Chapter 31: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [5.1]
Chapter: Kangxi Emperor
Hearing this, Yintang hurriedly knelt and confessed, " Sagacious Emperor father, the shop is owned by a woman who just came back from overseas, she didn't know the price rate of Qing dynasty. I didn't want to sell the shop so I gave her a price value of 100,000 teals to make her back down. Who would have expected her to agree? She is more wicked than I am. Whether you are purchasing something or not, you have to pay an entry fee of one thousand teal. No entry for those who don't have a thousand teals. The things in the shop were very strange and the price was extremely high."
"What's even more outrageous is that the gems in her shop were sold in pounds, and the silvers were stored in baskets. In her own words, she had money to burn."
Yintang thoroughly explained Wen Qing's affairs. He knew his Emperor father's temperament. If he thought he was making an excuse to collect money, he would be finished!
Kangxi listened to his explanation, he did not know whether to believe or not. His face was calm and composed as he said, "That is interesting"
He looked at Yintang, who was kneeling reverently and said, "Get up, you are now a grown-up. You should help me handle matters. Don't fool around all day. After all, taking advantage of people is not good for your reputation. How could an imperial prince appear in the business market?"
Hiss, handle matters? He had other sons to handle his matters. He was being old-fashioned due to idleness. What else could he do other than business? Yintang pursed his lips a few times but said nothing in the end. He bent down for the salutation, "I will follow the emperor father's teachings."
After Yintang left, Kangxi ordered Li Dequan, "Go to the fourth prince and tell him I am calling him."
Wen Qing sat behind the counter staring blankly at the walking pedestrians through the glass door. After Yintang bought all the gems, he removed his people from the shop. Because of the two placards stuck at her door, no one visited her little store as usual.
Just when Wen Qing thought there wouldn't be any business today, two people walked through the door. The person in charge had a lean body and sincere countenance. He was wearing simple clothes but the aura he carried was not to be
underestimated. He was followed by a submissive and servile servant. Without a clear look, Wen Qing could tell that he was a eunuch.
Bringing a eunuch while visiting outside, he would not be a palace noble rather an imperial prince, Wen Qing thought pensively. She lazily greeted, "Thank you for your patronage, pay the money first."
It was the fourth prince Yinzhen, who Kangxi commanded to investigate the condition of the shoop. He had already seen the notice posted on the glazed door before entering. He beckoned Su Peisheng and Su fished out two silvers and put them on the counter.
Wen Qing picked them up and threw them into the bamboo basket. She smiled and said to Yinzhen, "Sir, Take your time, I'll give you a discount on your desired product!"
If she didn't guess it wrong, it should be her opportune fourth uncle - Yongzheng Emperor. Yinzhen had the stern countenance of the historical Yongzheng Emperor. He was much more sensible than those trios! Perhaps she could hit the jackpot.
Yin Zhen, with his hands folded behind him, walked around the shop slowly while observing. He didn't know many things in this shop, but he read a lot and had a wide knowledge, he could somewhat guess what the items were.
Suddenly, he pointed to a place and asked, "What is this?"
Wen Qing looked at what he was referring to and sighed in her heart. He was worthy of being the emperor. His vision was not the same as the trio!
"Pay first and I'll tell you."
"How much money?"
"Hundred teals!"
Even after hearing such an outrageous price, Yinzhen was calm. Without any reaction, he turned around and moved. Wen Qing knew that he would not buy it.
After a moment, Yinzhen pointed to the corner of the cabinet and asked, "Is this also for sale?"
Wen Qing looked intently. It was a grain of rice, she smiled, "Of course, all the things here are for sale."She thought that the grain of rice was inconspicuous and no one would discover it.
Yinzhen asked, "What is the value of this grain?" The store was filled with extraordinary items that Yin Zhen felt that a grain of rice could not be underestimated. As it turned out, his intuition was accurate.
Wen Qing said, "I reckoned there would be no one else to pay attention to this rice, I will sell it to you for a cheap price, one thousand teals."
"How audacious!" Su Peisheng who was behind Yinzhen finally couldn't bear any more. Did she take his master as a monkey? If it weren't for his master not speaking, he wanted to scold her just now when she asked for 100,000 teals opening her. Now she's even more outrageous. A grain of rice costs 1,000 teals! Is this rice made of gold!
"You profiteer. You are swindling my master! Do you have enough head to be beheaded!"
Wen Qing raised her eyebrow and looked at yinzhen. If he had the same thought as Su Peisheng, she would not sell him any item.
Yinzhen frowned, threw a warning glare at Su Peisheng, "Do not be rude." Then he said to Wen Qing, "Sorry, don't mind him."
Su Peisheng who was warned by his master was not happy. He strongly felt that his master was being swindled by this strange woman, but his master wouldn't let him talk, so he had to shut up.
Chapter 32: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [5.2]
Chapter: Why did the newly wedded lady scream at night?
Wen Qing shook her hand, finally revealing the stubble. "Do you want to buy it?"
"A thousand teals for a grain of rice; shouldn't you let me know why it is so expensive?" Yinzhen quietly said.
"I will tell you only if you buy it. I can assure you it is worth more than just 1000 teals. You could even say it is priceless." If it weren't for the fact that she would take the throne from him in the future, she wouldn't bother to waste her breath on him! Not to mention giving him the grain for 99,000 teals cheaper!
Yinzhen was silent for a long time. He was contemplating whether 1000 teals for a grain of rice was worth it. In the end, he bought it because he felt that a thousand teals were as cheap as it gets in this store. Emperor Father had let him explore the actual situation of this shop, he could not return empty-handed.
Wen Qing counted the silver teals then readily threw them into the money basket. Yinzhen acknowledged that Emperor Father was right, in this shop, teals were indeed kept in the basket.
Wen Qing smiled and took out the grain of rice, placing it in Yinzhen's palm. "Well, purchased goods are not refundable."
Yinzhen frowned. Was he fooled?!
He took a deep breath. "Now Miss, can you tell me what is special about this rice that cost a thousand taels! The last few words were passed through his gnashed teeth. It could be seen that Yinzhen was also very resentful of the 1000 teals grain of rice.
