Chapter 185: Glazed Glass and Perfume
What Gu Changxiao gave was naturally the Glazed Glass Wolf, and when it was presented publicly, all the powerful people present were amazed.
The lifelike wolf king’s body and sharp wolf eyes, which sparkled in the sunlight, were simply a true portrayal of the current King Batel.
Gu Changxiao knew how to put on a show, loudly proclaiming that this divine wolf was not of mortal origin, but a gift bestowed by the gods at the Sanqing Taoist Temple, now presented to the true wolf king of this world, King Batel!
Jinsui and the Black Feather Army who entered the venue simultaneously shouted in the Northern Frontier dialect: “King Batel!”
This was something they had learned in the past two days, just to perform at the ceremony. After all, they represented the Great Xia, so they had to leave an impression on the Northern Frontier people.
Batel was very excited. Even though he had already admired this Glazed Glass Wolf, the effect of it being presented to him publicly was different. Batel raised the Glazed Glass Wolf high, and the seven-colored sunlight reflected on its body.
When had the Northern Frontier people ever seen such Treasures! Thinking about how a mirror with light in Yandi had surprised a group of gentry youths, let alone the less experienced Northern Frontier people.
This made them more sincere in their salutations to Batel. Everyone in the hall, except for the Great Xia envoys, knelt down, completely submitting to King Batel, the one chosen by the gods.
Because they all believed this item was absolutely a gift from the gods, something that could not be made by mortals.
Jinsui felt guilty about it and decided that besides the small wolf she gave to Tuolei and this Glazed Glass Wolf, she would never sell any more Glazed Glass Artifacts related to wolves.
We can sell eagles, falcons, leopards, tigers, and other fierce beasts. Let wolves be Batel’s exclusive!
Haha, will this Glazed Glass Wolf become a symbol of the Northern Frontier King in the future, similar to the Imperial Seal? If there is internal strife in the Northern Frontier again, and various tribes fight for the Throne, will they all come to fight for this?
Thinking this, Jinsui felt like a child who had successfully played a prank, suppressing her laughter. If this matter were to be recorded in Historical Records, would she be cursed to death a thousand years later? Deceiving a country’s king with glass.
Seeing that the Northern Frontier people truly liked Glazed Glass Artifacts, Jinsui became even happier. After the ceremony, she and Princess Tuoya would sell Glazed Glass Jewelry among the Noble Ladies, hehe, they would definitely earn a lot of money!
It’s okay if you didn’t bring Gold and Silver with you to the ceremony. I, this Taoist Nun, regard Gold and Silver as dirt. I’m mainly here to make friends! If you like any jewelry, we can exchange it instead of buying.
Just take anything you have in your hair, on your body, or hanging from your waist for a trade.
You must know that the attire of these Noblewomen and Noble Ladies today, each weighs over ten catties. They flaunt Gold and Gemstones as if they were free.
Hehe, the more Jinsui thought about it, the happier she became, smiling more sincerely. The Northern Frontier people, who didn’t understand, thought she was genuinely happy for King Batel.
Yan Jiu’s gift was a bronze horse. Strictly speaking, Yan Jiu’s gift was more valuable, as bronze ware has always been a national gift. However, in front of the Glazed Glass Wolf, this bronze horse seemed a bit dim.
But Batel still accepted it happily. After receiving gifts from these two, the next items on the agenda should be discussing sending Historical Officials to Chang’an and granting Yan Jiu Trade Rights.
This had been rehearsed at the Princess’s mansion. Everyone waited quietly, but unexpectedly, Batel walked specifically to Jinsui, performed a strange-looking Taoist ritual, and asked with a smile:
“Immortal Lady, what gift do you have for this King?”
Jinsui: …Immortal Lady? Me?
Jinsui felt very guilty. If he called me a Taoist Nun, I would dare to respond, but calling me an Immortal Lady… She looked up at the sky, asking the gods for forgiveness, this humble girl truly isn’t pretending to be a god or a ghost, nor is she playing the immortal.
