Chapter 45
The news that glass was on the market and the imperial court was interested in collaborating with the people to select a distributor sparked widespread discussion. Naturally, "Glass Street" also attracted widespread attention. Upon its opening, it was flooded with visitors, becoming Chang'an's most popular attraction.
Liu Ju was forced to issue an order, implementing a queueing system to limit the number of people allowed in during each time period. He also assigned city defense troops to take turns on duty to maintain order and provide security.
Even so, it could not stop the people of Chang'an from showing interest and enthusiasm for all kinds of novel things in "Glass Street".
There was a constant clamor and exclamation in the street, and outside the street there was a long queue of people queuing up to get numbers.
"Have you received your license plate? I've been waiting in line for two days and still haven't received one."
"I just received it and was about to queue up to go in."
"Ah, you actually got it. One number plate can enter two people. Take me, take me, take me quickly."
…
"Oh my God, you have no idea how amazing it is inside. This is actually colored glass, all colored glass. I have never seen colored glass like this. How can this be colored glass!"
"His Royal Highness said it's called glass, but it's also a type of colored glaze. It's truly astonishing. Those windows, that greenhouse balcony. Most astonishing of all is the mirror maze. I thought my soul was being reflected in the mirrors; I nearly died of fright!"
"Hahaha, then you are too timid."
"Bah, you're so brave, you talk as if you weren't scared at all. Weren't you the one yelling and screaming in there? Weren't you the one crying and shouting, wanting to pull the monster out of the mirror and beat it to death?"
"It's a good thing I held you back. Otherwise, if you had destroyed the mirror, you would have had to pay triple the damages or be thrown into jail."
…
"Did you buy a mirror?"
"I bought it, of course I bought it. I bought several. One for my mother and one for my sisters. They're sure to love it. This mirror is amazing. It reflects the real person. Who would still use a bronze mirror when you have one like this?"
"Yes. I bought some too. I also bought a few small glass ornaments. They're all in animal shapes. They're really cute."
"This Glazed Street is so interesting. I have to ask people to line up again to get a sign. I want to come again."
"That's nothing. Haven't you heard the news from above? The court is selecting agents. In the future, there will be more shops here, and other glass-related buildings will be built. They will also recruit owners from all walks of life to move in. That's when things will get fun."
…
Scenes like these were played out in various places in Chang'an and the mausoleums, becoming the norm and commonplace.
Beside the glazed street, in a luxurious carriage.
Guangyun looked at the bustling scene before him and sighed with deep emotion, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is truly extraordinary. This concept is truly astonishing and truly astonishing."
He then turned to look at Qi Yuanniang who was busy in the store, his brows slightly furrowed, his expression somewhat complicated, with both admiration and a bit of reluctance: "The court is still in the process of selecting the cooperative agent, and these two shops have already opened.
"Even after all the shops were established, hers was in the best location, so she naturally got the most business. She really had the advantage."
Looking at the flow of people in the store, one can imagine the profits brought by this opportunity.
Even Shengping Tower, which was once envied by others, did not have such a scene, and now the situation of Shengping Tower is much worse than before.
Although she is still out of reach in the eyes of others, she has seen the huge number of customers coming to her in the past, so how can she calmly accept the current gap?
Guangyun's expression slightly withered: "We have been busy for several months, countless royal relatives and dignitaries have spent so much effort, recruited so many skilled craftsmen, but we have not succeeded, and a little-known Qi Yuanniang has gotten ahead of us."
Guang Zhong beside him also said: "I didn't expect that a girl like her could have such abilities. I underestimated her."
Guangyun paused, then turned to look at him, half smiling, "Do you regret not marrying her? If you had married her, her glory today would also be yours.
"Unfortunately, her current status is different, so she can no longer be a concubine. Especially if you have such feelings for her, how could Princess Eyi accept it?"
Guangzhong sneered, "Sister, please don't try to test me with these words. I can still distinguish between the important and the unimportant. How can a Qi Yuanniang be compared with a princess?"
"Although she is somewhat pretty, she is far from a princess, and her social status is even more drastically different. Even her current glory is only due to her status as a disciple of the Crown Prince, who supports her.