"This rice is a hybrid of rice. The yield per month could reach one thousand pounds." This was Wen Qing's estimate. According to the agricultural level of the Qing Dynasty, it would be more than this in later generations.
Yinzhen was shocked. "The yield per month is a thousand pounds?!"
She didn't blame him for being so surprised. The average yield of rice in the Qing Dynasty was only one stone or two which was equivalent to 300 pounds per month. This was the only output of the superior fields, it was fewer with the medium fields and lesser with the inferior fields. This small grain of rice could produce up to a thousand pounds! How could Yinzhen not be surprised?
Wen Qing was very satisfied with his expression, this was the normal reaction to have when buying her things!
She went straight to a bookcase in the corner and rummaged through it. Yinzhen's gaze involuntarily followed her and saw the cabinet, but it was not allowed to open without authorization, so he did not move. Yinzhen could only imagine what kind of secrets were hidden in the cabinet.
Yinzhen carefully looked at the names of the books:
《Terrible! Unexpectedly, this happened when the man bent over to pick the soap!》
《Shocking! Brother-in-law broke into his sister-in-law's room in the middle of the night...》
《Sniffle! Father-in-law and daughter-in-law actually do such shameful affairs in the room!》
《No Children allowed! A young married woman actually did such a thing in the broken temple?!》
《Unbelievable! The 60-year-old man became the groom overnight!》
…
Yinzhen was puzzled. What the hell?!
At this time, Wen Qing happily took out a book. "I found it! This is it"!
Yinzhen saw what it was:《Dreadful! Why did the newly wedded lady scream at night?》
Yinzhen: "..." He did not want to know why the newly wedded lady screamed at night!
"This was a detailed explanation of hybrid rice technology. The grain of rice isn't the one worth a thousand teals, this book is." Rather than selling goods, Wen Qing was selling technology which was beyond the technology of this era!
Yinzhen didn't pay heed to the exotic title of the book and hurriedly opened it then roughly glanced through it. Unlike the astonishing name on the cover, the contents inside were reliable and serious. If what was recorded in this book was true, it would be a great blessing for the Great Qing Dynasty.
Yin Zhen put away the book, took out one thousand pieces of silver to buy the rice, and hurried into the palace.
"Emperor Father will be overjoyed!"
As soon as he entered the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Yin Zhen couldn't help reporting the good news. He was one of the few princes who worried about the people. It was hard to avoid getting excited when he got such good things.
"Emperor Father. Look at this. I bought a grain of rice for 1000 teals." Yin Zhen carefully held the precious rice and sent it to Kangxi. Kangxi opened his eyes wide to observe the rice on his fingers. His mouth drew a straight line, "You bought a grain of rice with one thousand pieces of silver?"
"More than that, there is this. Father, look".
Kangxi's countenance was slightly better when he heard that a thousand teals weren't wasted on just a grain of rice. He looked at the book offered. "Dreadful! Why did the newly wedded lady scream at night?"
A blue vein popped up in Kangxi's forehead. "You ******! What the hell are you reading?!"
Yin Zhen saw that he misunderstood and hurriedly opened the contents inside. "Father, you see, this is a detailed explanation of hybrid rice planting with a yield of one thousand pounds per month."
"The yield per month is one thousand pounds?! Is that true?" Kangxi's expression was the same as Yinzhen when he first heard it.
"This son dare not deceive Father; the shopkeeper said so. It is still not proven."
Kangxi calmed down. "If so, my Qing will be fortunate!" He perused the book in his hand. The more he saw it, the more he felt that it was true. He himself studied rice, and he knew a little about it. Naturally, he knew whether the above records were true or false. He was shocked in his heart. Kangxi ordered Yin Zhen, "This matter will be handed over to you. The assistant manager of the Ministry of Housing and Industry will make the hybrid rice research successful!"
"Yes, Father."
Today was probably Wen Qing's lucky day. She had just sent off Yin Zhen and another important customer was guided in. This one had a much more dignified aura than Yinzhen. With luxurious clothes, he was escorted in imposingly. His body was emanating oppressive air. He could be a soldier.
Chapter 33: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [6.1]
Chapter: Wen Qing is Presbyopic
"Did Old Tenth buy a shotgun from you?" He asked unceremoniously as soon as he came in.
Wen Qing was not scared of him. She smiled as she said, "Thanks for your patronage. Pay the silver first."
It could be Yin's brother if he could call Yin Old Tenth. She sensed an oppressive air around the person again. If she guessed correctly, this person was the Elder Prince who often led the troops, Yinyi.
Yinyi felt somewhat impatient. He bluntly beckoned the people behind him with a wave. "Give it to her."
It was by chance that he saw Yin playing with a delicate spear-like object that he had recently heard about. Yin gave it to him when he saw that he was interested in the gun. He was not as foolish as the tenth prince. Would people who have been leading troops all-year-round fail to see the true value of a shotgun? Sure enough, he tested the power of the shotgun and was shocked!
He successfully fired three bullets with a maximum range of more than 300 feet and the effective range was 150 feet; every bullet hit its target. It could blow the enemy's head from kilometers away. How could he not be shocked? As soon as he came out of the firearms camp, he went straight to Obsessed With Money.
Wen Qing received the silver before saying, "I don't know who the Old Tenth you are speaking about is. Besides, our shop won't reveal information about our guests."
"You!" Yinyi was furious. With a cold snort, he turned to leave the store. He suddenly thought of something and with a cold snort, he furiously went back into the store.
He walked around the store, his gaze locking in on a thing. "This is..." There was an indescribable surprise in his tone. Wen Qing looked up and took a glance. The item happened to be the one that Yin Zhen was interested in.
"Red barbarian cannon? No, no, this is more complicated than the red barbarian cannon!"
Yinyi had a keen sense for military ware! He stared at Wen Qing, "Take this out, this king wants it!"
He claimed to be the king but Wen Qing didn't care who he was. She smiled. "Thanks to your patronage. This is 100,000 pieces of silver, give the silver first and then I'll deliver the goods!"
Yinyi showed a vicious smile. "For a model you want the king to pay a hundred thousand teals?"
Yes, what's inside the glass cabinet was just a model of a howitzer. That thing was so big that it couldn't fit in Wen Qing's shop at all.
