The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 91

Let's decorate the car with license plate number 001 a bit more carefully, make it look nicer, and deliver it to Zheng Xie tomorrow.

Then he told Wang Anping his guess and advised him and his family not to go out for the next few days, just in case. He then waited for Ma Yuan and Cai Xiaowu to come back and report if there were any new developments.

"That's easy. Does Brother Zheng have any culinary skills by his side? He can come to this shop and learn for a few days. I guarantee he'll learn it pretty well. That way, no matter where Brother Zheng goes, he can still enjoy the taste of this place." Xu Tian said directly when this was mentioned.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xie raised an eyebrow, momentarily tempted: "That is indeed a wonderful method, but..."

After saying that, he thought for a moment and then changed the subject, saying, "Let's not. The techniques used in this shop are unique to this place and can not be found anywhere else in Xiangyang. It is clear that they are well kept secret. There is no need to reveal the secret because of my slight greed for food."

"I appreciate your kindness."

Xu Tian was about to try to persuade her again when Zheng Xie waved her hand, saying, "My mind is made up, please don't say anything more."

Since his attitude was so firm, Xu Tian had no choice but to give up.

"Although I haven't been here for very long, upon reflection, Xiangyang is quite different from other places. It seems that the local customs are more prosperous, and it is quite a sight to see ordinary people playing cards and chess while drinking tea."

"I've never heard the songs that children sing on the streets and alleys before. They're so lively and catchy that I even made a few notes. Besides that, there are other things, like the old people listening to ghost stories on the dike."

"In short, there are many novel aspects, and I will definitely miss this place after I leave."

Indeed, playing cards and chess has become popular in and around the city. Combined with the tea shops and taverns on the streets, it has created a synergistic effect, making life quite leisurely.

"I think it's because this place is relatively peaceful. Li Jiedu and you also deserve credit for this. Only by winning the battle can we keep the people safe."

"It's the principle that when people have enough to eat and wear, they learn etiquette. When life is prosperous and stable, people have the leisure and mind to pursue better things," Xu Tian said.

“You’re right, that’s the truth. But good teachings are also essential, otherwise many will go astray. That’s why books are so important.”

Zheng Zhu continued, "Although I will no longer be in Xiangyang, I still hope that your printing technology improvement will go smoothly, and I hope that one day I will see your printed books in the north."

"Don't worry, at the latest next year, the books printed with the new technology will definitely be on the market. I can't say they'll be available everywhere in the north, but they'll definitely be sold in Chang'an and Luoyang within a few years," Xu Tian assured him.

"Yes, I'll wait and see."

"Brother Zheng, have you decided on a specific date for your departure? I'll come to see you off."

"The specific date has not yet been set, but I really need the people. Preparations have already begun these past few days, and we will set off as soon as the transportation is arranged."

"I'm afraid there won't be time to tell you then, so you don't need to come to see me off. I appreciate your kindness in advance."

“In that case, I won’t go. I don’t have anything to give you as a parting gift. The first batch of cars produced after the factory was built has just been made, so I will give the first one to Brother Zheng.”

"This is nothing precious, just a memento. I hope you won't refuse, Brother Zheng."

"Alright, I'll accept it without hesitation." Although Zheng Xie didn't know exactly what a car was, he agreed when he heard that it wasn't anything valuable.