Ming Dynasty and New Rome and Infinite Magic Machine

Chapter 1558 The Kirin Child

"Oh my!"

Upon hearing Shangluo's decision, Zhu Xianxi was greatly shocked: "I never expected you to actually make a decision. I thought you would never go. You, are you really determined?"

"I'd like to ask, so why haven't you tried to persuade me to see my father, Senior Brother?"

"Because this is your family matter. I'm not used to interfering in other people's family affairs. After all, I'm clueless about my own family matters, so how can I give advice to others? Don't force yourself to listen to Zhu Ling's words."

“No, I didn’t force myself. It was her. She inspired me. She told me that I could be the head of the household and that I should be in charge of the household affairs.”

"You're really going against the grain! You're not the head of the household, are you? But if this is what you want, I support you. You've been away from home for so long, you should hand over the household registration book to me. You won't hand over the household registration book, and you won't give me the key to the secret stash either. I don't know what you're up to."

He seemed to be talking about his own father.

"Ahem." Zhu Xianxi took a sip of tea. "In short, if that's what you think, then it's definitely a good thing. To be honest, I don't quite understand your father, just as I don't quite understand mine. Because they have other things to do outside of the family. And then they leave the family and go to other places because of these things, which is understandable."

"I...I actually have a question. Senior brother, do you know where my mother is?"

“I really don’t know—really, I’m not lying to you. Because I don’t even know what your father is doing, how could I know who your mother is?”

"So, what exactly is the Qilin Child?"

"It's pi."

"What does this mean?"

"What I mean is that the Qilinzi is an irrational number that cannot be rounded up, but it is the cornerstone of many of our systems. We cannot avoid the existence of the Qilinzi when discussing many issues—it's like, if humans are not special beings in this world, how can we convince ourselves that humans can cultivate immortality? The problem of the Qilinzi is similar to this. Before that, Shangluo, let me ask you a question: Is the Earth round?"

"Of course the Earth is round."

Does the sun revolve around the earth?

"That depends on your perspective. Motion is relative. If we observe from Earth, then the orbits of all things in the universe can be drawn on the celestial sphere."

"Hey, having this viewpoint shows you're at a very high level. We think the same way—our idea is: if the path of cultivation is feasible, then in this vast world, are we the only ones who can achieve immortality? If the path of immortality is truly correct, if humanity can truly achieve immortality, then we might not be the first. So we speculate that in other historical periods, or on other planets in our world, there might be civilizations that have already ascended. And if so, could they lend a hand and help us?"

"Ah," Shangluo said, rubbing his forehead, "I think I understand. I think I understand."

"So do you understand? So your existence proves this."

"But my hometown isn't a place for cultivators."

"Your hometown proves the greatness and omnipotence of humankind. The so-called cultivation of immortality is all about one breath. You boosted the confidence of all of us at a crucial moment, allowing us to face future challenges with the greatest optimism. In fact, not long ago, the path to ascension was still quite slim, but we did not give up. We persevered until the moment of success."

"Actually, by the time I actually returned to the capital region, many things had already been accomplished, right?"

"Yes, that's right—if we all wait for you to do it, wouldn't that be like praying to the gods? So let's just light some incense from the start. Whether you come or not, we have to do it. But sometimes even we ourselves can't say for sure how long we can do it or how far we can go. And if we know that we are on the right path, that will allow us to keep going on unswervingly—oh, of course."

He paused for a moment: "Our relationship developed later. We weren't close at first, right? We just occasionally ate breakfast together. Now you're like my younger brother, and we only became close later. Our relationship has nothing to do with you being a prodigy. After all, if I really didn't like you, I could have provided for you and treated you like royalty. I wouldn't be making you suffer with me like this. It's easy for me to share wealth, but sharing hardship is a different story."

"Oh well, there's no way around it, the braised pork hock is just too delicious."

"You appreciate our family's eating habits, which seems to be the beginning of our growing relationship—those people don't know what's good for them. People live to eat meat, so eating more is the right thing to do. What's the point of eating so many vegetables? Radishes and cabbages won't thank you for it. But Shangluo, actually, I was thinking, we always order food from outside, right?"