"But no matter what, she is just a disciple, while the princess is the prince's sister. If I become the prince's brother-in-law, wouldn't the conveniences he is willing to give her be given to me?"
Guangyun chuckled: "You are quite clear-headed. I was afraid that you would be confused by the beauty."
Guangzhong disagreed and sneered.
Even if it was for beauty, it should be for the beauty of Princess Eyi. Qi Yuanniang is just the light of a firefly on rotten grass, how can she compete with the brilliance of sunlight.
What's more, this was the person who rejected him and chose a junior apprentice, causing him great shame.
He was going to take her home, also for revenge first, because he was confused? Ha.
"Tell my sister, how are things going between you and the princess?"
"Of course it will go smoothly. Sister will just wait for you."
Guangyun raised an eyebrow: "You are quite confident."
"Of course. If it were the Queen's three legitimate daughters, I wouldn't be able to guarantee anything. But to deal with someone like Princess Eyi who is unloved and unappreciated, I have my own methods.
"You and mother always say that I've been playing around with girls all these years and have no serious intentions. But I haven't been playing around with girls for nothing. I naturally know how to win over a girl's heart. Whatever she needs, I will give her."
Arrogant, conceited and arrogant.
Guangyun frowned. "Even if Eyi is not favored, she is still a princess of the royal family. Her character and knowledge are incomparable to those of the girls you have met before. You should take it easy and don't be careless."
"Okay, sister, I know."
Even if she is a princess, she is still a girl. Girls have only so many thoughts, and they are easy to guess.
Guangzhong disagreed and said unhappily, "Sister, can't you have a little confidence in me? Am I, in your eyes, someone who can't do anything and can't even do the things I'm best at?"
My younger brother is a donkey that goes with the flow and is unhappy.
Guangyun swallowed the words that were about to come out of her mouth and smiled coaxingly: "Okay, okay, it's my fault. I apologize to you. I trust you. But you have to be careful. If you think the time is right, move as quickly as possible."
Guangzhong was stunned.
Guangyun's smile faded, and his expression grew serious. "The Wang family asked Madam Wang to help put in a good word for His Majesty. As far as I know, His Majesty has already agreed."
"Considering the order of seniority, we would like to finalize Princess Wei Chang's marriage first. The Emperor and Empress have observed Pingyang Marquis Cao Xiang's recent performance and are very satisfied. A decree will be issued this month. After that, it will be E Yi and Wang Chong'er."
Guangzhong's heart tightened, which meant that he didn't have much time left.
Thinking of the beautiful and charming E Yi, and then thinking of Wang Chong'er, Guang Zhong felt as if something he loved was snatched away from him. Resentment and anger surged in his heart, and his eyes gradually became sinister.
Wang Chong'er, relying on his seniority, had always been superior to him and had snatched away many of his prized possessions. Could he possibly give in this time?
Guangzhong clenched his fists.
No, never!
********
Two flowers bloom, each showing its own beauty.
After proposing the suggestion of Liuli Street, Liu Ju no longer cared about how the court arranged it in an orderly manner.
After all, he was exhausted from writing down the key points from the thousands of comments that flooded the screen, discarding the dross and retaining the essence, and barely coming up with one or two applicable solutions.
Why should he do the rest of the work as well!
No, no, I won’t do it.
Liu Ju spent his days reading, playing, eating, and drinking, feeling quite relaxed. He figured his father should be mostly done with his work, and only after the results of the discussion and the specific rules were finalized did he let Feng He carry two bowls to the Qingliang Palace.
Liu Che lived in the Greenhouse Palace in winter and the Cool Palace in summer.
After reporting, Liu Ju entered smoothly and personally took the ice bowl from Feng He's hand and placed it on Liu Che's dining table.
Liu Che chuckled: "What is this? Is this something you asked the chef to study recently?"
"Hmm. This is called fruit smoothie. Just crush the ice into sand, add deodorized boiled milk, and then pour the squeezed juice over it.
"The preparation is similar to the iced juice we used to have, with a slight difference. But it tastes more refreshing. A bowl of it is the most refreshing and comfortable thing in the hot summer. This bowl is grape. This bowl is peach. Father, please try it."
Liu Che naturally chose the grapes that were closer to him. After taking a bite, he found them to be indeed cool and refreshing, a perfect drink for summer.
