Chapter 143: Crisis Rekindles

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

Even Tang Cheng'an, who had long harbored resentment toward Jiang Mingyu, came as well.

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

Someone whispered: "My lords, what is the meaning of this summons?"

Another sniffed and said: "Said there'd be benefits to hand out—sounds strange too."

"Who knows what's going on? Stop guessing. We'll find out when we meet the Inspector."

"..."

The crowd buzzed with speculation, but Tang Cheng'an kept his face cold, a faint smirk curling his lips—something meaningful. Since Yang Hui's death and Jiang Mingyu's many moves, he had long been plotting to eliminate him.

Just now, Ma Beijie reported that the envoy dispatched by the Prince of Qi had arrived in town.

The Prince of Qi was furious over the failure of his plan to disrupt the border defenses; the rebellion was now urgent, and the only obstacle was Jiang Mingyu's fifty-thousand-strong army.

To prevent unrest, the Prince of Qi issued a direct order: eliminate Jiang Mingyu at any cost.

After consulting with Master Ma, Tang Cheng'an secretly hired twenty assassins to lie in wait.

He knew Jiang Mingyu would inevitably come to the provincial capital for business; he only needed the right moment to strike.

Now he had come merely to gather more intelligence, preparing thoroughly to act swiftly.

Thinking of this, the certainty of victory lifted his spirits.

When the group entered the hall, Wang Zhe abandoned his usual haughty demeanor, smiling warmly at the officials and gentry: "You're all here early—thank you for the journey. Please, sit."

The guests exchanged glances, surprised by the Inspector's unusual amiability, yet bowed and took their seats in turn.

Jiang Mingyu scanned the room and caught Tang Cheng'an's sharp gaze flickering toward him—he sighed inwardly, recognizing malice.

Wang Zhe opened his arms wide: "Today, I've summoned you all to share good news. Look—these past years, my governance has brought harmony: rain and sun in season, people living in peace. All this is thanks to your support and care."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Only Tang Cheng'an kept his scowl, snorting: "Inspector, you flatter us too much. We merely came to observe—what real contribution could we have made?"

Jiang Mingyu quickly said: "Master Tang speaks falsely. Everyone worked hard. It's only because of the Inspector's masterful management that the province thrives."

Wang Zhe didn't take offense, smiling: "No need to argue. I summoned you today because I have something new to show you—this is the latest invention from our Imperial Commissioner: glassware. I invite you all to be the first to try it."

At the mention of something new, every eye lit up with interest.

One official asked: "What exactly is this glass? What does it look like?"

Jiang Mingyu smiled in reply: "It's a glass-like substance, formed by melting in kiln fire. Light, transparent, its color more vivid than porcelain."

A merchant pressed: "How does it differ from the traditional ceramics passed down through generations?"

Jiang Mingyu pulled out one piece: "It's not the usual round shape—it's molded into flowers, leaves, birds, beasts. Useless in function, but unmatched in decorative value."

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

Wang Zhe smiled: "Since you're all so intrigued, perhaps Master Jiang can elaborate further?"

Jiang Mingyu answered their questions with ease, the atmosphere gradually warming.

Tang Cheng'an, who had expected Wang Zhe to be humiliated, stared in disbelief—how could this glass be so astonishing?

Wang Zhe, seeing everyone stunned, asked: "How do you like the glass?"

Immediately, an official in fifth-rank robes beamed and chimed in.

"Inspector, this is the most exquisite glass I've ever seen—truly rare."

Jiang Mingyu smiled modestly.

Then a wealthy merchant in lavish attire called out loudly:

"This glass is finely made—surely it's expensive!"

Wang Zhe, who had been waiting for this exact question, exchanged a glance with Jiang Mingyu.

"Originally, we planned to gift each of you one piece—but since everyone likes it so much, Master Jiang, can you arrange sales?"

The crowd exchanged glances, sensing hidden strategy.

Jiang Mingyu nodded: "I brought only five hundred pieces. Those wishing to buy must register immediately—payment upon delivery, and you may take your piece."

Wang Zhe added: "If there's any defect, I, as Inspector, guarantee a replacement or full refund!"

One official hurried to say: "Five hundred pieces will sell out instantly. Imperial Commissioner Jiang is thoughtful, Inspector Wang is generous—who wouldn't buy?"

Everyone smiled at each other, praising both the glass and the men behind it.