WenQing still looked calm. "No, no, no. Of course, there is more than this one model. You have to pay the first then I'll tell you.
Yinyi narrowed his eyes and stared at her, his eyes showed signs of danger, but Wen Qing had no fear. He looked at her for a moment and finally compromised. He ordered the guards behind him, "Go back to the office and get 100,000 teals!"
The guards left and needed no less than 15 minutes. They returned with one hundred thousand silver teals in a box. Wen Qing conveniently threw the bundle in the basket and greeted Yinyi with a smile, "I knew from the look of you, sir, that you are an outright person. I will not keep you waiting. Come on. The real thing is in the backyard."
Yinyi followed her into the backyard and was stunned when he saw the real thing in the yard. It was not a model nor a sample, but a real cannon!
"Well, it's called howitzer. This is much more advanced than the red barbarian cannon in Ming Dynasty. The initial velocity reaches 930 meters per second. Do you know what that is? It is the time when your pocket watch takes a step. With a maximum range of 27150 meters, effective range of 1100 meters…"
Yinyi froze while listening to her explanation, completely forgetting how to react. In the end, Wen Qing gave him a book with a detailed explanation of howitzer production. Of course, the book was called-
《The men will be speechless, the women will shed tears》
Yinyi rushed to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. He couldn't even wait for a eunuch to announce his presence. He directly rushed in, "Please ask Emperor Father to move the military camp!"
After he finished, the little eunuch at the door came in hurriedly. He knelt down with a panicked expression. "Emperor..." Yinyi was unruly, so the emperor didn't blame him. But not announcing timely would be the eunuch's unforgivable crime.
Kangxi waved his hand, "Leave." The little eunuch, as if granted amnesty, hurriedly went out. Kangxi just looked at Yinyi and said, "Why are you in such a hurry?" He had good news and was in a good mood so he didn't blame Yinyi for being unruly.
"This son has obtained a phenomenal object which will certainly raise the military power of the Qing army. I request Emperor Father to move to the firearm camp..."
Wen Qing was cleaning the glass at the door when she saw three people coming out from the opposite Hongyun Building from a distance. She shouted at them happily, "Eight. Nine. Ten! Eight. Nine. Ten! There are new products in the store. Would you like to come in and have a look?"
Yintang cautioned Yin with his head inclined to Wen Qing's direction. "That girl is calling us."
Yin nodded, "So it seems."
Blue veins popped on Yintang's forehead. "This dead girl dared to tease us!" He said, and walked angrily to the opposite side.
Wen Qing did not seem to notice his anger. She smiled and asked, "Eh? Eighth is not here today? I'm presbyopic. Come on, come in and have a look. We're all already familiar with each other, I'll give you a discount if you like!"
Chapter 34: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [6.2]
Chapter: Liu Shengfang
"Who wants your discount?"
"Then don't fight!"
"No, who allowed you to call us eight. nine. ten?" Yintang was so angry, "It's the formidable imperial prince to you. You did not even say, Ninth lord?!"
Wen Qing glanced at him, and leisurely said, "You really can not be."
"What did you say?" Yintang was furious. He was a dignified prince whereas she was just a civilian girl and she couldn't call him Ninth lord?
Wen Qing looked calm, "How could someone so young be called a lord? You might as well be called the ninth uncle!"
Ninth uncle? Yintang suddenly lost his temper. He did not know whether to cry or to laugh. This girl stayed overseas for too long, she probably didn't understand what he meant by lord. Forget it, if it's the ninth uncle then let it be.
"Then am I called the tenth uncle?" Yin also came to join the fun.
Wen Qing glanced at him, "Did you give the fire gun away?"
"Huh? How did you know?"
"How could I not know when the person you gave it to came through the door?" Wen Qing the mention of this matter. Originally she thought that Yin had a good vision. For this reason, she especially sold the ware to him cheaply, but she didn't expect him to give it away. He didn't know the value of that thing.
"You said Big Brother came here? He didn't smash the store, right?" Yin asked with concern. He had a pure heart, and his emotions were written on his face. Wen Qing suddenly lost her temper. "No, it cost me 100,000 teals."
Yin stared at her with wide eyes, "Awesome! You are awesome! Even scamming eldest big brother!"
While they were chatting, Yintang had already looked around the store. He curled his lips and said, "It's still a peculiar shop. What good things are there?"
"Heh-heh-heh." Wen Qing never had any hope for him. After a change of mind, she pulled out a music box from the space. "Can you have a look at this? Help me pull a guest in and I will give it to you for nothing!"
The music box was exquisitely made and wonderful, with precious stones and rhinestones inlaid around it, and its end is gorgeous. Yintang took a glance at it, but instead, he sneered, "Making me solicit customers for you? Do you think this lord is a brothel madam?"
Wen Qing did not say anything. Yin pulled his sleeve and said, "Ninth brother, Imperial concubine Yi Fei's birthday is coming, are you not worried about what gift to send? I think this is good."
Yintang wanted to slap the death out of his brother, of course, he knew this item was good. But if he gleamingly announced it to her, wouldn't she know what they wanted?
Wen Qing smiled and looked at them, "How? Ninth Uncle, do you want it?"
"Yes! Why not! How much is it? If you want me to get customers, I won't do it!"
Wen Qing shook her head, "That's no good, you want it, help me pull a guest in."
"You!"
Wen Qing was as stubborn as a mule, Yintang was about to burst from the anger. Yin couldn't stand it anymore and brought a man in.
"This is Liu Shengfang, ambassador of Taiyuan Hospital, Master Liu."
Taiyuan huh. Couldn't be better, Wen Qing smilingly handed Yin the music box. "Yes, of course. I'll keep my word and give it to you."
Yin, as a good brother, naturally hands the music box to Yintang. Even though Yintang got his wish, he was not happy at all. He stared at Wen Qing with inexplicable emotions.
Liu Shengfang, who was suddenly dragged in by Yin, greeted them with a confused face. "Greetings to the ninth and tenth prince. I don't know why the two princes called this official."
Yintang looked up to the sky and didn't talk. Yin also turned away with some embarrassment. He obviously couldn't say that he was here as a procure?
Wen Qing pointed to the notice posted at the door and said, "Thank you for your patronage. Pay the money first."