"Yes."
His father also liked what he liked, which made Liu Ju even happier. While eating his peach-flavored drink, he glanced at Liu Che's bowl.
Liu Che couldn't help laughing and picked up the spoon to feed him. Liu Ju took a bite and his eyes narrowed, enjoying it very much: "Grapes are still the best. Grapes from the Western Regions are sweet."
Liu Che laughed and said, "Since you like grapes more, why don't you choose this bowl?"
"Of course, Father must choose first."
As if it were a matter of course, Liu Che's smile deepened, but he still cruelly snatched the ice bowl from Liu Ju's hand: "This thing is too cold, you are still young and your spleen and stomach are weak, just taste a little, don't be greedy."
Liu Ju looked at his empty hands: ...
Ahhhhh, are you serious?! I was so kind as to bring you food, and you actually snatched mine away. You can't be such a father.
Liu Ju pursed his lips in displeasure, staring intently at the two ice bowls in Liu Che's hands, looking so pitiful.
Liu Che hardened his heart and beckoned his maid to bring a plate of grapes and place it in front of Liu Ju: "Since you like grapes, you can eat these. They have been cooled with cold water, so they are also cool."
Liu Ju was furious, but helpless. He could only pick up the grapes and stuff them into his mouth in a fit of anger, saying them viciously.
Seeing Liu Che finish the two ice bowls, Liu Ju's face turned green.
So you don't let me eat it because you want to eat it all yourself!
Adults are annoying. They're annoying. When I grow up, I can make my own decisions and eat as much as I want. Humph.
Liu Che couldn't help laughing.
Liu Ju glanced at the bamboo slips he had placed on the table and suddenly remembered the purpose of his visit. He blinked and asked, "Is this the memorial regarding the renovation of the windows in my father's residence?"
"Yes. The craftsmen came today to take measurements, and construction will begin in about two days."
Since glass can replace window paper and screen, the transformation of the palace is naturally the first priority, especially for the emperor.
Liu Ju became excited: "Father's Xuanshi Palace, Wengyuan Palace, and Qingliang Palace must all be renovated, and so must Mother's Jiaofang Palace."
Liu Che laughed and said, "And your Changle Palace, change them all, change them together."
Liu Ju rolled his eyes. "That's a big project, especially for Father. I think we can have someone plan it out and build a greenhouse balcony like the one we saw that day."
Liu Che did have this idea, but it was obvious that he understood Liu Ju very well. Liu Ju definitely did not make such a suggestion just to satisfy his needs for comfort and enjoyment. It looked like he must have other plans in mind.
"what you up to?"
"Father, the changes here, all the tinkering, will naturally disrupt your daily life. Why don't we stay at Shanglin Garden for a while and come back after the changes are completed?"
Liu Che: ...There are so many places in the palace, so there is no other palace for me to use, right?
Liu Ju counted on his fingers the advantages of Shanglin Garden: "In the hot summer, Shanglin Garden is nestled against the mountains and beside the water, much cooler than the palace, and perfect for escaping the heat.
"There are already palaces over there. Although Jianzhang Palace isn't completely finished, it's mostly finished and won't affect living there. We've been there occasionally in the past and always stayed there. This time, it's no problem for us to stay longer."
The more he talked about it, the more feasible it seemed: "Bring along mother, sister, uncle, and cousin. Invite some royal relatives and court officials to accompany you. Not only will your father be able to handle state affairs normally every day, but he can also go horseback riding and hunting in his spare time."
"Or maybe we can organize a few more Cuju and polo matches. Combining work and rest is better than being trapped in the palace."
Liu Che: ...I haven't agreed yet, but you've already started planning.
Liu Ju changed the subject, pulled his sleeve and said, "Father, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance told me something the other day."
His eyes rolled around, his hands hung down, looking at his fingers, his expression was flattering and ingratiating, and his little thoughts were visible at a glance.
"Look, Father! I invented glass and its many derivatives, and also offered many brilliant suggestions. Isn't that a great achievement?"
Liu Che narrowed his eyes and nodded: "The achievements are indeed not small, so what?"
Liu Ju instantly perked up: "In that case, Qi Yuanniang deserves a generous reward for her meritorious service. I have also done meritorious service, will there be a reward?"
