Upon hearing Cheng Huaimo's words, Yuchi Baolin, who was in front, couldn't help but turn around and glare at him again.
Soon, Yuchi Baolin's sister, along with several others, met up with a few other women and went to the side to chatter away.
Since the girls were chatting, they naturally couldn't go over, so they simply sat down by the flower bed.
"Brother, when will our restaurant open? Should we pick a good day?" Cheng Huaimo asked.
"No need, it's already finished. We're just waiting for the final decorations, which should take about five days," Qin Mu said after thinking for a moment.
"It'll be soon! Is there anything else I need to do?" Cheng Huaimo asked excitedly.
"Not yet, we're just waiting for the wild animal meat to come back," Qin Mu said, shaking his head.
"Judging by the time, they should be back soon."
"That's good. But I've noticed a problem," Qin Mu nodded.
"What's the problem?" Yu Chi Baolin asked somewhat nervously.
"It's not a big deal. Our restaurant needs a lot of ingredients. If we always rely on buying them, we'll inevitably face some inconvenience when the market is short of them. It's better to grow our own," Qin Mu explained.
“That’s true! But there’s no land near Chang’an.” Cheng Huaimo nodded.
"Does no one have any land near Chang'an?" Qin Mu asked.
"The land in Guanzhong is not allowed to be owned by any nobles; it belongs entirely to the imperial court, and a large portion of it belongs to the families of soldiers. Even high-ranking officials of the court only own a small amount of land, mainly to grow some of their favorite foods," Cheng Huaimo explained.
Upon hearing this, Qin Mu couldn't help but admire him. The person who formulated this rule was very shrewd. The land in Guanzhong was state-owned, which would minimize the shortage of food in Guanzhong. The food would be given to the soldiers' families, and this would also win people's hearts and ensure the soldiers' loyalty.
"Can it be contracted out?" Qin Mu asked.
"contract?"
"We have the locals grow vegetables, and our restaurant buys them."
“That’s a bit difficult, isn’t it? People around Chang’an all grow vegetables, but how can they grow vegetables according to our requirements? And they might not even sell to us?” Cheng Huaimo asked.
"Then let's contact the government and have them communicate with the people. We'll sign an agreement that as long as they plant according to our requirements, we'll buy all the produce at a guaranteed price," Qin Mu said after thinking for a moment.
"This is a good idea! As long as the price is right, people will definitely be willing to accept it, since vegetables are more expensive than grains." Cheng Huaimo's eyes lit up, and he nodded in agreement.
"Brother Cheng, you should handle this. We don't mind having too much; we need vegetables and fruits. The agreement should be at least for ten years. We can give the people some subsidies first. That way, they'll feel more at ease," Qin Mu suggested.
"Okay, I'll go negotiate first. You can decide on the specific price, brother. My brain isn't as sharp as yours." Cheng Huaimo nodded in agreement.
"Hmm, I'll have someone investigate."
"His Majesty has arrived!" Yuchi Baolin reminded him.
Qin Mu looked up and saw that there were many more guards at Ziyun Tower ahead, and a large group of people were going upstairs.
“Those are a hundred cavalrymen from the Xuanjia Army. The weakest among them is at the peak of the Martial Master level. Their presence means His Majesty has definitely arrived,” Cheng Huaimo explained.
Qin Mu saw a group of expressionless, yet powerfully charged, black-armored guards, all clad in Wenshan armor. This type of armor was very unique, primarily due to its "interlocking" technique, where the armor plates were interlocked and branched together. The entire suit of armor required neither a single nail nor a single thread to complete.
The Wenshan armor features an outer layer of iron armor and an inner layer of animal hide. It utilizes not only the animal patterns on the hide but also the patterns on the iron armor, making its defense extremely formidable.
With Li Shimin's arrival, everyone, intentionally or unintentionally, moved closer to the Ziyun Tower. This wasn't to say they had any bad intentions; they mainly wanted to impress the emperor.
"His Majesty has decreed that all of you are outstanding young talents of the Tang Dynasty. It is a rare occasion for us to gather together on the Qixi Festival. Let us show our skills and encourage each other." A eunuch walked to the front of Ziyun Tower and said loudly. Although his voice was still high-pitched, everyone present could hear him clearly, which showed that he was also a person with good cultivation.
“It’s always the same, nothing new,” Yuchi Baolin said, yawning.
"How so?" Qin Mu asked curiously.
"Although this is a competition, true masters won't go all out. It's mainly for younger people to shine. It primarily uses the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and poetry. You'll understand once you watch it," Cheng Huaimo nodded in agreement and then explained.