Liu shengfang was muddled for a while. He looked at the two princes. The two people had a this-is-non-my-business expression. So, he had to painstakingly take out a silver teal.
"Can this lower Officer go?" No matter what tricks these two lords were playing, it was better to stay away.
"Hey, Sir, wait a minute!" Wen Qing stopped him and said with a smile, "I observed the middle of your forehead is full of vigor. You have wide prospects and a clear frame. You must be bestowed with extraordinary talent. You must be a medical genius. I have a rare medical book here. Seeing that It was destined for you, I will sell it to you for just 10 teals!"
"Medical book?" Liu shengfang was very surprised. Medical books have always been the most difficult to find. The major medical family books were never easy to pass on and were taught by the master to the apprentice. The Apprentice to their apprentices. It was hard to learn. He did not expect to find a book here, that was ten pairs of silver!
"Where is the book? Give it to me, hurry!" Liu shengfang asked eagerly, even the two princes around him were eager.
"First pay the silver and then take the goods." Wen Qing smiled.
Chapter 35: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [7.1]
Chapter: A clever person may become the victim of his own ingenuity and eventually find himself to be a fool!
Liu Shengfang did not hesitate to give her ten pairs of silver. Even if she was a liar, it was merely ten pairs of silver. But, what if it's true? He was willing to take 10 silvers to buy in any case!
Wen Qing received the money before going to the bookcase to get him the book. Yintang and the two curious people followed. They have yet to see what the bookcase looks like.
Wen Qing took out a book entitled《Shocking! How could he do such a thing with a cow!》and handed it to Liu Shengfang. "Well, this is the medical book. Master Liu should study it well and spread it all over the world, and not selfishly keep it to himself. "
Liu Shengfang solemnly bowed while cupping his hand. "This little old man will keep it in mind." Then he carefully held the book and left.
Wen Qing looked back and saw two muddled princes in dazes, apparently shocked by the wonderful titles. She went over and closed the bookcase, causing the two to come back to the senses. "Why are the two of you still here?!"
"What? Is anything to your interest? My cabinet doesn't have a single regular book, each one is worth ten thousand gold!"
Yin'e subconsciously opened his mouth, "Then why did you sell that one just now for ten teals?"
"To conduct business here, not only should one do a fair sale, one should also observe what type of dish is on the plate." WenQing looked at them and leisurely said.
"How do you observe what type of dish is on the plate?"
"For example, the two of you, who are wearing luxurious, bright, beautiful fur coats which are nice and elegant, are either rich or a noble at first glance..."
These words boast of Yintang's group of two, making them float with alacrity. The next moment, they heard Wen Qing say, "It's a pity not to shoot your kind of prey."
Yintang & Yin'e: "..."
Wen Qing went on saying, "Whilst Master Liu is dressed simply and not flamboyant. The doctor is kind. He's learning medical skills and is benefiting the world. For the sake of doing a good deed, a few silver teals lost is nothing."
"So, you are still a good person!" Yintang gnashed his teeth. Don't think he couldn't read between the lines. This dead girl buried them in words coated with sugar!
Wen Qing nodded, "Well, there are only a few pure and unpretentious good people like me!"
Yintang was speechless. He has never seen such a thick-skinned person!
After struggling for a moment, Yintang couldn't help but ask, "What terrible thing happened after the man bent down to pick up soap?"
Sure enough, it was difficult for ordinary people to escape their curiosity about peculiar things. Wen Qing, smiling without a word, stretched out a finger and hooked it in front of him.
Blue vein popped up on Yintang's forehead. "10 teals?"
Wen Qing shook his head.
"A thousand taels?"
Wen Qing continued to shake his head.
"Ten thousand taels?!" It was already clear that this dead girl has a mouth as big as a lion's. Yintang was so angry he wanted to strangle her! Liu Shengfang just spent ten teals of silver to buy a book, but now she turned around and dared to sell one to him for 10,000 teals! It was his first time seeing a person cheat people in such a magnanimous way!
Yin'e couldn't bear it. "Wen Qing, don't look at our prince's bright and glamorous outerior. In fact, our life is also very sad! There are only a few ranks in the palace, and each has to support a large family. Also, Ninth Brother can only have a little additional income by doing some business. Other princes have tightened their belts! So you see, can you... scam a bit less?"
Wen Qing was amused by him. Also, asking for less scam, they're definitely brothers.
"Then, if you do not want to pay to buy, there is a way…"
"What way?"
"We can work together." Wen Qing said while pulling out the《Terrible! Unexpectedly, this happened when the man bent over to pick the soap!》book. "This is actually a detailed explanation about soap-making. There are all kinds of soap, even essential oil soap. I will provide technical support and you'll provide manpower, raw materials, financial resources, and take charge of later sales. How about sharing the profits among us?"
Yintang took the book with surprise and roughly flipped through it. It indeed records soap-making in detail. The content was much more serious than the title. He pondered for a moment before saying, "If what is said here is true, then I agree." He was a qualified businessman and can naturally see the huge profits underlying this business.
"Of course, you can find someone to test it with."
Yintang looked at Wen Qing, then at the book, and then left with a strange face.
Yin'e felt strange. "Ninth Brother, what's the matter?"
Wen Qing sighed leisurely. "A clever person may become the victim of his own ingenuity and eventually find himself to be a fool!"
Kangxi came back from the firearms camp, still immersed in the huge shock brought by the howitzer. The deafening sound of the canon seemed to have the power to collapse the sky and split the land. Just one shot blew up the hill! This definitely wasn't a power humans could achieve!
Yinti was correct. This was a sacred thing, and it will surely promote the Qing Dynasty's regal power in the world! And this terrible power, turned out to be lying in some small shop!
Who was behind that store? What's the origin of that woman? Where did she get all these things? None of this could be ascertained. However, no matter what, this power must be for him alone to manoeuvre!
Kangxi was pondering solemnly when suddenly, someone interrupted his trails of deep thought. "Emperor, great news! God is blessing great Qing!" Liu Shengfang was running and shouting into the Palace of Heavenly Purity while holding a book.
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The FL fell in love in a world successively for five times. Break up in a chapter and starting anew in another. Are you shocked?
