Once the seven people sat down on either side of the carriage, they just looked at each other, and no one spoke first.
It wasn't noticeable in a spacious open space, but once a group of strangers are placed in a relatively small, enclosed space, an invisible sense of constraint is created.
Among the villagers, Zheng Quchi was the first to break the silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask what you think of this cushion? I had the embroiderer sew the filling with cowhide, so it feels soft yet firm, and firm yet soft, making it especially suitable for long journeys."
Jin Yue immediately found a common topic: "What's in here? You know what, this cushion is definitely more comfortable to sit on than the cushions in other carriages."
He lifted his buttocks up and then sat down forcefully, repeating this several times to test the sensation.
The interior is made of coconut fiber, cotton fabric, and cotton, making it durable and sturdy. It won't collapse even after sitting for a long time, and its support is excellent.
Zheng Quchi certainly wouldn't tell them easily: "The materials... we have to keep them a secret for now."
At this moment, Mu Xixi looked at the small table in the middle of the seating area, where a coffee table or fruit plate was placed: "Isn't this a coffee table? How come it seems like it can be pushed and pulled at will?"
He grabbed the raised edge of the table and used it as a handle, pulling it outwards.
"This is a small table for temporary office or dining, but if you get tired, you can simply drag it out at night, secure it against the other side of the seat, place these removable cushions on it, and you can lie down and sleep well."
The folding board with wheels is a common design in modern times, but it was the first time they had ever seen it, and they were all amazed.
"Interesting, so interesting! With a strong pull, it slides out completely and can even be used as a bed board. Let me see, when it's fully folded up, the table is only about 30cm long, but once it's pulled out, it can comfortably accommodate a grown man like me."
"Yes, it's safer to stay in a carriage at night when it's cold and dewy, when wild animals attack in the wilderness, or when there's a downpour or snowstorm. The lower carriage can not only seat eight people, but also sleep quite a few people."
"What is this? Why is there a piece of wood propped up on the seat?"
“Sometimes people on the carriage inevitably encounter dangerous situations, such as being chased, the carriage being damaged and having to brake suddenly, or hitting something and overturning. At this time, as long as people hold on tightly, they can stabilize their body and greatly reduce the damage.”
They were like children exploring a treasure trove, touching and exploring everything, with a million questions swirling in their minds.
After searching every corner of the carriage, the group suddenly opened the window and saw that the carriage had already traveled some distance. However, they were so engrossed in their curiosity and exploration that they did not notice any particularly loud noises.
The carriage moved slowly, only slightly faster than human speed, but it truly achieved the feeling she had described of "keeping the cup upright without it tipping over."
"Ah Qing, can you tell the carriage to go faster?"
The three of them, each more carefree than the last, stuck their heads out to feel the wind speed.
“Okay.” She said to Wei Yao, who was driving outside, “Brother Wei, please speed up.”
"no problem."
After Zheng Quchi finished explaining, seeing that the merchants from the four families were all interested and no further introductions were needed, she remained quiet for a while.
But before she could even settle down, she felt two gazes, each with a different feeling, fixed intently on her.
One of them was Gongshu Jiruo. He was like a precise machine, wanting to dissect and break down her body, to see it in every detail, down to the smallest difference.
The next one was Abbot Miku. This young abbot had a face that seemed to be dedicated to saving all living beings, but this was only because she was blinded by her own eyes. She always felt that he was like a greedy wolf, with a fierce look that seemed ready to prey on his prey at any moment.
But after all, this is just a vague feeling and can't be taken as fact. However, she can at least be certain that Abbot Miku is not as kind and compassionate as he appears on the surface.
...So annoying, I guess I just can't stop chatting.
She cleared her throat, deliberately avoiding the two men, and said to Muha, the merchant from Kucha, "This is just a display piece. It was completed in a hurry and still needs a lot of improvement. Look, the ceiling light, side cabinet, and cloud-shaped backrest that should have been designed for the carriage have not been added yet. If the buyer can afford enough money, they can make any request, and I can fulfill it."
"Your carriage is not only thoughtfully designed, but its interior is also meticulously arranged. I wonder, craftsman Aqing, what rank do you hold among the craftsmen of your Ye Kingdom?" Muha cupped his hands and asked curiously.
The organizers must already know that the person sitting in this carriage is the craftswoman behind the Panlong Carriage, and these four big merchants will definitely be her biggest business partners in the future. So Zheng Quchi didn't hide anything and took this opportunity to build good relationships with them.
"My name is Zheng Qing, and I am a craftsman from the Ye Kingdom. I am currently ranked as a first-level craftsman. May I ask how you four great merchants should address me?"
"My apologies, I didn't realize you were already a craftsman—" Muha's expression suddenly froze.
What did she just say?!
The other three suddenly stuck their heads back in, staring wide-eyed at Zheng Quchi.
"What did you just say?! You're a level one craftsman? Did I mishear you, or did you misspoke?"
This matter couldn't be kept secret from anyone, and she frankly admitted, "You heard me right, and I didn't say anything wrong. Is this really that surprising? I used to live alone in the mountains to study, ignoring the worldly affairs down there. Only after I completed my apprenticeship did I learn that even carpenters have to be assessed and graded."
She rationalized all the doubts surrounding her, and then fabricated a story that she had been honing her skills, living in the mountains for a long time, and was ignorant of the ways of the world, in order to dispel others' inquiries about her background and origins.
When they heard her say that, their faces were full of "I don't believe it, I don't believe it, I don't believe it...", they all thought she was joking.
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