Liu Che curled his lips and remained calm, watching his performance without saying a word.
"Father, I gave up Bowang Garden to build Liuli Street. The Minister of the Ministry of Finance said that they can no longer build me a separate garden there."
Liu Che paused. He had almost forgotten about this. That area had been designated as Liuli Street, and Bowang Garden was indeed no longer suitable.
He looked at Liu Ju: "Do you want to choose another location?"
"We need to choose another location, but we'd better keep it simple this time and not make it too complicated."
Liu Che: ???
Liu Ju coughed twice, cleared his throat, and tentatively said, "Let's build it next to Shanglin Garden. It's adjacent to Shanglin Garden. Whether I want to run horses, hunt, or have fun, I can just ride a horse and it will be very convenient. There's no need to enclose additional land for me to build a forest garden horse farm."
"We only need to build some houses and courtyards, and at most add some rockery and flowers. The amount of work will be reduced by more than half, saving time, labor, and money. The money saved can be used for other more meaningful things, right?"
Liu Che: ...You speak so eloquently, do you really think that I don't know your little thoughts?
Don't you just want to share my Shanglin Garden? Why don't you just tell me to give it to you?
Oh!
Liu Che glanced at him and said, "You deliberately built the display shops and mirror maze in Bowang Garden, and you even strongly advocated the construction of Liuli Street. Is this your idea?"
Liu Ju waved his hands repeatedly: "No! Absolutely not. I'm not that kind of person! I just saw that things had come to this point, so I just went with the flow. I didn't think that way. How could the emperor, father, look at me like that?"
Liu Che: ...Then you really know how to go with the flow.
"Father, please promise me, okay?"
Its eyes blinked like a baby raccoon.
Seeing that Liu Che was unmoved, Liu Ju hung his head, looking pitiful and aggrieved. "Alright. I get it. I... I just wanted to be close to Father, not so far away. It was me who overstepped my bounds. I shouldn't have thought of taking Father's place in the forest garden."
Liu Che: ...You have actually learned to retreat in order to advance!
Knowing his tricks, Liu Che endured and endured, and resisted letting him eat the ice bowl. This time, he really couldn't help but soften his heart: "Forget it, I will allocate a piece of land from the edge of Shanglin Garden to you.
"The Bowang Garden built in this way can be independent of the Shanglin Garden, with access to the main road in front and also connected to the Shanglin Garden in the back. This will make it convenient for you to travel between the two."
Liu Ju's eyes sparkled, and he jumped up and hugged Liu Che: "Father, you are the best. Thank you so much, Father. Long live Father!"
He was so happy that he was jumping for joy.
Liu Che was speechless and helpless, and the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously.
What's wrong with my son wanting to build a garden next to me? This is a sign that my son wants to be close to me! What's more, my son is still so young, isn't it normal for him to rely on him?
Even if there are some other thoughts, isn’t it just for the convenience of horse racing and fun?
It's not a big deal. My dear son is so smart and capable. He has done so much for me and solved so many problems. It's just a small request. Why not agree to it?
Liu Che made the final decision: If you want to divide the land, give it to me! If you want to escape the summer heat, go!
Let’s go.
As soon as he arrived at Shanglin Garden, Liu Ju was like a young swallow flying into the forest, running around everywhere all day long. Relying on the fact that he had learned to ride a horse, he was full of vigor and wanted to take part in every activity.
Not to mention horse racing and hunting, he was no longer satisfied with just watching polo and cuju. Since he could not beat the elders, he ordered the court officials to bring their own children to play.
The former tried twice, but he was young and his skills were weak. He couldn't take care of both the ball and the horse. If it weren't for the guards protecting him, he would have almost fallen off the horse. He had no choice but to give up and switch to Cuju.
He was always busy and had no rest. But within a few days, he and Wei Buyi defeated all the "baby gangs" and successfully established his position as the leader of the children.
Outside the arena, Huo Qubing exclaimed: "These two little guys are quite impressive, they look so much like the real deal."
Liu Che also felt this way: "As expected, children need to play with children of the same age. It seems that my son is more energetic when playing with this group of kids."