It’s just that these Northern Frontier people are too foolish, believing my words so easily. I can’t help it!
After silently reflecting, Jinsui returned the ritual and took out a box of medicine from her sleeve to give to Batel. Since she was an Immortal Lady, how could she give any other mundane item? Of course, she would give medicine!
“This medicine has miraculous effects for all kinds of illnesses and external injuries. It is also a gift from the gods, and today I present it to Your Majesty.”
Hao Duojin behind her’s heart pounded wildly. Leader Ji’s courage was truly immense! This medicine was the same pill medicine we took at the infirmary in the border city!
Of course, the pill medicine was indeed miraculous, even the Imperial Court sent an Imperial Commissioner to demand it. But to present it as a divine medicine to King Batel…
Hao Duojin deeply understood how audacious extreme boldness could be! Our Leader Ji’s boldness was such that no matter what kind of king you were, she would deceive you the same way!
Batel was very happy, smiling more heartily than when he received the bronze horse. Jinsui also smiled. You’ve received the gift, and a return gift is certainly expected.
Pick a good location for the Taoist Temple and treat the followers of the Taoist Sect with respect.
As expected, Batel began to ‘return the gift’. Starting with Gu Changxiao, he publicly announced that Left Wise King Lei Zan had secretly colluded with Prince Yu of Great Xia, and he would send an Envoy to Great Xia to hold them accountable.
The two countries had been at peace for a long time. Why would Great Xia support a Traitor intending to subvert the Northern Frontier’s imperial court? He presented letters between Lei Zan and Prince Yu, as well as evidence of Lei Zan secretly giving Warhorses to Prince Yu, and Prince Yu’s return gifts of weapons and grain.
Gu Changxiao’s face turned ashen. These events happened before he was expelled from the Eastern Palace, meaning that the Empress, in order to help Prince Yu ascend the Throne, had secretly colluded with Lei Zan.
Lei Zan’s men had repeatedly raided the borderlands, and the Local Officials either did not report it or suppressed it. This was also the work of Prince Yu’s faction.
What was the difference between their actions and those of a traitor? If Lei Zan truly became the Northern Frontier King, then the Great Xia borderlands would inevitably be engulfed in war.
Especially since Prince Yu had now replaced the commander of the Northwest Borderlands and was suppressing and persecuting his former subordinates. If Lei Zan were to attack the Northwest Borderlands at this time, the entire Northwest would almost be handed over to him.
Gu Changxiao had previously thought that the Empress and Prince Yu were merely ruthless, willing to kill him, the thorn in their side, for the sake of the Crown Prince’s position. Now he realized they were also foolish! Dealing with a tiger, acting as its accomplice!
He was determined to expose the actions of these two to the public, to show the world how the Empress and Prince Yu had sold out their country!
Batel personally appointed the envoys. Gu Changxiao also dispatched Eunuch Zhou to lead the way. Eunuch Zhou initially didn’t understand, but when he realized what he was supposed to do.
He was so scared that he almost wet himself in public, trembling as he said to Gu Changxiao: “I beg Lord Li to spare my life. If you send this old servant to lead the Envoy to Chang’an, it would be like sending me to be cut into a thousand pieces by Prince Yu!”
Jinsui sneered: “If you don’t lead the Envoy, you will still go to Chang’an, and you will still be cut into a thousand pieces. This Young Lady will give you a way out: upon arriving in Chang’an, you will directly publicize the tasks that Prince Yu and the Empress gave you.”
Don’t you still have that Jade Pendant as proof? If Prince Yu kills you, it will be to silence a witness.
Eunuch Zhou cried: “Can this old servant go to the borderlands to serve Your Highness?”
Gu Changxiao said sternly: “If you can survive this incident, this King will allow you to come to the borderlands.”
Eunuch Zhou, like a drowning person grabbing a life-saving straw, gained confidence. He must survive! Although my life is cheap, even ants cling to life, let alone humans!
Han Xing came to discuss with Eunuch Zhou what he should do upon returning to Chang’an.
