A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 423 Put it all in, put it all in!

Yelü Gou'er was very anxious.

He had only drunk two pots of tea when he saw that all these treasures had been bought by the others.

Moreover, the bidding is becoming increasingly fierce.

Unlike at the beginning, there weren't many people holding up signs to raise prices.

At this rate, there are still many people who haven't made a move. He guessed that these people were just waiting for that treasure to come out so they could raise the price like crazy.

Yelü Gou'er's eagerness was outwardly apparent, and the other two were also anxious, but had not yet shown it.

"Prime Minister Nan, let them buy first. Once the bidding starts, they'll have less money left to bid."

Yelü Shucheng put down his teacup and offered a word of comfort:
"Even if the Song people fight fiercely, with the value of 300,000 taels of silver and the gold my brother raised from our hometown, they will have a hard time competing with our Great Khitan."

Lü Demao nodded, "That's true."

They're spending a lot of money now, so when it comes time to auction that glass artifact, they'll have far fewer competitors.

But Yelü Gou'er didn't see it that way. In all his years in the army, he never cared whether he could survive or whether the enemy had any pity.

Only by having more chips in his hand can he better survive in the game.

Therefore, Yelü Gou'er believed that if Song Xuan were to sell that precious gyrfalcon secretly, it might not fetch a very high price.

However, since he made this treasure public and it became popular among the Song people, there must have been some inside story behind it, with someone acting as a shill, to sell it for a high price.

If His Majesty wants to fully control this treasure, the price he will have to pay will be enormous.

In the box.

The strategist Bai Zhen paid the money, took a perfume box, and placed it in front of the cave master.

"Master, the perfume set has been delivered."

The cave master of Wuyou Cave opened the exquisite wooden box, took out the perfumes, and removed the corks from each one to taste them.

He gave the ambergris bottle to Bai Zhen:

"I can't stand this smell, so I'll give it to you."

"Thank you, Cave Master."

The strategist, Bai Zhen, was not polite at all.

He was just trying to curry favor with the cave master, and he ended up getting rejected in the first round.

He made a point of settling the money there, so he wouldn't have to come back later to pay and take the items away; he could have the items delivered to him.

Bai Zhen didn't expect that everyone would be observing in the first round.

He managed to take it down just in time.

The cave master's actions only reinforced his aversion to sexual relations, and Bai Zhen dared not say anything more.

However, the cave master of Wuyou Cave found the ambergris incense utterly disgusting.

He knew it was all "fish excrement," which smelled particularly foul when the fishermen first discovered it.

It will only start to smell good once this pile of poop dries.

People still admire it greatly, saying it was formed from the saliva of a dragon and is a once-in-a-century phenomenon.

They're a bunch of idiots.

The cave master of Wuyou Cave gently sprinkled some feathers on himself.

It took a while.

The smell in the room actually made me feel much more comfortable.

"good."

He exclaimed in admiration, then put the stopper back in before closing the box again.

"Did you calculate how much these things sold for just now?"

"Reporting to the cave master, it's probably close to two hundred thousand strings of cash."

Two hundred thousand strings of cash.

The cave owner clicked his tongue twice:

"The powerful and wealthy people in Tokyo are indeed very generous; their prices are higher than the combined prices of our auctions over the past three months."

Bai Zhen nodded. The main reason was that since they were holding the event secretly underground, they couldn't collect money from ticket sales or similar fees.

It's usually customers who bring in new customers.

Their business also involved selling children, women, and some goods obtained from itinerant merchants.

They can sell goods without any cost, and these Tokyo merchants don't have to pay taxes when they buy the goods.

It's mutually beneficial for everyone.

Such a concentrated auction of royal treasures is extremely rare.

If they really find some good treasures, these leaders will definitely try to take advantage of them.

Only a small number end up at auctions.

The cave master of Worry-Free Cave chuckled, his voice beneath the mask extremely sinister:

"When Song Xuan auctions that treasure, remember to bid high and add fuel to the fire."

"Here."

The strategist, Bai Zhen, readily agreed.

They're here specifically to cause trouble.

Bai Zhen understood that the cave master was eager for Song Xuan's treasure to fetch a good price at auction.

Only then can trouble be stirred up.

They are capable of using others to do their dirty work.

"Ten thousand strings of cash!"

"One hundred thousand strings of cash."

