The Great Xia Dynasty's Longevity Begins with Connecting to the Swallowed Starry Sky

When Fan Xian entered, he only saw a dignified middle-aged man sitting there handling matters.

He didn't say anything. He had met Aunt Liu today, and she had given him a hard time.

Although he wasn't fooled, he already knew that not everyone in this family was as naive as Fan Sizhe.

He liked and loved his younger sister, Fan Ruoruo, very much.

But Fan Ruoruo is also very cunning, which is why she can easily manipulate Fan Sizhe.

He stood there, utterly respectful.

He still didn't know what the father of this Vice Minister of Revenue, Emperor Qing's childhood playmate, was thinking.

Fan Jian has the Tiger Guards, the best soldiers in the Qing Kingdom army, at his disposal.

That was a Red-Armored Knight. Although he had promised to come, he didn't have a Red-Armored Knight escort him.

But Fan Xian knew that Hongjia had been following him at a distance throughout the journey, never straying far from him.

Fan Jian, who was able to command such an army, was no ordinary person either.

Despite still possessing the arrogance of a modern time traveler, Fan Xian also deeply respects his father in this body.

As for those things about him that are out of place with him, such as taking a concubine, modern people are all monogamous.

But he still held his father in the highest esteem.

Fan Xian wanted to investigate the cause of Ye Qingmei's death. Since he couldn't get the answer from Wu Zhu, he had to find out for himself.

Fan Jian will undoubtedly be his backer.

The situation in Qingdu is extremely complex.

This was already known from the rough overview of the forces in Qingdu obtained from the letter sent by that gentleman earlier.

This wait lasted for quite a while.

It wasn't until night fell and it was time for dinner that we continued.

After finishing his work, Fan Jiancai looked up and saw Fan Xian still standing straight.

For a seventh-rank martial artist, this is just an afternoon of standing at attention; it's nothing.

Moreover, Fan Xian can move around freely, but he can't make any big movements so as not to disturb Fan Jian.

"So, what are your thoughts now that you've arrived in the capital?"

Fan Jian didn't seem to feel any distance from Ye Qingmei; his feelings for her had all been transferred to Fan Xian.

Although he also had some doubts, Fan Jian investigated far fewer things compared to Chen Pingping.

Although this was the first time the father and son had met since they were children.

Fan Jian appeared very serious.

However, Fan Xian's condescending attitude as a time traveler did not disappear.

"It's just so-so. Although it's more prosperous than Danzhou, it's still just so-so."

that's it?
Fan Jian smiled; he knew Fan Xian wasn't telling the truth.

Ye Qingmei's inner treasury has greatly contributed to the economic development of Qingdu.

Qingdu underwent several renovations and became extremely prosperous.

The capital of Northern Qi was incomparable.

"Then what are your plans?"

Although they were father and son, Fan Jian harbored some special feelings for him, seeing him as a continuation of Ye Qingmei's life.

However, Fan Jian has a complex mind and doesn't easily reveal his emotions.

Although she could tell that Fan Xianyan was not being sincere, she did not speak, but continued to ask questions.

Fan Xian thought for a moment, but instead of revealing what he wanted to do there, he said, "I don't have any grand ambitions."

All he wanted was to make more money, live a peaceful life, be incredibly wealthy, have beautiful wives and concubines, and live a life of dashing charm.

Although these are my true thoughts, I will only do these things after I have investigated the cause of my mother Ye Qingmei's death.

This woman is simply amazing.

Her story is truly legendary.

Fan Xian felt that the other party had indeed followed the traditional path of time travelers, but why did they suddenly disappear without a trace?

Fan Jian did not refute this, but asked again, "Then where did your initial capital come from?"

Don't even think about sponging off your parents. Although your family isn't short of money, you're an illegitimate child.

Fan Jian actually prefers Ye Qingmei's son, and if he could, he would give all his family's wealth to Fan Xian.

However, you can't say it like that.

Fan Xian replied almost immediately: "It's very simple. Make soap, manufacture glass, sugar, what can't we make? And these luxury items are quite expensive."

