Chapter 133: Lively Before the Ball Game
Gu Changxiao imagined the scene: all the powerful people in Chang’an receiving New Year’s gifts from the Li King of the Border City.
Upon opening them, they found either a box of Lip Balm or a box of Scented Cream, or a bag of dried Sea Fish, Brown Sugar, and other Special Products from the Border City. They were certainly unique, but in the end, they weren’t worth much.
Yet, you couldn’t refuse these gifts. Even though the Li King was in exile, he was still an Imperial Prince, and refusing would be disrespectful.
But once you accepted the gift, the next day, someone from the Border City would be waiting at your door, disregarding the astonished gazes of passersby, loudly proclaiming the poverty of the Border City and hoping for Provisions in return.
The powerful people inside felt awkward and humiliated, yet they couldn’t turn the person away. They weren’t asking for Gold and Silver, just some food. This wasn’t bribery; it was pathetic, like a poor country relative asking for handouts.
Outside, the common people would discuss how pitiful the Border City was, that the Li King was so poor he had to beg the powerful people of Chang’an for food. “Let’s see how many Provisions this family will give the Prince,” they’d say.
Haha, Gu Changxiao couldn’t help but burst into laughter when he thought of that scene.
If it were in the past, he would never have done something so embarrassing. When he was in Hexi, the Imperial Court had cut off supplies for three months. He refused to let his soldiers take a single grain of rice from the common people, leading them to Suppress bandits and hunt for food.
If only Daoist Ji were here then, he would surely have found all sorts of ways to request Supplies from the Imperial Court.
It was as if he had been corrupted by Daoist Ji. At this moment, seeing Daoist Ji so skillfully toy with the powerful people of Chang’an, making them suffer a silent loss, he actually found it exhilarating!
This was much more cost-effective than buying Provisions in the Market with Silver, and it also helped build momentum for the Border City among the populace.
Daoist Ji is truly a rare talent!
Jinsui felt nervous under his gaze, “What’s wrong? Do you think I’m being too reckless? Embarrassing the Li King?”
Gu Changxiao raised an eyebrow and said meaningfully, “I’ve accepted even more embarrassing things, so I’m not afraid of this one.”
Jinsui instantly understood he was referring to the matter of ‘inability to perform sexually’! What a petty person, bringing it up every few days.
He quickly glossed over it, “So you agree then! I’ll have Lord Cheng prepare New Year’s Gifts, one for each powerful person in Chang’an. I wonder if Wei Assistant Secretary has arrived in Chang’an yet? I’ll have him help with the return gifts then.”
Gu Changxiao shook his head, “Don’t make things difficult for him. Even if he returns to Chang’an, he’ll only be a Seventh Rank official. Dealing with the powerful people would be too offensive.”
Jinsui quickly nodded, “Right, right. The powerful people in Chang’an are not like Li Heng. Wei Assistant Secretary has finally returned home, so we won’t bother him with matters of the Border City.”
As they spoke, a soldier reported that the Yan Family Head had arrived.
Gu Changxiao was the first to say, “Take them to the Inn. The Prince has no time to meet them.”
Jinsui said urgently, “How can that be? The Yan Family Head must have come for more than just the Polo Match; there must be other matters. We cannot refuse to see him.”
Gu Changxiao took a step forward, “Then I will go and see him.”
Jinsui directly asked him, “In what capacity will you see him?”
Gu Changxiao was stunned, regretting for the first time not switching his identity back.
Although Yan Jiu and Daoist Ji didn’t meet often, and their correspondence didn’t exclude him, he still felt uncomfortable.
He couldn’t explain why himself. Was it because Daoist Ji was particularly polite to Yan Jiu? Or was it because the way Yan Jiu looked at Daoist Ji made him angry?
Jinsui didn’t force him to answer, smiling as he stepped forward, “Let’s go together! Even if you dislike the Yan family, you can’t dislike Silver! The Yan family coming to the Border City means they’re bringing wealth!”
