Chapter 174
Yin Ba listened and said in awe, "This is a great feat that benefits the country and the people! The headquarters of our glass workshop may be in the Yan Kingdom, but I am a true native of the Dongling Kingdom. For the sake of our state, and for the soldiers who defend our kingdom... I'll accept this order!"
"You're righteous, Shopkeeper! If the matter is accomplished, Old General Chu will definitely give credit to Yinzhen Pavilion!" Hearing this, Gu Ye immediately put a high hat on Yin Ba. Then, she showed a hesitant expression. "But... you also know that military expenditures are limited. The cost of this..."
Is there any point in discussing the cost?
Yin Ba bet that his master would be willing to give even the entire glass workshop to this Little Ancestor. However, at such a young age this Little Ancestor was quite scheming. She had a way with making deals. If he reported it to his master when he returned, he would certainly be interested.
"Don't worry, Miss, these medical utensils will definitely be supplied to the army at the cost price." Yin Ba's answer was too straightforward, which roused a trace of vigilance and suspicion in Gu Ye's eyes.
This Little Ancestor is too vigilant.
Yin Ba really wanted to give himself a slap in the face. He instantly regrouped to save himself. "But... our Yinzhen Pavilion is for business. If there is no benefit, we definitely won't do it."
Gu Ye breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Shopkeeper, may I know what benefits you want?"
"This is something that really shouldn't be discussed with a little girl like you. However, since you mentioned Old General Chu, I'm not going to hide it. You have also seen that this glassware is the only one in Yinzhen Pavilion. Our master is more interested in the 'Royal Court's exclusive offer'... " Yin Ba stopped at that point.
"Oh! Your Yinzhen Pavilion wants to compete for the royal merchant title! You do have the capital. You will be doing a great service by producing these medical utensils. I'll ask my master to intercede for you in front of Old General Chu."
So that's what he's after!
She has no say in matters related to the royal merchants. She has to go back and discuss with her master to see if it was feasible.
"Then... I'll wait for your good news, Miss!" Yin Ba gave her the 'Don't lose the falcon until you see the hare[1]' look.
That's more like it!
If he agreed too quickly, Gu Ye would think he had other motives. This was the essence of a businessman. It was either for fame or profit!
"Within three days, I will definitely give you an answer!" As for the result, it depended on her master's views after negotiating with Young Master Chu.
Yin Ba ordered the staff to pack the "Treasure of the Town Shop" and sent it to Gu Ye, saying, "Everything depends on your favorable words to your master, Miss. This is a gift, just a little token to show my respect to you. Please accept it."
Gu Ye wasn't awed by the glass tea set. After all, she could still find a few sets of glasses that were much more delicate than these in her space. Besides, she quite couldn't understand how things ended up this way. How could she accept such a "precious" gift?
"If I accept the gift and the matter falls through, won't your Yinzhen Pavilion lose such a precious tea set in vain? Shopkeeper, aren't you afraid that your boss will blame you?" Gu Ye raised her eyebrows and smiled.
Little Ancestor, if you accept this gift, not only will my master not blame me, maybe he will even praise me for my ability to accomplish missions!
However, he could only swallow this response. How could he dare say it out loud? If he scared the little girl, his master would most definitely skin him off.
Yin Ba replied with absolute determination, "In the entire Yan City, who doesn't know that your master saved the young Major General and brought him back to life? I'm sure he has some weight in front of Old General Chu and the Major General. Besides, this is a good deal that benefits the country and the army. It shouldn't be too much to ask for a mere title as a royal merchant, right?"
Yin Ba once again used his silver tongue, which spread like a lotus flower, and finally coaxed the little girl to accept the tea set.
The moment he sent the Little Ancestor out of the building, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, and sighed inward;y: Master, fortunately, this subordinate has lived up to the task you entrusted me.
Ugh!
Against all odds, he, one of the four Great Shadow Guards, has been reduced to pleasing a young lady on behalf of their master. If Yin Mei were to find out, he would definitely make fun of him.
Everyone who visited Yinzhen Pavilion had their own gains. Jun Qicheng found calligraphy and painting treasure from a famous calligrapher of the previous dynasty. Young Master Chu bought a long lost art of war with a fortune. Gu Xiao bought a sharp dagger for his grandson in the weapons area for defense... When they saw that the gift box held by Dong Xue contained the treasure of Yinzhen Pavilion, their chins almost fell to the ground and hit their feet.
Gu Xiao was afraid that his granddaughter was swindled so he hurriedly asked, "When you bought this tea set, what did the other party say? Did they make any strange demands?"
Royal Merchant, can this be considered a strange demand?
It is indeed strange to put forward such a request to a little girl!
Gu Ye couldn't say that, so she blinked her big innocent eyes a few times and whispered, "The shopkeeper said my master onced saved their boss, so this tea set was given to me for free."
When she was discussing cooperation with the "Shopkeeper", she dismissed her brother and Dong Xue, and only she knew the content of the deal at this time. Except for this glass tea set, Dong Xue did not see her pay when she came out. The lie she fabricated was reasonable and did not arouse suspicion.
Young Master Chu also sighed. "The Sage Apothecary is benevolent. Everywhere he goes, others benefit."
Ninth Young Master Jun took everyone to the most famous restaurant in Yan City for lunch. Gu Ye, who had enjoyed the stroll, continued wandering around the streets. Even when the sun was setting, her interest remained undiminished.
She was walking on the street, interested in everything, but the young and old who followed her felt miserable. From ancient times to the present, there were very few men who were willing to go shopping with women.
The number of pedestrians on the streets gradually dwindled, but Gu Ye was still walking. She soon found a shop not far in front with a constant stream of people going in and out of the front door. The business seemed to be thriving.
She walked a few steps and came to the door of the store. The store looked magnificent, the building was exquisite and majestic, and under the exquisitely carved door eaves, there were three big golden characters —— "Chrysanthemum Appreciation Pavilion".