"correct."

"How about we make it ourselves next time? I can make braised pork knuckle too, hehe."

"?????"

"Then I'll wait for you to come back! I'll practice before you get back. Don't worry, I've already bought the stove, it's just sitting there. I'll practice by myself first, and then we'll eat together when you get back."

"Wait, isn't it supposed to be braised pork knuckle?"

"See, you don't understand this. This is the difference between hanging oven roasted duck and closed oven roasted duck. Hanging oven roasted duck requires an open flame and is cooked directly by the fire. Closed oven roasted duck is cooked by turning off the fire after it is heated up, and then slowly simmered by the residual heat and the water temperature of the ingredients themselves. What I'm going to do is the latter kind - stewing it in water. How can it not be as good as Jinling Hotel's braised pork knuckle? The braised pork knuckle I'm making for you will definitely have a completely different and brand-new flavor."

"How about adding two more pieces of beef?"

"Just grill big chunks of beef? Hey, that's a great idea. Let me think about whether I can put other things in to grill together."

"Well, have you finished discussing it with your senior brother?" Fae was waiting for him in the car downstairs.

"Well, that's it."

"What did you say?"

"He's coming back for barbecue. He just bought a grill and is going to practice on his own first."

"Didn't you go ask him about the Qilin child?"

"Well, he didn't go into details, but it seems like he said everything."

Indeed. He's said everything he could, but there's one crucial point you didn't ask him: So why are you still with the old business?

"In the end, I didn't ask." Shangluo looked at the sky. "This is our own problem, so let's not bother others. What I want to ask is simply what I mean to the Ming Dynasty, and that's enough. I really like my current job, and I cherish this opportunity to contribute to everyone. After all, the food here is just so delicious."

"You really are responsible; you don't bother others with your own affairs."

"The key point isn't really about the trouble. I still want to hear my father say these things himself. It just doesn't feel right to ask him about them from someone else."

“Tsk.” Phaethon shook his head. “I’m starting to think about my own affairs. My problem is also quite troublesome. Actually, I’ve always had a question—what exactly was the whole process of me becoming who I am now, and what did he have to give to become who he is now?”

"."

Why did your expression suddenly change?

"."

“Actually, I was going to ask you. But what you just said makes a lot of sense—I still want to hear what my father himself has to say about this kind of thing.” “That’s right, there are some questions that I still have to ask my father himself,” Victoria suddenly said from the back seat.

"Huh?" Shang Luo was taken aback. "Why are you here? Weren't you at home?"

"Because this matter is very important, I came here to listen."

"It wouldn't be good if my senior brother found out I'd leave you waiting downstairs."

"I didn't get off the bus here because I was afraid of causing trouble. Going upstairs would only add to his burden. Shangluo, where do we go now?"

"I should go buy some supplies; after all, I'm going out. Let's go to the department store. And... I'm wondering if I should bring some gifts?"

"You actually know to bring a gift when visiting someone's home! You never brought anything when you visited Victoria's father."

"That was before. Now that I'm the head of the household, I naturally have to take responsibility. So, what should I give as a gift?"

What should I give as a gift?

Less than 10 minutes later, Shangluo turned around and went upstairs again.

"A gift, huh?" Zhu Xianxi thought for a moment. "You've come to the right person. My main job is researching how to distribute and give these gifts. You want to give a gift to Emperor Agassiz, right? That's simple, I'll tell you—give him Korean paper."

"Korean paper? Why Korean paper?"

“Hey, you don’t understand. There’s a lot of etiquette involved in giving Korean paper as a gift here,” Zhu Xianxi explained. “First of all, Korean paper was a tribute item. Giving away the finest tribute items was a sign of goodwill. Secondly, as a handicraft, Korean paper is indeed very suitable as a gift because it’s practical. And the good thing about Korean paper is that it’s cheap. Your wallet isn’t exactly overflowing, is it?”

Shangluo nodded.

