However, Prince Qing was clearly determined to obtain the craftsmanship of the pearl, so he had no choice but to give it to him.
This is imperial power.
Gu Yaoniang feigned difficulty: "The method for making pearl-embroidered paper was purchased by the Gu family from a craftsman at a high price. I'm afraid..."
She looked very troubled, and Prince Qing's expression turned cold: "Madam Gu, so you can't make decisions in the Gu family?"
When the government initially required people from the Gu family to come to the Ministry of Revenue every day to await arrangements, it was clearly stated that they needed someone in charge.
If Gu Yaoniang cannot make a decision, wouldn't she be just going through the motions for the court?
Gu Yaoniang gritted her teeth, looking very troubled: "Of course I can make the decision. But Your Highness, we are in business, and we are here for profit."
Prince Qing interrupted her, saying, "If the Gu family truly does as you say, and from now on they will not charge a penny for the Xuan paper offered to the court, nor sell it to anyone else, wouldn't that mean they have no profit to make?"
Gu Yaoniang gripped her sleeves tightly, steeled her heart, and knelt down, saying, "This humble girl has a request, please forgive me, Your Highness."
Prince Qing looked at her petite figure, kneeling upright on the ground. From his angle, he could only see the top of Gu Yaoniang's head.
Her hair was tied up in a high bun, with hairpins swaying. The flickering candlelight on her jewelry was like a restless, ambitious heart, pounding with desire.
He smiled subtly. So he still wanted something after all... he was waiting to negotiate.
"Speak."
Gu Yaoniang lowered her head, her voice coming: "If we can't get wealth, then we can only get fame. The Gu family wants the title of 'Imperial Merchant'!"
"Imperial Merchant" refers to merchants who have gained the favor of royalty and nobility. It's not about the monetary gain, but the status symbol. For a merchant to earn the title of "Imperial Merchant" means that the goods they sell have caught the eye of these dignitaries. What haven't these nobles seen? Anything that has caught their eye must be extraordinary.
In the future, customers will flock to it, and merchants will surely prosper.
Prince Qing was aware of the implications of being a royal merchant, but he didn't take it to heart.
It's just the title of "Imperial Merchant"! Even with the "Imperial" in his name, he's still just a merchant. He thought Gu Yaoniang would try to get an official position for her younger brother.
"good."
Prince Qing readily agreed.
Gu Yaoniang's joy was perfectly timed. Overjoyed, she kowtowed to Prince Qing on the ground again: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness! You may send someone to take away the formula and craftsmen for Pearl Xuan at any time."
Prince Qing watched as Gu Yaoniang bowed and then stood up, and only after she had finished these movements did he clap his hands and say, "Yaoniang, what are you doing! You're too polite! Get up quickly!"
Lu Zhaoan's conversation with Prince Qing was not much different.
In the production of Feiyin, pen and ink are not as important as paper. Moreover, the Lu family's background is undeniable, and Empress Lu is also a member of the Lu family. Even if Prince Qing and Lu Zhao'an are at odds, there is no need for Prince Qing to make things difficult for them in this matter.
Prince Qing did not insist that the Lu family present their techniques for using brushes and ink. He only asked that the Lu family cooperate in providing these items, which would then be considered as the court's procurement from the Lu family.
Lu Zhaoan readily agreed, promising to provide whatever the court asked for.
The two quickly reached an agreement.
-
As Lu Zhaoan emerged from the Ministry of Revenue and walked out of the alley where the office was located, he saw a magnificent carriage quietly parked at the street corner ahead, driven by a pretty maid.
It was Gu Yaoniang's lucky charm.
Lu Zhaoan hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and asked, "Why aren't you leaving yet?"
Today, Bi Shuang was driving the carriage. She was quite lively. When she saw Lu Zhao'an, she jumped off the carriage, smiled, and bowed, saying, "Our lady has been waiting for you!"
Lu Zhaoan smiled knowingly—he also had something to say to Gu Yaoniang.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing Gu Yaoniang's beautiful face: "Boss Lu, would you do me the honor of having a meal with us?"
-
Lu Zhaoan pointed to Bishuang and drove the carriage to a small street next to Tonghua Lane. Following the street, Zhaocai was led through a gate.
Gu Yaoniang was quite nervous: "Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
After all, to be honest, Tonghua Lane isn't a place for respectable people. But although she said that, her eyes revealed obvious curiosity and excitement.
Bi Shuang was very vigilant. When she saw Lu Zhao'an jump off the horse, she looked at him warily.
Lu Zhaoan shook his head helplessly, turned to Gu Yaoniang in the carriage, and looked into her eyes: "Do you not trust me?"
Gu Yaoniang certainly didn't distrust his character. It was just that, at this moment, having brought her here, she wondered if he was slightly out of his mind.
Perhaps Gu Yaoniang's eyes could speak, or perhaps Lu Zhaoan himself sensed something was amiss. Although he felt it wasn't really necessary, he still explained, "This is the back door of Zuiyue Tower. Aren't we going to eat?"
Gu Yaoniang let out a soft "Oh," her expression a mixture of relief and disappointment. Lu Zhaoan finally understood Gu Yaoniang's thoughts and chuckled, "What are you thinking? Even if I were a scoundrel, I would never take you to a brothel."
As he spoke, he naturally reached out to help Gu Yaoniang down from the carriage.
Gu Yaoniang realized she had overthought things and felt somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. She slapped Lu Zhaoan's hand away and jumped off the carriage, but lost her balance when she landed.
Lu Zhaoan reacted quickly and reached out to help her, but Gu Yaoniang steadied herself. Lu Zhaoan then naturally withdrew his hand and led Gu Yaoniang inside.
"Oh? My wife?"
Bi Shuang stood still, not following, but instead holding the reins, looking somewhat bewildered.
Gu Yaoniang immediately understood her meaning, and Lu Zhaoan also understood: "The carriage can stop here. Someone will be coming soon. You go with your wife."
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