Only Tang Cheng'an frowned tightly. Jiang Mingyu glanced at him, smiled, then immediately instructed Master Lou to record buyers' names.

A wealthy merchant shouted: "I'm Hongtong Merchant—I'll take fifty pieces to drive away plague spirits!"

A clan patriarch barked: "No bidding chaos—I claim thirty first!"

An official bowed: "I'll take fifteen for display in my residence—silver is ready."

Everyone scrambled to claim theirs; the names scribbled down were all from the city's elite.

Soon, the five hundred pieces were gone. Wang Zhe grinned broadly. Jiang Mingyu sighed softly—court politics, past and present, had always been this way.

Jiang Mingyu mused inwardly: once launched, this glass would sweep the province. With the Huang family's backing, production costs were negligible, profits immense.

A few others, having missed out, looked disgruntled.

Wang Zhe, seeing their disappointment, quickly soothed: "Don't fret—I've ordered the kilns to rush production. Another five hundred pieces will arrive tomorrow. As for distribution, Master Jiang has a plan."

Jiang Mingyu smiled: "This batch will go to the West City porcelain market—merchants abound there; it will sell out completely. But if you all help promote it within your circles, that would be best."

Wang Zhe eagerly agreed: "Exactly! Spread the word about glass's wonders in your circles—it will bring more awareness. Not just profit for merchants, but blessings for the people—perfect for all."

At once, the sycophants chimed in: "Your words are too modest—glass will surely become known to all!"

"Yes! Master Jiang seeks the people's welfare—we'll spread the news. It helps merchants profit and lets common folk enjoy good fortune."

Wang Zhe felt flattered, his trust in Jiang Mingyu deepening.

Only Tang Cheng'an thought inwardly: "Jiang Mingyu's glass is just the beginning—his real business must be far larger."

Jiang Mingyu, seeing everyone pretend to "understand," sighed inwardly—human nature was unpredictable, and it was precisely this that allowed him to thrive in court politics.

With that, everyone bowed and thanked him, eagerly anticipating future "cooperation."

Tang Cheng'an watched Jiang Mingyu's smiling face and sneered: "Keep gloating. Soon, fate will abandon you—your corpse will rot in the wild. Then I'll see what you have left to boast about."

The crowd left the Inspector's mansion, faces glowing with glass-filled bags. Wang Zhe smiled at Tang Cheng'an: "Master Tang, why didn't you take a few pieces? As Regional Military Commissioner, aren't you willing to contribute to the people?"

Tang Cheng'an curled his lips: "I intended to buy—but they moved too fast. I didn't get a chance."

Wang Zhe assured him: "Don't worry—I'll make sure you get extra pieces when the next batch arrives."

Tang Cheng'an snorted: "Good. Inspector, I have official duties—I take my leave." He left without a backward glance.

Wang Zhe watched his retreating back, then turned to Jiang Mingyu with a smile: "Master Jiang, your performance today was excellent. As you said, this will become a vast market. We must produce quickly and seize the initiative."

Jiang Mingyu nodded: "Understood, my lord. I'll return to Shangmu immediately and send more glass. As for iron ore smelting—we've already begun. Our business will grow larger."

In the Regional Commissioner's mansion, Master Ma stared at Tang Cheng'an's grim face and ventured: "My lord, what happened? Did the Inspector embarrass you?"

Tang Cheng'an's face turned ashen; he slammed his fist on the table: "Wang Zhe and Jiang Mingyu—those two bastards dared humiliate me in front of everyone! Fine. Jiang Mingyu, wait—I'll peel your skin off!"

Master Ma stepped back in fear, whispering: "My lord, calm down. Jiang Mingyu is an Imperial Commissioner sent by the Emperor—we can't risk it."

Tang Cheng'an erupted, eyes blazing green: "He tramples my honor—do I just let it go? Master Ma, have you forgotten your place? Jiang Mingyu must die—or my own days are numbered!"

Master Ma swallowed hard, stammering: "My lord, think thrice! Jiang Mingyu is no ordinary man—even Xixia's assassins may not kill him!"

"Irrelevant!" Tang Cheng'an slammed the table again. "I'll turn heaven and earth upside down to kill him! Get out! Send the assassins now—this time, bury him so deep not even his bones will be found!"

Master Ma shuddered, reluctantly agreeing. He knew his lord was consumed by vengeance—no persuasion would stop him now.