Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Chapter 105 The Glass Business!

The next day, Li Ke took a lot of things and rode his horse to Kaolao Village.

He was alone with no one else.

I went alone.

Li Ke genuinely wanted to learn from Xiao Ran, so he adopted the right attitude.

She didn't want Xiao Ran to think she was there to enjoy herself.

When Li Ke arrived, Xiao Ran and Zhang Dalang were also by the stove.

Xiao Ran was not surprised to see that Li Ke was carrying something.

Xiao Ran meant this yesterday, and Zhang Dalang was a little confused.

"Xiao Langjun!"

"Sanlang, this is no easy task. Are you sure you can handle it?" Xiao Ran was unsure whether Li Ke could endure hardship.

This is a prince of noble status, unlike the others.

"Don't worry, young master, there won't be any problems," Li Ke said confidently.

Xiao Ran asked Zhang Erya to help prepare a room for Li Ke.

Li Ke brought not only his own clothes, but also many gifts.

Li Ke didn't delay; he put down the clothes and immediately went to the stove.

I am very interested in Xiao Ran's technology.

Li Ke thought the current quality was already quite impressive, but Xiao Ran was not satisfied.

I hope that in the future, we can create even better glass, and I'll feel a sense of participation.

After the others came to watch the stove, Xiao Ran and the others went back to have breakfast.

For breakfast, it was just porridge with fried eggs and pickled vegetables, and for some reason, Li Ke found it delicious.

Li Ke knew about Xiao Ran's family situation.

Sun Simiao and the others were not related by blood, and Xiao Ran and the three Zhang siblings were not relatives either, but there was a harmonious atmosphere among them.

They're clearly not a family; they're a patchwork of people, yet they seem more like a family than a real one.

Li Ke took a liking to Xiao Ran's home after their first meal together.

Before I even stepped outside, I saw Zhang Jinhe arriving with three other people.

Zhang Huaicai and Qin Shi Xiaoran knew each other; these were Zhang Jinhe's parents.

I used to do business in Chang'an.

Xiao Ran was surprised to find that when he returned, a little boy had come back with him.

As expected, this was Zhang Jinhe's younger brother and Zhang Mingde's only grandson.

I had only heard of Zhang Jinnian before, but I had never met him.

She was wearing a new dress, the cuffs and collar were clean, and even the stitches were finer than those on Zhang Jinhe's dress, clearly showing that Qin had taken good care of it.

He was about ten years old, his face was round and chubby, like a little dough ball. His eyebrows and eyes resembled Qin Shi's, but he lacked some of her gentleness. When his eyes swept across the courtyard, they carried a hint of nonchalant criticism, as if this place was not worthy of his status.

Having lived in Chang'an for many years, returning to the village gives one a sense of superiority.

Xiao Ran didn't like it; the first impression wasn't good.

"Nephew!" Zhang Huaicai walked over with a smile.

"Uncle, Aunt, please come in!" Xiao Ran was also very polite, as Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Huaicai had indeed helped a lot before.

Roasted chestnuts and persimmon cakes earned Zhang Huaicai a lot of money.

It's much more profitable than selling grain before.

Sugar-roasted chestnuts and persimmon cakes are new products, and currently they are still monopolized, resulting in high prices and high profits.

Corn is different; its price is transparent.

Zhang Huaicai and Zhang Jinhe returned specifically because they were carrying some things in their hands.

"I haven't had a chance to come and see you before, and I haven't been able to help you. I'm so ashamed."

"Uncle, you're being too polite. Grandfather and Jinniang have helped a lot." Xiao Ran was telling the truth, especially Zhang Jinhe.

In crucial moments, she's more reliable than Zhang Erya.

Quick and efficient, a real workaholic.

Zhang Dalang greeted Zhang Huaicai and then took Li Ke to burn glass.

Zhang Jinnian glanced at San Niang without saying anything, but showed joy when he saw Xiao Hei.

The Samoyed looked a bit big, and Qin instinctively shielded Zhang Jinnian behind her.

"Mother, this dog is beautiful." Zhang Jinnian's eyes burned with desire.

"Yes, the white one is indeed beautiful." Qin had seen it before, and Xiao Ran and the others had taken it to Chang'an City.

Zhang Huaicai even made a special trip to see Sun Simiao and say hello.

Sun Simiao did not recognize Zhang Huaicai and thought he was there to see a doctor.

After Zhang Jinhe explained it to me, I finally understood.

The group sat down in the living room, and Zhang Erya brought up some pastries.

When Zhang Huaicai and Qin Shi saw the pastries, they were quite surprised, as these pastries were not cheap.

I knew Xiao Ran and the Zhang siblings were living a comfortable life, but I never imagined they were living to this extent.

