amaotonovel Chapter 230
Chapter 230
Chapter 230
In other aspects, they recruited girls from poor families and families of loyal and heroic people to form an embroidery workshop. They also bought a cloth shop. All the cloth raw materials were produced from their own cloth shop, and then the cloth was sent to the embroidery workshop to make the finished products and send them out.
Standing on the shoulders of giants, the Luoshui Yao, after a moment's reflection, offered several suggestions. Embroiderers and weavers, drawing on their rich experience, quickly applied them to other areas. They meticulously researched and developed new and innovative patterns unheard of in their time. While the ancients had never seen many of the things the Luoshui Yao knew, their profound expertise in their fields should not be underestimated. With just a few pointers, they grasped the essence and made significant strides in innovating their techniques, imbuing traditional crafts with a new charm and brilliance.
During this month, Yang Wei was busy. He dispatched personnel to search far and wide, hiring craftsmen to create mannequins tailored to the human form, a suggestion from Luo Shuiyao. Since plastic and other materials were unavailable in the area, they had no choice but to use wood. Once completed, the colorful and diverse garments were hung one by one, some even worn on the wooden figures, allowing viewers to clearly discern their overall style and form at a glance. The leftover fabric from the tailoring process wasn't discarded either. Various patterns were painted on them and then filled with scraps of fabric, transforming them into unique and intriguing dolls.
During the Zhou Dynasty's heyday, Kyoto was always full of eccentric gadgets, though most were simply repurposed versions of existing items. However, things like her proposals, such as those currently used by Qingyu Tower, were truly ingenious, unheard of even by the ladies of the aristocratic families. Guided by the wisdom and dedication of her predecessors, she firmly believed that, barring unforeseen circumstances, Qingyu Tower would flourish, stand out in Kyoto, become a focal point, and add a unique and novel touch to the prosperity of the Zhou Dynasty.
.........
The first group to arrive were the first to experience the novelty of the Jade Tower. After eating the free food, they found it so special that some even paid for some to take home with them. Word of mouth spread, and others, hearing the story and praising the unprecedented offerings inside, began to flock to the building, attracting more and more residents. The Jade Tower also grew in size.
Fortunately, Luo Shuiyao had anticipated this and had made thorough preparations. Yang Weiwu Hall, the servants and maids they had hired, and even the villa had sent some skilled people to help, so the situation did not become chaotic.
There were people outside maintaining order, but a large crowd still gathered because someone had already won the grand prize of 10 taels of silver, and more than one person. Seeing that it was real, the others became more and more excited, and more and more people signed up for the lottery. After all, you only need to spend a copper coin to win 10 taels of silver. Who wouldn't want to try their luck at such a good thing? Some even wanted to try again, but were stopped by the strong men and asked to queue up again. In this way, the street was rarely lined with long lines.
Emperor Yuanzhen remained silent after touring the camp. As he passed through the capital, he heard the commotion. Surprised, he lifted the curtain of his carriage and looked at Ye Yunzhou, who was riding beside him. Confused, he asked, "Why are there so many people? Why is it so lively here? Is there some kind of festival today? I don't even know."
Ye Yunzhou hadn't heard of the Qingyu Building's opening, and seeing this situation, he felt a bit confused. However, he was sharp-eyed and attentive, and after a moment's careful listening, he understood the general situation. He then dismounted, approached the carriage window, and respectfully replied, "I just heard someone say that the Qingyu Building is opening. There are too many people here, and it would be difficult to deal with any danger. Master, you should return as soon as possible."
Emperor Yuanzhen shook his head after hearing this. When people get older, they always want to join in the fun. Moreover, he has lived in the palace for a long time and is busy with daily affairs. He rarely has the opportunity to go out. After finally coming out, he saw such a lively scene. How could he be willing to go back like this? "It's okay, what's the danger? I will get off the carriage and walk by myself. You can just follow me and don't let others follow. There are patrol guards everywhere in Kyoto, so I don't think there will be any danger. Let's join in the fun and see what kind of building this is that has attracted so many people."
Seeing that His Majesty was determined to do so, Ye Yunzhou did not bother to dissuade him any further. He simply turned around, secretly signaled to the people around him, and then helped Emperor Yuanzhen get off the carriage and walked towards the bustling area.