Zhao Zhen almost jumped up:
"Even this bunch of rotten grapes can sell for 100,000 strings of cash!"

Everyone in the room was extremely excited upon hearing the result.

Cao Liyong also clenched his fist in his sleeve:

"I knew there were a lot of rich people in Tokyo."

Zhang Qi looked down at Song Xuan, who was sitting there supervising and controlling the whole scene, and realized he had underestimated him.

The price of 100,000 strings of cash didn't even make him blink.

Zhang Qi didn't know where Song Xuan got his confidence from, that he wasn't afraid someone would bid and not pay.

After all, there are probably people willing to do this kind of disruptive work.

Song Xuan had offended quite a few people on a regular basis, and it was common for some to secretly trip him up.

"The top scholar of the Song Dynasty".

Liu Congde was so excited that he almost stood up:

"Ten thousand strings of cash! The starting price was ten thousand strings of cash, but it was kept being bid up all the way."

Song Xuan looked around at the windows displaying prices on all four floors. He had just paid close attention to them and wondered if someone was deliberately driving up the prices, so he didn't need to have any shills prepared in advance.

Someone took care of it.

"Prefect Liu, sit tighter."

Song Xuan pressed down on Liu Congde's thigh, signaling him to stop shaking:
"This last item is the key item. It has only sold for a little over 300,000 guan so far. Our goal is one million guan."

"That leaves less than 700,000 strings of cash."

Liu Congde clenched his fists, still unable to hide his excitement.

Even if his family's wealth exceeded one million strings of cash, this was the one million strings of cash he personally handled; the feeling it gave was completely different.
Liu Congde genuinely wanted to make a name for himself and then continue this business.

"correct."

Song Xuan pressed down on his leg:

"You, Liu Congde, are the richest man in Tokyo. Is 100,000 strings of cash really something to excite you about?"

"Hey hey hey."

"Scholar Song, isn't this the first time I've done such a profitable business?"

"My heart is a little uneasy."

Liu Congde couldn't stop explaining to himself.

He still wouldn't dare to dream of becoming the richest man in Tokyo.

After all, their own resources were simply too limited.

"Be careful, this is just small change."

"Small change?"

As Liu Congde listened to Song Xuan's words of comfort, his heart pounded with anxiety.

This is no small amount of money!

Back when he was building the Yellow River dam, he went to great lengths to make money off the project, embezzling 100,000 strings of cash. Even so, he lost three or four pounds from the exhaustion, and this year he ate it all back.

This bunch of ripe, golden grapes alone could fetch 100,000 strings of cash. After taxes, there would be some royal treasures to go around.

Liu Congde roughly calculated that he could earn nearly 200,000 strings of cash in just one hour.

If Song Xuan's treasure fetches a high price at auction, who in the entire capital city won't spread the name of Liu Dalang?

After all, Song Xuan was the main figure operating under Liu Congde's name, and he was the one who would take the blame and demand money later on.

Liu Congde glanced at Song Xuan again.

He didn't understand why Song Xuan could be so calm, as if the 100,000 strings of cash were nothing at all.

From Liu Congde's perspective, the Song Xuan family was only slightly better than his own, especially since their branch had produced two spendthrift sons.

Song Xuan didn't become a miser; in fact, everyone in the entire capital city knew that following Song Taisui meant money was flowing to them like water.

Liu Congde had heard his second brother, Song Kang, mention the name "Timely Rain Song Twelve" when they were eating and drinking at Fanlou. He was truly a man who didn't care about money.

Liu Congde felt he couldn't be like Song Xuan, who didn't value money.

He's a rather stingy person; he prefers to hoard large sums of money in his own cellar rather than spend it elsewhere.

So Liu Congde was completely baffled. How could Song Xuan be so magnanimous?

"Master Song, shall we continue?"

"No need. You've worked hard for a long time. Let you and the other loud brothers relax for a while."

"Go and announce to them that the auction will continue after one incense stick's time, and only one treasure remains."

"My lord, I can still hold on."

"No need."

Song Xuan waved to Bai Jun, signaling for a halftime break.

"Thank you for your understanding, sir."

Bai Jun also wanted to drink some water to soothe his throat.

He put in a tremendous amount of effort this past hour.

After a short break of about an incense stick's time, everyone felt much more relaxed.

