How did a street urchin from the film crew end up in a Northern Song Dynasty drama called "The

"Hehe, Xi-ge'er, His Majesty is really short of money. We in the harem are scrimping and saving, but it's far from enough. If you have any good news, just tell us! You already have two imperial edicts, what are you afraid of?" Empress Cao said with a smile, her smile carrying a hint of warmth and expectation.

Jin Shuai smiled and handed the bottle of baijiu to Zhao Zhen, saying softly, "Your Majesty, try this." Zhao Zhen took the bottle, took a small sip, and his eyes lit up immediately. He exclaimed in delight, "What a strong liquor! It's spicy on the palate but has a mellow aftertaste. It's a good liquor, better than anything I've ever tasted. It's a pity there's only this small bottle."

“Your Majesty, there can be many, hehe.” Jin Shuai said with a smile, his eyes revealing confidence and satisfaction.

"Xi-ge'er, did you create this?" Empress Cao asked curiously, her gaze falling on Marshal Jin, trying to find the answer from his expression.

Jin Shuai nodded and smiled, "It was indeed made by me. I came here today to discuss this matter with the Sage."

Empress Cao smiled slightly, secretly admiring Marshal Jin's intelligence. Knowing that Marshal Jin's actions must have a deeper meaning, she pressed on, "Xi-ge'er, just tell me what you want to exchange these two things for!"

Jin Shuai thought to himself, "As expected of the Empress, she is intelligent, kind-hearted, and composed." He took a deep breath and slowly said, "The royal family will buy out 7% of my shares and designate a piece of land in the city to build a workshop area. In the future, brewing, clothing making, and glassmaking will all take place in that area, and it will be heavily guarded. What does Your Majesty think?" Jin Shuai asked earnestly.

Zhao Zhen frowned, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Building a workshop area is a good thing, but why send so many troops to guard it? What is the meaning of this?" He was puzzled by this request.

Jin Shuai smiled slightly and explained, “The formula cannot be leaked! Otherwise, how will you make money? Do you think all the officials in the court are wholeheartedly devoted to the country? I am worried that I cannot protect these secret formulas, so I chose to cooperate with you. After all, without intellectual property protection, I can only seek Your Majesty’s help instead of cooperating with the court.”

Zhao Zhen was still somewhat confused after hearing this, and continued to ask, "What's the difference between seeking my help and seeking help from the imperial court?"

Jin Shuai's lips curled into a smile as he countered, "Then may I ask Your Majesty, can you use the funds in the national treasury as you please? For example, if you wish to bestow 100,000 strings of cash upon the Empress, is that permissible?"

Zhao Zhen shook his head with a wry smile, indicating that it was no good, and explained, "It certainly won't pass in the court."

"The ministers will definitely say you're arrogant and extravagant, and you won't even have a chance to say anything. Being an emperor like that would be incredibly frustrating," Jin Shuai said with a laugh.

"Hehe, you speak so carelessly, you don't even watch your mouth in the palace," Empress Cao said, covering her mouth with a laugh.

"Your Majesty, cooperating with you means it's your own money. Once we have the money, we can spend it however we want. When you want to go out and have fun at a certain restaurant, you can simply wave your hand and say that all the expenses for today will be paid by Young Master Zhao. Isn't that dashing and imposing look much better than him frowning over money in the court? Just imagine it, isn't it?" Jin Shuai said slyly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen laughed heartily: "Haha, that's exactly right. I can even imagine that scene."

"Alright, I know you've been scheming against me, but I'd rather see what it means to be rich, as you say. From now on, if you have something to say, just tell me what you're going to do," Zhao Zhen said.

“Then I’ll say it! Consider the money from the commercial street sales as a buyout of my intellectual property rights for liquor and glass. I will continue to manufacture and sell the liquor and glass from now on. After deducting costs, you will receive 70% of the proceeds. The land, workers, and soldiers for the workshop area will be provided by His Majesty,” Jin Shuai said with a smile.