Chapter 143: Crisis Rises Again

Wang Zhe's order quickly drew a crowd of officials and celebrities to pay their respects, all of them deeply puzzled.

Among them was even Tang Cheng, who had long harbored resentment against Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

One by one, they entered the hall, exchanging glances, all utterly confused.

Someone whispered, "My lords, what exactly does this summons mean?"

Another sniffed, "Saying they'll distribute some benefits sounds strange too."

"Who knows what's going on? Don't guess blindly. Once we see the Inspector, we'll understand."

"..."

The crowd chattered endlessly, yet Tang Cheng alone kept a cold face, only his lips curling slightly upward with hidden meaning. Since Yang Hui's death and Jiang Jiang Mingyu's various actions, he had long been plotting to eliminate the other.

Just now, Ma Ma Yingjie reported that the envoy appointed by Prince Qi had also arrived in the city.

Prince Qi was deeply dissatisfied with the failure of his plan to disrupt the border defenses. The grand scheme of rebellion was imminent, and the only hidden threat was Jiang Jiang Mingyu's fifty-thousand-strong army.

To avoid turmoil, Prince Qi issued a death order: eliminate Jiang Jiang Mingyu at all costs.

Thus, after consulting with Master Ma, Tang Cheng secretly hired twenty assassins to lie in wait.

He knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu would surely come to the provincial capital to do business again; he only needed to wait for the right moment to strike and destroy him in one blow.

His presence here now was merely to gather more intelligence on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's true situation, having done his homework to strike as soon as possible.

Thinking of this, the feeling of having the victory in hand put him in high spirits.

Once the group entered the hall, Wang Zhe abandoned his usual arrogant demeanor, smiling as he greeted the officials and gentry: "Everyone has arrived so early; thank you for the journey. Come, come, take your seats."

The crowd exchanged glances, all surprised by the Inspector's amiable appearance today, but they still bowed respectfully one by one and took their seats.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu glanced around, saw Tang Cheng's stern gaze flick toward him again, and couldn't help but shake his head in silent sigh, noting his treacherous intentions.

Wang Zhe spread his arms to everyone: "Today, I summoned you all because I have good news to share. Look, in these past few years of my administration, the city has enjoyed favorable weather and the people have lived in peace and prosperity; all this is the result of your support and care."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Only Tang Cheng maintained a sour face, snorting, "Inspector, your words are too heavy. We mostly just joined the festivities; how could we have made any substantial contribution?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly said, "Lord Tang is mistaken; everyone has worked hard. It is only because you, Inspector, manage so thoroughly that the provincial capital thrives."

Wang Zhe was not angered, smiling instead: "No need to argue. The reason I summoned you today is to pass on something new to each of you. This is the latest glassware developed by our Imperial Envoy; we invite you all to be the first to try it."

As soon as the crowd heard there was a new object to see, their various gazes sparkled with interest.

An official asked, "What exactly is this glassware? Can its form be described?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu answered with a smile: "This object is a glass-like substance, formed by melting and fusing in a kiln. It is light, translucent, and its color is more uniform than ceramics."

A celebrity pressed on: "Compared to the traditional pottery of various families, does it differ?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu produced one piece: "This is not a regular round shape; it is crafted into forms of flowers, leaves, birds, and beasts. It has no practical use, but its decorative value is extremely high."

The official praised: "Such craftsmanship is indeed like the spirit beyond the Hangu Pass!"

Wang Zhe smiled: "Since everyone finds this object so novel, why not let Lord Jiang provide further details?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled and answered everyone's questions, and the atmosphere gradually grew lively.

Tang Cheng, who had hoped to see Wang Zhe embarrassed, was also full of disbelief; how could this glassware be so miraculous?

Seeing everyone staring in awe, Wang Zhe asked with a smile: "Well, are you satisfied with this glassware?"

Immediately, an official in a fifth-rank robe in the crowd smiled and chimed in.

"Inspector, I have never seen such exquisite glassware; it is truly rare."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu responded with a modest smile.

Then, a merchant dressed in splendid clothes asked loudly.

"This glassware is crafted with such precision; the price must be high!"

Wang Zhe, exchanging a glance with Jiang Jiang Mingyu, had been waiting for this very sentence.

"Originally, this glassware was to be given one piece to each person, but unexpectedly everyone likes it. If you wish to purchase, surely Lord Jiang has a way?"

The crowd exchanged glances, speculating about the mystery within.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded: "I brought only five hundred pieces of glassware with me on this trip. Those who wish to buy should register immediately; payment upon delivery, and you may take them away."

Wang Zhe jumped in: "If there are any quality issues, I, the Inspector, guarantee with my name: we will remake them or offer a full refund or exchange!"

An official hurriedly said: "Five hundred pieces will surely be sold. Imperial Envoy Jiang is thoughtful, and Inspector Wang is magnanimous; how could anyone not buy?"

The crowd exchanged smiles, praising both the glassware and the characters of the men.

Only Tang Cheng frowned tightly. Jiang Jiang Mingyu glanced at Tang Cheng with a smile, then quickly instructed Master Lou to record the names of the buyers.

A wealthy merchant shouted loudly: "This merchant is prosperous; I want fifty pieces of glassware to drive away the plague god!"