"So, Korean paper is the perfect gift. It's cheap, practical, meaningful, and you can't go wrong. Here, when we don't know what gift to give, we often give Korean paper. If you buy it as a gift, department stores will package it like a regular gift—but the Joseon Dynasty wasn't as good as the previous Goryeo Dynasty in many ways. They couldn't make celadon ware, and their Korean paper wasn't as good either. If you look at many ancient Song Dynasty paintings, the Korean paper on them is excellent. So, you should be selective when you go."

Are there many different types of Korean paper?

"Yes, but be careful not to buy the wrong kind. Some are wrapping paper, and some are wallpaper. If you're buying it as a gift, you can go to Korea Department Store and buy the 'Korea Gongjian' brand. It's sold by the foot, and you can cut it yourself after buying it. It's great for letter paper or other purposes. Government departments need a lot of letter paper, including for personal letters. It's a very practical gift. When young people give gifts, don't give anything too extravagant or expensive. Some stationery items are fine."

“Your senior brother really picked the right one.” Victoria looked at the “Goryeo tribute paper” she had just bought.

Although it was just paper, it was placed in a fragrant wood box, neatly wrapped in silk, and stamped with a seal reserved for tribute items. Not only did it fully meet the standards of a national gift, but it also only cost 1800 coins in total.

While 1800 coins is indeed expensive for everyday use—enough to buy 600 bottles of Coke—it's about the same price as a gift, like bringing a bottle of wine when visiting your father-in-law for the first time.

Gift-quality packaging, priced like a regular present. As the cheapest and most transparently priced of the Four Treasures of the Study, Korean paper is indeed a very appropriate choice. Furthermore, Zhu Xianxi also mentioned that young people are indeed more suited to receiving thoughtful and understated gifts, rather than ostentatious ones.

"Then wait a moment." Shangluo borrowed paper and pen from the service counter, wrote his message, signed his name, and then put it into the box before the packaging was finished. Finally, he added his personal seal in addition to the tribute seal on the outside.

“Okay, that’s all done.” He handed the wrapped paper to Victoria. “I’m leaving it to you to keep. Please give it to your father.”

"Tsk."

"what happened?"

You haven't given me any gifts yet, have you?

"Haven't we delivered quite a few things over the years? I even made breakfast this morning."

“I’m talking about gifts, formal gifts. Have you ever given me a formal gift? Like this one.”

"Oh, how about I buy another one?"

"No, I won't write."

"Then you want the other three of the Four Treasures of the Study? The price will be sky-high, you know. There's no fixed price for brushes, ink, and inkstones."

"You're good at asking questions, aren't you? Go ask your senior brother again."

"How can I ask that? I'm giving you a gift, I should be asking for your opinion."

“If you’re going to ask that,” Victoria suddenly realized something, “should I also buy a gift for your father?”

You finally noticed. I was just wondering when would be the best time to remind you.

"Is it appropriate for me to buy here?" Victoria asked.

"That's not appropriate. He's from Yingtian Prefecture. Buying things from your hometown for him is like a gift between friends. As a friend of your son, it would be better to give him some local specialties."

"If we're talking about Roman specialties, aluminum tableware?"

Do you guys use this thing now?

"Yes. Aluminum is a very expensive type of tableware. At banquets, sometimes only the emperor can eat from aluminum pots, while others can only use gold or silver pots."

[This is true; in the current Roman ceremonial system, aluminum was ranked above gold and silver. Although the price of aluminum has decreased in recent years, this system has not been changed.]

"Wow, this thing looks really valuable!"

"Shangluo, are you laughing at me?!"

[When they were conducting exercises in the north, to shield themselves from the reconnaissance of some guy with superhuman eyesight, they even put an aluminum pot over his head. It seems the price of aluminum here is falling even faster.]

"Hey, hey, hey." Shang Luo shook his head. "This one is fine. Of course, it should be sent according to Roman standards. I think my father will be happy to receive it."

"Really? That's great. I don't know him very well yet."

"I don't think anyone can get to know him well, not even me. Anyway, we've done what we were supposed to do. The rest is up to the old men to say."

(End of this chapter)