Fan Jian raised an eyebrow: "Your mother, Ye Qingmei, has already done all of this. Moreover, this is a business exclusively for the Imperial Treasury; private individuals are not allowed to engage in it without the court's permission."

what?
Fan Xian remembered that some novel items had been mentioned in the previous letters.

He didn't know what it was at first.

Thinking back now, when he returned to his own courtyard, it seemed as if there was glass in the windows as well.

"You time-traveling mother, you've blocked all my paths to wealth."

Fan Xian was a little confused at this point, but thinking about it, he was just saying it.

He didn't actually know how to make any of the essential items for a time traveler.

I know some of the basic principles, but even knowing that, it's extremely difficult to replicate those things.

Perhaps the only thing he was confident he could produce was movable type printing?
But he dared not do it.

The intellectual class would absolutely not allow this.

As a liberal arts student, Fan Xian has read a great many books, including many novels.

He could make money from soap and glass, but he dared not easily touch movable type printing.

This is because it would affect the monopoly of knowledge held by aristocratic families.

Although books have become much cheaper due to the widespread use of block printing.

It's important to know that during the Three Kingdoms period, a book could cost anywhere from a few taels to tens of taels of silver, or even hundreds of taels.

Yes, back then, books were still made using bamboo slips.

A book might need to be transported by horse-drawn carriage.

Therefore, books were extremely precious at that time.

With the invention of paper and the invention and popularization of woodblock printing, the price of books has been greatly reduced.

This has already provided ordinary people with a path to upward mobility.

But most of them are definitely still controlled by powerful families.

Fan Jian smiled, but this smile startled Fan Xian: "What's wrong?"

Fan Jian said, "If you want to get rich, there is a simple way."

"what?"

He married the daughter of Prime Minister Lin.

"what?"

Fan Xian never expected that after he returned, his father would expect him to live off his father.

He said he has good teeth and can eat soft food.

But he still prefers the chicken leg girl.

Fan Jian revealed some personnel relationships: "Wan'er's biological mother is the Eldest Princess, and she is currently in charge of the Imperial Treasury."

If you marry Wan'er, the financial control of these underwear will be in your hands in the future.

"You are naturally wealthy and can eat whatever you want."

But Fan Xian shook his head vigorously: "No."

He would never tell anyone that he has someone he likes.

Fan Xian noticed the ancients the moment they clashed.

I underestimated the ancients.

The same thing happened with Aunt Liu before. Although her methods were rather crude, the other party's status prevented her from using force.

Fan Jian is still his father, and there are many things he cannot do.

After a conversation, Fan Jian did not press the matter.

Anyway, there's still plenty of time. Fan Xian is only sixteen. Let's wait a few more years.

We'll put this matter on the agenda after I've reached adulthood.

Fan Jian also had some guesses about Ye Qingmei's death.

To ensure Fan Xian's life, it is necessary to master certain methods.

It's good that he's alive; the Red-Armored Knight can protect his home.

But what if he dies?
Moreover, the Imperial Treasury was originally established by Ye Qingmei, and Fan Xian is simply inheriting his mother's business, so he has the right to it.

Unfortunately, Fan Jian still has some issues with his mindset.

He didn't seem to intend to get to know these people in the capital well, nor did he intend to delve deeper into their lives.

How can he guarantee his own safety if he stays outside the arena of power?

Fan Jian frowned as he watched Fan Xian leave.

In Qingdu, there are too many people who want Fan Xian dead and don't want him to take over the Imperial Treasury.

Besides Li Yunrui, there are many others.

This includes Fan Jian's political enemies, as well as Lin Xiang and others.

Even within the Si Nanbo mansion, Aunt Liu was unwilling.

Fan Sizhe is Aunt Liu's biological son, so she naturally has to consider the interests of her own son.

Fan Jian is shrewd and calculating, but he also has some headaches when it comes to family matters.

Fan Sizhe is unambitious and a complete fool.

The eldest son who was switched is already dead.

The future glory, wealth, and safety of the Fan family all depend on someone's help.

Fan Xian is the best candidate.

It wasn't in vain that I traded my eldest son for the other party's life back then.

