New Song Dynasty: My Wife is an Imperial Princess

"The Princess's residence already has a solution to this problem."

Before Wanyan Xi could give any instructions, Xiao Li continued to act as her spokesperson, "Before you all find the raw materials in your respective territories, you can purchase them from Youzhou. Transporting ore is much safer than transporting glass, and you don't have to worry about losses due to breakage. It can save a lot of money and time."

"Buy from Youzhou?" Zhuo Luwang sneered, clearly dissatisfied with Wanyan Xi's plan. "In other words, besides exchanging grain for technology, we also have to spend money to buy materials. Your Highness really knows how to do business."

"That's right. If we calculate it this way, aren't we just making money for Youzhou? How much profit can we possibly make for ourselves?"

"Is the Seventh Princess trying to offend all the royal family and tribes present by doing this?"

Seeing that everyone present had been instigated by Zhuo Luwang and was criticizing the Princess's Mansion for its disgraceful behavior, Xiao Li immediately began to shout, "Please calm down and let me finish what I have to say."

Seeing that the other party still had something to say, the hall gradually quieted down again. Everyone was there to discuss cooperation, and naturally no one wanted to make a fatal mistake before the talks broke down. Since the princess's residence had other arrangements, it was better to let them finish speaking.

“The princess’s residence would never do such a thing. For any tribe that exchanges grain for craftsmanship, the Youzhou Glass Workshop will not only teach them everything they need to know, but also provide them with the raw materials for making glass for free.”

As soon as Miss Xiao Li said this, it naturally caused everyone to be stunned once again. However, this time, Xiao Li did not wait for their discussion to subside before she continued, "Of course, such free gifts will not always be available. The Princess's Mansion stipulates that three catties of ore can be exchanged for one catty of grain. Therefore, you can receive 30,000 shi of ore as a free gift. After that, you will need to exchange it for grain. I wonder if you all think such conditions are fair?"

"So, we're exchanging 10,000 shi of grain for 30,000 shi of ore, plus the crafting process?"

Upon receiving Xiao Li's affirmative answer, everyone present fell into deep thought. After a long period of studying and calculating, everyone felt that this deal was worthwhile, and more than ten people immediately expressed their willingness to accept the plan of exchanging grain for technology.

The princess's residence was also quite well prepared, and immediately produced a pre-prepared contract, which was signed by both parties with no deception.

According to the contract, if they wanted Youzhou to teach them the glassmaking technique, they had to pay enough grain first. More than ten tribal leaders took their leave and left. They needed to return to their respective tribes as quickly as possible and then gather enough grain to transport to Youzhou.

Looking at the dozen or so contracts handed over by Xiao Li, Wan Yanxi finally breathed a sigh of relief. 120,000 shi of grain should be enough to feed the 80,000 people in Youzhou City for a year.

As the leaders filed out, only the Fourth Prince Wanyan Aru and Zhuo Luwang remained in the large living room.

Wanyan Xi waved to Xiao Li, then turned her gaze to the two of them: "I wonder if Fourth Brother and Prince Zhuo Lu intend to exchange grain for crafts, or to purchase finished products?"

Wanyan Aru crossed his arms and smiled faintly at Wanyan Xi's question: "My residence is in Liaoyang, which is also the residence of my fourth sister. I presume that my sister and my fourth sister have already reached an agreement. I have no say in the glass business in Liaoyang, so why bother?"

Both Wanyan Xi and Wanyan Ling were born to Empress Tangkuo. She knew very well who was closer to her brother, who was only half her blood relative. Wanyan Aru certainly knew that he could not take over the glass business in Liaoyang.

"The reason I have come here is naturally for the glass cup that I accidentally broke. I hope that my royal sister can replace it for me and make a new set. Of course, if my royal sister finds it troublesome, she can tell my royal brother the crafting process and I will order the craftsmen to make it myself."

Wanyan Xi snorted coldly. She hadn't expected Wanyan Aru to have such a big appetite; what he was after was actually the craft of glassware making.

“Your Majesty should be able to realize that the craftsmanship of flat glass and glass teaware is completely different. The former is just a minor skill, while the latter is the secret of Youzhou City. Otherwise, the value of glass teaware would not be so high. Your Majesty’s actions are severing the foundation of Youzhou.”

“Why must you speak so seriously, my sister? I am only trying to make up for what I lack.” Seeing Wanyan Xi’s face gradually darken, Wanyan Aru knew that he had probably crossed her line. “Since you have said so, my sister, I will not insist. Just make up for the lack of a tea set. I can pay for it.”

"Five thousand taels for a cup and saucer, thirty thousand taels for a set. If Your Majesty thinks it's too expensive, you may leave now."

Wanyan Aru was almost shocked by Wanyan Xi's price. Back in Liaoyang, he had only spent 20,000 taels to buy the same set that his father used. Now the price had increased by half. Did Wanyan Xi really think he was a fat sheep?

"Let me give you a piece of advice, Seventh Sister: don't go too far." Since they didn't see eye to eye, Wanyan Aru didn't bother arguing further. She stood up, flicked her sleeves, and strode out the door without pausing for a moment.

Seeing that no one was around, Zhuo Luwang stood up from his seat: "My Zhuo Lu tribe is not near any city, so even if we have glass, we have nowhere to sell it. We came here just to watch the fun. I hope the princess will understand."

"It's alright. Even if the deal falls through, we can still be on good terms. If Prince Zhuo Lu is interested in the future, the Princess of Youzhou will be ready to welcome you at any time."

Zhuo Luwang bowed to the Fourth Princess beside him, then turned and quickly left. Arriving at the gate of the Princess's residence, he indeed saw Wanyan Aru mounting his horse, preparing to depart.

"Fourth Prince, please wait. Zhuo Lu has prepared wine and dishes in the camp. Would the Fourth Prince do me the honor of joining us?"

Wanyan Aru snorted coldly: "I am not familiar with the Crown Prince."

Zhuo Luwang was not angry at Wanyan Aru's rude remarks. He took the reins from the guard, put his left foot in the stirrup, and mounted the horse cleanly and swiftly. He then spurred the horse and chased after the direction the Fourth Prince had left in.

Soon, the two riders rode side by side, and Zhuo Luwang asked softly, "I have a matter that I do not know how to decide. Could Your Highness please give me some guidance?"

Wanyan Aru glanced at the other party and saw a hint of mockery on Zhuo Luwang's face.

"What problem has the young master encountered? Why don't you tell us?"

"The Seventh Princess's glass business is indeed a good one. To be honest, I really want the rights to sell the glass, but I don't want to spend money to send grain. Fourth Prince, what do you think should be done about this?"