At this time, in the Jibei Hou Mansion, Shen Ao and Chu Rupeng were drinking tea and chatting in the front hall.
The two of them are veterans of three dynasties and have known each other for decades. They chatted a lot during this meeting. It seemed useless but they were trying to take the initiative.
In the end, Chu Rupeng, who was a guest, gave way to Shen Ao.
Shen Ao raised his eyebrows arrogantly, provoking Chu Rupeng. Chu Rupeng laughed and ignored Shen Ao.
Putting down the tea cup, Shen Ao coughed lightly.
"Prime Minister Chu, I have something unclear and I would like to ask for advice."
"Oh? What makes Marquis Shen confused?"
"Why did the saint make Xiyao his permanent attendant?"
Chu Rupeng twisted his beard with his hand.
"Xiyao didn't tell you?"
Shen Ao shook his head.
"My visit this time is also for this matter. What books does Xiyao usually read, or who does she interact with?"
Regarding Chu Rupeng's question, Shen Ao was also a little confused.
"This... person is here."
A servant came forward to answer the question.
"Go and call the maid in charge of the young lady's boudoir."
After a while, Zi Ling led the other two maids in.
"Zi Ling, what books does your master usually read?"
Zi Ling's big eyes suddenly flashed with curiosity on her face.
"There are not many books in the young lady's room, most of which are military books and the like, and the rest are ordinary enlightenment books."
"Then, has she come into contact with anyone?"
Zi Ling's tone was somewhat angry and drawn out.
"Master Hou, the young lady is still in the boudoir."
Both Shen Ao and Chu Rubeng blushed.
"Oh, yes, yes. Chu Xiang, look at this..."
"Xiyao's memorial to Your Majesty is quite wonderful, beyond all of our expectations, or in other words, beyond all of our knowledge. I have been studying this matter with Cheng Shangshu these days, but the specifics I can’t say yet. I was a bit reckless in what I did today, so don’t blame Marquis Shen.”
Shen Ao waved his hand.
"where."
"But there is no need to worry, Marquis Shen. This kid Xiyao is really good."
"Hey! What's the use of a girl's family, no matter how good it is?"
Shen Ao sighed, but the happy expression on his face had nothing to do with the sigh.
"Sir, the lady is back."
While we were talking, a servant came in to report.
"Oh? Let her come over."
When Shen Xiyao walked into the middle hall, Chu Rupeng looked at Shen Xiyao with admiration.
"Marquis Shen, if you dislike this granddaughter's ability, then give it to me and I can accept her as my god-granddaughter. What do you think?"
"What you think is beautiful. No matter how Xiyao is, she is still my granddaughter."
Shen Ao declared his sovereignty with a look of contempt.
Chu Rubeng laughed loudly and pointed at Shen Ao.
"You, you!"
At this time, another servant came running in.
"Sir, Miss. Someone from the palace has come to convey your Majesty's instructions."
Several people stood up.
"Please."
Not long after, a chamberlain followed the servants of Shen's house and walked in.
"It turns out that Prime Minister Chu is here, which saves trouble. According to His Majesty's oral instructions, Prime Minister Chu was announced, and Shen Changshi went to the palace to see him."
"Old minister accepts the order."
"The humble minister accepts the order."
Chu Rupeng and Shen Xiyao saluted at the same time.
"Marquis Shen, I will take my leave now."
"Prime Minister Chu, walk slowly."
Shen Xiyao did not dare to delay and took the three maids back to the backyard to change clothes quickly.
After entering the palace, I saw the eldest prince Yang Lin, the minister Ling Cheng Kangming, the minister of Honglu Temple Yang Minzhi, and the young minister Ji Yun were all here.
Yang Ke looked up at Shen Xiyao expressionlessly.
"Without courtesy, stand aside and wait for a moment."
After a while, Chu Rupeng also changed into his official robe and walked in.
"Old minister, please see Your Majesty."
"No courtesy. Okay, everyone is here. Yang Qing, please say it again."
"According to the decree, Honglu Temple is responsible for organizing the Mid-Autumn Festival and His Majesty's birthday. After these few days of preparation, the 400,000 yuan is somewhat insufficient."
Shen Xiyao's heart tightened, as expected, the talkative guy was right.
"You all tell me how to resolve this matter."
Yang Ke said calmly.
As soon as Cheng Kangming heard what the emperor said, he knew that his majesty was not going to take out any more money. The court would not be able to take out any more money.
"Your Majesty, the government has no way to provide any more money for the time being."
"So how did things go?"
Chu Rupeng asked.
"The renovation of the Hong Hotel is about to be completed, and the equipment that needs to be prepared has been prepared. The items for the reward are also prepared in the treasury. For the rest that are still missing, I have made a list here for your Majesty to take a look at."
As he spoke, Yang Minzhi took out a booklet from his sleeve, held it in his hand, and handed it up.
Yang Ke waved his hand and pointed at Chu Rupeng.
Chu Rupeng took it, opened it, read it, and handed it to the eldest prince. The eldest prince read it and gave it to Cheng Kangming.
Cheng Kangming read it twice, put it together and was about to hand it to the chamberlain, when Yang Ke suddenly spoke.
"Changshi Shen, you are quite knowledgeable about money and economics. Take a look, is there anything you can do?"
