That makes sense.
Shangguan Ming composed himself and asked, "What is... an invention patent?"
She explained, "This ointment was developed by my daughter; it's her patented invention."
Master Shangguan nodded thoughtfully, still not quite understanding.
“This is the first step.” Tianyun paused, then continued, “As for the second step, we will register the hand warmer business under His Majesty’s name and enjoy His Majesty’s protection. In this way, we can also deter those thieves from having any ideas.”
Tianyun smiled slyly, his eyes sparkling like stars. "They can have the prescription, but they'll have to ask His Majesty for it!"
"That's great!" Shangguan Ming slapped his thigh excitedly. "Earning less money is fine, as long as we're alive to spend it, that's the most important thing! Tomorrow I'll petition His Majesty to grant us the title of Imperial Merchant!"
The current shortage of funds in the national treasury presents a good opportunity for them to hire businesses.
Being able to put the sale of hand warmers under His Majesty's name is a great relief, and it's definitely better to do it as soon as possible.
My father's words are very insightful. Money can never be earned enough; the most important thing is to have the life to enjoy it.
We should be willing to offer discounts; the key is to preserve the prescription.
Tianyun nodded with a smile.
Xiao Ziwu turned to look at her—
Small dimples appeared on her rosy cheeks, and her amber eyes shone brightly, as if sprinkled with icing sugar.
His heart skipped a beat, and the smile on his lips grew even gentler. "Excellent."
It seems that any problem can be solved by her, as if she comes with the rising sun and possesses magical powers.
※※※※
The Hall of Diligent Governance.
Wang Yu placed the ginseng chicken soup he was holding on the cutting board, and then heard the emperor say thoughtfully, "Shangguan Ming submitted a memorial, in which he mentioned that he was grateful for the emperor's great kindness and was determined to sacrifice himself for the country. He requested that the company be allowed to register the heat packs under my name. What do you think... should I agree?"
When Shangguan Ming requested the closure of his business, he was essentially inviting His Majesty to let them all make money together.
This move effectively silenced the ugly faces of the officials who were filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.
That's clever, though.
Wang Yu chuckled awkwardly and said, "The fact that Shangguan Siye has this intention shows that His Majesty's judgment is fair and just and deeply loved by the people. This servant believes that it would be acceptable for His Majesty to agree."
Prime Minister Mu, who is so determined to suppress Shangguan Ming, is probably going to have a hard time...
The Emperor of Liang glanced at him sideways, his expression inscrutable, and gently slapped the memorial aside.
The memorial already had the word "Approved" marked on it in red ink.
Wang Yu was sweating profusely. It turned out His Majesty had already made his decision; thankfully, he hadn't said anything wrong!
After a long while—
The Emperor of Liang suddenly said, "Summon Yuwen Yi here. I have something to ask him."
※※※※
"Your subject Yuwen Yi greets Your Majesty." Yuwen Yi knelt on the ground. "I wonder what Your Majesty has summoned me for?"
"Rise, my dear minister," the Emperor of Liang said calmly. "Has the list of officials to attend the year-end palace banquet been finalized?"
Yuwen Yi was slightly taken aback, as His Majesty never usually concerned himself with such trivial matters.
Why are you asking about this this year?
Although puzzled, he still answered truthfully: "Your Majesty, I have drafted a list according to the etiquette of previous years. Should I present it to Your Majesty for review?"
"No need." The Emperor of Liang glanced up at him briefly and asked, "Is Shangguan Ming among them?"
Only officials of the third rank or above were qualified to attend the year-end palace banquet, and Shangguan Ming was naturally not among them.
Yuwen Yi replied, "Shangguan Siye is not among them."
"Add him," the Emperor of Liang said calmly. "All matters shall be handled according to the established procedures of previous years. Once the list is drafted, submit it to the Left Chancellor for review."
Wang Yu lowered his body and pricked up his ears, secretly astonished by what he heard.
The person whom Prime Minister Mu had been trying so hard to suppress was so highly praised by His Majesty, who even specially summoned the Minister of Rites to add a seat for him at the palace banquet.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand." Yuwen Yi accepted the order and withdrew, his expression unchanged.
※※※※
The Mustard Seed Garden of the Duan Family Mansion.
Yuwen Yi said respectfully, "His Majesty instructed me to prepare the list and present it to Mu Chengye for review."
This move not only bestowed a special honor upon Shangguan Ming, but also served as a blatant slap in the face to Mu Chengye.
Xiao Ziwu held the peach wood sword in his hand and examined it closely. "His Majesty's actions may well be intended to give Mu Chengye a warning."
Mu Chengye's reach was too far, and he inevitably touched upon areas that the emperor feared.
Yuwen Yi nodded and said, "Your Majesty must already be suspicious of Mu Chengye and wary of his alliance with the Second Prince. However, the Second Prince is currently still in a coma, and the two of them have had no contact during this time, so Your Majesty has no way to find any fault with him."
Yuwen Yi seemed somewhat regretful.
Such a reprimand is just a minor tactic; we'll have to wait and see how His Majesty truly unleashes his power.
“Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, and a blessing may be a misfortune in disguise. This matter may not be a bad thing.” Xiao Ziwu pondered for a moment, then said, “The time that the Second Prince has been in a coma is a good opportunity for me to rise up.”
"I would appreciate your assistance at the palace banquet."
Yuwen Yi hurriedly expressed his loyalty, saying, "Your humble servant will do his utmost."
The two are now in the same boat, but Yuwen Yi is hiding in the shadows and has not yet been discovered by Mu Chengye. This is Xiao Ziwu's biggest advantage.
The emperor's suspicion of Mu Chengye was their bargaining chip.
Xiao Ziwu's moist, thin lips curled slightly. "In that case, Your Excellency's position as Right Chancellor is just around the corner."
Yuwen Yi naturally understood this principle. He abruptly stood up, cupped his hands in return, and said, "Your subject still needs Your Highness's protection!"
“My lord, we are of the same lineage and support each other. It’s too formal to say such things.” Xiao Ziwu reached out his hands to help him up, his face sincere.
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