Chapter Fourteen Business

  At this moment in Cai Feng's room, the usually elegant and poised Cai Feng was now furiously shouting: "You damned girl, what do you want? Speak up, what do you want?" Her tall chest heaved violently, showing that she was furious to the extreme.

  The blue phoenix said in a low voice: "I want to accompany you."

  "Follow me?! I'm just a concubine in the Pan household, what do you want to do, speak up!"

  "I'll be your servant girl and listen to your orders."

  "You don't owe me anything, and I don't want you either! Get out of here! Go!"

  Qing Luan simply shook his head and didn't speak. Cai Feng was furious, raised her hand to slap him, but Qing Luan just lowered his head and didn't dodge. Cai Feng's hand stopped in front of Qing Luan's face, tears already streaming down, weakly saying: "You're stupid, you don't know how hard it is to run into someone like that!"

  Qing Luan grasped her hand and smiled: "Having Miss is enough for me."

  Cai Feng's heart gradually calmed down, but a new idea had formed in her mind.

  The big ship entered Jinling around noon and docked at Pingjin Wharf. Everyone on the ship let out a sigh of relief, as this leg of the journey was indeed not short. No matter how beautiful the scenery along the way was, they had had enough of the feeling of being suspended in mid-air. After disembarking and stepping onto dry land, everyone felt their legs were a bit weak.

  A row of carriages had been waiting for a long time, just waiting for everyone to disembark, two people per carriage, and they were all pulled into the largest inn in Jinling City, next to the Qinhuai River, opposite the place of flowers and willows.

  Jin Shengjie bade farewell and was about to leave to report the good news to his old man, considering this matter settled, having invited all those who should be invited.

  Pan Yu blocked his way and asked: "Jin brother, is your respected father currently in Jinling City?"

  Jin Shengjie felt depressed when he saw Pan Yu, now everyone can see that Cai Feng is already in the bag of this jade young master. Even on ordinary days when drinking, no one dares to make too much fun of Cai Feng. Although she has entered the Pan family, she is only a concubine and will not be able to become the mistress, but who knows what Pan Yu thinks?

  But Jin Shengjie was also a very open-minded person, politely saying: "My father is in the city of Jinling, and tonight he will host a banquet to invite everyone. Does Brother Pan have any business?"

  Pan Yuxiao smiled and said, "There is a business matter." Seeing Jin Shengjie's somewhat skeptical expression, he added another sentence: "It will also be of great help to Mr. Jin's plan to go out to sea."

  Jin Shengjie didn't dare to be careless, although he didn't care about family matters, he also knew that this voyage was related to the fate of the Jin family for decades. Any information that could help with this voyage must not be missed.

  Jin Shengjie stretched out his hand and said: "Brother Pan, this way please."

  Xu Xian watched the two leave from the window, and his heart couldn't help but add some anticipation. He didn't know much about telescopes and artificial crystals, but he grasped the core principles.

  What is called a telescope is the combination of two concave and convex lenses, although he was not clear about the specific ratio, but under ancient experimental science, it should not be difficult to get good results.

  And artificial crystal is made by adding 24% lead oxide to the glass manufacturing process, this thing was called "密陀僧" in ancient times, and it should also exist in this world, but similarly, the experiment needed for this is probably not much more than that of a telescope. However, if we can combine the two, high-power telescopes can be easily made.

  He had told Pan Yu all these things, and with Pan Yu's cleverness, she naturally understood them at once. The value of these two things was great enough to move anyone's heart, but Xu Xian instinctively didn't have any suspicion towards Pan Yu. He just sat quietly in the room waiting for Pan Yu's good news, this level of trust sometimes even made himself feel a bit strange. Pan Yu was even more moved in her heart.

  As the time approached dusk, in the Jin Mansion, Old Master Jin, who was known for being as calm as Mount Tai crumbling before him without changing his expression, was now completely excited. "Master Pan, if we can obtain this divine artifact, our chances of success on this voyage will increase by another 10%. I am eternally grateful."

  Pan Yu said that, Jin Wan was originally still hesitant, but immediately ordered the production of this type of glass. In just one afternoon, dozens of concave and convex mirrors with regular shapes were really produced, and when tried on the spot, they were indeed magical. The old man holding this thing couldn't speak.

  Pan Yuxiao said, "This is a reminder in Chinese, I'm just here to help him say it out loud. If it can match your thoughts, of course, that's good. But please keep this thing confidential." She wasn't afraid at all that the old man would deny it after mastering this technique, on one hand was Jin Wancheng's excellent reputation over the decades, and on the other hand was her own identity.

  Jin Wancheng heard the sound of the zither and understood its meaning. "This is natural, thank you again, Mr. Xu. Last time, Mr. Xu helped me retrieve the black diamond, and this time he even prepared a gift as a token of gratitude. But now it seems that it's really far from enough. If I can make the second thing you mentioned, Mr. Xu, I will definitely reserve a share for you."

  The production of this artificial crystal certainly cannot be as noisy as a telescope, so I need to find a secret room and invite the most trusted old technician to slowly experiment. If it can be done, what's the difference between this and turning stones into gold? If it weren't for the high technical requirements, even Pan Yu would want to do it himself, making it another source of wealth for the Pan family.