People in the square also moved around, and those who needed to use the restroom went to the toilet.

"Hey."

Yelü Gou'er's eyes revealed dissatisfaction:

"He was already on his last stretch, why did he need to rest?"

"Prime Minister Nan, this is Song Twelve's cunning."

Lü Demao chuckled:
"Even this last step is designed to keep you in suspense."

"Look, he placed three guards on each path in the center and put the chests containing treasures in the center to attract everyone's attention and give them time to discuss it."

"At that time, many buyers will probably say one thing now, but they will have another at the auction."

Yelü Shucheng expressed his agreement.

Song Xuan has chosen to take a break instead of continuing the auction, giving everyone time to gather intelligence.

"That Han traitor is so cunning, he's awful!"

Yelü Gou'er cursed Song Xuan angrily, his teeth clenched.

Because he could already foresee that his money would be earned by this Han Chinese.

Especially the knife hanging overhead; I thought it would fall soon.

He just left it there, not in the slightest hurry.

It's actually the people who are about to be fleeced who are getting anxious.

Not only were the Khitans discussing it, but others were also inquiring about whether anyone had any intention of acquiring this treasure.

“Your Majesty, this Golden Branch and Grape can sell for 100,000 strings of cash, and that Glass Treasure can probably sell for 300,000 strings of cash, which will immediately exceed the target of 500,000 strings of cash.”

Yang Huaimin excitedly shared the good news with Liu E.

Empress Liu was quite surprised by today's auctions; in fact, she couldn't even remember how many royal treasures she had bestowed upon the Liu family.

She had no memory of those things outside.

"I'm afraid very few people can afford that price."

Liu E shook her head slightly, not having such high expectations. Now that Song Xuan could pocket 100,000 strings of cash from this money and use it to repair the river and provide relief to disaster victims, that would put her mind at ease.

"Your Majesty, should we try raising the price later?"

Yang Huaimin mustered his courage and said, "Please help Scholar Song."

Liu E looked up and glanced at him:
"You certainly have a lot on your mind."

"I'm afraid those people won't recognize its value."

Since Liu E did not object, Yang Huaimin's decision was tantamount to acquiescing.

"Oh my, 100,000 strings of cash."

Zhang Shixun couldn't help but slap his thigh:

"The last treasure hasn't even been revealed yet, and it's already worth over 300,000 strings of cash. Minister Wang, you've probably miscalculated."

Wang clicked his tongue twice, without saying much, clearly underestimating the powerful and influential people present at the auction.

"However, this glass is a precious item, and the two, one black and one white, are quite different."

Lu Yijian chuckled and finally revealed his estimated price: "I think this auction will probably exceed 500,000 strings of cash."

"Five hundred thousand strings of cash?"

Zhang Zhibai shook his head and said, "Tanfu, you're really bold to make such a boast for Song Xuan."

"That small bunch of grapes can sell for 100,000 strings of cash. I saw that pure, flawless gyrfalcon glass piece, which would sell for at least 200,000 strings of cash."

Lü Yijian, leaning against the window, laughed and said, "I'm being conservative in my assessment."

"Good, good, you really dare to think big."

Zhang Shixun didn't think it could be sold for over 200,000 strings of cash.

"Let's make a bet between our two in-law families."

Lü Yijian extended his hand and smiled:
"I'll bet you the jar of fine wine in your house, so that when I go to your house you won't be so stingy with the wine you give me."

"You scoundrel!" Zhang Shixun laughed heartily. "Fine!"

"I bet that treasure can sell for at least 250,000 strings of cash."

After Lü Yijian finished speaking, Zhang Shixun was a little stunned. He had thought that Lü Yijian would say 200,000 strings of cash, after all, that was no small amount of money.

"Are you sure you're not joking?"

"really."

Lü Yijian didn't give Zhang Shixun time to refute and immediately gave him a high five.

This made even Wang Zeng and others look at him with surprise, wondering where Lü Yijian got his confidence from.

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn is gone in the blink of an eye.

Many people have returned home, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this treasure.

After Bai Jun finished speaking, Song Xuan, under everyone's watchful eyes, put on gloves, opened the box, carefully picked up the gyrfalcon, and showed it to everyone around.

Then Liu Congde took a candle and lit it up from the side.

The crystal-clear glass immediately refracted a rainbow.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't need to introduce this treasure much; it will speak for itself."

