Heaven-sent opportunity, or a trap in disguise?
Ming Pixu did not know for certain. But he did know one thing — this was a chance he absolutely could not let slip through his fingers. His heart pounding with anticipation, he leaned forward slightly, just about to nod.
Before he could speak, a sharp and chilly scoff suddenly cut through the air.
"And why, pray tell, should such a lucrative business fall to him?"
It was the Sixth Prince.
Indeed, Sixth Prince Yun Chuhuan had taken offense.
Ming Pixu's excitement was snuffed out in an instant, like a flame doused by a bucket of ice water. Startled and unsettled, he shifted his gaze, preparing to plead his case. But before he could open his mouth, Yun Shu chuckled softly.
"You failed to see clearly, and now you hold a grudge?"
"What do you mean I failed to see clearly?"
Yun Chuhuan slammed the table in anger.
"What kind of decent person goes around in broad daylight wearing such a ghastly white face and scaring others out of their wits? That was entirely his fault!"
Yun Shu gave a helpless sigh. "It truly wasn't that frightening. Some women wear makeup just as thick. He didn't look much different."
"I do not care!" Petulant and prideful, Yun Chuhuan knew he could not win against Yun Shu's words, so he resorted to glaring daggers at Ming Pixu instead.
"This Prince simply cannot bear to see you profit so greatly!"
Ming Pixu: "…"
What now?
From the look of it, the Sixth Prince would not be appeased.
Was he truly expected to give up the cement business just to placate His Highness?
His thoughts twisted in frustration, but before he could make a decision, Yun Shu's voice came again, gentle yet resolute.
"Whether it pleases you or not is irrelevant. And Head Ming is not gaining this for free. If he wishes to purchase the cement formula from This Princess, he must first agree to fund and oversee the construction of the main road section in Xuzhou."
She turned toward Ming Pixu.
"Head Ming, what say you?"
"This…"
Ming Pixu instinctively glanced at Yun Chuhuan, whose brows had just begun to furrow. But before a single word could leave his mouth, Yun Shu silenced him with a firm interruption.
"There is no need to mind him."
Her expression turned serious.
"Cement roads will become widespread across Tian Sheng. This is not only the will of This Princess, but also the will of Father Emperor.
As long as Head Ming is willing, no one may stop you from accepting this task."
So even Her Highness the Crown Princess, and perhaps even the Emperor himself, wished for him to accept?
If that were true, then—
To hell with hesitation!
This business of cement — he wanted it with all his heart.
Ming Pixu solemnly nodded.
"In that case, this humble subject thanks Your Highness for your regard."
Yun Shu smiled.
"It is your own ability that has earned you this opportunity.
Without skill, you would not stand before me today as the Head of the Xuzhou Merchants' Association. There are countless merchants in Xuzhou, after all."
Her voice softened slightly.
"There is, however, one matter that This Princess must make clear first.
Cement may be used to build roads, fortify city walls, and construct homes. With it, your business will undoubtedly thrive.
But my one condition is this: your cement business must remain strictly within Xuzhou."
Limited to just one region?
The flames of excitement that had rekindled in Ming Pixu's chest dimmed once more.
But only for a moment.
He quickly realized — if the Crown Princess was willing to sell him the formula in exchange for roadwork in Xuzhou, then surely she would strike similar deals with merchants in other regions.
After all, she had just said it herself — cement roads would become standard across the entire Tian Sheng.
So though his scope was narrowed from all of Tian Sheng to only Xuzhou, even just Xuzhou alone was enough to yield immense profit.
With that in mind, Ming Pixu's spirits rose again.
"Your Highness speaks wisely. That is only fair. May I inquire — how much would the cement formula cost?"
"One million taels!"
Before Yun Shu could respond, Yun Chuhuan blurted out unhappily.
"Head Ming is doing so well in business. Surely he is not short on coin. Fifth Sister, don't sell it for a copper less than that!"
Ming Pixu: "!!!"
His business was doing well, yes, but that did not mean he had that kind of silver just lying around!
A million taels, and that was before even factoring in the costs of building a cement factory and paving roads…
If he was not careful, the entire Ming family might collapse before they even saw a return.
Reeling from the steep price, Ming Pixu put on a bitter face and pleaded.
"Sixth Highness, please have mercy. Even if you sold me, I doubt I'd fetch a million taels!"
"Nonsense."
Yun Chuhuan was unmoved.
"To want something as valuable as cement and be unable to offer a mere million? What, has all of Ming Daren's wealth gone into rouge and powder?"
Ming Pixu: "…"
Clearly, unless he gave something up, this prince would not let the matter go.
Sighing inwardly, Ming Pixu steeled himself and named the most he could offer.
"Your Highness, forgive this humble subject's candor. But what I can gather — at most — is six hundred thousand."
"What sort of merchant only has six hundred thousand?"
Yun Chuhuan narrowed his eyes in disbelief.
"This Prince believes you are clearly just—"
"Enough."
Yun Shu's gaze flicked toward Yun Chuhuan.
Though her tone remained even, there was an unmistakable warning in her eyes.
"Do you think every merchant in the realm holds the wealth of the Liu family of Jiangnan?
Do not forget, Head Ming is not only purchasing the formula, but also taking on the cost of road construction in Xuzhou.
That is a benefit to the people of this land.
If your childish temper causes a disruption in the Ming family's finances and the roads remain unfinished, you had best be prepared to answer to Father Emperor."
"I—"
Yun Chuhuan fell silent, frustration written all over his face, but ultimately swallowed his protest.
Only then did Yun Shu turn her attention back to Ming Pixu, offering a small, apologetic smile.
"The Sixth Prince is still young, his temperament not yet matured. I beg Head Ming's understanding."
"Your Highness flatters this humble subject… if fault lies anywhere, it lies with me."
Who was he to warrant an apology from both the Crown Princess and a prince?
Even if her words were only meant as courtesy, Ming Pixu was so flustered that he stood up at once.
"This humble subject—"
"There is no need to be alarmed. Let us consider the previous misunderstanding erased."
Yun Shu gestured for him to sit, her expression as serene and composed as ever.
"As for the price of the cement formula… we shall go with what you proposed. Sixty thousand taels it shall be."
"…Yes, Your Highness."