The Hidden Dragon Guards behind him exchanged glances. With the tacit understanding cultivated over the years, they immediately grasped the Inspector General's intentions. So, they left two men to guard the horses and carriages while the others dispersed, quietly concealing themselves around Emperor Yuanzhen. They were already traveling in plain clothes, making it easier for them to move.
Emperor Yuanzhen and Ye Yunzhou hadn't walked far when they saw the long line ahead. Ye Yunzhou hadn't said anything yet, but Emperor Yuanzhen was already interested. After asking the nearby residents about the situation, he even felt like joining in the fun, so he stood at the end of the line and queued up.
Ye Yunzhou stood aside, frowning, thinking to himself: "Your Majesty has lived in the deep palace for a long time, accustomed to a life of luxury. How can he stand for so long under the scorching sun?" But His Majesty insisted on doing so, and as a minister, he couldn't forcibly stop him.
Since this is the case, he should naturally share the worries of Your Majesty.
Ye Yunzhou turned his eyes slightly and looked at the nearby Hidden Dragon Guard. The Hidden Dragon Guard understood and stepped forward. Ye Yunzhou whispered a few words in his ear. The Hidden Dragon Guard nodded and turned around to disappear into the crowd.
A moment later, the Hidden Dragon Guard reappeared beside the line, carrying a pouch filled with small change. He stepped forward and began distributing the change, starting with the person at the head of the line. Hearing the request, the man glanced at the silver in his hand and thought, "This trip wasn't in vain. Anyone want to go up front? Easy, just rearrange the line." With that thought in mind, he took the silver, bowed, and left.
The people behind him also vaguely heard some commotion and watched anxiously. The Hidden Dragon Guards handed out the silver one by one. Seeing this, the people behind him also understood the situation and took the silver and left. After all, so many people had lined up to compete for those ten taels of silver. Now, if they didn't line up, they could get a dime of silver. There was no loss, so they all dispersed.
Emperor Yuanzhen looked around, listening to the whispers around him but not noticing anything unusual. He quickly made his way to the front of the line. When it was his turn, he was slightly startled. So fast? Then, as if realizing something, he turned and glanced at Ye Yunzhou.
This situation naturally caught the attention of the shopkeeper, who was left here to manage affairs. Someone quickly reported the situation to Luo Shuiyao. Unsure if someone was coming to provoke her, Luo Shuiyao put on a veil and hurried out of the Qingyu Building. As soon as she stepped out of the Qingyu Building's gate, she looked up and saw Ye Yunzhou standing tall and straight not far away.
Luo Shuiyao was slightly startled, realizing Ye Yunzhou hadn't noticed her. His full attention was on the old man drawing a lottery not far in front of him. She narrowed her eyes slightly, and an incredible thought flashed through her mind. Could this person, whom Ye Yunzhou was so cautiously accompanying, be...
Thinking of a possibility, she was suddenly startled and involuntarily took two steps forward to look at the old man more carefully.
Ye Yunzhou sensed someone's gaze and looked in that direction warily. He immediately recognized Luo Shuiyao, who was wearing a veil. Luo Shuiyao had been dressed elegantly today, a pale blue dress with a matching veil. She wouldn't have stood out in the crowd, but Ye Yunzhou instantly recognized her identity.
He glanced at Emperor Yuanzhen, who was happily rummaging through the lottery box. Since there were so many people here, it was inconvenient for him to leave, so he could only gently wave to Luo Shuiyao.
Luo Shuiyao didn't expect that he could recognize her. She hesitated for a while before slowly walking forward.
The surrounding people had long noticed the young man, who exuded an air of nobility, and had also noticed the old man, who was clearly extraordinary. Although some girls marveled at his handsome appearance, they were intimidated by his majestic aura and dared not approach. Seeing him wave, the girls around Luo Shuiyao felt as if he was calling them. Just as they were hesitating whether to approach, they saw a girl wearing a veiled hat approach the man. The man's eyes followed the girl closely, and his gaze suddenly became extremely gentle, which filled the girls, who had just been secretly attracted to him, with disappointment.
"What are you doing..." Luo Shuiyao walked up to Ye Yunzhou, looked at him, and asked with some confusion.
Ye Yunzhou stood beside her, his eyes restrainedly fixed on her face beneath the veil. "I'm here to accompany a master today."