Upon hearing the emperor's words, Yang Lin, Chu Rupeng and Cheng Kangming had no reaction. However, Yang Minzhi and Ji Yun were shocked.
Although they knew that Shen Xiyao had been promoted to permanent attendant, they did not expect that the emperor valued this woman so much.
Shen Xiyao took the folder and looked at it carefully.
After a long time, he slowly raised his head and was startled to see that everyone in the palace was looking at him.
It was obvious that it was Mu Jianming who appeared, not Shen Xiyao.
"Changshi Shen, tell me."
The corners of Mu Jianming's mouth raised slightly.
"Your Majesty, is there any way...it's not impossible."
At this time, everyone became energetic.
"only……"
"It's just what it is, tell me quickly."
Yang Lin didn't wait for Shen Xiyao to finish the tone and asked hurriedly.
"Yes, please tell me carefully."
His Majesty the Emperor no longer cared about his own demeanor and spoke immediately.
"The excerpt mentions that archways and colorful sheds must be built in Luoyang City. Starting from the city gates on the southeast, southeast, and northwest sides, an archway must be erected at each intersection, and a shed must be erected at every mile. They must be wrapped in colored silk, all the way to the imperial palace. The tree trunks on both sides of the city's main streets should also be decorated with colored silk."
"Yes, this is the most expensive thing among the remaining things."
Yang Minzhi nodded.
"Then let me give you an idea to save this money."
Without waiting for others to ask questions, Mu Jianming continued.
"This item can be left to the merchants in the city."
Naturally, some people raised objections to this proposal.
"I'm afraid this will cause complaints from the merchants and damage His Majesty's reputation."
Mu Jianming still had a smile on his face.
"Businessmen will certainly complain about things that are not beneficial. But if you give them some benefits, I believe these merchants will be eager to complete this matter for Your Majesty."
Seeing the puzzled expressions on everyone's faces, Mu Jianming spoke slowly.
"His Majesty's birthday is a grand event in the world. The population of Luoyang will gather and it will be overcrowded. Such an opportunity is not common. Let the merchants build building sign booths. When the time comes, they will be allowed to advertise in the building sign booths. I believe they will Willing to accept this."
“What is advertising?”
Yang Lin asked puzzledly.
"Just...uh...spread the word."
Finally thinking of an explanation, Mu Jianming was a little happy.
"In the past, merchants relied on word of mouth to spread their reputation. This time, we give them the opportunity to introduce the name, history, and characteristics of the store. The reputation of these merchants may become famous all over the world."
"this……"
Yang Minzhi didn't know what to say.
"Wonderful!"
Cheng Kangming clapped his hands and praised him.
"In this way, the merchants will definitely be willing to take on this matter, and every one of them will work hard to attract the attention of the people. As Shen Changshi said, this move will not only let the people know the name of the merchants in Beijing, but also save a lot of money. money."
"We can also conduct a competition, and the imperial court can issue a decree to praise the companies that do the best. Of course, this is the last surprise for them. If there is a next time, I believe the merchants will participate more actively. .”
Mu Jianming took over and continued.
Yang Ke, who had always been expressionless, also laughed.
"Okay, Xiyao, you really didn't disappoint me. Is there anything else you can say?"
"Well, there's nothing else."
It seems like I remembered something.
"Oh, maybe the drinks for the banquet can be sent to the Marquis Mansion in Northern Hebei first?"
Everyone looked at each other, wondering why Shen Xiyao would make such a request
"Why is this?"
Ji Yundi asked.
"It's a surprise for all the countries. I have a way to make the wine more fragrant, mellow and stronger. I believe they will like it."
"If it doesn't work, we won't have any wine to drink at the banquet."
Ji Yun was a little worried.
Yang Ke was a little happy now, and waved his hand after thinking for a moment.
"It's okay. Listen to Shen Changshi and let her give it a try. Shen Xiyao listens."
"I'm here"
Mu Jianming quickly saluted.
"The official position of the permanent attendant remains unchanged. He will serve as a doctor in Guanglu Temple and assist Honglu Temple in completing this banquet."
"I obey the decree."
After everyone exited the hall, Shen Xiyao walked up to Yang Min.
"Yang Siqing, please arrange for someone to deliver the wine to the village of Jibei Marquis outside the city as soon as possible. I have something else to do, so I will leave first."
"Thank you, Mr. Shen, for your help. I will arrange for someone to deliver all the drinks later."
After the third watch, it is also past midnight, and another day begins.
The lights in Shen Xiyao's showroom came on again.
"rue."
Mu Jianming, who was sitting behind the desk, called out.
"Hey, here we come."
Yunxiang agreed crisply and quickly walked into Shen Xiyao's boudoir.
Mu Jianming pointed to the chair in front of the desk.
"Sit down."
Yunxiang hesitated for a moment, then sat down.
"Yunxiang, I'm sorry."
Yunxiang stood up quickly after hearing this.
"Don't say that."
"Sit down first. I'm serious. I'm really sorry. I'm going to explain all this to your lady."
Yun Xiang, who had just sat down again, suddenly turned pale.
"you……"
"I know this incident will have a great impact on your young lady. In addition, if you help me deceive your young lady, you will also be punished. I will find a way to get rid of your matter. Now your young lady There are more and more things happening, and if we keep going the way we are doing, something will happen sooner or later."
Yunxiang lowered her head, twisting her clothes with her fingers and said nothing.