Chapter 36: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [7.2]
Chapter: Emperor Kangxi's investigation.
During these past days, someone would run in to announce some good news. Kangxi was almost immune to it, thus he didn't blame Shengfang Liu for breaking into the Heavenly Purity Palace without announcing himself. He asked in a heavy voice, "What is the great news, Aiqing[1]?"
"Emperor, please have a look. This subject accidentally got his hand on a medical book which recorded the prevention and treatment of smallpox, it can prevent smallpox! This is a blessing to the great Qing!" Liu Shengfang was flushed with excitement.
Kangxi had already surpassed the capability of being shocked in these two days, but he was still so baffled that he stood up from his dragon throne, "Is this true?"
Don't blame him for being so excited. His father, the former Emperor Shunzhi, died of smallpox, he himself also almost died of smallpox when he was young. The smallpox epidemic breaks out almost every few years in Qing Dynasty, killing countless people. Moreover, the outbreak of smallpox was attributed to an emperor's loss of morality, which was believed to be a condemnation of God! He ascended the throne at the age of six, tackled Oboi at the age of eight, and has captured San Francisco and Taiwan. The whole world was in his hands, but there was nothing he could do against the smallpox epidemic... And now, how could Kangxi not get excited when he finally has the method to prevent smallpox?
"Quickly, show me! "
Kangxi excitedly scanned the book, and his face lit up. "Good! Good! Good! God is blessing great Qing!" He said three goods in a row, which shows how great excitement in his heart was!
"Your Majesty, I request Taiyuan Hospital to fully study this method of vaccination and get rid of smallpox as soon as possible!"
"Right away!"
"Thank you, Emperor!"
After Shengfang Liu departed, Kangxi looked at the three books placed in front of him and fell into deep thought. These three books were—
《Dreadful！Why does the newly wedded lady scream at night? 》brought by Yin Zhen.
《The men will be speechless, the women will shed tears》 presented by Yinti.
And 《Shocking! How could he do such a thing with a cow!》 which Liu Shengfang just showed.
Although the names of these three books were exotic, the content inside was truly shocking. Whether it was the hybrid rice with a yield of 1,000 pounds per mu, the sky-shattering and land-splitting artillery, or the method of smallpox prevention, an ordinary person could go down in history with only one, but it happened that all three books came from the same place! Perhaps... it even came from the hands of the same person.
Kangxi couldn't sit still. He must see this mysterious woman named Qi Wenqing as soon as possible!
Wen Qing was sprawling over the counter in boredom. Her shop belongs to those types that could not be in business for three years but once in business could be enough for the three years. At present, the number of patrons could be counted with just one hand.
She was lost in thought when a few people came in from the entrance led by a peremptory, distinguished, and dignified elderly man. People who served him followed in. In addition to an older eunuch, were several other guards. Judging from their aura and physical appearance, he was not an ordinary lord. Wen Qing instantly drew up a guess in her heart, and she said quietly, "Thanks to your patronage, pay the money first. "
The person was Kangxi. He went out of the palace incognito just to see for himself this magical shop and its mysterious female owner.
Kangxi came in and saw the notice on the glass door. He also learned from Yinzhen and the others that Wen Qing's personality includes an obsession with money, but he didn't want to give the money, instead, he walked over and said, "The rules in this shop are unreasonable. If I didn't take a fancy to the things in here after I came in, wouldn't I have spent a silver for nothing? Or if you didn't have anything to sell in this store, wouldn't it be more unjust?"
He didn't care about the silver, what he wanted was to dampen Wen Qing's spirit. He heard that the girl was a little arrogant and defiant that even his sons ate a loss and were defeated by her!
Wen Qing raised her eyebrow and stared at him. "Then you can choose not to come in. Since you came in, you gambled that that one silver would be worth the money. In a bet, isn't it natural to lose and win, how can you say this rule of mine is unreasonable?"
"Haha, what a sharp-tongued little girl!" Kangxi laughed, "However…" he looked straight at Wenqing as his tone changed and his eyes glinted, "Rules are made for those who obey the rules, but for those who don't obey, the rules are naturally useless."
Wen Qing was speechless. It seemed he won the round. After a short time, her lips slowly curved. Her smile was gentle and amiable. "You are right, the rules are made for those who obey the rules, and those who don't obey the rules naturally don't have to obey them. Please come in." She didn't mention the entry fee again.
Kangxi got his wish and was able to suppress the other party in their first bout, but seeing her smile, he felt a bad premonition. He always felt that the other party didn't seem to give up so easily. He pressed down the doubts in his heart and entered the store, looking around slowly. Except for Li Dequan, everyone else stayed outside.
Wen Qing believed that those people were protecting the outside and had definitely imposed a curfew in her shop, even a fly wouldn't be able to enter!
Kangxi's vision was much better than his sons. He felt that everything in the store was extraordinary and should be brought back to the palace. Therefore, he began to ask one by one from the first cabinet.
"What is this?"
Chapter 37: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [8.1]
Chapter: Nine familial exterminations
Since she had already broken the rules for him, Wen Qing naturally didn't keep the rules of having to give money before answering. She said frankly, "This is a globe, which is my portrayal of the world after travelling around it for fifteen years. The red part belongs to the great Qing dynasty land. This is Russia in the north and Britain and France in the west..."
Kangxi was shocked in his heart. This globe covers all of the places in the world, and the great Qing Dynasty was just a corner of it! Even more to his surprise, this woman actually said that she has traveled all over the world!
Kangxi, after all, had been an emperor all his life, but he was still relentless and shocked. He quietly pressed down the shock in his heart and continued to ask, "What about this one?"
"This is a steam engine model invented in western countries. It could be used to make powerful machines which can greatly improve production efficiency."
This was too general, Kangxi couldn't understand it at the moment, and Wen Qing doesn't have any intentions to explain it in depth. It was idle talk, if not, then all the credit would be given to him. What will she do when she enthrones? In any case, without her guidance, the current technology of the Qing dynasty would not be able to create a steam engine from scratch.
"What about these?"
"This is my improved farm implements and waterwheels."
"What about this?" Kangxi asked, pointing to the bookcase.
"Oh, just some books."
"What books?"
"Medical books, agricultural books, reference books, astronomy and geography books, and biochemistry books."