Qin Mu suppressed his curiosity. The first thing to do on the platform outside Ziyun Tower was to play chess. Ten tables were set up for those who wanted to play, but only eleven people went up to compete.
"It's that guy Changsun Chong again!" Yuchi Baolin said disdainfully.
Changsun Chong sat there, fanning himself with a folding fan. He had no rivals and seemed very smug.
"Changsun Chong's chess skills are indeed good, but there are still many players who are better than him. However, many of them are older than him and do not want to be known for bullying the younger ones. In addition, due to his father's influence, he will probably win without a fight again this time," Cheng Huaimo explained with a smile.
As expected, as the game progressed, Changsun Chong remained seated alone, with no one to compete against him. Eventually, the last person conceded defeat, allowing him to easily claim first place.
Although Qin Mu's chess skills were not particularly refined, he could tell that these people were simply testing their chess skills and hadn't used any special techniques. Therefore, it was impossible to tell who was better. Moreover, all the players had youthful faces, which seemed to confirm what Cheng Huaimo had said—it was indeed a showcase of youth.
The second round of competition was much more exciting, with the guqin, flute, and xiao taking turns on stage, some even accompanied by dance. All the performers were girls; although the performances weren't intense, they were beautiful, creating a very lively atmosphere.
"Hey bro, got your eye on a girl?" Cheng Huaimo patted Qin Mu and asked in a low voice.
Qin Mu smiled but didn't answer. His views were different from those of people in this world. Girls in this world were generally engaged around fifteen or sixteen years old, so the girls present were all unmarried, which also meant that most of them hadn't fully matured. Qin Mu showed little interest in overly immature girls.
After the young girl took the stage, it was the young men's turn. One round was calligraphy and painting, the other was a martial arts contest. The painting competition was simple, and everyone painted together. It was easy to see who won and who lost. Qin Mu recognized the winner as Lu Chengli from the Lu family, and coincidentally, the second place winner was Wei Si'an.
As for the martial arts competition, all those who took to the field were children, and they were all guys who had just cultivated the Blood Fiend Qi. Qin Huaiyu was among them.
"It's very simple. It's just that the plaintiff's family has a successor, so it's a way to save face for the family," Cheng Huaimo explained with a smile, looking at his smug younger brother.
Although the whole competition was exciting, Qin Mu was still somewhat disappointed. It seemed a bit like child's play.
"Qin Huaidao!"
A voice rang out, and Qin Mu turned around with a wry smile and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Princess!"
The person who came was Princess Changning. Originally, Qin Mu listened to Li Chunfeng and did not get too close to her, but Princess Changning had come to see him several times this month.
"You were hiding here? I thought you weren't here," Princess Changning said with a smile.
Seeing Yuchi Baolin and Cheng Huaimo subtly move aside, Qin Mu couldn't help but curse the two ungrateful bastards in his heart.
"It's quieter here," Qin Mu replied with a smile.
"Ouch!" Princess Changning exclaimed, falling to the ground again. She thought she was about to be greeted by the smell of dirt again, but instead, a strong arm caught her.
Qin Mu didn't understand either. Seeing that she could fall down on the last low step, he instinctively rushed forward and caught her.
"Thank you!" Princess Changning said, straightening up.
"It's nothing!" Qin Mu quietly withdrew his arm and subconsciously glanced down. The elasticity was truly astonishing, and although he hadn't grasped it with his palm, it still left a deep impression.
Falling down was nothing out of the ordinary for Princess Changning. She was used to it by both herself and others. She casually straightened her clothes and stood beside Qin Mu.
Qin Mu had long noticed that folding fans were very popular in Chang'an, especially among the young masters, who were all skilled at using them, adorning them with gold and jade, and even painting on them—all without any formal instruction.
"I heard that this folding fan was passed down from you. What do you think of mine?" Princess Changning asked, taking out a folding fan with a jade pendant hanging from it.
Qin Mu took it, glanced at it, and handed it back, saying, "The sandalwood fan ribs have a pleasant fragrance, which is just right for the princess. For an ordinary girl, this fan is a bit too big, but the princess is so spirited that it doesn't seem out of place."
"Hehe, you're so good with words. I always have a great time chatting with you," Princess Changning said with a smile.
“Since the princess is using a folding fan, she should be mindful of a few things. As the saying goes, a scholar fans his chest, a warrior fans his belly, a woman covers her face, and a petty person sways.” Qin Mu took out his folding fan and gestured to Princess Changning as he spoke.