After Song Xuan finished demonstrating the gyrfalcon, Liu Congde cooperated by taking out a swan with a dangling glass bead under its neck.

The crowd hissed from time to time, indicating that a rainbow had indeed appeared.

"That's unreasonable!"

Yelü Gou'er was furious. Song Xuan, this Han slave, had openly revealed the secret he had discovered to the Song people just to make more money.

Lü Demao quickly tried to calm Yelü Gou'er down, as he could hear the conversation next door through the window.

It's truly beautiful. If I could buy this pure glass, I'm afraid I could immediately sell it for double the price.

As for its origins from the Tang Dynasty, everyone already knew that.

Even the cave master of Wuyou Cave stood up, his body almost leaning out:
"It's such a wonderful treasure?"

The strategist, Bai Zhen, quickly pulled the cave master back: "Cave master, you must be careful."

The cave master of Wuyou Cave squinted his eyes: "Is it really not something he found in your possession?"

"No, that's really not the case."

The strategist Bai Zhen couldn't guarantee anything, but at this point, he could only put on a tough front.

Although the cave master knew that Song Xuan had glass slabs, he did not carve any of them.

However, the craftsmanship and production methods of this piece should not be something that Song Xuan could only make with glass panels.

This was also the first time Liu E had seen it, and she sat up from her chair:

"It is indeed exquisite, and it has touched the hearts of the Khitan people."

Yang Huaimin was also dumbfounded when he learned that the treasure could emit rainbow colors.

Song Xuan didn't say anything, but simply showing this sand object to the outside world was enough to make everyone "peck rice" for it!
"Ladies and gentlemen, such treasures should only exist in heaven; how often can one hear of them on earth!"

Auctioneer Bai Jun shouted loudly to those around him:

"The starting price for this eagle-shaped glass artifact is 100,000 strings of cash. Each bid increases the price by 10,000 strings of cash. The auction is now in session."

As soon as he finished shouting, someone immediately held up a sign.

"One hundred and ten thousand."

"Okay, Building A, Room 207, 150,000."

"One hundred and ninety thousand."

"Two hundred thousand."

"Two hundred thousand once."

……

"twenty five."

The shouts that rose and fell instantly shattered everyone's thoughts.

When Zhang Shixun looked back at Lü Yijian, who had already won, the thought of 260,000 yuan per round echoed in his ears again.

Even Wang Zeng squeezed to the window, watching as people on all four sides raised up signs to offer prices.

"Tanf, you won."

Lu Yijian no longer had time to listen to what Zhang Shixun was saying, because he was now feeling extremely uneasy.

Song Xuan didn't elaborate much, only saying that it would speak for me.

It has now risen to 300,000 strings of cash.

Three hundred thousand strings of cash is no small sum.

Outside the city, many disaster victims were hoping for relief grain from the imperial court. They also wanted to work on construction projects with Song Xuan, hoping to earn twenty or thirty coins a day through hard work and save up some money.

Now, a single word from him can amount to 300,000 strings of cash, and it's still accumulating.

"Is this money no longer considered money?"

A look of horror appeared in Lü Yijian's eyes. He had heard his son say that Song Xuan's theory was to make money off whoever had money.

He doesn't care about the money of poor people.

Lü Yijian also felt that Song Xuan's thinking was too simplistic. The taxes of the Song Dynasty were almost entirely paid for by the poor, and the rich were unwilling to spend money.

Today's scene has completely shattered his previous views.

Are there really that many wealthy people in Tokyo?

Before Yelü Gou'er could even raise his sign, the other four buildings, except for his own, were already engaged in a fierce battle, seemingly determined to win.

"It's over, it's over."

Lü Demao had thought the Song people would be more reserved, but he hadn't expected that what followed was just an appetizer.

"There's no money left for this year's New Year's gifts."

As soon as Lü Demao finished speaking, the price was already raised to 400,000 guan.

"I'm afraid even the gold brought by the monk Yelü will be used to fill the gaps."

Listening to Lü Demao's rambling, Yelü Shucheng was also dumbfounded.

He thought that even if the Song people liked it, they wouldn't fight over it like this.

As a result, Song Xuan simply fiddled with it while wearing gloves, and the Song people went crazy.

Before the Khitans had even made any offer, they were already being driven back in defeat.