But what about Fan Xian's thoughts and personality?

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. We'll take it slow."

This child lived in Danzhou for sixteen years and has just returned, so naturally he still needs to be slowly trained.

Although his mother was in Danzhou, she naturally didn't provide much guidance or support for Fan Xian.

My mother is getting old and there are some things she can no longer do, so it's not appropriate for her to do that.

Perhaps, even if his mother didn't want Fan Xian to return to the capital.

But sitting in Fan Jian's position, he also has many things to consider.

Emperor Qing's trust and suspicion, as well as the imperial decree he announced, which stipulated that whoever married Lin Wan'er would have control of the Imperial Treasury's finances.

His implication was that he wanted Fan Xian to marry Lin Wan'er.

This was something the two of them tacitly agreed to.

However, it seems that this matter will not be so easily accomplished.

Fan Jian pondered how to handle this matter.

This is not an easy task.

After Fan Xian left, Fan Ruoruo came over with several food boxes.

"Brother, I had someone go to Sihailou to buy you some food. Let's eat together."

Fan Sizhe followed behind, looking at Fan Xian with a submissive expression and a less than friendly gaze.

He had always known of Fan Xian's existence, but was he an illegitimate child?

Although Fan Sizhe was not a legitimate son, his mother was only a concubine.
But there are no other concubines in the mansion. Doesn't everything in the Fan mansion belong to him?
Aunt Liu had said some things to him before, and he hadn't forgotten them all.

Fan Xian did not reject Fan Sizhe. To be honest, although all the channels he envisioned for getting rich had been blocked by his mother, Ye Qingmei, a transmigrator.

But there are other ways for him to make money.

Putting aside other examples, Dream of the Red Chamber is a very good one.

He has his own plans and will not be easily swayed by a mere five bushels of rice.

It will probably take a few setbacks before they accept it.

But how could a transmigrator like him have risen to that level? He's still a seventh-rank martial artist.

For a moment, he forgot that his own mother was also a time traveler who had created two behemoths, the Censorate and the Imperial Treasury, and yet she was still dead.

"come in."

Fan Xian spoke, and only after hearing this did Fan Sizhe cautiously enter.

Fan Ruoruo smiled; she knew her older brother wasn't the kind of person to be petty.

When she was a child, she was bullied by the steward when she returned to Danzhou, and it was her older brother who helped her.

She put down the food box and asked Fan Sizhe to bring in the remaining food boxes and take out the dishes inside one by one.

The others were nothing special, just things like braised pork knuckles.

But the last few dishes surprised Fan Xian.

"This is?"

"This is a delicacy of Sihailou Restaurant. Don't be fooled by this dish; it's just cabbage, but it's cooked in chicken broth. This dish is called Boiled Cabbage in Broth."

Boiled cabbage in clear broth?
I go.

As a liberal arts student, how could he not know about state banquet dishes?

Don't be fooled by the fact that it's just a cabbage dish; it's actually extremely complicated to make and takes a long time to prepare.

Needless to say, the price is also a factor.

Fan Xian looked at the last dish that was served and said, "Don't tell me this is chicken tofu."

Fan Ruoruo was taken aback: "Big brother has been to Sihailou?"

Then she found it strange: "But I heard that Sihailou doesn't have a store in Danzhou. Currently, Sihailou only has stores in Qingdu, and there are only a few branches in nearby cities. The expansion speed is not fast. There definitely isn't one in Danzhou."

Fan Xian internally screamed "Holy crap!"

First there was the time traveler Ye Qingmei, and now there's another suspected time traveler?

Then he thought of the copy of Dream of the Red Chamber that he had made.

It's impossible for a time traveler not to know this; it's one of the Four Great Classical Novels.

Even if you haven't seen it much, it's still true.

Moreover, it's in middle school textbooks, including the famous story of Daiyu burying flowers.

He used the book with great joy, making Fan Ruoruo feel like a great writer and earning her a lot of money.

Even if the other party doesn't know the specific content of Dream of the Red Chamber, they are definitely telling the truth about this matter.

Society is dead.

Absolute social death.

Fan Xian could only be thankful that the other party hadn't seen him yet.