Huo Qubing raised his eyebrows: "Your Majesty, you used the wrong word. This is not more energetic, it's more energetic. These days, Liu Ju has been leading them, and they are almost tearing the roof off the house."
Liu Che didn't think so, and he was very happy.
His son is lively and active, talented in both literature and martial arts. By chance, he has visited a fairyland and had a wonderful encounter with an immortal. He is simply his dream girl.
He smiled at Wei Qing and said, "Zhongqing, I think you should bring Buyi into the palace more often. I said so earlier, but you are too obedient. For example, when Qubing was young, he would spend half of the month in the palace."
Wei Qing lowered his head and listened quietly, saying nothing. He did not directly refuse the emperor, nor did he agree outright.
Huo Qubing, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow and said, "It's because Your Majesty loves me, and I feel the same way now. I stay in the palace for half of the month. If Your Majesty doesn't drive me away, I won't leave."
Liu Che laughed out loud.
Liu Ju and Wei Buyi just happened to come over after finishing their match. "Father, you look so happy. What are you talking about?"
Liu Che told him the whole story. Liu Ju glanced at Huo Qubing and said, "Cousin, you've been living half of the time in the palace and half of the time in your uncle's house this past month. The Marquis of Guanjun Mansion that our father gave you must be gathering dust."
Huo Qubing snorted, "Oh, since you don't like me living in the palace, then I'll just live in my uncle's house and play with Buyi every day. Buyi, what do you say?"
Here we go again.
Without waiting for Wei Buyi's reply, Liu Ju rolled his eyes and said, "Childish. You think I'm still a three-year-old child. I won't fall for your tricks anymore."
Everyone: ...
Huo Qubing: ...You're not three, you're six or seven, and you're calling me childish? Who's childish between us?
Liu Che covered his lips and smiled secretly, then pulled Liu Ju to his side. While instructing the maid to wipe his sweat, he asked, "What are you going to do this afternoon?"
"We'll take a break this afternoon."
Liu Che was slightly surprised. Liu Ju's daily schedule had been packed these past few days, yet he still had no time to make plans?
Huo Qubing was even more surprised: "We have a hunting competition this afternoon, aren't you going?"
Liu Ju curled his lips and said, "Why should I go to your hunting competition? Just to make up the numbers?"
Huo Qubing: ???
Aren't you usually just making up the numbers and being very active?
Liu Ju snorted, raised his eyebrows, and had his own ideas in mind, but did not say them out loud.
When the time came and the hunting competition was about to begin, Liu Ju mysteriously summoned Shi Yi to go up the mountain. When they reached the peak, he sat down in the pavilion at the top, had the maid spread the tablecloth, set out fruits and drinks, and then stretched out with a smile.
Shi Yi glanced at him and said, "It's windy on the top of the mountain. Why don't you go hunting here and get some fresh air?"
Liu Ju scoffed, "I chose this spot precisely for the best viewing experience of the hunting competition. I had my guards scout this spot in advance for the best viewing spot."
He pointed to the opposite mountainside and said, "Look, the hunting competition is over there. Isn't it clear from here?"
Shi Yi was speechless: "It's so far away, and there are trees blocking the view. I can't even see a single person."
"Who said I can't see? I have a magic weapon."
Liu Ju turned his wrist and took out a pair of binoculars from behind him.
Shi Yi was stunned. "This...this...didn't the Emperor order us to keep it secret and not use it? Where did you get it?"
Liu Ju raised an eyebrow. "Even if the emperor issued a death order, how could I deny what I made? As for keeping it secret, don't worry. The people I brought with me today were all present that day and knew about it long ago. Because of this, I didn't even call Bu Yi."
Shi Yi glanced around and saw that it was indeed the case. Not only did he not bring Wei Buyi with him, but he also did not bring the imperial guards. However, there was no need to worry about the security of Shanglin Garden. Shi Yi felt relieved and immediately said happily, "Let me see it quickly."
Liu Ju raised his chin, and his maid took out another pair of binoculars and handed them to Shi Yi.
The two of them used telescopes to adjust the distance and direction.
"Ah, I see, that's Cousin Cao Xiang."
"Sister, sister is here too."
"I found my cousin Qubing. He's in the front."