…
The more Kangxi asked, the heavier the shock in his heart became, until finally, it became horror! This humble shop actually made him feel a huge threat! If someone mastered this place, it was enough to subvert the whole Qing Dynasty! Furthermore, the process would be easier than blowing off dust.
Kangxi narrowed his eyes and glared at Wenqing, his eyes were full of murderous intention. "Who the hell are you?"
Wen Qing was indifferent as she looked at him. "Of course, I am a citizen of the great Qing!"
Kangxi gave her a profound look. "You know, these things aren't something you should be mastering, it will bring you fatal disaster!"
"Why should I not master them? These books are written by me. Those things are manufactured by me. No one is more qualified to master them than I am!" Wen Qing said without paying attention. Then she looked at Kangxi, smiling. "Click~, you want my things but you don't want to give money. Saying these words to scare me instead. But…
"It's also not impossible to get them if you don't want to give money."
If Kangxi didn't answer her, wouldn't he be indirectly admitting that he wanted them yet didn't want to give money?
"You can trade things for it! As long as those things make me satisfied, I could send these for free to you! But I only want the most precious things. What do you say is your most precious thing?"
The emperor's most precious was of course the throne!
Kangxi was furious. "Presumptuous! With your outrageous words, I can punish you with Nine Familial Exterminations!" As soon as his voice fell, several guards rushed in through the door, drawing out their sword and pointing them at Wen Qing.
"Turns out it is the sovereign imperial Emperor. Excuse me for my lack of manners." That's what she said, but Kangxi didn't see any respect in her face. Wen Qing didn't even look at those swords glinting with cold light, her face indifferent. She looked up to glance at Li Dequan and suddenly asked, "Does the Nine Familial Extermination include the slaves?"
Kangxi didn't understand why she suddenly said such a thing, so he didn't answer her words. Wen Qing went on to say, "If they are included, then coincidentally, everyone in this room has to cut their throat. "
What do you mean?
Her words seem to have special meaning. Kangxi frowned and waved to stop the guards around her. "What do you mean by that?"
Wen Qing smiled and said, "Of course, it is literal in every means of the word."
Chapter 38: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [8.2]
Kangxi left the palace still with great surprise, curiosity, and faint expectation. When he returned to the palace, there were no expectations nor surprise, he was only left full of shock and… complexity.
Of course, he was in a murderous mood in the beginning. But after he calmed down, he felt something amiss because he didn't know who Qi Wenqing's backer was. Would there be anyone else who would want to assassinate her? Instead of facing an unknown danger, it was better to watch out for the known one with one's own eyes.
Moreover, Qi Wenqing's last few words planted a trace of speculation within Kangxi, but he just felt it ridiculous again. However, if she was indeed telling the truth, then things would be easy from here on out. As a royal, what she owns naturally belongs to the royal family. The only thing was that he didn't know whose child she was.
Kangxi ordered someone to check, but he didn't do anything before the results came out, and simply monitored Wen Qing's shop.
Wen Qing noticed that there were more strange faces around the shop but she didn't care. Since Kangxi knew the value of her place, it wouldn't be him if he didn't monitor it! Right now, he was afraid of the forces behind her and was checking her identity so couldn't dispose of her.
Everyone firmly believed that there was an unknown force behind Wen Qing, otherwise, how could a weak woman make these things?! This was an illusion deliberately created by Wen Qing. If they were not made to be afraid, she believed that her life would've long been snipped by Kangxi.
Yintang's life has been miserable since he found someone to successfully test soap. He was really a fool, the biggest fool in the world. He missed so many opportunities in vain! If he hadn't known what happened in the palace during this time...
His fourth brother went to Qi Wenqing's shop and got hybrid rice grain with a thousand jins per mu yield; his eldest brother went to get that artillery able to shatter the earth; even Liu Shengfang, who was pulled in by his tenth brother, got a medical book for preventing and treating smallpox... He was the only one who went there so many times yet returned with a pile of gems that could neither be eaten nor drunk, it couldn't even be used to pave a road!
He was really stupid!
Yintang was so disappointed. Thinking of how Qi Wenqing had possibly ridiculed him behind his back, he didn't want to go out at all. However, he couldn't control his group of annoying brothers that just had to pull him to Qi Wenqing's shop.
"Ninth brother, why don't you also lead us there. Eldest brother and Fourth brother all got good things from that place and Emperor Father was so happy that he gave his favor to them. We can't fall behind, right!" The fourteen prince, Yinti, dragged Yintang out of his house, accompanied by the eighth prince and tenth prince as well as the thirteenth prince who came along with the fourteenth prince.
Yinti said as he walked, "I heard that the shop is extremely secretive. It is said that everything in that store can be earth-shattering and heaven-shaking, and whoever can get the store can get the world..." He suddenly lowered his voice and said, "I also heard that Emperor Father has gone there."
Yintang was startled. "Who did you hear that from?"
"That, you don't need to mind. Anyway, it's pretty close now," said Yinti. He smiled and asked, "Eighth brother, Ninth brother, Tenth brother, you people were the first to discover this shop. You must have gotten a lot of good things. You were really secretive. Were you afraid of us knowing this so you hid it and didn't tell us anything?"
Yinsi was speechless. Could he say he got nothing? No one would probably believe him so he simply kept his mouth shut. Yinsi was really annoyed. He was annoyed with himself for returning empty-handed, left with only piles of good for nothing gems, but who could he blame? It was due to his lack of discerning eyes that he belittled that small shop. Qi Wenqing had shown her extraordinary things since the beginning, even reminding them that those gems were the most useless thing in there, but he still chose those most useless gems. Even his tenth brother had better vision than him! It could only be said that he was blind.
Yin'e was honest, "I bought a shotgun for 1,000 silver, Eldest brother liked it so I gave it to him. "
Yinxiang heard this and smiled. "Tenth brother you must have been cheated by Big Brother. However, I heard that Eldest brother got the artillery in addition to that exquisite gun. The gun had extraordinary power with a firing range reaching up to 300 feet!"
"Ah?! Is it really that powerful?" Yin'e felt regretful. If he knew of it he wouldn't have given it to his Big Brother!