Then, the original author of Dream of the Red Chamber did not take the blame upon himself.

Instead, he chose a pen name and attributed it to Cao Xueqin.

Although others assumed it was his pen name, Fan Xian could only be thankful that he hadn't embezzled public funds.

Otherwise, if time travelers meet in the future, wouldn't they laugh at me?
"However, this companion who is suspected to be a time traveler is quite a good cook."

Fan Xian tasted a bite of boiled cabbage in clear broth, and it truly lived up to its reputation as a dish served at state banquets.

And as for the chicken tofu, given his past life's status and income, there was absolutely no way he would have had the chance to taste it.

Leaving aside the fact that it takes a long time, just consider the ingredients used and how they are processed.

Fan Xian knew that he couldn't afford to taste this in his previous life.

Fan Ruoruo said from the side, "Sihailou has mentioned the method of making this dish, which is said to be very time-consuming."

First, remove the tendons from the chicken breast, pound it into a paste, put it in a bowl, dissolve it with water, then add egg white, cornstarch, pepper, and 2 grams of Sichuan salt, and stir to make chicken paste.

Blanch the fresh bok choy hearts in boiling water, then rinse them in cold water and trim them neatly.

Then place the wok over high heat.

Add clear broth, salt, and bring to a boil. Then dilute the chicken paste with cold clear broth, stir well, and pour it into the pot. Gently stir a few times and bring to a simmer. Then move the pot to a low heat and steep for the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

Once the chicken paste has solidified into a snowflake-like consistency, first place the bok choy in a large soup bowl, then scoop the chicken tofu on top.

Pour MSG into a bowl with clear broth from the pot, and finally sprinkle chopped ham on top of the tofu pudding.

Fan Ruoruo exclaimed in surprise, "It is said that even a seasoned chef would need five or six hours to prepare just one small bowl of this dish."

Fan Xian was somewhat speechless: "So, how much does this bowl of chicken and tofu cost?"

Before Fan Ruoruo could speak, Fan Sizhe said, "This bowl will cost one hundred taels of silver."

consternation.

Fan Xian felt that he might not be able to continue living a carefree life.

It's not like the internal treasury can't be taken over.

Otherwise, they wouldn't even be able to afford a bowl of chicken and tofu pudding.

"And what about the boiled cabbage in clear broth?"

"Same."

Well, even cabbage is too expensive now.

As fellow time travelers, look at them, they've already opened countless branches of Sihailou.

They're making a fortune every day.

And what about yourself?

The seventh-rank martial artist was quite proud, after all, his peers probably couldn't compare to him.

But on the road to wealth, the other party has left him far behind.

and also.

Fan Xian suddenly remembered that someone had sent him a letter.

Could the other person be that time traveler?
How did he know I existed?

Fan Xian suddenly woke up with a start and asked, "Do you know who the owner of Sihai Tower is?"

He felt he needed to test the waters with the owner of Sihailou.

This person is probably his fellow time traveler.

Although they are companions, there are still things to be wary of.

"So that aura really might actually be the aura of Confucianism. The other party is probably not some weak scholar."

"do not know."

Fan Ruoruo shook her head directly, which surprised Fan Xian: "You don't know?"

How can this be.

"If the dishes at Sihailou are so expensive, it's clear that Sihailou makes a fortune every day. Doesn't anyone get envious?"

Even in modern society, there are commercial spies. He didn't believe that no one in this ancient, powerful society could see the interests of Sihailou.

Even if others don't speak for themselves, they probably wouldn't ignore it, not even their own cheap father, Fan Jian, the Duke of Sinan.

Even if the ingredients for this chicken tofu are expensive, one tael of silver should be enough.

That's a hundredfold profit.

He refused to believe that he could be ignored.

And what about the inner treasury? Could the eldest princess possibly overlook that?

Fan Ruoruo shook her head: "I don't know the specifics, but I've heard that many nights, strange noises have been heard coming from inside Sihailou. It seems that someone is trying to find out the secrets, and someone is trying to kidnap the chefs and waiters of Sihailou, but it's all in vain."

