Chapter 1180: Laying the Plan and Closing the Net (Part 1) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
The secret campaign had little effect, which taught Shen Tang a lesson.
She promptly adjusted her marketing strategy, shifting from subtle to overt advertising, making it as overt as possible. The famous ministers and scholars' brochures, which had been in Cui Zhi's possession for only a few days, were now in Cui Hui's hands, accompanied by a sparkling diamond bracelet. His personality was reserved and unassuming; he preferred smooth, lustrous jade to gemstones, and sharp, reflective decorations like diamonds were generally not his cup of tea.
Even indoors, it can make other jewels look dull.
Cui Zhi felt that this object looked somewhat familiar.
Upon closer reflection, he remembered that this item had appeared in the portraits of famous officials and scholars in the biographies of Kang State. It was a perfectly placed embellishment, without overshadowing the main subject. Judging from the portrait, this item seemed to be extremely popular among Kang State officials. Cui Zhi's first thought was of Qi Shan! The Qi Shan in the portrait, in both appearance and temperament, was exactly what Cui Hui had admired in his youth.
Yes, that was typical of Cui Zhi when he was young.
However, does Ke Wu dislike this kind of refined scholar?
Seeing that Cui Hui was so engrossed in the unfamiliar bracelet that he didn't even notice Cui Zhi's arrival, Cui Zhi, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, leaned against the door and waited for a while, hoping Cui Hui would notice his presence. He waited and waited, but was completely ignored.
Left with no other choice, I could only knock on the door with my fingers.
Making a commotion is what gets someone's attention back.
Actually, Cui Hui had noticed Cui Zhi's arrival the moment he arrived. She simply wanted to see how much patience this man had. With just a little trickery, Cui Zhi gave himself away. Cui Hui calmly put the bracelet down, completely unconcerned that Cui Zhi might misunderstand.
Well, she was also afraid that the other party wouldn't misunderstand.
Cui Zhi entered and exchanged a few casual words. Seeing that Cui Hui didn't seem inclined to mention the bracelet, Cui Zhi had no choice but to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"Why haven't I seen this in your dressing case before?"
Only then did Cui Hui show a slight smile.
She said, "I just received it too; it was a gift from an old friend."
Looking down without seeing Cui Zhi's suddenly darkened face, Cui Hui smiled and said, "Yes, it's the old friend you're thinking of. He sent someone to ask how I've been these days, if I've had any inconveniences, and also sent me a few trinkets. He said that the noble families in Kangguo all like them, and he happened to get some, so he had them made and sent to me."
Cui Zhi: "...This item was included in the painting along with Qi Yuanliang's. He gave you something so important; his intentions are ulterior!"
Cui Hui asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by 'entering the painting together'?"
He took out the biographies of famous officials and scholars that he had obtained through his connections.
As the wealthy head of the Cui family and the head of the Southwest branch, the version he received, though not a collector's edition, was still a deluxe edition, much more exquisitely made than the ordinary one. Naturally, the price was also higher. Cui Hui's pupils constricted sharply the moment he opened it.
For the first time, I felt like a gift was burning my hand.
I almost thought Qi Yuanliang was taking the role for real.
He quickly calmed down and vaguely guessed what was going on.
Cui Hui's reaction was completely unvarnished, which only intensified Cui Zhi's bitterness. Cui Hui rolled the scroll back up: "Don't say it's just similar, even if it's the same one, it's not a big deal. I heard that this item was given by the King of Shen to meritorious officials to demonstrate the steadfastness of the relationship between ruler and subject. It doesn't represent romantic love."
This explanation is somewhat far-fetched.
But there was a hint of him yielding and trying to appease Cui Zhi.
Cui Zhi quickly suppressed his sourness and said, "You rarely paid attention to these beautiful things in the past."
Cui Hui draped the bracelet over her wrist; it complemented her skin tone perfectly.
