Chapter 322: The Concubine Does Not Harm the Country, She Only Wants to Harm the Imperial Master (Twenty-Six)
"The Grand Master has arrived—"
The accountant, who had the loudest voice in the mansion, was pushed out by the housekeeper and shouted loudly.
Everyone was awakened from their stupor, and absentmindedly bowed to the young man who was slowly sitting down.
Yu Huo reached out his hand to touch Bai Ling, who was covering her eyes, and curled his lips slightly: "No need to be polite, it's my fault that I'm late. Everyone, please take a seat. Let's eat and talk."
Everyone sat down one by one, but their minds were not on the food. Their eyes were fixed on the exquisite plates in front of them, revealing either appreciation or greed.
The plate only contained some boiled noodles and a small bowl of bean and minced meat stew.
But when it was placed in such a container, everyone was a little at a loss as to how to eat it.
"Eat, aren't you hungry?" Yu Huo picked up a piece of noodles with chopsticks and stuffed it into his mouth.
Hearing his voice, the official from the Ministry of Rites hesitated and asked, "Master Imperial Master, these food containers are truly beautiful. I cannot bear to touch them."
Yu Huo swallowed the noodles in his mouth and took a sip of tea: "This was made when I was practicing in the mountains, with the help of the gods and the guidance of the gods..."
Jiang Feng was holding the plate with great interest, but when he heard this, he rolled his eyes and put the plate back on the table.
How can the gods be so idle that they would instruct you to make tableware that is unique in the world? What is he trying to achieve?
The people present didn't think so, and all showed confused and awe-inspiring expressions.
Yu Huo spoke a long and rambling speech, then sighed, "This forging technique is quite complex, and the finished product is truly one in a million. Over the years, there are only about thirty sets on display. That's why I cherish them so much that I'm bringing them out to entertain you today. Master Gu, do you like them too?"
The Minister of Rites was a little embarrassed: "To be honest, Master Imperial Master, she is so beautiful, of course I will like her..."
Seeing that he was talking endlessly, Yu Huo waved his hand impatiently: "Since you like it, I will give you the plate and bowl on your table."
So generous? How can you be poor?
The Minister of Rites was stunned for a moment, then quickly stood up, flattered, and said with a bow, "Thank you, Master Imperial Master."
"You're welcome, eat now!"
Seeing that the Minister of Rites had received such exquisite tableware, the officials who were watching everything couldn't help but want to try it out.
But Yu Huo, who was standing in front of them, seemed to have no idea what was happening. He sighed before anyone else could say anything, "After all, these are just things for appreciation. Compared to Master Gu... they don't seem that precious."
The Minister of Rites, Master Gu, looked up in confusion: "Why do you say that, Master Imperial Master?"
Yu Huo continued, "Lord Gu has devoted himself to the court. When he heard yesterday that His Majesty intended to go to war with the Wu Kingdom, he specifically ordered the post stations along the way to prepare to receive the soldiers who were about to go to war.
Master Gu has taken the trouble to be so considerate. I only gave you two pieces of glassware as a gift. I really don't deserve your gratitude."
Glaze?
What a good name!
Upon hearing this, Master Gu smiled awkwardly and said, "Master Imperial Master, you are too kind."
"It's not serious, it's not serious..." After throwing the brick away, Yu Huo waved his hand perfunctorily and began to pay attention to Yu.
"By the way, where is Mr. Qian Shiren?"
The merchants sitting in the last row all looked in the direction of Qian Shiren. Qian Shiren's hand was carefully stroking the glass bowl. Suddenly he heard his own name and was so scared that his fingers trembled and he almost dropped the bowl.
He hurriedly and carefully placed the glass bowl back on the small table, stood up and respectfully replied, "Master Imperial Master, I am here."
Yu Huo, addicted to pretending to be blind, tilted his head and frowned, "Why are you sitting so far away? Come to the front and sit next to me."
Qian Shiren was flattered. Feeling the jealous gazes, he immediately bent his body and followed the servant who moved the table for him to the front row.
The lowest-ranking official in the front row was the Minister of Rites, a third-rank official. As a businessman, he felt both sour and uncomfortable sitting here.
Yu Huo gestured downward and said softly, "Boss Qian, is this simple meal still to your taste?"
Qian Shiren nodded repeatedly. Facing a super-grade imperial master, even if the food didn't taste good, he would still praise it with his eyes closed.
"The noodles are delicious. Even the tableware in the Imperial Master's house is unique. I have benefited a lot from visiting your house today and learned a lot."
Yu Huo asked again, "Do you like this glassware in the mansion?"
Qian Shiren's heartbeat suddenly quickened. Facing the envious gazes of the people present, he hurriedly said, "Your Excellency, I not only like it, I simply can't let it go."
Yu Huo nodded: "When the banquet is over, you can take a set back."
Ah this...
Qian Shiren stood up excitedly, grinning from ear to ear: "Thank you, Imperial Master!"
Yu Huo waved his hand and smiled meaningfully: "No need to thank me, this is what you deserve. I am doing this to thank Mr. Qian for his generosity in donating 5,000 taels of silver to the army that is about to set out."
Everyone: .....?
The army donated silver?
So the gift list being sung outside the door is all donated to the army?
Qian Shiren's expression was blank for a moment. He looked at the glassware on the table and rolled his eyes. "I don't deserve the gratitude of the Imperial Master..."
Before he could finish, Yu Huo interrupted him: "Boss Qian, you're welcome. Don't worry, your donation will be put to good use. The account books will be sent back with every purchase, and you can check them at any time."
Everyone present heard the hidden meaning in his words, which was that the money had nothing to do with him and was donated to military expenses. As for doing things... sorry, don't come to me.
In other situations, people might laugh at Qian Shiren, but now he has obtained two unprecedented glass tablewares. Even if the five thousand taels are not used to buy connections, it is still worth it!
After all, when they took care of things in the past, they often didn't even get a gift in return.
Five thousand taels in exchange for such exquisite glass, you might even make a profit!
Although the Zhao family's patriarch was far away, he saw everything clearly with his sharp eyes and ears. He immediately became interested and stood up and said loudly: "Master State Master, I have something to say."
Yu Huo raised his head and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Zhao Youcai, the head of the imperial merchant Zhao family."
Yu Huo raised his hand and gestured, "So it's the Patriarch of the Zhao family. Please speak."
The Zhao family's head said boldly, "Master Imperial Master, the border is currently in turmoil. I am willing to add an additional 5,000 taels of silver to do my bit for the court. I hope Master Imperial Master can give our Zhao family a chance."
"The Patriarch of the Zhao family is devoted to the country, why would I refuse?" Yu Huo folded his hands, his face full of gratitude. "The Patriarch of the Zhao family is very understanding and righteous. I have nothing to thank you for. I will also give this set of glassware to Boss Zhao. Please don't despise it."
How could the head of the Zhao family spend money to buy something he liked and dislike it? He quickly said he didn't dare.
Seeing that he could get such a beautiful glass object by donating money, the head of the Sun family could no longer sit still. He stood up and expressed his determination: "My Sun family is also willing to add 5,000 taels of silver. Please give me another chance, Master Guoshi..."
The people present rushed to donate silver. Ten merchants alone donated 59,000 taels of silver. This amount of silver was enough to buy half of Sishui Pass!
And just for... Liuli?
There was a hint of weirdness in Xiao Zhuzi's eyes.
Is it possible that the thing made from burning that pile of scrap metal and wood ashes is so valuable?
Are they fools?
But speaking of fools… wouldn’t those things in the warehouse made from burning sand be more valuable?
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