen?"

Everyone: ...Of course he is strong, but is this the key?

"Don't be too surprised, there are even more powerful ones." Liu Ju waved his hand, "Keep going! Follow me!"

Everyone: ...

As they walked from the house into the corridor, everyone was stunned, as if petrified.

What did they see?

Is that... is that a glass house?

Actually, calling it a glass house isn't quite right. Time was tight, and a large house with glass on all four sides wasn't enough. So Liu Ju had the exterior corridor redesigned, with one wall supporting it and the other three sides made of glass. Inside, he installed creative tables and chairs, and decorated them with a variety of flowers. It resembled the landscaped balconies seen in some "modern" TV dramas.

Liu Che opened his eyes wide, and everyone felt as if even their breathing had stopped.

Liu Ju, still smiling, pulled Liu Che to sit down in the sun and said, "Father, you are surrounded by flowers and can look out into the distance without any obstruction. In your spare time, you can make tea or wine, bask in the sun, and have a drink. Isn't it very pleasant?"

"The weather is getting warmer now, and you might not mind it, but what about winter? It's cold in winter, and while the house is warm, you miss out on the outdoor scenery. And while the outdoor scenery is beautiful, you can't get warm.

"Now with this, things are different. Even if I stay inside, I can still enjoy the snow outside. What if I plant a plum forest in front? The white snow matches the proud red plum blossoms, and we drink wine and discuss poetry. Isn't that a beautiful thing in the world?"

Liu Che: ...Do you want to listen to what you are saying?

He turned around and saw that, just as he expected, all the ministers had faces as black as charcoal.

Ji An scowled coldly, Sang Hongyang's face was gloomy, the Minister of Agriculture beat his chest, and the Minister of the Ministry of Finance had bloodshot eyes, wishing he could tear the things apart and return them to Ruolu and Kaogong. These two departments were still working hard on the telescope!

Glass is so important. How can we use such a national treasure to satisfy our personal desires, just for pleasure and debauchery?

The prince is smart and capable, and has made many achievements, but you can't build it like this. If you can build something else, it's fine, but glass is definitely not an option!

It's okay, it's okay. The prince is just young and naive. He probably hasn't understood the importance of glass yet and just thinks it's novel and fun.

It must be, it must be like this. It doesn't matter, the prince is still young, start teaching him slowly and carefully now, he can change!

Everyone was feeling frustrated and secretly resentful while comforting themselves.

This time, before Ji An could even begin to charge, everyone was already impatient. Especially the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of the Imperial Household, the two officials in charge of finance, who were about to offer advice, but Liu Ju, knowing their thoughts, spoke first, "Have you finished? Once you've finished this, we'll be ready to move on to the next one."

One sentence successfully shut everyone's mouth back.

Everyone:!!!

What? There's another one!

Not only did you use glass as display cases to create a truly unique optical shop, you also used it as windows for a flower shop. And now you're telling us you're not done yet? There's even another one!

Are you going to heaven?

The ministers were so shocked that their brains almost exploded, while Liu Ju had already taken Liu Che's arm and continued forward.

Liu Che looked at him sideways, sizing him up and down, and examining him left and right.

No one knows a son better than his father. He didn't believe that this brat didn't notice the anger of his ministers at all. Not only did he not care at all, but he also smiled and fanned the flames. Liu Che didn't know the reason, but he knew very well that Liu Ju was causing trouble!

Liu Ju noticed his gaze and blinked mischievously.

Liu Che: ...

Entering the next venue, it was still a room.

When they reached the gate, everyone waited quietly for Liu Che to go first.

With Liu Che here, who dares to walk in front of the emperor? This was the case in the glasses shop and the glass house before, but this time Liu Ju pulled him back and whispered, "Father, let someone else go in first."

She winked at him mysteriously, "Believe me."

Everyone: ...Can you speak louder? We can hear you!

Wei Qing and Huo Qubing exchanged glances and suggested, "Your Majesty, why don't you let me go?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Ju held them down with one hand each: "Uncle and cousin are not allowed either."

Liu Che, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing: ...

Others: ...You might as well just call out our names!

"I will go."

Ji An sneered and looked at Liu Ju.

He was a "thorn in the court," always arrogant and upright. He never deliberately targeted anyone, but only treated everyone he disliked equally.

If the court officials don’t like it, he will criticize them; if the emperor doesn’t like it, he will criticize them; is he afraid when it’s the prince’s turn?

No, absolutely not.

Ji An, with an expression that said, "I want to see what else you can come up with and how extravagant you can be," took the lead, pushed the door open, and then heard a thud.

Da Nong Ling, who was one step behind and about to push the door open, said: ???

"Captain Ji An, what happened? Did you fall accidentally?"

There was no response from inside. Confused, the Minister of Agriculture entered, followed closely by Prime Minister Gongsun Hong, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, and others.

Then there were several thuds and plops.

It felt like falling, or like hitting a wall.

"Ji... Commander Ji An, what... what is this thing!"

"You ask me, how do I know? I just came in too!"

"Is it a demon?"

"Monster? Who are you, monster, to dare to act so rashly here?"

"Monster, listen up! I don't care where you come from. This is the capital of the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty is the chosen one, blessed by a true dragon, and guarded by General Wei and Marquis Guanjun. You are invincible and valiant. If you dare to cause trouble, you will never return!"

"You monster, why don't you answer us? You have the guts to scare people, but you don't have the guts to show yourself."

"You're hiding your true self. This is the only illusion you can do. What a talent! You clown, if you have the guts, come out and fight General Wei and Marquis Guanjun. I'll show you the might of the Han Dynasty!"

Liu Che, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing standing outside the house: ???

Liu Ju burst into laughter: Hahahaha!

Liu Che, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing: ...