Chapter 189

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Yan Si pondered briefly, then cupped his fists and replied, "Your Majesty, this lowly one dares to guess. The character 'Chang' is a homophone for 'Chang', and the character 'Ying' is a homophone for 'Ying'. In that case, does 'Changying Xiaopu' not imply that this is a shop jointly operated by our Dachang Kingdom and Dongying? Such a name is truly clever and apt; I wonder if this subject has guessed Your Majesty's thoughts correctly?"

Shangguan Peilin listened and burst into hearty laughter, repeatedly praising Yan Si's exceptional intelligence, able to so precisely grasp his intent.

Upon hearing his answer, Shangguan Peilin could not help but laugh heartily: "Hahaha, still you are the clever one!" Yan Si hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed: "Your Majesty is wise and mighty; the name you bestow is naturally exquisitely peerless."

Shangguan Xingyan at the side scratched his head, a puzzled expression on his face, and said, "This son truly had not thought there was such deep meaning contained within." Shangguan Peilin smiled at Shangguan Xingyan and said earnestly, "You, in ordinary days you must learn more from Yan Si, use your brain more."

Shangguan Xingyan hastily responded, "Understood, Huangdi." However, he had not forgotten the true purpose of this visit.

After a slight pause, he spoke to Shangguan Peilin: "Huangdi, this son dares to earnestly request that you inscribe a signboard for this small shop. That way, it can both demonstrate your high regard for this shop and embody your earnest hope for the common prosperity and development of Dachang and Dongying."

Shangguan Peilin nodded slightly, pondered a moment, then turned to Xiao Li Zi at his side and instructed, "Xiao Li Zi, go grind ink for Us."

That Xiao Li Zi had always been good at reading expressions and adapting; otherwise he could not have sat in the position of Chief Eunuch. He quickly agreed, then nimbly picked up the ink stick and ground it with full concentration.

Before long, the ink was ground to the proper consistency. Then, Xiao Li Zi carefully took out a sheet of snow-white Xuanzi, gently spread it on the table, and carefully pressed its four corners flat. Once everything was ready, Xiao Li Zi bowed and reported to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, everything is prepared."

Shangguan Peilin heard this and walked casually to the table. He first picked up a brush, lightly dipped it in the freshly ground ink, then flicked his wrist, and the brush moved like dragons and snakes across the Xuanzi. In the blink of an eye, several vigorous, powerful, dragon-flying-phoenix-dancing large characters leapt onto the paper — "Changying Xiaopu".

Yan Si stared wide-eyed, carefully examining the calligraphy before him, and could not help but exclaim in admiration: "Your Majesty, your calligraphy is simply peerless! Dragons flying, phoenixes dancing, brush walking like dragons and snakes — truly indescribably marvelous!"

Hearing this praise, Shangguan Peilin laughed heartily and asked with great interest: "Oh? Then in your view, whose calligraphy is more outstanding — Ours, or your Dachang Emperor's?"

Yan Si was slightly stunned, then immediately replied without hesitation: "Your Majesty, the calligraphy styles of the two Sovereigns differ, but both are superior works, truly difficult to rank above or below; each has its own merits!"

Shangguan Peilin heard this, his smile deepened, and he teased: "Haha, didn't expect you, this fellow, to be quite the smooth talker, knowing how to keep this bowl of water level!" Yan Si scratched his head and laughed hehe, revealing a few traces of honest simplicity.

At this, Shangguan Peilin nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good, the ink is about dry, take it." Yan Si heard this, hurriedly stepped forward, received the Xuanzi with both hands carefully, as if holding a priceless treasure. He bowed and said, "Many thanks for Your Majesty's bestowal; then my companion and I will take our leave first." Shangguan Peilin waved his hand casually, signaling them to depart.

Just like that, Yan Si and another companion, carrying the precious Xuanzi, hurriedly found an artisan master and set about making the signboard. Matters on the Dongying side were finally properly settled.

Afterwards, the two also carefully selected a batch of superior jade stones, filling four entire horse-drawn carriages. Each carriage was piled full of crystalline, translucent, warm-as-jade stones, emitting a captivating luster.

This group formed a small convoy, led by Yan Si and the others, slowly setting out on the return journey. However, the road was distant and arduous; when they reached the midpoint, everyone felt exhausted. So they decided to temporarily halt, find an inn to rest a while.

The waiter had sharp eyes; from afar he saw they were delivery people, his face instantly filled with smiles, and he hurriedly enthusiastically welcomed them: "Gentle guests, please rest assured! Your carriages can park in the Houyuan; the horses, too, will be well cared for, fed and watered fully, absolutely will not delay you all setting out tomorrow."

Shangguan Xingyan heard this and nodded slightly, expressing satisfaction, then said, "That is excellent, thank you for your trouble, little brother. Bring us a few of your shop's signature dishes, and also open five superior guest rooms."

The waiter heard this and secretly rejoiced, knowing he had encountered a big customer; he hurriedly waved the small towel in his hand obsequiously and respectfully ushered everyone into the shop. Immediately after, the group chose a spacious large table and all sat down.

At this, Yan Si spoke: "Soon, at this rate, about half the journey more and we'll reach the destination." Shangguan Xingyan agreed: "Yes, mainly because the items we're carrying this time are truly too heavy, and movement is inconvenient; otherwise we'd probably have been able to return home long ago."

Yan Si thought a bit and replied: "But fortunately, the jade stones transported this trip are enough to last a long time. Next time we go out, better find a reliable escort agency to guard the shipment." Shangguan Xingyan immediately agreed: "Mm, this idea is not bad."

Just as the two were conversing, the waiter nimbly carried tray after tray of delicious dishes over in quick steps; before long the table was filled with a sumptuous feast. The group was already starving, front chest sticking to back; who cared about status and rank anymore, one and all they rolled up their sleeves and ate voraciously.

After finishing this dinner like a whirlwind sweeping away clouds, Shangguan Xingyan rose from his seat and walked toward Yan Si's room.