Luo Shuiyao nodded, and without further questioning, she simply explained, "I had nothing to do today, so I came out for a stroll. I didn't expect to run into you here."
Ye Yunzhou looked behind her and said, "You came out alone? Why didn't you bring two servants with you? There are so many people outside, you have to be careful and don't get bumped by those ignorant people."
Luo Shuiyao's voice came with a smile: "I brought Chun Xing with me when I came out. Chun Xing knows some boxing and kicking skills, and she is very strong. Don't worry, I will be careful."
Ye Yunzhou wanted to say something else, but at this moment, a cry of surprise came from the crowd.
"It's a hit, it's a hit, this person actually won!"
"Oh my god, what good luck!" The shout interrupted their conversation, and Luo Shuiyao couldn't help but look towards the middle where the lottery was being drawn. Ye Yunzhou stood beside her, slightly opening his arms to shield her from behind to prevent anyone from bumping into her.
There was a lottery announcer standing in front of the old man. He was holding a slip of paper and announcing the final details of the prize. Finally, he said to the old man, "Congratulations, old man! You are lucky today and won the first prize."
Then, the servant behind him handed over a beautifully crafted doll.
The winner took the doll and handed it to the old man. The old man took it, very curious about it. This doll was specially made by Luo Shuiyao. The winner's prize—10 taels of silver—was placed in a secret compartment in the tiger's mouth. The compartment had a button that acted as a tooth. Unbuttoning it revealed a small space inside.
But the old man seemed uninterested in the silver. Instead, he turned the doll over and over with great interest. While the two previous winners had both taken out their silver and shown it to the crowd, this old man paid no attention to that aspect. The winner wasn't surprised either.
The world is full of wonders. The old man clearly didn't need much money, and he was probably just joining in the fun. To avoid a dull moment, the lottery drawer bowed again to the old man. "The roar of the auspicious tiger carries good news, and auspicious light envelops the body, blessing health. The old man is in good health and strong, and his blessings are deep and long-lasting. I believe that in the days ahead, everything will go smoothly and be filled with good fortune."
Another round of shouts and warm applause rang out from the crowd. The old man nodded slightly, thanked everyone, then turned and left with the tiger doll in his hand.
Seeing this, Ye Yunzhou hurried over. The old man smiled and showed him the doll in his hand, saying, "I don't know who made this little thing, but it's so cute just by looking at it."
Ye Yunzhou naturally knew that Emperor Yuanzhen was just looking for something new. There were countless precious, exquisite and lovely objects in the palace, and many of them were better than this doll, so he just nodded and said nothing more.
Emperor Yuanzhen felt somewhat bored and then turned his gaze to Luo Shuiyao, who was standing not far from them. He had glanced over there when he was drawing the lottery earlier, and when he saw his usually cold and arrogant minister, he had never shown such a gentle expression, he had already suspected something in his mind. Seeing the girl standing there, he called out, "Young lady, why don't you come over here?"
Luo Shuiyao hadn't expected the old man to notice her. Upon hearing this, she subconsciously glanced at Ye Yunzhou. Seeing him nod slightly, she stepped forward and tried to bow to the old man, but the old man held out his hand to stop her. "No need to be polite. It's too noisy here. Let's go sit down somewhere quiet and rest."
Luo Shuiyao didn't expect the old man to be so easy to talk to. She moved slightly, but quickly returned to normal and said, "Why don't we go to the Qingyu Tower? There are many interesting things in there."
The old man listened, nodded and said: "Okay, let's go."
Luo Shuiyao took a few steps back and followed Ye Yunzhou. Seeing the old man lift his foot and walk away, Ye Yunzhou hurried to catch up, and Luo Shuiyao finally walked forward with him side by side.
Following the old man, the two of them didn't talk anymore. Ye Yunzhou just took advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention and gently pinched her fingers to comfort her. Luo Shuiyao naturally understood what he meant, quietly withdrew her fingers, and nodded imperceptibly.
Entering the Jade Building, the first floor was quite crowded. The old man wasn't particularly interested in the girls' belongings, merely glancing at the doll section for a few moments before heading upstairs, stopping only on the third floor. He smelled the sweet aroma wafting through the air. Although he had recently finished his meal at the camp, he was already feeling a bit hungry.