Lu Demao's face turned pale: "Could it be that next year's annual tribute will also be completely gone, and we'll have to fill it up?"

Yelü Gou'er's face was gloomy, and he gritted his teeth as he said:

"Even if it's the tribute from the year after next, I'm going to get it. I don't believe they'll dare to bid one million strings of cash!"

"Crazy, all crazy."

The strategist Bai Zhen had barely raised his sign once before it was overtaken by the next person before it could even be announced.

Is this thing really that valuable?

"Shut up."

The cave master of Wuyou Cave rebuked him.

Beneath the mask, he continued to scrutinize the treasure, a greedy glint in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, we need 500,000 strings of cash."

Yang Huaimin didn't even raise the sign in his hand.

He was already overwhelmed by the numbers announced from the other floors. Liu E, wearing a mask and leaning against the windowsill, was also watching the situation on the other four floors; someone had even announced 500,000 guan.

"Five hundred thousand strings of cash at a time."

"Five hundred and fifty thousand strings of cash!"

Liu E and the others suddenly looked at a window.

"Your Majesty, you look like a Khitan."

Yang Huaimin squinted and said, "They want to set a high price to crush everyone."

"550,000 strings of cash at a time."

"550,000 strings of cash twice."

"Six hundred thousand strings of cash."

"Alright, six hundred thousand strings of cash."

Shi Yuansun immediately raised the sign and shouted.

He has 700,000 strings of cash at his disposal.

It's only 550,000 strings of cash, how can we just stop here?
He was unable to complete the task assigned to him by the top scholar of the Song Dynasty.

Zhao Zhen observed with his telescope:
"It was the Khitans who suddenly raised the price; that bastard still wants to play this trick on us."

Cao Yong snorted: "They want to get this treasure in less than two years of tribute? Wishful thinking."

Zhang Qi then realized what was going on.

It turns out that Song Xuan's plans to repair the river and provide disaster relief were actually aimed at obtaining annual tribute from the Khitans.

But that's too risky!

At this moment, Shi Yuansun was filled with pride and cupped his hands in greeting to those around him.

"They are from the Shi family."

Someone recognized the Shi family's wealth; who knows how much it is?
Liu Congde was so excited that he started shaking, and he said incoherently:

"Song, the top scholar of the Song Dynasty, that's 600,000 strings of cash."

"Hold on tight." Song Xuan pressed on Liu Congde's shoulder:

"Our goal is one million strings of cash."

"Yes, yes, we're still short 100,000 strings of cash." Liu Congde grinned.

He listened as Song Xuan added, "Prefect Liu, you misunderstood. What I meant was that this single item should sell for one million strings of cash."

"what?"

"what!"

"One, just one?"

Liu Congde's voice was squeezed out from his throat.

"Mm." Song Xuan nodded.

"There aren't many people left who can still raise the price, which eliminates most of them."

"I'll see how many more people are going to cause trouble."

"I understand, I get it."

Liu Congde tried his best to press down on his legs, which were trembling uncontrollably.

He wanted to earn a reputation that could make a million, but he never dreamed of selling a single item for a million.

This is simply unimaginable.

“Scholar Song, you are my brother, really.”

After Song Xuan finished speaking, Liu Congde no longer had any desire to find a way to outdo him.

My older brother can help me make money, and I won't lose money.

That's my real older brother!
Song Xuan glanced at him: "Brother, just sit tight. No matter how much money we spend, what we need is composure."

"Once you get through this today, Liu Congde, you won't be so afraid of amounts less than a million strings of cash anymore."

"Yes, yes, brother is right."

Liu Congde nodded repeatedly, still somewhat excited as he listened to the surrounding discussions.

Whether Song Xuan had one million strings of cash or not was completely irrelevant.

Liu Congde believed that despite his years of experience navigating the business and political arenas, he still lacked Song Xuan's mindset.

It wasn't just Liu Congde who was confused; almost everyone in the square was there to join in the fun.

Most of them didn't have the financial strength to raise the price excessively, otherwise they would have already moved into a private room.

The discussions here were quite lively.

Auctioneer Bai Jun was completely enveloped in excitement, so much so that he wanted to have sex on the spot.

He had never encountered such a large auction in his life; it was truly an unprecedented event.

Especially in official settings like government offices.

"Sixty, six hundred and thirty thousand!"