This was the plan that Han Xing had communicated with the Northern Frontier envoy over the past few days. Both sides aimed to publicize the evidence of Lei Zan and Prince Yu’s collusion, which made things much simpler.
Batel’s return gift to Yan Jiu was to publicly present him with a Token, officially granting Northern Frontier Trade Rights. A trade route would be formally established between the Northern Frontier and Yandi, no longer clandestine as in the past, with both their courts suppressing and sanctioning it.
Finally, Batel stopped in front of Jinsui. By now, the Northern Frontier people knew that this beautiful Han Woman was an Immortal Lady who served the gods, and they were all curious about what return gift she would receive.
When they heard that Batel wanted to build a Taoist Temple for her, many people voiced their opposition. They didn’t oppose sending envoys to Great Xia or granting Yan Jiu Trade Rights, but they strongly opposed building a Taoist Temple.
To ask us, the Northern Frontier people, to believe in other Gods? King Batel is betraying the true God!
Jinsui naturally understood the power of faith. If this went wrong, King Batel might only reign for one day, and she, this Taoist Nun, would also be buried with him.
She quickly said to Batel: “Quickly tell them that the Taoist Temple is not for believing in gods, it’s just a Clinic.”
Batel was very unhappy, feeling that he had failed to keep his promise to Miss Ji, and he believed that the powerful people were not opposing the building of the Taoist Temple, but were opposing him, King Batel!
Jinsui had long noticed that Batel was like a chuunibyou teenager. The more you told him not to do something, the more he wanted to do it. The more others opposed him, the more he felt he was right and wanted to uphold justice single-handedly.
Gu Changxiao and Yan Jiu both moved closer to Jinsui. If the situation became any more chaotic, they would immediately withdraw.
Fortunately, Princess Tuoya reacted quickly and immediately invited the Shaman to testify that the medicine given by Miss Ji was miraculous. In a battle with Lei Zan at the Batu Tribe, many of their Soldiers were severely injured.
Even the Shaman couldn’t save them, but after taking Miss Ji’s medicine, they regained their lives. Miss Ji’s medicine could not only treat people but also cure horse plague.
King Batel is of the Northern Frontier, so he is building a Taoist Temple for the Immortal Lady to teach her medical skills, not to worship gods.
At this moment, a powerful person stepped forward and said: “Although the Great Shaman has testified, we still don’t believe it. How can she, a woman from the Central Plains, have medical skills superior to the Shaman?
How about this: our Canglan Tribe has livestock that are sick, and many pregnant mares and ewes have died. As long as this woman from the Central Plains can cure them, I will agree to build a Taoist Temple for her!”
The abacus beads were practically hitting everyone’s faces. Others reacted quickly and immediately stated that their tribes had sick patients and invited Miss Ji to treat them.
Some had Warhorses suffering from hoof disease, which was highly contagious, causing large numbers of horses to be unable to stand. Some had cattle with sores, and there were also sheep plague, camel diseases, and so on.
It was chilling to hear that not a single powerful person or Clan Leader was asking for medical treatment for humans. In their hearts, Livestock were far more valuable than Slaves.
Jinsui had to say that she didn’t have time to stay in the Northern Frontier for long. Only after the Taoist Temple was built would she teach medical skills, but while she was in the Royal Court, anyone who needed to see a doctor could come to her for Dispensing Medicine.
No one expected that among the three objectives, building the Taoist Temple, which was supposed to be the simplest and smallest matter, would encounter the greatest obstruction.
It felt quite laughable. These powerful people were not very concerned about sending envoys to Great Xia or establishing trade with Yandi, but the matter of her, an infidel, building a Taoist Temple was the most important.
Jinsui quietly told Princess Tuoya that if the opposition was too strong, she would give up. If you need any medicine, buy it from the border city. Absolutely do not let this matter trouble Batel.
This is not an important matter. It cannot ruin the hard-won peace between the two countries because of her.
Tuoya felt very embarrassed, thinking Jinsui was too understanding and righteous. Meanwhile, though Tuobaer had ascended the Throne and become king, he was still stubborn and opinionated.