"More than that, I heard that the gun don't explode or heat up, and the recoil force could hardly be felt. If you buy a bunch of them, the strength of the military would be able to sweep the great Qing Dynasty!" Yinxiang was also interested in the shotgun, so he explicitly inquired about it, regretting that such an artifact did not fall into his hands.
"Eh? Ninth Brother, what did you get from there? Say it so that this brother could envy you."
Yintang couldn't believe Yinti was bringing this up. Yintang was so angry that he wanted to strangle his brother to death. Won't this bastard come and ridicule him after he found out that he got a bunch of useless gems?
Yintang remained silent with an aloof face. Yinti still wanted to inquire in detail but was pulled away by Yinxiang. At that moment, a carriage stopped in front of them.
Yinsi saw the curtain and said, "It's the crown prince's carriage."
"Why would Second brother block us?"
TL Note: Hello readers. Hope you are enjoying the novel. Due to some rl issues in the translator teams, the schedule of the novel I'm translating could be changed. Currently, I am trying real hard to publish 2 chaps per week but, as the laptop I am using is not mine but my brother's [mine is broken.], I could only get a hand on it when he leaves it at home.
Chapter 39: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [9.1]
"I don't know, let's go down and ask."
Before they could go out, Yinreng's voice came, "No need for courtesy, is Ninth in the carriage?"
Yintang replied, "For what reason is the Crown Prince looking for this Brother?"
"You entered the palace the day before yesterday to send a music box to Imperial Consort Yi. Your sister-in-law likes it very much, so I was hoping to buy an identical one. May Ninth Brother tell me where he bought the music box?" The crown prince's voice was gentle and polite, neither aloof nor overbearing; he speaks just like an ordinary family's brother.
Yintang coldly snorted. He didn't want to answer but was nudged by Yinsi. He answered in dismay, "It was bought at the Obsessed with Money shop opposite Hongyun building."
Since his voice was a little cold, Yinsi was afraid the crown prince would mind and added, "Crown prince, Second Brother could go by himself. We brothers are also going there. It's not faraway."
Crown Prince did not complain and warmly bid farewell. When he was already a distance away, Yintang whispered coldly, "The Prince is really getting worse! To be spoiling a concubine to the sky, and even ignoring the crown princess!"
"Ninth Brother, be cautious. We need not say more when Emperor Father has accepted the crown prince's opinion." Although Yinsi says so, he also agrees with Yintang to some extent. The crown prince was modest, amiable, and courteous over the years, treating the worthy and men of virtue with civility, decorous, and benevolence. Everyone would sing praises of him in the royal court. However, he was unexpectedly clouded in matters regarding women. He would especially bestow his favor upon concubine Li Jia of the back courtyard. Even the crown princess has been driven to live in a Buddha Shrine. Really, it wasn't known what was going through his mind. The concubine was pampered but the crown princess would be the Queen of the future, if he didn't give her a face, wouldn't his reputation decline?
Moreover, if it were not for the prince's morality and virtuous conduct, it wouldn't have caused his other brothers to give birth to thoughts that they shouldn't be having.
When Yinreng arrived at Wen Qing's store, he saw an unexpected person. He smiled and said, "Fourth Brother is also here?"
Yinzhen curtsied, "Your Highness the prince."
Yinreng helped him up, "Don't bother, no need to be polite when no one is here. Just call me Second brother."
"Manners shouldn't be disregarded." Yinzhen replied with a serious face.
Yinreng was helpless, "You are so old-fashioned ah! What are you doing here anyway? Also buying a music box?"
"Music Box?"
"Yes, Old Nine sent a music box to Imperial Consort Yifei, and your sister-in-law saw it and liked it very much. She rarely likes these kinds of things so I naturally want to satisfy her." Yinreng smiled.
After hearing this, Yinzhen frowned and couldn't help but persuade, "His Royal Highness spoiling his concubine like this is bringing really bad influence. There have been some unfavorable rumors floating around. You'd better spend more time with the crown princess. After all, the crown princess is our real second sister-in-law."
Yinzhen bluntly persuaded with some kindness, but he touched Yinreng's bottom-line. Yinreng's face was cold as he retorted, "Concubine Li is virtuous and kind-hearted. She gave birth to five sons of this prince, so what's wrong with this Prince pampering her? My fourth brother is free to teach me a lesson, but it is better to take time to take care of Fourth Brother's own household. My nephew Honghui has been dead for two years now. Your children are dying and your knees are already empty[1]. Work harder, try harder!"
Yinzhen's face darkened. Anyone who would be pointed at his nose like this would be angry. Wen Qing couldn't help sympathizing with Yin Zhen. Her cheap dad's mouth was so poisonous!
"Oh, what's the use of so many sons? Make sure it's your own first! Don't raise your son only to find that you had raised someone else's in the end!" Wen Qing lazily said. As soon as her words fell, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, as well as Thirteenth and Fourteenth who had just arrived at the doorstep nearly lost their eyeballs to the ground. All the people present couldn't help but admire her. How dare she say that the Crown Prince raised another's son?!
Eep? Although it could be suspected as slandering a member of the royal family, they didn't hear anything.
"Impudent! How dare you say that to me?" Yinreng flew into a rage. Whoever told him that he was cuckolded and that his son was not his own had probably gone mad.
Yinzhen knew that Wenqing was speaking for him and he was grateful, but he didn't approve of her angering the Prince. He hurriedly pleaded, "His Royal Highness, this woman has just returned from overseas. She doesn't know the Qing's etiquette rules. She speaks very casually, she didn't mean to offend..."
"She pointed to this Prince's nose and said that this Prince was wearing a green hat, isn't that deliberately offending this Prince? Fourth, you are covering for her this much, aren't you with her..."
He wasn't able to finish what he was saying as Wen Qing interrupted, "Farewell! The store is closed and this guest can no longer be received!" Wen Qing said with a cold voice.
Yinreng was simmering with the anger. How dare this woman do this to him!
"Oh, by the way, this guest, you still haven't paid the entrance fee. Seeing that your clothes are decent, you can't possibly renege on this bit of silver for the shop, won't you?" Wen Qing put a fake smile.
Yinreng was extremely angry, "Let this Prince behead this woman!"