Bai Jun muttered to himself again, then shouted it out loud.

"Your Majesty, let's all chip in."

After consulting with his superiors and receiving a reply, Yang Huaimin also began to hold up his sign.

Now that the goal of 500,000 strings of cash has been achieved, he naturally has to help Song Xuan act as a shill.

The cave master of Wuyou Cave also signaled his strategist, Bai Zhen, to raise the sign.

"Cave Master, shall we also raise our banner?"

"Of course, since they're arguing so fiercely, I have to join in the fun."

After the cave master finished speaking, seeing the white pheasant's timid appearance, he snatched the sign and held it up.

"Your Majesty, have the Khitans not yet raised their banners?"

"No."

Zhao Zhen was also extremely excited, observing through his telescope:
"They've probably been overwhelmed by our offensive and can't raise that much money now."

"Shall we still raise it?"

“Raise it.”

Zhao Zhen gave a direct affirmative answer: "At least 700,000 strings of cash should be raised to help Twelfth Brother stabilize the situation of one million strings of cash."

"okay."

With the official's instructions, Shi Yuansun was naturally full of energy. He arrogantly raised his sign and added another ten thousand.

"Six hundred and seventy thousand."

Bai Zhen shouted hoarsely, "It's already 670,000 strings of cash."

"Distinguished guests, is there anything else you would like to add?"

Song Xuan slowly took out a small pair of binoculars and looked inside.

There are now five buildings, and the Wu Building behind him is the one that was arranged for the professional Tuo Shi Yuan Sun.

There was a wealthy family in the adjacent Building A who only started raising their placards after reaching 600,000.

Song Xuan guessed that the room arranged for Liu E, which was opposite to Yi's, was the one Yang Huaimin had arranged to "help out."

Binglou is a Khitan, which makes it easier for me to observe him.

As for Dinglou, there are three more, but it's unclear where the potential buyers are from.

"Six hundred and eighty thousand."

Zhang Shixun was shocked to see that Lü Yijian had also raised his sign.

"Tanf, what are you doing?"

"Yes."

Wang Zeng didn't understand either. Did you really want to auction it off? Even if you sold off your entire Lü Yijian family, you still wouldn't be able to raise that much money.

“I’ll give them a push,” Lü Yijian said nonchalantly. “There are still quite a few people who dare to hold up signs.”

"But what if?"

"It's alright. This room is registered under Zhang Shixun's name. What does it have to do with me, Lü Yijian?"

After Lü Yijian finished speaking, Zhang Shixun almost pounced on him:
You tricked me again!

"Six hundred and ninety thousand."

Just as Zhang Shixun was about to seize Lü Yijian and interrogate him fiercely, a sound came from the window outside.

Lu Yijian handed the sign in his hand to Zhang Shixun: "Do you want to try it? It's very exciting!"

Zhang Shixun swallowed hard.

"Can it really work?"

“It can do it.” Lü Yijian nodded with certainty:
"I estimate it can sell for at least 800,000 strings of cash, so anything below that number is acceptable."

"Eight hundred thousand strings of cash!"

Even Wang Zeng had to admire him.

Lü Yijian was sometimes really bold in his actions, daring to think and act!

"Tanf, to be honest, I'm not sure about this."

Zhang Shixun took the sign, his heart already itching with excitement.

If he raises the issue and it is quickly overturned, it will be a wonderful story in the future!

"Feel it."

Encouraged by Lü Yijian, Zhang Shixun stood by the window and heard Zhang Zhibai's advice:

"Shunzhi, think it over carefully. You can't outsmart Tanf."

"That's absolutely impossible!"

With his eyes closed, Zhang Shixun steeled himself and held out the sign, and then he heard:

"Eight hundred thousand strings of cash!"

After he shouted, Lü Yijian was completely stunned.

Didn't you say he was guessing 800,000 strings of cash? How come you just announced the reserve price?
How can anyone else raise the price now!

Wang Zeng and Zhang Zhibai looked at each other, both wondering if they had misheard.

Zhang Shixun dared not open his eyes. How could he have revealed Lü Yijian's bottom line?

This is going to be a disaster!

Bai Jun roared loudly, ignoring his hoarse voice:

"Eight hundred thousand strings of cash!"

The scene erupted in uproar, with everyone turning to look.

I wonder who could come up with 800,000 strings of cash to buy this treasure.

