Advanced chapter at patreon.com/caleredhair
“Aunt, this is not wasteful. For me, Qingzhou has an abundance of glass and can use it for many things,” Xiao Ming said with a gentle smile.
Once glass production techniques mature, output would greatly increase. Currently, the glass workshop was producing more glass than it could sell.
Xiao Ming was intentionally holding back stock to avoid sudden price drops. Once the market was saturated, he would lower prices and sell glass to more common folk, maximizing profits.
“An abundance?” Princess Pingyang was momentarily stunned, then sighed. She basically understood what Xiao Ming was doing—it was similar to her own business methods.
The entire Wei family inn was fitted with glass, instantly appearing noble. Changing the topic, Pingyang said, “Feng Deshui said this Wei family inn was very comfortable, even telling the emperor it was more comfortable than the palace. I’m curious if that’s true. I came to Qingzhou this time to see for myself.”
“Aunt, Minister Feng never lies. I just worry you won’t want to leave once you stay here,” Xiao Ming replied.
Pingyang rolled her eyes. “You really underestimate me. I’ve seen every kind of spectacle.”
With that, she and the noblewomen entered the Wei family inn.
Knowing Pingyang would come, the inn had cleared thirty rooms on the top floor for her party.
Seeing Pingyang enter, Xiao Ming and Fei Yue’er exchanged smiles.
Before, Fei Yue’er would never have believed in the inn’s charm, but after living there with Xiao Ming, she was won over. Returning to normal lodgings felt disappointing.
Half an hour later…
“Ming’er, I plan to stay in Qingzhou a few more days. Also, recommend some decent residences—I’m considering buying one,” Pingyang said brightly.
Meeting in person was better than hearsay; now she understood why Feng Deshui praised the inn so much.
Overall, the rooms were clean and comfortable—comfort not found in Chang’an.
New things in the room made her reluctant to leave. Drawing the curtains aside, she looked through the transparent glass and saw the lively scenes of the East Market.
This wondrous feeling was captivating.
“Aunt, are you planning to stay long-term?” Xiao Ming asked.
Pingyang nodded without hesitation. “Of course. I’m tired of dull Chang’an. Your Qingzhou is truly interesting.”
Xiao Ming laughed. His plan had succeeded. Though Fei Yue’er’s goal was to launch female products, Xiao Ming took the chance to get these noblewomen to invest in Qingzhou real estate.
He said, “Aunt, ordinary residences are dull. Why not let me build you a special home? I promise it will be even more comfortable than the Wei family inn—warm in winter, cool in summer.”
These noblewomen sought comfort, and Pingyang seriously asked, “Is that true? Will the furnishings be as good as the inn?”
“Absolutely,” Xiao Ming assured her. “But Aunt, as you see, everything in the inn is very expensive. So…”
“What? You afraid I don’t have silver? Humph! Build that home for me. I won’t be short a single tael,” Pingyang said.
Xiao Ming had been waiting for her to say that.
Qingzhou’s development needed silver everywhere. Building twelve galleons and more than a thousand naval cannons nearly emptied his savings.
After returning from Dengzhou, Pang Yukun showed him the prefecture’s accounts. When in Dengzhou, Xiao Ming had confidently promised new equipment for the Dengzhou army—now he was stunned.
Not to mention labor shortages, iron ore was insufficient, saltpeter too, and sulfur even scarcer. This year’s massive shipbuilding plan nearly collapsed Qingzhou’s finances.
Though he pursued military-first politics, the army now consumed eighty percent of the treasury’s silver.
When Pang Yukun learned of new equipment plans, he exploded—nearly storming off in frustration.
For this reason, these days Pang Yukun spent time with Fei Yue’er researching women’s intimate clothing. It was all to increase income.
Even the plan to build residences was to raise more funds. Xiao Ming had even introduced modern real estate economics.
Seeing Pingyang so straightforward, Xiao Ming smiled and said to the noblewomen, “If any of you have ideas, tell me. I will start construction simultaneously so next spring you can enjoy Qingzhou’s beauty while living in comfortable homes.”
Hearing this, many noblewomen were tempted. Unlike Pingyang, they couldn’t decide immediately; they needed to consult their husbands.
Pingyang took the initiative. “You don’t have to handle this yourself, Nephew. Aunt will help. I’ll send you a list from Chang’an, alright?”
“Thank you, Aunt,” Xiao Ming said happily.
Pingyang and the others were very pleased with the Wei family inn. Later, the inn’s delicious food nearly shattered their usual composed images as they ate like cows chewing peonies.
Especially the fried potato fries—they became addicted.
After dining with Pingyang, Xiao Ming knew these noblewomen were truly impressed.
They entered the city at dusk. The inn’s lanterns were lit, making the place as bright as day.
Looking at the night outside, Pingyang suddenly said, “The Wei family inn is incredibly comfortable, and the food exquisite, but it lacks some entertaining amusement.”
“You came so far, how could I forget?” Xiao Ming said.
He clapped his hands, and immediately a troupe of performers entered, led by Ziwan.
“Aunt, this is Qingzhou’s opera troupe. I recently had them rehearse ‘The West Chamber,’ which can entertain you now,” Xiao Ming said.
Pingyang smiled brightly. “Ming’er, you really think of everything.”