She casually explained, "That was then. You know my situation. Even having one or two extra hairpins or jade pendants could attract criticism. People would say that I've become extremely extravagant after marrying into a high-class family, with a refined and elegant husband and a wife who's like a penniless old woman who hasn't seen anything nice in eight lifetimes, sticking everything in her hair and wearing it on her body, like a gossipy old woman going from house to house. Humph, how could I dare say I like it? If I were to flaunt these things when I'm out in the world, wouldn't that be like inviting petty thieves to come and covet them?"
Cui Zhi prefers to be reserved, and she can only follow suit.
"I'm not your wife anymore, nor the matriarch of the Cui family. Even if I wore them all over, it wouldn't be anyone's business." She suddenly remembered something and shoved the items into her bosom. "Including you!"
It's not like we live by the sea, why are you being so nosy?
That afternoon, Cui Zhi had two boxes delivered.
Cui Hui picked and chose, then curled his lip: "Vulgar stuff."
Cui Xiong forced himself to speak kindly to his elderly mother: "These were all carefully selected from the warehouse by Father; each one is a treasure."
The craftsmanship and materials used are absolutely top-notch.
Cui Hui said, "These are old items that have been piling up in the warehouse."
Cui Xiong: "No, it's not..."
Cui Hui then had even more to say: "If they are old, stockpiled items, then they are outdated styles, and who knows how many times they have changed hands among the Cui women and Cui family wives. If they are not old, stockpiled items, then they were made in recent years. Didn't Cui Zhishan say to the public that he didn't have a proper mistress? I said to the public back then that I didn't like extravagant things, so who would he leave his current new styles for?"
Cui Xiong: "..."
No matter how you answer, it's a dead end.
Cui Xiong buried his face in his hands in despair, constantly envying Er Mi, who had run away from home. Er Mi was living a carefree life, while he was caught in the middle, suffering from both sides. His mother was dissatisfied, and he couldn't explain himself to his father. Frustrated, he sought advice from his fiancée.
Miao Ne hadn't expected this matter to involve her, so she helplessly offered some advice to Da Xiong: "It's not a holiday, so the Cui family head wouldn't just have someone open the storeroom to deliver gifts for no reason. Something must have prompted or provoked him... Why don't you try to find out?"
Cui Xiong suddenly understood.
After a little inquiry, I found out that the source was that diamond bracelet.
Miao Ne, without blushing or skipping a beat, said, "The other day, while serving the Lord, I saw a biography of famous ministers and scholars from Kang State. It is said that the Kang State court highly values this item and uses its material to demonstrate the relationship between the ruler and his subjects. Perhaps it is related to this."
"Isn't that the bond between ruler and subject?"
What is the relationship between father and mother and the emperor and his subjects?
Miao Ne immediately retorted, "Gentlemen admire jade and often use jade as a metaphor for themselves. Doesn't that also prevent men and women from using jade ornaments to pledge their love?"
Cui Xiong thought this made sense.
Upon returning home and inquiring, he discovered that his mother truly admired diamond accessories. Such items were rare not only in the southwestern Qi Kingdom but throughout the entire southwestern continent. Even if one found raw diamonds, they would inevitably contain impurities, far inferior to the clean and clear piece his mother possessed; the difference in quality was immediately apparent when placed side-by-side. Cui Xiong could only seek out merchants traveling from the northwestern Kang Kingdom, and after several inquiries, he finally obtained some information.
Good news, it's in stock.
Bad news, we have to wait!
Cui Xiong breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
The jewelry worn by wealthy and noble ladies typically takes a year and a half to complete. Those unwilling to wait can use their wealth to jump the queue and expedite the process. A top-notch embroiderer can finish a Guanyin statue in a year; with sufficient financial resources, ten top-notch embroiderers working together can complete it in forty or fifty days. The Cui family has the money!
Most importantly, Mom will like it.
Cui Xiong said, "May and June are too long."