"How so?" Fan Xian asked, intrigued.

If the other party is a time traveler, and not someone who is completely powerless.

Therefore, the other party will certainly not be unaware of these methods of industrial espionage.

"It is said that each room on the third floor of Sihai Tower is guarded by at least two seventh-rank experts. Some people speculate that there are ninth-rank experts behind Sihai Tower, so even if someone covets it, Sihai Tower is still very stable."

Fan Xian also believed this.

With such a large profit, even a seventh-rank master would likely not be able to keep it.

Even reaching the ninth rank would be difficult.

But each restaurant has two seventh-rank masters stationed there.

Fan Xian, who was initially quite proud, suddenly became withdrawn.

He thought he was so great, already a seventh-rank official at such a young age.

It's not impossible for him to become a Grandmaster in the future.

But he found it strange that a seventh-rank expert suddenly became worthless.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Fan Ruoruo asked, puzzled.

Fan Sizhe saw right through him: "He must have heard that seventh-rank masters are worthless. And he's just jealous that they can make at least ninety-nine taels of silver from a single dish."

This is true.

Fan Xian became withdrawn because of the fact that the seventh-rank master's words were not very valuable.

Fan Xian didn't have much thought about the money involved later.

Although Ye Qingmei had blocked her path to sudden wealth, she wasn't entirely without other options.

Making money is actually very simple.

With so many tricks up his sleeve, Fan Xian wasn't without a way to figure it out.

He's essentially built up the pen name Cao Xueqin. If he copies other famous works later, he'll make a fortune.
Even if there are no masterpieces, aren't there many other works?
He was a liberal arts student, good at inventing and cooking, but he couldn't beat his time-traveling companions and seniors.

Can't we even plagiarize?
Fan Xian ignored Fan Sizhe; his younger brother was indeed too naive.

He was willing to go against him.

Is this the Fan family's property?
Let's put it aside for now.

But when he thought of the boiled cabbage in clear broth that cost a hundred taels of silver, he felt that he might not be able to completely let go of the Fan family's wealth.

Making money is tough.

They had to painstakingly copy texts, while others could simply hire a few cooks, sell a few dishes of boiled cabbage, and make their money back.

Of course, not everyone can afford to buy this boiled cabbage.

Ok?
Fan Xian suddenly felt his internal energy circulating faster: "This dish?"

Fan Ruoruo smiled and said, "Yes, I heard that some of the dishes at Sihailou are good for martial arts practitioners. That's why the business is booming and it's becoming increasingly popular lately."

Fan Xian became increasingly withdrawn. He had originally thought that there were indeed many wealthy people in Qingdu.

But there certainly aren't many people willing to spend a hundred taels of silver every day to buy it.

After all, although this dish is delicious, not many people can make it.

Eating it occasionally is a way of showing off and demonstrating one's wealth.

But not many people would buy it.

But now that people know this dish can help with spiritual practice, the number of people buying it every day will definitely be substantial.

Besides wealthy and powerful families, these martial artists will definitely also make a move.

You should know that martial artists have plenty of money.

Those who control military force essentially control wealth.

Martial artists like them would surely return with a full load when they went hunting in the mountains.

Even if we don't hunt tigers or brown bears.

There are also large wild animals such as wild boars and deer, so making money isn't actually that difficult.

only……

Fan Xian has really become somewhat withdrawn.

"Ruo Ruo, let's go to Sihailou tomorrow."

what?
Fan Ruoruo calculated her personal savings and then looked at the dishes she had bought today on the table.

Suddenly, I felt that my wealth might shrink even more.

Much of her wealth consisted of silk, books, and jewelry.

These things will not be sold unless absolutely necessary.

She doesn't have much cash on hand.

Qin Hao suddenly sensed something was amiss, and then, based on what someone had just reported, Fan Ruoruo had bought several food boxes from Sihailou and taken them away.

Qin Hao immediately guessed that Fan Xian might have deduced something from this.

"Unexpectedly, Fan Xian's tragic end started with this dish? However, this way, the scale of Fan Xian's future tragic deaths will be much less drastic. What a pity." (End of Chapter)