Chapter 370: Help from a Stepmother

Luoning walked out of Lulansi's room and let out a deep breath.

On the way here, he had been worried that some twist might occur, causing Aierlong's Magic to fail to purify the old man's Soul Devouring Surge, but now the stone in his heart had finally fallen to the ground.

"What were you and Grandpa chatting about, so happily?"

Maijinni came up to him and naturally took Luoning's arm, "We haven't heard Grandpa's such hearty laughter in Along time."

Kabier also wanted to know.

It wasn't just the laughter; he had just felt a powerful aura and Magic fluctuation emanate from the room, and based on his intuition, that was definitely not something a Golden Knight or an Advanced Mage could emit.

He couldn't help but look at Aierlong, who was following along; why did Luoning specifically bring this Light-attribute Magician over? Could it be?

Luoning gave a hollow laugh; according to Lulansi's plan just now, he was prepared to wait until he broke through to become a Silver Moon Knight before considering announcing the news of his recovery to the outside world.

So, Luoning found it difficult to explain the specific situation.

"We were just chatting about some things seen and heard in Jinyu City; the old man's threshold for laughter is a bit low."

He changed the subject, "Speaking of which, I still have to properly thank you for the ten thousand people you sent me; it helped me out quite a bit."

"Those are just small matters."

Kabier tactfully did not voice the doubts in his heart, "If there are any more difficulties in the development of Wubei Territory, you can come to me or your sister. Hey, Weituolinuo of Jianjiao City can cooperate with you to build a port; we can also find a project to operate together."

"Haha, then I would be more than happy to."

The few of them chatted and laughed as they left the courtyard.

Not long after, Lulansi habitually walked out leaning on his cane and went straight to the back mountain.

His surging Battle Qi overflowed from his body, and he moved across the mountain path like a wild horse that had broken free from its reins.

On the mountaintop, the Thunder Chasing Beast, sensing its master's aura, let out a neigh and charged down, shrouded in thunder.

Although Lulansi had not recovered, he needed to properly vent the emotions that had been suppressed for so many years.

In the Wushan Castle auditorium, Daianni was holding a list, taking inventory of the preparations for the upcoming banquet.

Ever since she saw the reality of things during her last visit to her maiden home, she had not continued to express any opinions on the matter of the heir; as an ordinary person, she was not qualified to meddle in the struggles between Transcendental beings.

Having stepped out of paranoia, besides the return of rationality, her life seemed to have become more relaxed as well.

Even Lulansi seemed to mind her less, willing to hand over many matters inside and outside the castle for her to handle.

"My Lady, Young Master Luoning wishes to see you," Huoerhuate walked over and reported.

Daianni was startled at first, "Luoning is back?"

She then became puzzled; the other party had never formally sought her out, his stepmother, and this was the first time.

She couldn't help but be curious about what the other party wanted with her.

"Take him to the side hall; I will go there right away."

Daianni made a mark on the list in her hand, then gave some instructions to the maids before tidying up her appearance and coming to the side hall.

"Luoning, welcome home. When did you arrive?"

"Not long ago, My Lady."

Luoning stood up; judging from their recent meetings, he could feel the changes in the other party's attitude and psychology, and he reckoned that the scene of Buleidun being forced to turn against him would not play out.

This was something Lulansi did not want to see; fortunately, Luoning would not do such a thing, and Buleidun had no such intentions either.

"Buleidun hasn't returned yet, it seems?"

Daianni smiled and gestured for him to sit, "Buleidun should be back by the morning of the day after tomorrow. The academy organized a wilderness trial two months ago, and he has been busy until now."

Perhaps not quite used to talking to Luoning, she couldn't help but ask, "Huoerhuate said just now that you came to find me, which surprised me a little. In my impression, you seem to have never taken the initiative to find me."

Luoning gave a sheepish smile; it seemed that their relationship needed more communication to avoid only finding the other party when there was a problem.

"This time, I wanted to ask you for a favor."

As he spoke, he went to a table nearby and opened several wooden boxes, inside which one hundred stemmed cups were neatly arranged.

"This is?"

Daianni looked puzzled and couldn't help but reach out and pick up a cup, "This wine cup, is it pottery?"

She shook her head inwardly; pottery did not seem capable of achieving such an effect.