A head of a noble family shouted: "Bidding is chaotic; I'll take thirty pieces first!"

An official clasped his hands and said: "I want fifteen pieces to display in my residence; the silver is ready, awaiting your orders."

The crowd rushed to claim first, and the names written down were all from wealthy households lining the streets of Kaifeng.

In no time, the entire stock of five hundred pieces was gone, and Wang Zhe smiled so widely his mouth wouldn't close. Jiang Jiang Mingyu sighed softly; human relations in the official world have always been the same from ancient times to the present.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered silently: Once this glassware is launched, it will surely sweep through the provincial capital. With the Huang family's enterprises backing production, costs are extremely low, and profits will be substantial.

A few people were somewhat displeased because they had managed to grab only a small amount.

Seeing some faces show disappointment, Wang Zhe hurriedly soothed them: "Everyone, please do not be anxious. I have already instructed the kiln to increase production urgently; the next batch of five hundred pieces of glassware will definitely arrive tomorrow. As for sales, Lord Jiang surely has a plan."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "This batch of glassware will be sent to the Xicheng Ceramic Market, where merchants gather like clouds; it will surely sell out completely. But if you all are willing to promote it within the city, that would be best of all."

Wang Zhe quickly agreed: "Yes, yes. If you all spread the wonders of glassware within your respective circles, surely more people will learn of it. This not only allows you to seek private profit but also counts as benefiting the people and governing well; it achieves both goals perfectly."

At this moment, the sycophants among them proposed again: "Your words are too heavy; the glassware will surely become a well-known good thing."

"Yes, yes. Lord Jiang strives to benefit the people; we will certainly help spread the news. This makes it convenient for merchants to earn money and also allows the common people to enjoy the blessings."

Wang Zhe felt elated, his trust in Jiang Jiang Mingyu even greater.

Only Tang Cheng thought secretly: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu selling glassware is merely the beginning; the business he truly wants to do must be on a much larger scale."

Seeing that everyone 'understood', Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but sigh silently that human hearts are unpredictable; it is precisely by relying on this that one can thrive and profit in the official world.

As soon as the words fell, everyone cupped their hands in thanks, looking forward to more "cooperation" opportunities in the future.

Tang Cheng'an sneered as he watched Jiang Jiang Mingyu's beaming face, and mocked him confidently: "Keep on showing off. Soon, you will be cast aside by fate, becoming a corpse rotting in the wilderness. When that time comes, I want to see what capital you have left to show off."

The crowd left the Inspector's residence in high spirits, faces filled with the thrill of glazed tiles. Wang Zhe said to Tang Cheng'an with a smile: "Tang Tang Sima, why didn't you take a few pieces of glazed tile? As a Tang Sima, surely you wouldn't refuse to contribute to the common people?"

A cold smirk curled at the corner of Tang Cheng'an's mouth: "I did want to buy some, but they moved too fast. I simply didn't get the chance to grab any."

Wang Zhe assured him: "Don't worry. Once the next batch of goods arrives, I will definitely set aside a few extra pieces for you."

Tang Cheng'an snorted coldly, "That's good. Inspector, my lord, I still have official duties to attend to, so I'll take my leave." He left the room without a shred of reluctance.

Wang Zhe watched his retreating back, then turned to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and said with a smile: "Jiang Da Ren, today's performance was truly outstanding. Just as you said, this place will become a massive market. We need to produce as quickly as possible to seize the market opportunity."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in understanding: "Don't worry, my lord. I will return to Shangmu immediately and arrange for the glazed tiles to be transported here as soon as possible. As for the smelting of iron ore, we have already begun. Our business will only grow bigger and bigger."

In the Tang Sima's residence, Advisor Ma looked at Tang Cheng'an's ugly expression and could not help but ask: "My lord, what happened? Could it be that the Inspector made things difficult for you?"

Tang Cheng'an's face turned ashen, and he slammed the table hard: "That Wang Zhe and Jiang Jiang Mingyu, those two dogs, dare to humiliate me in front of everyone! Enough, enough! Jiang Jiang Mingyu, just you wait. Laozi will definitely flay you alive!"

Advisor Ma retreated one step in terror, carefully advising: "My lord, please calm your anger. Jiang Jiang Mingyu is, after all, an imperial envoy sent by Huangshang Sect. We cannot take such a risk."

Tang Cheng'an flew into a rage, his eyes flashing green: "My face has been trampled underfoot by him, and you mean to just let it go? Advisor Ma, has this old fool of yours forgotten his own place? Jiang Jiang Mingyu must die, otherwise my days as Tang Cheng'an won't be easy either!"

Advisor Ma swallowed hard, stammering: "My lord, please think thrice! Jiang Jiang Mingyu is no ordinary man. Even if we hired people from Other Xi Xia, there's no guarantee we could put him to death!"

"I don't care!" Tang Cheng'an slammed the table violently. "Even if I have to turn heaven and earth upside down, I will eliminate him! Now get out of my sight at once. Send assassins to set up an ambush immediately. This time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu must die without a burial place!"

Advisor Ma shivered all over and could only agree nervously. He knew well that Tang Cheng'an was now consumed by the desire for revenge, and no amount of persuasion would change his mind.