"Oh, so it's Master Zhang."

Through the binoculars, Song Xuan finally managed to eliminate one of Ding Lou's real buyers.

It's confirmed that they were just there to join in the fun.

But they really dare to ask for a price.

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice, thinking, "As expected, the old fox is spicier!"

In this environment, they are incredibly audacious and overly confident.

"Eight hundred thousand strings of cash at a time."

Zhang Shixun's heart was in his throat, and he almost couldn't stand up straight.

"Eight hundred thousand strings of cash twice."

Zhang Shixun's calves began to tremble.

He calculated in his mind whether he could earn 800,000 strings of cash in his lifetime, let alone accumulate that much wealth.

Even if he were the deputy prime minister of the Song Dynasty, spending so much money would make him dizzy.

This made even Lü Yijian nervous.

Just as Zhang Shixun was about to faint, he finally heard the voice of salvation:

"Eight hundred and ten thousand."

Zhang Shixun collapsed to the ground, as if he had been pulled out of the water.

In just that short time, Zhang Shixun felt a chill run down his spine and said:
"Lyutanf, you're going to get me killed!"

Lü Yijian, however, stroked his beard and laughed heartily:

"So, Shunzhi, do you think it's exciting or not?"

"It was really exciting."

A smile appeared on Zhang Shixun's lips.

He hadn't felt this way in a long time since he got old.

He leaned against the window and started laughing out loud.

The feeling of being in heaven or hell in an instant is something not everyone can experience.

Lü Yijian took the plaque and handed it to Wang Zeng:

"Would you like to give it a try, Mr. Wang?"

Wang Zeng shook his head decisively: "I won't join in the fun."

He foresaw Zhang Shixun's fate; now this treasure was being sold at a price far exceeding its original value.

Wang Zeng had no idea whether anyone would bid next time.

Zhang Zhibai thoughtfully poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zhang Shixun, who had no strength left in his legs.

I hope he feels better.

Zhang Shixun held the teacup shakily, unable to hold it steady at all.

He couldn't understand why he had blurted out 800,000 strings of cash.

In short, it's terrifying.

The price of 800,000 guan immediately deterred Yang Huaimin from bidding higher.

He put the sign aside: "Your Majesty, it seems someone is determined to win, so we won't get involved."

Although Liu E concealed it very well, she could not hide her excitement at the fact that an item could sell for 800,000 strings of cash.

Eight hundred thousand strings of cash—this can not only support Song Xuan's work, but also help with the flood relief efforts in Huazhou.

Even the money for repairing the Yellow River can be saved from this point on.

"Yeah."

Liu E quickly spoke up:

"Just throw that sign aside and never touch it again. It's fine for anyone else to bid. Too much of a good thing is bad."

"Your Majesty is right, we can just watch the show."

Liu E nodded approvingly; today's lively scene was a once-in-a-century event.

Shi Yuansun chose to compete in wealth to show off his success. His starting bid was over 700,000 strings of cash, but before he even reached 700,000, someone else raised it to 800,000 strings of cash.

He was also a little confused.

"Your Majesty, are the Khitans offering such a ruthless price?"

“No.” Zhao Zhen shook his head: “It was Minister Zhang who was stirring things up.”

The fact that Zhang Shixun, who was always playful, could have such courage at this moment truly impressed Emperor Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen believed that his twelfth brother had not informed Zhang Shixun beforehand, but Zhang Shixun made the correct judgment on the spot, directly shattering the illusions of many people.

Such cunning is likely a result of someone who has been playing dumb to deceive others in the court all along!

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Yongli quickly grabbed the telescope and saw Zhang Shixun standing at the window holding a sign.

He immediately exclaimed, "Old Zhang is truly a fine man!"

"I knew he could do it. It was worth recommending him as Vice Minister. Hahaha."

Zhang Qi was dumbfounded. Today's auction had truly opened his eyes and made him see things for the first time.

"Yes," Zhao Zhen agreed with Cao Liyong's words.
"Zhang Xiangong is so fierce. We underestimated him before. We thought he always put Lu Xiangong first."

"No, I've always thought Old Zhang is quite capable."

Cao chuckled, just as someone announced a price of 810,000.

Shi Yuansun asked instinctively, "Your Majesty, shall we continue to raise our placards?"

