Chapter 89 Asking Her for Help
After a long pause, he said in a deep voice, "If everyone is afraid of this and that, it will be difficult for these skills to be passed down, and how can we even have a job? You all must do as I say. As long as those who participate in this competition, I will do my utmost to ensure their future is worry-free. I will also submit a petition to the court, stating that all workshops of those who participated will be given priority for future government projects and needs."
Yan Quan's words had been conveyed, but he had no say in how to implement them, so he naturally had to do as Zhao Yan requested.
Two days later, the government office did not receive any registration from craftsmen.
Wang Zhubu reported the matter to Zhao Yan, who only responded calmly. After his shift ended, Zhao Yan changed his clothes and came to her courtyard alone.
His idea was simple: this competition was very important. It concerned the reputation of Da Ting and was also the best opportunity for the people of Quanzhou Prefecture to spread the lantern art overseas.
She is the most suitable candidate, and he also has selfish motives.
He just wanted to take this opportunity to make her famous.
Just as it was written on the government notice, no matter what, he would ensure her safety and the rest of her life. Even if he lost, he would report it to the court and ask them to issue her a commendation document to acknowledge her contribution!
Everyone in the Dengshi Hall was discussing this matter today, and naturally everyone thought of her. Yu Huatang did not say anything. Now she is still a member of the Dengshi Hall, and she has to consider the future of the Dengshi Hall in everything she does.
When she had nothing to do in the evening, she returned to the courtyard. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Zhao Yan sitting on a stone bench. She asked in surprise, "Master Zhao?"
The two hadn't seen each other for a long time. Zhao Yan looked at her in a daze for a moment. When he came to his senses, he explained his purpose and finally said, "No matter whether it's for public or private reasons, I believe in your craftsmanship. Therefore, I would like to ask you to accept this challenge."
Yu Huatang hadn't expected that he had come for this matter, and said with some surprise, "I understand what you said, sir, but I'm not alone now. The craft I've inherited concerns the people who are learning this skill. If the Lantern Master Hall is affected, I'm afraid many people will be unemployed."
Zhao Yan understood and said, "Don't worry about all this. I know that the current owner of the Lantern Master Hall has changed, and you won't be here for long. Why don't you just enter the competition under your own name? I will protect you. Now it's not a question of whether you leave the Lantern Master Hall or not. Since your edge can't be concealed, it's better to show it directly."
After saying this, he looked at her face and said, "I'm not asking you to be ungrateful, but it would be better if you acted in your own name. Besides, I know your original intention was to let more people see this skill. Why don't you cooperate with me? You can use my official position to reach the heights you deserve, and I'll use your reputation to achieve the political achievements I need! How about it? I think no matter who it is, no matter what it is, with the guidance and support of the government, it will be more powerful than one person alone."
He patiently persuaded her step by step to agree to this condition. In fact, in his heart, he wanted to recommend her in his personal capacity, but she would definitely not agree, and others would also speculate about their relationship.
He didn't want this. What he wanted was for her to demonstrate her skills in front of everyone and make everyone convinced.
In this case, sacrificing his official position is not a big deal.
This offer was very tempting, and Yu Huatang didn't respond for now. If she won, she could bring a group of skilled people with her. Even if she lost, it would only be in her name, and with Zhao Yan as a guarantor, she wouldn't suffer any major losses. But for him, his guarantee would affect his political achievements.
After a long pause, she said, "Would your Excellency be taking too great a risk?"
Zhao Yan heard that she seemed to be hesitant, and said anxiously, "You know, my father is the left prime minister. Even if I don't make any achievements, I can still return to the capital. If I make a mistake, it will only mean staying here for another six months. I have nothing to lose."
"So, don't worry about anything. I'll handle everything. You just need to bring a few people you trust and take over the competition."
Having said that, she was no longer willing to refuse. In her heart, she knew that this was her chance. Zhao Yan was right, she wouldn't stay in Deng Shitang for much longer, so this time, she had to win, as a way of repaying her senior brother for all the years of care.
"Okay, I'll take people to the government office to see you tomorrow," she said firmly.
He felt relieved to receive her affirmation, but he also knew that the reason they could talk like this was because of business. Now that the matter was settled, he had no reason to stay.
He said, "Then I'll wait for you tomorrow." Then he turned and left.
The next day, Yu Huatang brought Xu Fu and five craftsmen she trusted to the government office. Zhao Yan first asked them to sign, and then ordered people to quickly post the document on the streets.
When Yu Huatang returned to Dengshitang with the challenge document, everyone knew about it.
At the same time, the Persian envoys arrived at Quanzhou Port.
Yan Quan had been waiting here with several officials since early morning. Now he had finally sent this group of people to the post station. He returned to the government office with the competition requirements of the Persian leader, Ardawan Pahlavi.
When he met Zhao Yan, he said, "What they mean is that tomorrow they'll hang lanterns for the competition on the boat, and everyone will come to watch. If we can meet their requirements in three days, we'll win. Otherwise, the court's tribute of gems, spices, and fine horses will be reduced by half next year!"
This kind of competition was still very risky for the Ting Dynasty, but the founding emperor of the Ting Dynasty had decided at the time to allow them to come and challenge in order to demonstrate the majesty and magnanimity of a great country.
After listening to this, Zhao Yan sent someone to tell Yu Huatang all the matters. In addition, he also had people beat drums and gongs to spread the news throughout the streets and alleys.
By the early morning of that day, before the morning mist in Quanzhou Port had dissipated, thousands of spectators had already gathered at the harbor.
On the misty sea surface, the ships of the Persian merchant group were decorated with glass lanterns, creating a trend of luxury at the dock.
Ardawan Pahlavi stood up and kowtowed to Zhao Yan and the others, stroking his gold-threaded Hu clothing, and then introduced Yu Huatang and the others who came to challenge him.
"These are ten of our specially prepared 'Thousand-Machine Lanterns.' Crafted from a unique type of colored glass from the Western Regions, these lanterns, unlike traditional glass, glow with a rainbow of colors as their mechanisms open and close. As I understand, your country's Luoyang lanterns are world-class, but your Emperor has stated that he would like folk artists to demonstrate their skills this time. We have no objection. If you can defeat our mechanisms within three days and create a lantern even more ingenious than this, you will win."
After saying this, he signaled his followers to light ten lamps and hang them on the bow. In an instant, the petals carved from Western colored glass opened and closed randomly, reflecting a seven-color halo. Even the enamel on the skeleton emitted a stunning glow, and all the onlookers exclaimed in admiration.
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