"This is porcelain, a specialty of Wubei Territory. I would like you to use this batch of stemmed cups at the upcoming banquet so that the guests can come into contact with this type of vessel."

Daianni suddenly understood; so he was using this banquet to promote Wubei Territory's goods to the outside world.

She couldn't help but carefully examine the cup in her hand.

This thing was not only small and exquisite, its texture was not the least bit less smooth than finely polished silver vessels, and the key was that the pattern on the cup body did not look like it had been painted on.

"This cup is very distinctive. How much do you plan to sell it for?"

Luoning thought for a moment and said, "As for the price, it hasn't been determined yet. But it is definitely more expensive than ordinary pottery cups, though as a set, the price cannot compare to silver cups."

Long-distance trade and transport difficulties were one of the main reasons why porcelain was expensive in medieval Europe; the transport conditions here for Luoning were not considered good, but they were not enough to make the price of porcelain outrageously expensive.

Of course, there was still a lot of room for improvement in the craftsmanship and luster of this batch of stemmed cups.

So he tentatively set the price between that of a pottery cup and a silver cup, which could provide a new choice for those nobles who could not afford custom silver tableware but felt that pottery cups were too rustic.

Daianni examined it for a while, put the cup back, and said with a smile, "Your cups should have a certain sales volume, but if the patterns on them were a bit richer in color and the painting technique were improved a bit more, I think there would be a better price."

Luoning couldn't help but raise an eyebrow; his stepmother seemed quite knowledgeable about goods, pointing out two key points all at once.

"As for the pigments, we are still researching them, as they are different from those used for painting. As for the painting technique, you also know that Wubei Territory is a backwater, and being able to paint leaves to this degree is already quite good."

Daianni pondered slightly, "How about I find you some people who are skilled in painting?"

She explained, "When I'm bored, I love planting flowers and grass, and sometimes I also go out sketching with some friends."

Actually, for Daianni, she knew that Luoning's weight in Wushan Territory was becoming heavier and heavier.

If nothing else, the three Viscounts of Wushan Territory had all sent their sons to Wubei Territory for training; from this point, one could see that the other party's status was no longer what it used to be.

Looking back at her own maiden home.

When Buleidun first obtained the right of succession, many nobles and Knights in Wushan Territory leaned toward Heimang City, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

But as her father's cultivation was crippled by Lulansi, coupled with Luoning's powerful and rapid rise, Heimang City is now on the verge of being isolated.

Therefore, whether for Buleidun's sake or for his own, providing help to Luoning is not a bad thing.

Luoning did not expect the other party to offer to help him, but he did not mind the assistance.

The paintings on porcelain can serve as a form of art, possessing unique aesthetic value. The technique, style, and theme of the paintings will directly affect the overall beauty and artistic value of the porcelain.

Generally speaking, porcelain with superb painting techniques, unique styles, and distinct themes naturally commands a higher price.

Luoning needs people who are skilled at painting, and not just one, but a group.

"If I can obtain your help, Madam, it would be my honor!"

Daianni laughed, "But I must make it clear: whether it is me or my friends, helping you will not be free of charge."

"Hahaha, that is only natural."

Luoning laughed; even brothers must settle accounts clearly, as relying solely on others for free help is not a sustainable practice.

The two had a more detailed conversation on this matter, basically confirming that Daianni would open a studio in Wushan City to train skilled workers.

As for the subsequent profit-sharing and remuneration, Luoning would have Chahaer set prices based on the different techniques of the paintings.

Luoning did not expect that he had only come to ask Daianni for a favor, but ended up roping his stepmother into working for Wubei Territory, and on technical work at that.

This was truly an unexpected joy.

Before long, Huoerhuate knocked and walked in, "Madam, Sir Oumaier has brought his son, Wasili, over."

Daianni's brows furrowed slightly; as expected, not a single direct descendant of the Haide Family came this year.

She knew deep down that the resentment Aosen and Balindun held toward Lulansi could not be put aside.

The current relationship between the two families only maintains a superficial peace. If there is any conflict in the future, her position as an intermediary will be truly awkward.

"I will go over now."

She greeted Luoning and then walked over, "Huoerhuate, please accept those cups that Luoning brought; I intend to use them at the banquet."

"Very well, Madam." (End of chapter)