He tapped the table with his finger: "This amount is due in ten days. Don't rush to say you can't have it; I've seen your tricks all too many times. If it can be done, it can be done; if not, I'll find someone more capable. The opportunity is in front of you; it's up to you!"
The merchants were surprised by Cui Xiong's firm stance.
He had originally intended to haggle, trying to inflate the value of the item by making things difficult for the customer and playing the victim—things that are too easy to obtain are not easy to sell for a high price! However, Cui Xiong did not give him this opportunity, and he really did not want to miss this business, so he gritted his teeth and agreed immediately.
"Ten days it is, I'll do my best!"
"Not just try, definitely!"
The merchant hurriedly smiled and said, "Definitely, definitely!"
Natural diamonds are available on the market, but their uses are extremely limited; most are merely tools used by craftsmen for cutting. Diamonds of the size, clarity, and beauty described in the biographies of famous officials and scholars are simply irreplaceable outside of Kangguo. Kangguo diamonds also come in color, making each piece captivating.
This merchant saw a business opportunity in biographies of famous officials and scholars, and through his connections, he heard rumors that this item would be sought after by noble ladies and dignitaries. He then invested his entire fortune to buy a batch. To his utter surprise, business came knocking on his door, and he was overjoyed.
On the tenth day, Cui Xiong gave his mother a pleasant surprise.
Not only was there a portion for her mother, but a portion was also sent to Miao Ne.
The bowl of water was held perfectly level.
Miao Ne served the king during the day, deliberately exposing himself to him.
This exquisite and beautiful item quickly caught the Queen's attention. She casually asked, and Miao Ne replied, "It was sent by Cui Langjun yesterday. After all, it's a token of his affection, so we can't let it go to waste. Your Highness, is it too ostentatious for me to wear this?"
Miao Ne was filled with trepidation.
The king shook his head: "Girls all like to be beautiful, there's nothing wrong with that. If you don't take advantage of your youth to dress yourself up, when will you? When you're old and gray? It's good that Cui Dalang cares about you. I was worried that the arranged marriage would make you two unhappy. I'm happy to have brought about a good match."
These words contained seven parts insincerity and three parts sincerity.
In the two months that Miao Ne had been by his side, she had perfectly suited his wishes. The young girl was talented, diligent, and knew exactly what he wanted. She was also the niece of his male concubine, practically family, someone he couldn't escape his grasp, and he felt very comfortable using her. As they spent more and more time together, he became increasingly satisfied.
Miao Ne said, "As the true Son of Heaven, the marriage bestowed by the king's golden words is ordained by Heaven. How could it not be perfect?"
The king scoffed, "The Son of Heaven? Heaven certainly knows how to give birth to many."
Her marriage to Cui Zhi was also arranged by the king.
Miao Ne responded calmly and composedly.
"The Mandate of Heaven may be false, and so may the Son of Heaven."
The king knew in his heart that these were Miao Ne's flattering words, a subtle and tactful way of putting it, but they still sounded pleasant and comforting to him.
The king waved his hand: "Wear it, I like it."
Unexpectedly, Miao Ne then respectfully presented another gift.
Cui Xiong sent over a batch of diamond jewelry, the most intricately crafted piece that best suited the king's aesthetic. The king disliked using things that others had used: "Are you trying to use Cui Dalang to present something that has already been used by others?"
Miao Ne said sincerely, "Your Highness is the most beautiful woman in the world. If you are not even in the prime of your youth, how can I presume to teach you? Even if I dress up, I would only look like a clown in comparison."
The queen was amused and laughed heartily, showing no displeasure whatsoever. She laughed so hard she could hardly breathe: "Who taught you all these sweet words? If those old fogies in the Censorate heard this, tomorrow the memorials impeaching you would pile up on my desk."
Miao Ne said, "It is a subject's duty to show his respect to his lord."
"Isn't it said that honest advice is hard to swallow?"
Words that bring a smile to someone's face are generally unrelated to "honest advice".