TL Notes:
[1]: your knees are already empty means you are childless.
Chapter 40: Pampered Consort's Imperial Harem System [9.2]
Of course, Yinreng didn't behead her. Wen Qing sneered at him and said, "You want to behead me? The day before yesterday, your father wanted to punish my nine familial generations, but ultimately didn't. Now you also want to behead me. What if your father can't find anyone when he wants to punish me?"
Her words made Yingreng somehow worried. Now that this woman has already appeared in front of his Emperor Father, he naturally couldn't dispose of her at will, plus there were also his brothers who could intercede. He couldn't do anything but leave angrily.
These words quickly reached Kangxi's ear. After the shadow guard's brief report, Kangxi couldn't help but frown, not because of Wen Qing but because the crown prince stirred trouble with that woman again.
He was quite satisfied with this prince he had nurtured. He was frugal, respectful and benevolent; he couldn't find fault in him. However, there was only one thing that made him dissatisfied, that is, the prince's concubine, Li Jia, who had been pampered by the crown prince to the degree where he wanted to get rid of his wife-to-be. He had secretly discussed it with the crown prince in passing for so many times, yet the other wouldn't listen no matter what.
Therefore, Kangxi became more and more dissatisfied with the Crown Prince. Even with his position, the prince was like this. When he dies and no one would be left to restrain the Prince, wouldn't he spoil Li Jia to the heavens? It was also possible that Li Jia would become another Empress Dowager Zhaosheng*. This unsafe factor must not be left behind!
[TL Note: Empress Dowager Zhaosheng {Bumbutai; her real name, and Empress Xiaozhuangwen; her honorable name after her death.} is Kangxi's grandmother. She was a concubine and never given the title of the empress but was directly promoted to Empress Dowager when her son Shunzhi became emperor. More on her]
Then he thought of Wen Qing again. Although the woman was arrogant, she was also polite to several other princes. She even started business with the ninth prince. Fourth prince would seek her guidance in the matters of agriculture and she would also give him advice, but why did her demeanour change when it was directed towards the crown prince? He was the crown prince, even if one doesn't get along with him, isn't it common sense for anyone to also not get in trouble with him?
Oh no. Kangxi suddenly realized. When he had deployed the shadow guards to investigate Wen Qing, according to the data that her household records hold, she had been borned in the year of the Sheep[1], December 28 in the time of Chou[1]. Moreover, it was of similar time of birth to that of the crown prince's eldest son. Same year, same month and same day, even the specific hour of birth is the same, how could this be just a coincidence?
Even more, concomitantly, the eldest son of the Crown Prince died on November 28th, the year of sheep, at the premature age of eleven. His cause of death was through poison which was fabricated by the crown princess. Kangxi had some doubts at that time. The Crown Princess Shi was personally selected by him. There were several measures taken, but it was absolutely clear that harming a royal child is unpardonable. However, at that time, the witness' testimony was conclusive, he could only let the Crown Prince drive her away to the Buddhist shrine...
And because of this matter, Li Jia became all the more favored by the Crown Prince. He also doubted back then if it was all meticulously planned by Li Jia, but he felt it illogical for someone to hurt their own son in order to contend for favor.
But what if that wasn't her son?
With this thought, many things began clearing out. Li Jia had probably given birth to a daughter that year. In order to secure her position, she stole the dragon and turned the phoenix[3], successfully replacing a daughter with a son. After her position became stable, she gave birth to four sons. At that time, she was afraid that the matter of her stealing the dragon and exchanging the phoenix would be discovered so she wanted to dispose of her "eldest son". She then framed the crown princess in the process, and finally pretended to be pitiful to win the sympathy of the crown prince, killing three birds with one stone...
So to say, Kangxi guessed the truth of the matter at once. Although there was no evidence, the emperor didn't need evidence. Kangxi solemnly instructed Li Dequan, "Go and call Ninth Prince. "
Wen Qing closed the store and went to the opposite street to eat with Yintang and his party. But before the meal started, Yintang was called away. When they finished eating, he came back again. He looked at Wen Qing with dilemma and said, "The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is near. Emperor Father had asked me to take you to the palace for dinner."
He didn't understand why his Emperor Father suddenly wanted Wen Qing to go to the palace for dinner, moreover, to let himself bring her. Not to mention the purpose of his Emperor Father by letting her enter the palace, just keeping her out of trouble is a difficult task. This girl normally isn't afraid of anything. She looked down upon them even though she was fully aware of their royal identities, nobbling them into hell. What if something happens inside the palace? Afterall, they had built up a sense of friendship during the time they spent together, they couldn't just watch her court death indifferently!
Wen Qing didn't know what he was worried about. She readily promised to come, "Okay, I also wanted to visit the palace." For Kangxi to be in such a hurry to let her enter the palace, he must have found out about her unfortunate life. He was quite quick.
Yintang couldn't help telling her again, "The palace is not as simple as you think. Be careful and don't cause trouble."
"Don't worry, I'm not stupid." If she enters the palace, there would be a fifty-fifty chance of her life and death. Whether it was a royal child living on the street or Li Jia stealing the dragon and turning the phoenix, it was all a royal scandal; the so-called 'dirty laundry shouldn't be publicized'. In order to smooth this out, Kangxi could kill her once and for all, which was the simplest solution.
But those things she took out were too valuable, so Kangxi probably wouldn't kill her, and she gambled her fifty percent chance on this.
On August 15th, Wen Qing entered the palace with Yintang and his consort, Dong'e. After all, she was a woman and should be seen as brought in by the prince's wife.
At the beginning, Dong'e was worried about seeing a beautiful girl being brought back by Yintang, but after hearing her call Yintang Ninth Uncle, she was reassured. She assumed that she was of the younger generation of the royal family, so she paid attention to Wenqing.
TL Notes:
[1]: The year of the sheep belongs to the sexagenary cycle of the year. In the Sexagenarian Circle the names of the years are repeated every 60 years. Read more.
[2]: Chou ia a traditional chinese timekeeping system. It means the time period between 1 AM to 3 AM.
[3]: Stealing the dragon and turning the phoenix refers to exchanging the original and qualitative product with the duplicate one. In this case, it denotes Li Jia exchanging the real royal princess with a nobody.