  Then, Pan Yu and Jin Wancheng carefully discussed the operation method and commission ratio, and only then did she leave the artificial crystal production method taught by Xu Xian to Jin Wancheng. This business is not an ordinary loan, and a contract must be signed. Of course, all of this was done in a very harmonious atmosphere, with a little prompting, even the haggling over prices, both people were all smiles.

  Jin Shengjie watched from the side, seeing Pan Yu chatting with Lao Yezi in a completely equal manner, discussing various topics such as current events in the capital or military affairs on the border, seemingly having endless things to talk about. When they reached the fun part, Jin Wancheng repeatedly praised them.

  Jin Shengjie could tell that the old man's praise was sincere. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of discontent in his heart - why were some people able to achieve perfection in every aspect? He considered himself a standout among others, yet he had encountered Xu Xian and Pan Yu.

  Xu Xian composed a poem that made him feel like the hundreds of poems he wrote before were trash. He thought that coming up with one idea could increase his chances of winning in the gamble of fate by 10%. Pan Yu's appearance made him feel somewhat ashamed, and her talent was beyond ordinary people. She easily obtained the colorful phoenix that he couldn't get no matter how hard he tried, while Xu Xian, who was not as good-looking as himself, also gained the favor of Qing Luan, and he almost got beaten up by Qing Luan a while ago.

  The arrogant and proud Jin Er Gongzi, who always looked down on others from a superior position, had never found anyone among his peers that he could respect. But now, he discovered that there were two people whom he couldn't help but look up to, and the complexity of emotions in his heart was something only he himself could understand.

  "Uncle Jin, it's getting late, I'll take my leave first and see you again at dinner tonight."

  Jin Wancheng stood up, smiled and said: "Good, you go first to tell Xunxian nephew the good news, I'll thank him personally tonight." Suddenly remembering something, he said: "Right, there's one more thing. Originally, I wanted to present it myself, but now I really can't get my hands on it, so let you pass it on to Xunxian nephew!"

  He ordered someone to bring a brocade box and handed it over to Pan Yu, who took it and put it in his bosom. After making a bow to the two of them, he left. Being able to establish a relationship with the Jin family through this matter was also an unexpected joy. Originally, even if I followed this young master Jin to visit the Red Cliff, it would only be a superficial acquaintance, but now, it really involves more core issues.

  If he could really get Jin Wancheng, that old fox, to board his own ship, it would be a great help to the Pan family and also bring him immense benefits in terms of prestige within the faction. And the one who helped him was actually Xu Xian, so apart from calculation and joy, there was even more sweetness in his heart.

  Jin Wancheng paced a few more steps in the hall before slowly letting the joy on his face fade away, falling into deep thought.

  "Father, does that telescope really have such a great effect?"

  Jin Wancost thought of taking the opportunity to scold him, but seeing a hint of despair on his face, he softened his tone: "Yes, this thing is indeed very useful when it comes to sea transportation. It's said that it can make all the difference in times of crisis."

  Jin Shengjie let out a sigh and said, "Dad, you really have good eyesight. These two people are indeed must-haves." He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Am I useless?"

  "I don't ask you to have as many wonderful ideas as Xian, but if you can take responsibility like Pan Yu, even just half of it, I will be satisfied."

  "Responsible?" Jin Shengjie was speechless for a moment.

  "You think you're different from your elder brother in that you're humble and don't crave fame or wealth? You just don't dare to compete."

  Jin Shengjie chuckled and said, "I'm notorious in Jinling City for being a troublemaker. I want to marry Su Jin, you didn't stop me either, how can you say I don't dare to fight?"

  "You brought back a few wives and I didn't get angry, but what about now? You can't even take care of a few wives, how can you handle such a big family business?"

  Jin Shengjie thought for a moment and said: "I don't understand."

  "It's better to admit you don't understand than pretend to, you've had it too easy from a young age, it's not something I can make clear with just one sentence, but one day you'll have no choice but to understand. Go ahead, go entertain your friends!"

  Jin Shengjie walked out of the door, looked up at the sky dyed red by the sunset, and for the first time had a slight doubt about his life, but this doubt was quickly thrown to the back of his mind. Not understanding is just not understanding, trying to understand is also futile.

  Pan Yu walked back into the house and smiled at Xu Xian, saying: "It's settled. At first, we need to control the quantity, so the sales route won't be too big, but you'll probably have an income of around 100,000 taels this year."

  Xu Xian put his mind at ease, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "That's good." But he didn't ask further.

  Pan Yugan was deeply moved by his trust and admired his calmness, which made him even more fond of him. However, he had no idea that Xu Xian was a poor man who suddenly became rich, and the amount was so large that it seemed unreal to him.

  Pan Yu took out a brocade box and said, "This is what that old man Jin gave you."

  Xu Xian opened it and found that it was a completely transparent diamond, although slightly smaller than the black diamond, but also absolutely valuable. Pan Yu also came over to take a look, "Is this the carefully polished diamond? Indeed, it's radiant and extraordinary!"

  Looking at this brilliant diamond in his hand, Xu Xian couldn't help but think of someone - Yu Xuanji. Has she finished her closed-door meditation?

  And then gave this diamond to Pan Yu, Pan Yu was surprised and said: "For me?" Very delighted in her heart.

  Xu Xian nodded and smiled: "Yes, last Lantern Festival, that Cai Feng young lady seemed to like diamonds very much. You can give it to her to win her heart!"

  "You're really considerate!"