NABC Chapter 406 Smooth
Chapter 406 Smooth
Even with all his flaws, T.V. Soong could turn rotten wood into treasure, and a single piece could fetch thirty times more price.
With him in charge, he can choose any wood from the royal gardens and carve it at will.
Two hundred thousand taels of military supplies? What was that problem? What was originally a worrying matter became incredibly simple.
Wang Fu knew about the difficulties Liu Yuechu was facing, but he also knew how much the master and Song Liu'er hated this person.
“Actually, it’s easy to talk to Song Liu’er, the key is whether the master is willing or not.” He was more worried that Liu Zhong would have a hard time getting over it.
“This is the person my father mentioned to me,” Liu Yuechu told the truth. “He probably hadn’t heard of a debt of 200,000 taels before, and he was just shocked.”
“I’m more worried about whether Song Liu’er will have any ideas. In my eyes, he is more important than Song Ziwen’s carving skills, which are thirty times greater.”
Liu Yuechu does indeed like money.
But she values even more those who can share her joys and sorrows.
Song Liu'er has been by her side ever since she was ostracized by the Liu family, and she still is today.
If he feels this is inappropriate, Liu Yuechu can also go to Wei Junlang and Xu Shan.
Wang Fu sighed deeply, feeling that his master was being treated so poorly.
Liu Yuechu quickly decided on the priorities, saying, "I'll ask the other two first, and if we really can't get them, then we'll talk about it."
Liu Yuechu didn't place her hopes on one person or hang herself on one tree. "If I have to use him, I don't necessarily have to ask him. I can make him have to come."
Wang Fu stared wide-eyed, utterly bewildered by Liu Yuechu's meaning.
But he dared not ask, only feeling that the young lady of today was no longer the gentle and graceful girl she once was. He wondered when that soft and delicate lady had transformed into a soft sword.
And it's an exceptionally sharp one.
……
Liu Muchi also quickly learned about the other two master carvers.
Wei Junlang is not in the capital, but he has already obtained the address and will send someone to invite him.
Xu Shan, who lives in the capital, is a very kind person. When he heard that Liu Yuechu intended to visit him, he said that he would definitely keep the appointment as scheduled, and things went very smoothly.
Liu Yuechu decided to schedule the visit for the next day and invited Xu Shan to Guiyuelou.
When Guiyuelou learned that Liu Yuechu was coming, they cleared out all the private rooms on the third floor in advance. This was also Liu Yuechu's special instruction, so as not to delay the guests downstairs from enjoying their meal, otherwise Guiyuelou would have been completely cleared out.
After all, her status was already extraordinary, and the owner of Guiyuelou was eager to climb up the social ladder by associating with Yuancuo.
Every time he saw the owner of Jingchunlou, he would boast that his current prosperity and wealth were all thanks to their business.
Of all things, he had to offend Liu Yuechu.
……
Liu Yuechu was hosting a banquet, so he arrived at Guiyue Tower early. But Xu Shan arrived even earlier and was already waiting downstairs at Guiyue Tower.
After a few polite words, the group was quickly led to a private room.
Accompanying him today were Yuan Cuo, Yao Wei, Wang Fu, and Liu Muchi. Xu Shan brought his daughter, Xu Xianglan, who is thirteen years old this year.
After everyone sat down, Xu Shan instructed Xu Xianglan to kowtow and pay her respects to Yuan Cuo and Liu Yuechu.
Xu Xianglan seemed to have been instructed beforehand, and followed the rules meticulously. Liu Yuechu asked her age and about her daily life. Without Xu Shan saying a word, she knew perfectly well that Xu Shan was cooperating so well because she hoped Liu Yuechu could choose a good husband for her daughter.
She prefers people who are straightforward and clearly state their prices; they're always easier to answer than those who beat around the bush.
After chatting for a while, Liu Yuechu brought up the idea of asking Xu Shan to take a look at the wood that could be used to make artwork. "...I didn't know that Master Xu was also in the capital, otherwise I would have visited him long ago. It was my father who specifically mentioned you and even gave you one of his paintings."
Liu Yuechu selected paintings from the box of scrolls that suited Xu Shan's taste.
Xu Shan was in high spirits, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. After opening it, his eyes lit up.
"After many years, Liu Huasheng's works have become even more exquisite. His use of color, his brushstrokes, and even that touch of flying white are more Zen-like."
"Great, that's wonderful, that's really wonderful!"
……
Xu Shan looked at the painting and praised it enthusiastically, spitting as he spoke.
Liu Yuechu took a sip of tea, feeling guilty.
Perhaps she harbored deep hostility towards her father, for she couldn't see any Zen meaning in a painting.
If he truly understood that form is emptiness, would he have abandoned his son and daughter to go and heal his wounds alone, only to cause himself so much trouble?
Therefore, one cannot know the truth about anything.
When the truth is laid bare, even the most beautiful things crumble into pieces...
Yuan Cuo noticed her disdain and just smiled. He then chatted with Xu Shan for a few moments. Xu Shan hadn't expected Yuan Cuo to be so knowledgeable about painting, and she felt genuine admiration for him.
"The Duke of Baoguo and his wife are doing this for the sake of the foundation of the Great Qi. Apart from being able to carve some broken wood, I really don't have any other skills."
"I am honored by your appreciation and am willing to serve the Duke of Baoguo and Lady Liu." Xu Shan had already made his stance clear, intending to pledge allegiance.
Liu Yuechu exchanged pleasantries with a smile, and finally understood why Xu Shan's carving skills couldn't sell as well as Song Ziwen's.
Perhaps only someone with such a neurotic tendencies could create a work that reaches a level that ordinary people could not imagine.
Just like her father's paintings.
The group chatted happily and had a meal together.
Xu Xianglan also served him warmly, pouring tea and serving dishes, being exceptionally diligent.
Before leaving, Liu Yuechu asked Xu Xianglan to come to the Duke of Baoguo's mansion as a guest the next day, so they could have a more detailed chat then.
Xu Xianglan immediately agreed, and Xu Shan's goal was achieved. He was a capable man; they arranged to go to the royal garden with Liu Muchi the next day, where he would select a batch of fine timber, bring it back, and meticulously craft it.
Liu Muchi will handle the rest, so Liu Yuechu doesn't need to worry about it.
After Liu Yuechu followed Yuan Cuo into the carriage, she also felt that this person was too slick.
"...We still need to invite Wei Junlang back. With only one master sculptor, it's easy for things to go wrong sooner or later."
There are many people watching them from behind. Xu Shan was so easily bribed, who knows if he will change his mind at a crucial moment? This matter cannot be left unattended.
“Wei Junlang has been away from the capital for many years and is quite far away, so it will take time. Besides, he is too old, and it’s hard to say whether he can withstand the long journey back to the capital,” Yuan Cuo specifically reminded him. “I think we might as well consider how to arrange for Song Ziwen to participate voluntarily.”
Liu Yuechu blinked at him.
Yuan Cuo asked curiously, "Why is my wife looking at me like that?" He touched his face, but there was nothing strange about it.
Liu Yuechu clicked her tongue. "Why did you use the word 'design'? Do you really think I'm that cunning and manipulative? Good at deception and scheming?"
Yuan Cuo nodded. "Of course, I fell for my wife's trick."
"What's the plan?"
"The honey trap".
……