Chapter 26: Giving Weight

Li Chengche did not take the dividend he had earned. After all, as far as he was concerned, this sum of money was far from enough to accomplish anything significant. Besides, there would be plenty of ways to make money in the future.

After seeing him leave, Su Qingyue immediately began preparations to set up a workshop. Since salt purification and glass production were different from other businesses, the factory had to be kept hidden.

"Manager."

At that moment, a waiter walked over, bowed, and said, "A distinguished guest in the third-floor private room wishes to see you."

"I understand."

Upon hearing that it was the third-floor private room, Su Qingyue’s expression shifted slightly. She quickly straightened her attire and headed toward the third floor. Pushing open the door, she found a group of people sitting inside. At the center sat the Prince of Qin, Li Shimin, flanked by military generals led by Yuchi Gong and civil officials led by Du Ruhui.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

Su Qingyue curtsied immediately and said, "I was unaware of your arrival and failed to welcome you properly. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

"Rise," Li Shimin replied with a wave of his hand, seemingly unbothered. "I didn't come here specifically for that. I was just passing by and remembered the wine you sent last time was excellent, so I thought I’d come to taste it again."

"Your Highness, why go to such trouble?" Su Qingyue replied immediately. "If you enjoy it, I can arrange for more to be sent to you."

"These men here aren't the type to be satisfied with just a few jars of wine," Li Shimin chuckled. "Why don't you step out for a moment? We have a few matters to discuss."

"Yes."

Su Qingyue was about to leave when she suddenly remembered something. She bowed and asked, "Your Highness, I hope you might grant me a permit for salt trade."

"Hm?" Li Shimin paused, clearly surprised, and asked, "Are you planning to go into business?"

"Yes," Su Qingyue answered. "To be honest, Your Highness, the Grandson taught me the technique for salt purification earlier, so I wanted to try and see..."

"He knows how to do that?" A flicker of disdain crossed Li Shimin’s eyes. "Listening to you, does that mean he has been busy with these things lately?"

"Yes," Su Qingyue nodded. "He..."

"I will have someone arrange that for you later," Li Shimin interrupted, waving his hand. "Let's discuss other matters another time."

"Yes."

Su Qingyue, unable to press the issue further, turned and left.

"The Princess Consort told me that Chengche made glass and presented it to the Emperor," Li Shimin said, lifting his wine cup with a solemn expression. "Yet he refused the official title the Emperor offered him. I initially thought he was being filial, trying to secure a stable life for his mother."

"Who would have thought this child remains so unambitious? To be honest, if he channeled this much effort into military and state affairs, he would have made a name for himself long ago."

He felt it was a great pity. His attitude toward Li Chengche had improved significantly compared to before.

"Your Highness, that is not necessarily true," Du Ruhui, sitting nearby, stroked his beard and spoke. "People have their own aspirations. Furthermore, judging by the Grandson’s previous behavior, perhaps his ambitions lie elsewhere."

"But..." he shifted his tone, "based on his recent ventures, he has already accumulated significant wealth. If he only cares about money, that would be one thing, but if he uses that wealth..."

The implication was clear. The others nodded in agreement.

"Ruhui makes a valid point," Fang Xuanling added. "As the saying goes, 'surprise is the key to victory.' If he is building strength for the Crown Prince's residence, that would be troublesome."

"What use is all this?" Yuchi Gong put down his wine cup and scoffed. "Among that crowd at the Crown Prince’s residence, how many are actually useful? Besides, to say nothing of the rest, that group of ruffians calling themselves the 'Changlin Army' is simply laughable."

"General Yuchi, you must not underestimate them," Qin Qiong said with a stern expression. "Although they are poorly trained, their weapons and equipment are of the finest quality! Moreover, the Crown Prince has Xue Wanche under his command, who is a fierce warrior."

The others nodded in agreement.

"For now, you must remain vigilant," Li Shimin said, looking at them. "Even though the Emperor has said he will not mobilize you for the time being, there is no guarantee they won't make other moves."

"Yes!" the group stood and bowed.

...

Back at the Eastern Palace, Li Chengche returned still looking somewhat intoxicated.

Cui Yingying was in the main hall. Seeing him return, she immediately signaled the maids to bring a copper basin and hot towels.

"It has been hard on you these past few days," Li Chengche said, taking the towel to wipe his face before tossing it into the basin. "Tell me, did anyone come by today?"

"Yes," Cui Yingying waved for the maids to withdraw and handed him a cup of tea. "Li Chengdao and the Crown Prince’s personal eunuch were here."

"I suppose it was regarding the glassware?" Li Chengche took a sip of tea and nodded. He was quite satisfied with his favorite concubine's tea-brewing skills; she was, after all, from a prestigious family and had learned such things well.

"I am not sure of the specifics," Cui Yingying shook her head. Apart from paying her respects at the Crown Prince’s bedchamber, she had not left the Eastern Palace at all recently, so she knew little of the outside world. By rights, with her status, she should not be so isolated, but because of her family's background, she had faced some cold treatment.

"You will know in due time," Li Chengche stood up and smiled. "I am going to sleep now. You should rest early as well."

"Your Highness!"

Suddenly, Cui Yingying’s voice turned grave.

"What is it?" Li Chengche asked, looking at her with confusion.

Cui Yingying looked solemn. Dressed in her fine robes, she appeared even more beautiful than before.

"Although our marriage was largely a scheme by the Crown Princess to use me to disgust you or curb your growth," Cui Yingying pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "regardless, you have already accepted the marriage contract. And you promised me a grand wedding."

"Since that is the case, why does Your Highness go to the Zuihua Pavilion every single day? Is this not a deliberate slight against me? Or were your words mere empty promises, and you were simply deceiving me all along?"