The public acknowledgment of building the Taoist Temple was thus left unresolved. Although Jinsui was regretful, she was prepared. If it could have been so easily successful, there would have been temples and Taoist Temples in the Northern Frontier long ago.
Anyway, she wasn’t ready yet. After a few more years, when Batel had full control and her reputation as an Immortal Lady in the Northern Frontier grew even louder, it wouldn’t be too late to bring up the matter of building the Taoist Temple again.
After the ceremony, a banquet was held, with separate seating for men and women. Jinsui still had the important task of selling Glazed Glass Jewelry. Under the repeated instructions of Gu Changxiao and Yan Jiu.
She and Miss Yan assured them that they would only stay with Princess Tuoya and would not wander off. With the Hand Crossbow on them, there would be no problem.
Initially, the Northern Frontier noble ladies were quite resistant to Jinsui and Miss Yan. Such an important event as the new king’s ascension, and yet Han Women were present, and the new king even favored this Han Woman, which made them even more annoyed!
Miss Yan was pouting angrily. Jinsui smiled and advised her: “Making money is important. I’ll sell Glazed Glass Jewelry, and you sell Perfume. As long as we capture these women this time, we’ll be rolling in wealth from now on.”
Miss Yan didn’t have much concept of rolling in wealth. She had been born into a life of luxury and had never experienced poverty. Doing business with Jinsui was just a whim, more for fun than for profit.
Until Jinsui picked up a bottle of Perfume and said: “This small bottle of Perfume can exchange for the lives of ten Han Slaves. It can allow ten Refugees to live and work in peace. Is this business worth it?”
Miss Yan’s eyes lit up instantly. This was absolutely worth it! She immediately said: “Don’t worry, Sui Sui. I am a Noble Lady from the Central Plains, a land of etiquette. How could I lower myself to their level!”
Jinsui suppressed a smile. The etiquette you learned is to whip them ‘bang bang bang’ if they provoke you. In a way, Miss Yan and Batel should be good friends.
When the Glazed Glass Jewelry was brought out box by box, and the Perfume was offered to the Northern Frontier noblewomen for trial, it was no exaggeration to say that Jinsui and Miss Yan felt like the center of attention.
If these noblewomen had any say, they would have immediately agreed to build a Taoist Temple for Jinsui, just like Batel!
Jinsui, like a ‘Twizzler’, used her limited Northern Frontier dialect for transactions. “Let’s be friends,” “Exchange jewelry,” “Ten Gold per bottle,” “Beautiful girl,” “A beauty as radiant as the moon”…
These were things she had specifically learned from Tuoya. Fortunately, many noble ladies could speak broken Han Chinese, making transactions even more successful.
A Glazed Glass hairpin was exchanged for a gold hairpin, a Glazed Glass necklace for a Gemstone tassel, and a Glazed Glass Jade Pendant for an Agate pendant.
The noblewomen, like bees attracted to flowers, loved these sparkling jewelry. Moreover, this jewelry was made of the same material as King Batel’s Glazed Glass Wolf. That was a divine gift!
Jinsui felt her heart was too dark. She prayed that this matter would never be recorded in Historical Records, otherwise, like the Persian merchants who exchanged glass for gold in Chang’an back then, she would be cursed for thousands of years.
She convinced herself, “Am I selling glass? I’m selling technology!”
As for the Perfume, not only women but also men scrambled for it. All ethnic groups with strong body odor love fragrance, no, everyone loves fragrance.
We Han Chinese have almost no body odor, yet everyone uses incense and wears fragrant sachets. Those incenses are subtle and elegant, while the fragrance of Perfume is overflowing, bold, and unrestrained.
Jinsui had prepared three hundred bottles, which were sold out in less than half an hour. And the orders placed with Miss Yan had booked out three years’ worth of production from the Workshop.
The banquet turned into a shopping spree due to the Glazed Glass and Perfume. Jinsui was feeling smug when Tuoya hurriedly called her over: “Batel feels indebted to you and wants to apologize to you in person.”