Miao Ne shook his head and said, "If Your Highness has failed in your duty, then a subject's honest advice will naturally displease the ruler. But Your Highness has devoted yourself wholeheartedly over the years, and your achievements are already rare. So-called 'honest advice' is something Your Highness has always practiced. Why would it displease anyone?"
The king was amused and burst into laughter again.
Her male favorites also benefited, getting to spend a few days with her.
The next day, she put on that diamond jewelry.
Due to the number of attendees and the weather, court assemblies were not always held inside the palace; occasionally, they were held outside. Fortunately, the weather was fine, and many officials noticed the item, including Mei Meng. While other officials speculated about the king's preferences, Mei Meng wondered who had given it to him.
After the court session ended, many officials went to inquire about it.
Mei Meng went straight to the person in question.
The king smiled and recounted the strange and complicated history of this item.
Miao Ne didn't hide anything, explaining the origin of the incident—the quarrel between Cui Zhi and his wife over a diamond bracelet, to Cui Zhi's opening of a warehouse which his ex-wife disliked, and their son having to find a way to mediate between the two sides. Miao Ne and the king indirectly benefited from this.
Mei Meng said, "This item is extremely expensive."
The queen was prepared for this, but as the ruler of a country, there was nothing she couldn't afford: "It's just an accessory, is it really worth calling it 'expensive'? If you like it, I'll find you a box later."
Mei Meng wasn't concerned about that.
"I have inquired about this item, and it is only found in the Northwest."
The king instantly understood Mei Meng's implication and asked in surprise, "But isn't this a diamond? There's a saying among craftsmen: 'Without the right drill, don't take on the job.' This shows it's not unique to the Northwest. How much money could such a small object possibly have?"
New things don't stay popular for long.
Diamonds lacked cultural acceptance among scholars and could not challenge the status of jade. As for noblewomen, their tastes shifted constantly, and their popularity could not last.
"My dear minister, you are worrying unnecessarily. The fact that I am wearing this robe for a few days is simply a gesture of goodwill from the younger generation. How could there be any future troubles as you are thinking?"
Upon hearing this, Mei Meng wondered if she was overthinking things.
Unexpectedly, this thing became an evergreen.
Before long, news that the King of Qi also loved diamond jewelry spread among the merchants. The news quickly reached everyone, from one to ten, from ten to a hundred, and the nobles and ladies of Qi flocked to it. The former valued the diamonds as a symbol of unwavering loyalty between ruler and subject, while the latter were drawn to their beauty and the prestige of owning the same piece as the King. Merchants further fueled the hype, and the secretly bribed scholars inadvertently became the driving force, causing the hype to grow even stronger.
Cui Zhi, the absentee master who hadn't shown up for work in two months: "???"
When he rarely went to work, his colleagues wore sparkling accessories; when he visited a friend after his shift, the friend presented him with a diamond to demonstrate the strength of their friendship. Upon further inquiry, he learned that this gift had long been exchanged among prominent figures.
I received three diamond gifts while visiting three friends' homes.
Cui Zhi went home and drank some tea to calm down.
A trusted confidant sent a message—
The meat buns he gave the dog three or four months ago are gone forever.
Cui Zhi: "???"
He vaguely thought he had misheard.
What do you mean by "can't come back"?
"That is to say, he sided with Erlangjun."
Cui Zhi rubbed his forehead, his mind replaying the five letters the messenger had sent... no, the messenger he'd dispatched. He'd promised to return in a month, but then another half a month had passed. The half-month was up, and now the messenger said another month... today it was tomorrow, tomorrow the day after, until finally the messenger never came back. Cui Zhi suppressed his anger: "What do you mean, 'joined forces with Er Mi'? I think he's sided with Shen Zhongli... This woman is just like her master, always bewitching people..."
Forced to work illegally in illegal arenas, yet they develop feelings for each other?
Isn't this outrageous?
|ω`)
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