It's true, a scholar fanning his chest and a warrior fanning his belly—a scholar fanning his chest appears elegant, a warrior fanning his belly exudes grandeur, and fanning while partially covering one's face has a touch of feminine grace; while someone holding a folding fan open and waving it around looks arrogant and petty. Princess Changning watched Qin Mu's demonstration and nodded in deep agreement, especially at the end when Qin Mu deliberately feigned arrogance, which brought a knowing smile to her face.
Aside from her family, everyone else treated her with either obsequiousness or lecherousness. Only Qin Mu spoke to her freely and without restraint, letting her say whatever she wanted. Therefore, Princess Changning had a very good impression of Qin Mu and was willing to talk to him.
Qin Mu was unaware that everything they did was being observed by others, especially when Qin Mu helped Princess Changning up; Li Shimin's eyes widened in surprise.
"Guanyinbi, do you recognize whose child that is?" Li Shimin asked curiously.
"Isn't that Changning? Hmm, I don't recognize the other one. Is there anyone who isn't afraid of Changning?" Empress Zhangsun said, looking in the direction Li Shimin was pointing.
"I have a guess as to whose child that is."
Who is it?
“The person with Cheng Huaimo and Yuchi Baolin must be from their families. Since we don’t know them, it can only be Shubao’s son,” Li Shimin speculated.
"Your Majesty said that was Qin Huaidao, the eldest son of the Duke of Yi?"
"That should be correct."
"The two seem quite well-matched, it's a pity he's the eldest son of the Duke of Yi," Empress Zhangsun sighed.
Generally speaking, the eldest son inherits the title, and the possibility of him marrying into the royal family is not high, because women in the royal family and the imperial clan almost always marry other sons of ministers.
"I don't think so. It would be fine if it were someone else, but as for Changning, as long as the two families have no objections, I would be happy to see it happen," Li Shimin said, stroking his stubble.
"Why don't we ask Uncle Wang to inquire?" Empress Zhangsun suggested with great interest. She seemed quite interested in matchmaking.
"Yes, that's fine. Changning is not a child anymore," Li Shimin nodded.
Then Li Shimin beckoned to the eunuch and said something.
Soon, Li Shentong, who was accompanying the emperor, came to Li Shimin's side, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress."
"Uncle, no need for formalities. What do you think of that child?" Li Shimin waved his hand and then pointed downstairs.
Li Shentong followed Li Shimin's finger and looked at the scene. His expression immediately changed, and he said angrily, "Outrageous! How dare they flirt with Changning!"
It turned out that Princess Changning was covering her mouth and laughing downstairs. However, they were next to the flower bed, so from upstairs, it looked like the two of them were standing close together. Qin Mu happened to be leaning close to Princess Changning and saying something.
Actually, their conversation wasn't anything special; Qin Mu mainly told a couple of idle chatter, some dry, humorous jokes. Princess Changning had never heard anything like them before, so she was naturally overjoyed, laughing heartily and trembling all over. Even Cheng Huaimo, who was trying to avoid the conversation, couldn't help but steal glances at her trembling figure.
"Ahem! Uncle Wang, don't be angry. Changning is a grown man now, he should make a couple of friends." Li Shimin said, apologetically, as he looked away.
"Father-in-law, go and call Changning up here for me," Li Shentong said with a dark expression.
"Uncle, that seems to be Qin Mu, Qin Huaidao, the eldest son of the Duke of Yi. Does His Majesty want you to take a look?" Empress Zhangsun asked with a smile.
"It's him! No wonder he sent so many gifts to Changning, it turns out this brat had no good intentions." Upon hearing this, Li Shentong became even angrier. Empress Zhangsun probably didn't hear the second half of what he said. He immediately glared at her and said through gritted teeth.
"They also sent many gifts to Changning?" Empress Zhangsun and Li Shimin exchanged a glance and asked curiously.
"I knew it! That brat's like a weasel paying respects to a chicken—he's got ulterior motives. He thinks he can curry favor with Changning with some worthless junk!" Li Shentong clenched his fists and said fiercely, his anger burning like that of someone eyeing a wild boar eyeing his own plump cabbage. He wanted nothing more than to grab a stick and run downstairs immediately.
"What did you give me that made you so angry, Uncle Wang?" Li Shimin asked curiously. Generally speaking, if it were truly a token of love between two people, it would definitely be kept secret. Qin Mu's decision to let Li Shentong know so openly surprised him.
"It's just some broken furniture and some drinks!" Li Shentong said with dissatisfaction. Of course, he wouldn't admit that his favorite thing to do was to sit in a recliner, cool off, and drink.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com