Indeed, Yan Twelve Niang moved the Silver she hadn’t delivered last time, in boxes, into Jinsui’s room. She tidied her appearance, preparing to meet the Prince.
She had painstakingly begged her Eldest Brother for permission to come to the Border City with them.
After waiting for a long time, she sent Baozhu to inquire, only to learn that the Prince had gone to see her Eldest Brother.
Yan Twelve Niang pouted, very unwilling, but she didn’t dare to disturb them, so she went to find Chen Yunniang instead.
Seeing Chen Yunniang busy as a bee, Twelve Niang generously rolled up her sleeves and had her Maidservant help with the work.
As for Yan Shiyi Lang, upon arriving at the Border City, he rushed to see the Polo Match field, marveling at the Stadium and the stands that could accommodate ten thousand people.
He praised, “Jun Yanqing is very petty in other matters, but when it comes to entertainment, he truly lives up to being an Imperial Prince! This must have been built to imitate the Polo Match field in Chang’an, right?”
At that moment, he noticed Hei Hu carrying a small boy, pointing and gesturing at him from afar. He strode over, just in time to hear the boy say:
“Is that the guy who got scared and became a Shrinking Bird?”
Hei Hu nodded heavily, “That’s right! Just you wait, tomorrow I’ll beat him so badly on the field that he’ll be in pieces!”
Yan Shiyi Lang jumped three feet high, his face red and his neck thick with anger. He wasn’t afraid of Hei Hu’s large Fist pounding him, and chased Hei Hu with a fan, wanting to hit him:
“You big black guy, how dare you slander me like that!”
“When was this young master ever scared into a Shrinking Bird? If your master doesn’t have a bird, don’t slander me!” The three of them ran around the field, chasing each other, exchanging insults.
Yan Shiyi Lang, being simple-minded, shouted loudly, which was heard by all the Gentry young masters who had come to the Border City with the Yan family.
They all burst into laughter. The Li King’s inability to perform sexually was no longer news. Besides, they were on the Li King’s Territory, who would dare mock him about it.
However, this was the first time they had heard about Yan Shiyi becoming a Shrinking Bird. Thus, Yan Shiyi, after Turtle Young Master, happily received the nickname Shrinking Bird Young Master.
Jinsui and Gu Changxiao, passing by, exchanged a look and helplessly put their hands to their foreheads. But this joke was more lively than hiring an Opera Troupe.
Only Liu Yun calmly remarked, “A bunch of fools have gathered.”
As they passed the Market area, they could already hear many young masters exclaiming, “These Team Uniforms are so magnificent! Buy one for each person on our team!”
“One hundred Silver for a set? Why don’t you go rob someone?”
“The Prince set the price himself? Looking closely, the woven patterns on these are indeed rare. One hundred Silver it is, better than buying a book. The whole team will look impressive in them. Bought!”
…
“What is this ‘gambling ball lottery’? Two Wen per ticket? Does the Prince look down on us?”
“I’ll buy a thousand Silver! Of course, I’ll bet on my team to win!”
“There’s also a way to bet on how many goals are scored? Interesting, bring me your rules so I can take a closer look.”
…
“What is that food wafting over there? It smells so enticing!”
“Specialty Hot Pot from the Border City? Let’s go try it!”
…
The two walked through the long Market area. Jinsui had a calm expression; she had seen more lively scenes than this. What was this?
Gu Changxiao’s face was calm, but his heart was boiling. He had also seen more lively scenes, yet Daoist Ji, through Yan Shiyi, had organized a Polo Match.
This had made the Border City, which the people of Yanzhou dared not enter, so lively. And looking at the situation, this was just before the match. If the match lasted for ten days to half a month, the Border City would remain lively for a long time.
Moreover, having come to the Border City, they could confirm that it was no longer a dilapidated frontier where Fierce Beasts and Bandits were seen at any moment.
Through the spread of these Gentry young masters, the prosperity of the Border City would reach Yandi. In that case, merchants and common people would flock to the Border City to seek opportunities.