"No rush, let me see what Twelfth Brother thinks."

Zhao Zhen pointed his all-seeing eye at Song Xuan and found that he was also observing how many people were bidding, but he didn't give him any hand signals.

He immediately said, "Shi Yuansun, keep bidding. I guess Twelfth Brother means to push the price of this treasure to one million strings of cash."

"One million strings of cash."

Cao Liyong knew this treasure was priceless and had even admired it himself, but he never imagined it could fetch such a high price.

Since Zhao Zhen had spoken, Shi Yuansun, though lacking confidence, still firmly extended his sign.

As Shi Yuansun held up his number plate, a gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd. Immediately afterward, the cave master of Wuyou Cave raised his plate again.

Although he didn't know which window was occupied by a Khitan, he was certain that the Khitan would be brought under his control.

The higher the price is pushed up, the more susceptible these Khitans will become to being deceived, and the stronger their backlash against Song Xuan will be.

"Master, what if..."

Even the strategist Bai Zhen dared not say another word.

He was a little afraid that Song Xuan would send someone to follow them to collect the money, which would be disastrous.

If the cave master isn't playing with fire, then what is he doing?

"Nothing unexpected."

The cave master of Wuyou Cave didn't even turn his head; he was quite confident.

"Does Song Xuan really think he can control the whole situation?"

"I just add some firewood for him, and he should thank me."

The strategist Bai Zhen dared not speak, and could only drink tea to calm himself down.

He thought everyone who bought this treasure was a fucking lunatic!

The people in the private room each had their own thoughts, but the onlookers in the square began to gasp.

The price is now approaching 900,000 strings of cash, and no one is stopping.

It's as if this money isn't even money.

Even if it is rumored that there are thousands of families in Tokyo with a million guan, and many with a hundred thousand guan.

To spend so much money to buy a treasure is something that people in poverty cannot imagine. How many millions of coins does this family with millions of coins actually have?
"You dog, you villain, you traitor!"

Yelü Gou'er had already started cursing loudly.

Lu Demao couldn't sit still any longer; the three years' worth of tribute was about to run out.

But he still had to advise, "Prime Minister Nan, you should be more composed."

"Composed?"

"Listen to the prices outside!"

Yelü Gou'er pointed to the treasure below and said, "Can I calm down?"

"Can you, Lü Demao, sit still?"

Although Lü Demao wasn't as easily swayed as Yelü Gou'er, the offers from outside far exceeded his expectations.

He only wanted to use a year and a half's worth of annual tribute to purchase this treasure and present it to His Majesty.

As a result, it seems that three years might be lost.

Yelü Shucheng's expression was also unpleasant. He never expected that at this critical juncture, someone would still raise the price to 900,000 strings of cash.

"Prime Minister Nan, it's already nine hundred thousand strings of cash."

Upon hearing this, Yelü Gou'er immediately stood up, held up the sign, and shouted loudly:

"One million strings of cash!"

"I'll offer one million strings of cash."

When Yelü Gou'er suddenly added another 100,000 strings of cash, neither Lü Demao nor Yelü Shucheng could utter a word.

Yelü Gou'er had figured it out: if they kept adding more and more, how long would it take?
He could no longer endure this torment.

Only by pressing everything down, pressing everything down!
They overwhelmed the enemy, leaving them scattered and disorganized.

Let's see who dares to challenge him now!

Bai Jun stared in disbelief, pointing in the direction of the Khitans:

"Ladies and gentlemen, someone has shouted out a million strings of cash!"

"One million strings of cash, once."

The announcement of this price caused an uproar in the room.

Nobody expected that someone would actually bid that price.

Through the telescope, Song Xuan's lips curled into a smile:

"Good good."

"It was the Khitans who shouted it."

"You bunch of bastards have finally decided to take a big cut of the pie all at once and overpower everyone else!"

"I've been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Khitan?"

Liu Congde's eyes lit up.

He knew that Song Xuan's scheme was to obtain the annual tribute from the Khitans.

Zhao Zhen almost jumped up:
"They are Khitans, they are Khitans."

"They've shouted out a million strings of cash!"

Cao chuckled foolishly, trying to get closer to the window to look out.

At this moment, almost everyone's eyes turned to that direction.

With a price tag of one million strings of cash, who on earth is this person who wants to snatch up this treasure?
(End of this chapter)