The main focus of lantern viewing is naturally the lanterns themselves.
Shen Changle originally planned to burn incense and light lamps in front of Ranxiangju to enhance the atmosphere, and although the lamps were rather mediocre, they would be enough to get by.
But how could one possibly surpass the Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp with this?
Seeing his gloomy expression, Qin Yuan smiled and said, "It's probably difficult to find one that can compare to the Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp now. Why don't we think of another way? Just ask if you need money or manpower."
Shen Changle smiled wryly: "Even if we hire someone now, I'm afraid there won't be enough time to come up with anything new."
Suddenly, Cui Ming had a flash of inspiration and came up with an idea.
"Why not find a way to connect poetry and incense? That would be novel. The Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp is very expensive, but it is exquisite and valuable. We can only find another way."
Qin Yuan nodded slowly upon hearing this.
Shen Changle thought that since there was no other way, he might as well try anything, and said, "Although every household is busy making lanterns now, we can find ordinary lantern makers if we pay them more money. It's just that the word 'new' is a bit difficult for us. This servant is dull and has no clue what to do."
Qin Yuan said, "Go back and think about it again. This can't be rushed. Come find me again tomorrow."
Shen Changle had no choice but to agree, and then Qin Yuan said, "If you can't think of anything right now, go around and ask around, and you might just find the answer."
"I hope so, your servant will do his best."
Although they were at a loss, they had to find a way to accomplish what their master had ordered them to do, otherwise how could they show their abilities?
After Shen Changle left, Cui Ming asked Qin Yuan, "Was what I said inappropriate? Shen Changle's expression looked even worse than when she arrived."
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "He came thinking he could get some solutions from me, but now the ball is in his court again. Besides, he's illiterate, so it's really difficult for him to come up with anything new."
Seeing her like this, Cui Ming felt relieved and smiled, "Miss must have made up her mind, but why didn't you say so just now?"
Qin Yuan said, "It's just a vague idea, and it might not be the best. Besides, Shen Changle is always clever and capable. He might come up with a better idea if we push him a little. I also need to think about it some more."
Hongye sighed from the side, "The Marquis's words have caused me so much worry. I don't know why he suddenly thought of this."
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "I suppose Sixth Master said something, otherwise why would the Marquis change his mind overnight? I originally didn't want to compete with Shuhai Pavilion for a moment, and I wanted to follow Mr. Songshan's method and take it one step at a time. But it's not impossible to fight for this pride."
As the older brother, she wanted to make her younger brother proud, so as the sister-in-law, she naturally had to find a way to do so.
Hongye said, "I'll go ask Sixth Master's servant."
Qin Yuan nodded.
Hongye returned at lunchtime and greeted everyone with a smile as soon as she entered, "Miss, guess what happened?"
Cui Ming told the maids to go eat first while she set the table. When she saw Cui Ming come in, she said irritably, "You've been out having fun for so long and you're only coming back now. And you're still keeping us in suspense."
Hongye wasn't annoyed and smiled, "I know you can't guess, but Miss might not."
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "Forget it, I can't guess either. How can I guess something that's so nonsensical?"
Hongye then said, "I had no choice but to stay for so long. Last night, Sixth Master went to the ancestral hall with the Marquis. When he came back, he started painting and didn't rest until almost dawn. Then, early this morning, he took two stewards to the Jingzhao Yin's office to close the case. When I arrived, Sixth Master was taking a nap after a long morning of work, and the servants serving him were also dozing off."
Qin Yuan asked curiously, "Did the Marquis go to the ancestral hall with Sixth Master last night?"
This is really strange.
Hongye said, "That's right. That servant was like he couldn't wake up, which was very worrying. After asking him for a long time, he only said that Sixth Master went to Mr. Songshan's place yesterday and came back very angry and kept cursing. He said that Shuhaige was too arrogant and dared to disrespect Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang."
Cui Ming asked, "Is that all?"
"Who am I?" Hongye said, "What else could I possibly worry about? So I went to find Brother Qi and the old women who serve Mr. Songshan. Actually, I only needed to find Brother Qi. I found that like mother, like son. Brother Qi looks unassuming, but he knows everything. He's like a teapot boiling dumplings, he knows everything inside and out."
Cui Ming had already set out all the dishes, bowls, chopsticks, cups, and plates, but Hong Ye hadn't gotten to the main topic yet.
Cui Ming said, "Hurry up and tell me, okay? Every time you talk about something, it's like you're telling a story. I think you should go and listen to Mr. Songshan's lectures. He can even pass on the gavel to you."
“Alright,” Hongye was also hungry and thirsty. “Shuhai Pavilion has sent letters to Mr. Songshan several times, inviting him to meet for tea and a detailed discussion, but Mr. Songshan has not given them the time of day. A few days ago, another letter was sent. The messenger said that Mr. Songshan would definitely understand after reading this letter. He ignored them today, but I’m afraid he will have to beg Shuhai Pavilion in the future.”
"Yo!"
This piqued even Qin Yuan's interest.
"Glug glug," Hongye then gulped down a cup and continued, "Mr. Songshan was furious when he read the letter, saying it was full of intimidation and threats. However, he does have some knowledge, though it's limited. The person who wrote the letter can barely be considered a refined scoundrel."
That's really strange.
"What exactly did the letter say?" Cui Ming asked, "That it could elicit such a reaction from Mr. Songshan?"
Hongye continued, "While serving outside, Brother Qi overheard Mr. Songshan and Sixth Master talking and pieced together the truth from their conversation. The manager of Shuhaige said in his letter that although Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang's seclusion is the style of famous scholars, it is a pity that they have chosen to rely on our Dingbei Marquis's Mansion. They will surely bring trouble upon themselves in the future, and it will be too late to regret it then."
Qin Yuan, having heard this, had no doubts and smiled, "I see, what he said does make sense, it's just a pity..."
Unfortunately, he stopped himself from saying anything more.
Hongye sighed, "Miss has figured things out again, keeping us shrimp soldiers and crab generals in the dark."
"Actually, it's nothing," Qin Yuan said seriously. "Shuhai Pavilion is poaching people right up to our manor. It's understandable that Sixth Master and the Marquis are angry. They're not going to fight back, are they?"
“Indeed,” Hongye gave a thumbs up: “Brother Qi said that the people of Shuhaige not only want Mr. Songshan to abandon darkness and embrace light, but also want to bring Young Master Nantang along. They also said that the Marquis of Dingbei’s mansion is using their reputation to publish poetry collections, to appear cultured and gain fame among scholars.”
Cui Ming spat, "They're only allowed to publish books and collections at Shuhai Pavilion. If someone else does it, they're considered pretentious. What a load of rubbish."
Hongye looked at Qin Yuan with a worried expression and said, "Shuhai Pavilion also said that Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang thought they could take advantage of the Dingbei Marquis's mansion, but in reality they are courting death. If they were smart, they would know that Shuhai Pavilion is their only way out."
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