How could the Border City not prosper?
When the two reached the Inn area, the Yan family members led them to a Wooden hut, saying, “The Prince is invited. The Family Head has been waiting for a long time.”
Jinsui praised loudly, “Yan Family Head truly has taste! A Wooden hut is quieter than a bamboo house and more artistic than a Thatched Hut. And this ‘Heavenly Number One’ guest room has the best view in the entire Inn area.”
Gu Changxiao couldn’t help but glance at him. Here he goes again. Whenever Daoist Ji dealt with Yan Jiu, he found ways to praise him.
He could praise choosing a Wooden hut to stay in so extravagantly!
If Jinsui knew what he was thinking, he would definitely say that Gu Changxiao lacked business acumen and didn’t understand the importance of providing emotional value to clients.
Moreover, wasn’t Yan Jiu simply a client? He was a cooperative Shareholder, a god of wealth!
Yan Jiu, upstairs, naturally heard her praise and said with a light laugh, “The Prince, please come in.”
That’s right, the Inns were all two stories high. In fact, the first floor was elevated to prevent snakes and insects, and it was also unique and beautiful.
Jinsui went upstairs first and saw Gu Changxiao following behind with a dark expression. He asked softly, “If you don’t want to come in, you can wait for me downstairs.”
Gu Changxiao glanced at him, “Are you going to meet Yan Jiu alone?”
Jinsui quickly said, “Of course not! I just saw you were reluctant.”
Gu Changxiao snorted, “My mission is to protect the Prince. When meeting outsiders, I naturally have to stay close.”
Jinsui: …Your acting skills are quite impressive too!
The two walked to the Veranda on the second floor and saw that the previously simple Wooden hut was now furnished with a luxurious woven Carpet, embroidered tapestries hanging on the walls, and four landscape screens placed before the bed.
A small wooden table was covered with a luxurious mat, and a censer with a crane’s beak shape was emitting wisps of smoke, releasing a faint Fragrance.
Yan Jiu, dressed in white with flowing wide sleeves, held a copy of the Thirty-Six Stratagems in one hand and a jade cup of tea in the other.
Jinsui couldn’t help but show a look of envy. After he resigned from the Border City company, he would become a leisurely rich woman and live a life of understated luxury!
Damn it, I really want to compete with you rich people!
The Real and Fake Li King are still squeezed into a small Thatched Hut, and you’re just staying for a night and making such a grand display!
Compared to him, both the Real Li King and the Fake Li King lived like rough men.
Jinsui didn’t need to look at Gu Changxiao’s face to guess that he must be looking very displeased right now. She somewhat understood why Gu Changxiao disliked Yan Jiu.
“The Prince, please come in and sit.”
Jinsui looked at her muddy boots and couldn’t bear to step on the luxurious Carpet. She was thinking of having someone bring her shoes to change into.
Just then, Gu Changxiao swaggered in and sat down, pouring himself tea without waiting for Yan Jiu to offer.
What else could Jinsui say? She could only wipe the mud off on the Veranda and walk in with a smile.
Yan Jiu’s expression remained unchanged, as if he didn’t mind Gu Changxiao’s rudeness at all.
Smiling, he poured Jinsui a cup of tea, “The Prince is busy with official duties. Did my visit delay the Prince’s important matters?”
Gu Changxiao placed his teacup on the table, “Knowing the Prince is busy, speak quickly if you have something to say.”
Yan Jiu couldn’t ignore him now. He raised his hand and poured him another cup of tea, “The Prince invited me to watch a play. Does the play need me to rehearse it beforehand?”
Gu Changxiao snorted, “The Border City’s affairs do not require the Yan Family Head’s help. The Yan Family Head only needs to watch the play. You don’t need to concern yourself with how the play is performed!”
Yan Jiu slightly raised his eyes, looked at Gu Changxiao, and then turned to Jinsui, asking with confusion, “Does this Lord have a misunderstanding about me?