Liu Ju curled his lips. "He always takes the lead, leaving everyone else far behind. Whether it's horse racing or hunting, no one can beat him wherever he takes the field. I don't know what's the point of playing like this. There's not even any suspense, how boring."
As soon as he finished speaking, there seemed to be a faint sound. Liu Ju was stunned. Before he could react, Sheng Gu frowned and said, "It's a horse hoof."
The hunting ground is not here. Normally, no one would come here at this time. Who could it be?
As soon as the thought came to his mind, Sheng Gu's expression changed drastically: "The sound of the horse's hooves is not right. Yu Sui, take His Highness and the Princess away."
But it was too late.
The horses' hooves were getting closer, and they came to the front with a loud whistling sound, blocking the only way down the mountain.
Shenggu Yusui could only protect the two of them and retreat to the pavilion.
Liu Ju looked closely and found that there was another person on the horse's back. He could no longer sit or stand, and could only hold on to the horse's neck tightly in an attempt to survive. He desperately shouted "Help" and "Stop", howling in panic and incoherently.
The horse had obviously lost control and completely disobeyed its owner's orders. It rushed around recklessly, sometimes leaning over, sometimes leaning back, sometimes swaying from side to side, and its movements were extremely violent. The horse let out bursts of mournful cries that sounded like sharp howls.
Sheng Gu glanced at the road down the mountain behind "Crazy Horse" and knew that hiding like this was not a solution. Judging from the look of "Crazy Horse", he was afraid that it would rush over in the next moment.
She and Yu Sui exchanged a glance. Yu Sui stood in front of them, on full alert. Sheng Gu broke into a sprint, leaping onto the horse's back and pulling on the reins, trying to force the horse to stop.
However, the "crazy horse" struggled so hard that Sheng Gu was struggling. The man and the horse were in a stalemate. If she was given time, maybe she could succeed. But there was a variable.
The man on horseback noticed someone else had mounted the horse and turned to hug her legs: "Save me, save me. I am the son of Marquis Gai and the nephew of the Queen Mother. No matter who you are, as long as you save me, I will reward you handsomely."
Sheng Gu's face changed drastically, and he said, "Let go!"
The man on the horse was already extremely frightened, as if he had grabbed the last straw of life. How could he dare to let go? Instead, he held on tighter and tighter.
Sheng Gu's expression grew even more gloomy. The stalemate between him and the horse began to reverse. Sheng Gu's body was restrained, and he was unable to hold on. The horse reared back and neighed again, and they were both thrown off.
Sheng Gu, with her martial arts skills, rolled twice on the ground, barely losing most of her strength, and managed to get up. Seeing that the horse was empty, she no longer hesitated, a cold light flashed in her eyes, and she pulled out a dagger from her sleeve and jumped forward again.
This time, without anyone holding him back, Sheng Gu was able to do much more smoothly. To be safe, he didn't need to rein in the horse. He simply stabbed the dagger into the horse's neck, jumped off the horse immediately, and rolled onto the grass as before, landing safely on the ground.
At the same time, the horse fell down with a loud bang, blood flowing from its neck and white foam coming out of its mouth.
The danger was over. Liu Ju emerged from the pavilion and approached the fallen man. He was slightly startled. It turned out to be Wang Chong'er, the son of Wang Xin, Marquis of Gai.
But he was covered with scratches all over his body, and he didn't have the skills like Sheng Gu to release his strength. Fortunately, his head hit a rock, and blood had seeped out. His face was pale, and he was breathing in more than out.
Liu Ju opened his eyes wide, stunned.
No way. It had been a while since he had asked Zuo Jian to tell him about case files, let alone come into contact with criminal files. How could he have encountered something like this?
On second thought, no, no. It couldn't necessarily be him. The Law of Attraction and the so-called murder physique all target cases. But who says this is definitely a case and not an accident?
Liu Ju subconsciously turned his gaze slowly towards Shiyi.
It's Ajie, right? Doesn't Ajie also have that weird physique? What's the commentary like? This is called the chosen paparazzi.
He has a special talent for gossip and news, and always gets firsthand information. So it makes sense that he would run into the news scene this time.
Yes, it must be Sister A, definitely Sister A.
You have to pass the buck, you have to pass the buck.
Shi Yi: ...Are you polite?
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