I heard that my two unworthy siblings offended you. I hope you will not hold it against them.”
Jinsui quickly said, “No, no. We welcome Miss Yan and Eleventh Young Master to the Border City. We are all friends, how could there be any offense!”
“Thank you, Jiulang, for your concern for this Prince. Rest assured, I have made arrangements for Zheng Yun and the Imperial Commissioner, so you can just watch the play with peace of mind.”
A hint of guilt flashed in Yan Jiu’s eyes, “That’s good! It was I who was presumptuous and almost delayed the Prince’s affairs.”
Jinsui quickly comforted him, “Not at all. Zheng Yun and the Imperial Commissioner didn’t dare to come originally; it was your accidental push that gave them the courage.”
Gu Changxiao really couldn’t stand it anymore. What was going on with Daoist Ji? Looking at Yan Twelve Niang’s affectionate demeanor, his gaze towards Yan Jiu was similar!
Yan Jiu’s words were also infuriating. He had the demeanor of a woman, always looking guilty, specifically to elicit Daoist Ji’s concern.
Your sister called me a Vixen, but you are the one with the most Vixen-like demeanor!
He tightened his grip on the jade cup, about to crush the expensive teacup.
Jinsui quickly grabbed it from him, giving him a look and saying vaguely, “I can’t afford to replace it!”
They had to get Gu Changxiao out of here quickly.
With a forced smile at Yan Jiu, “If Jiulang has nothing else, this Prince will take his leave. There’s a warm-up match at the Stadium this evening, you can go and watch.”
“There are also many new and interesting things at the Market over there. You can go and browse with Miss Yan.”
Yan Jiu tilted his chin towards the window, “Twelve Niang probably won’t have time.”
Jinsui quickly got up and peeked out, only to see Twelve Niang, like other women, wearing a black headscarf and helping to move things.
Jinsui quickly explained, “It wasn’t me who asked her. I haven’t even met Miss Yan yet.”
The personalities of these three Yan siblings are truly different! Yan Jiu acts like a young master upon arrival, Yan Shiyi runs off to perform ‘circus acts’, while Yan Twelve Niang goes to work!
Really, can’t you just be a normal Client and pay me on time every month?
Yan Jiu was very calm, “I know. Let her be!
By the way, the Thirty-Six Stratagems we discussed by candlelight last time benefited me greatly. I wonder when the Prince will have time to discuss them with me again?”
Gu Changxiao looked at Jinsui, “Candlelight? Discussing all night?”
Could it be they even slept with their feet touching?
“Haha, of course, of course. This Prince has been too busy lately. Once things calm down, I will definitely invite Jiulang to discuss the Thirty-Six Stratagems.”
Hurriedly leaving the Wooden hut, Jinsui originally wanted to immediately persuade Yan Twelve Niang to leave, but she was afraid of being pestered by this stubborn girl.
She pushed Gu Changxiao, “I can’t see Miss Yan right now. You go and persuade her to leave.”
Gu Changxiao crossed his arms, “I can’t see her either! She acts like she’s seen an enemy when she sees me.”
That’s right, you two haven’t finished your fight from last time.
He waved to call over the Yan family steward, “Go and tell Miss Yan that the Yan Family Head invites her to stroll through the Market. Also, tell her not to help anymore.”
The Yan family steward smiled, “Your Highness, please wait here. This old servant will go and call the young lady.”
Jinsui didn’t dare to wait! As soon as he left, she immediately dragged Gu Changxiao and fled.
As a result, they couldn’t find a quiet spot anywhere; people were coming and going everywhere.
What made her laugh was that every Street Lamp was surrounded by people, and the giant Pulley crane was even more crowded, three layers deep.
Every time the Pulley lifted a heavy object, they would cheer in unison.
It was like men in later generations gathering to watch an excavator work at a construction site.
Jinsui was utterly speechless. Are all the young masters from Yanzhou City so inexperienced?