The things that were once rare are now something that Third Sister has had her fill of.

Zhang Jinnian pointed, indicating that he wanted to eat it.

Madam Qin handed Zhang Jinnian a sesame cake and said with a smile, "It hasn't been that long since we last met, but Third Sister has changed so much. Your aunt almost didn't recognize you."

The two sisters used to be somewhat malnourished, but now their complexion and overall appearance have improved a lot.

Third Sister smiled shyly, not knowing what to say because she was unfamiliar with this aunt.

"Yes, things have changed a bit." Zhang Erya wasn't good at talking and wasn't really familiar with Qin Shi.

"Third Sister, this is your aunt." Zhang Erya smiled.

"Auntie!" Third Sister called out.

Madam Qin smiled and patted Third Sister's head, "Yes, Second Brother will take Third Sister to play."

Zhang Jinnian shook his head and continued eating the pastries, clearly unwilling.

Zhang Jinhe looked displeased, knowing that taking care of her younger brother was a sign of disrespect towards her third aunt.

Zhang Mingde was a highly respected village head, Zhang Huaicai did business in Chang'an, and Zhang Jinnian studied in Chang'an. They were indeed better off than the others in the village.

However, Zhang Jinhe knew very well that the person who was hanging out with Third Sister was of incredibly high status.

My own brother has no right to look down on his third sister.

Third Sister didn't care and didn't want to play with this unfamiliar cousin.

With her two sisters gone, it's fine for Third Sister to take care of Xiao Hei; it would be even better if he could stay with Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran wasn't the same age as her, but he made San Niang feel safe.

The sense of security Xiao Ran provided even surpassed that of Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya.

"Uncle, how's business lately?" Xiao Ran asked casually, not knowing what else to talk about.

He was familiar with Zhang Jinhe, but not with Zhang Huaicai and Qin Shi.

"Hahaha!" Zhang Huaicai was happy when he talked about this. "The grain business is just so-so. There is no shortage of grain shops in Chang'an. Thanks to the young master, the sugar-roasted chestnuts and persimmon cakes are quite good."

The money I made from roasted chestnuts and persimmon cakes a while ago was more than I made selling grain in a year.

Zhang Huaicai has certainly benefited from this.

I'm very grateful to Xiao Ran.

"Young master, you haven't been to Chang'an to look at houses and shops yet, have you?" Zhang Huaicai suddenly brought up this matter.

If it weren't for the fact that Xiao Ran hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten that he owned a house and shops in Chang'an.

Given the recent glass incident, it's clear that Zhang Huaicai came here for a reason.

He's a businessman, and Xiao Ran knows exactly what he's up to.

Zhang Huaicai earned a lot of money from roasted chestnuts and persimmon cakes.

Compared to Liuli's profits in Chang'an, this amount of money is truly a drop in the ocean.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Huaicai exchanged letters every now and then, and Xiao Ran was not surprised that Zhang Huaicai knew about this.

I don't mind being found out.

The specifics of how these techniques are applied are unknown to others.

The young men who followed Zhang Dalang also only had a vague understanding of the situation.

Zhang Jinhe knew even less.

"No, I'd almost forgotten." Xiao Ran smiled.

"Woof woof woof!" Little Black barked and ran out, with Third Sister following closely behind.

Another person arrived. Xiao Ran didn't go out, but Zhang Erya went out to see what was going on.

Soon Xiao Ran heard a familiar laugh.

This voice is so soothing; only a little princess could have it.

The three young maids entered the living room hand in hand, followed by Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang. Cheng Tiehuan and Li Wu were also present.

This made Zhang Huaicai a little reserved. He had seen Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang's carriage before, and he had also seen Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang.

A while ago, Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang helped deliver persimmon cakes.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang came here because of Liuli.

A few people went to watch the burning of glass.

"Brother~" the little princess called out.

This shocked Zhang Jinhe, Zhang Erya, and the others.

Zhang Jinhe glanced at Xiao Ran and found that Xiao Ran was very calm, clearly knowing what was going on.

"Sizi, Sanskrit chant!" Li Ke wiped the sweat from his forehead; it was still very hot near the stove.

"Who are you?" Zhang Jinhe looked at the group.

"Yes, it's my elder brother." Princess Yuzhang smiled.

"Young master, are you selling these glasswares?" Li Lizhi picked up a cup, clearly enjoying it.

Hearing Li Lizhi say this, Zhang Huaicai felt a chill run down his spine.

Although they are envious of the profits, they will not compete with Li Lizhi.

dare not!

Zhang Jinhe said more than once that Li Lizhi's father's status was higher than that of her master, Qin Qiong.

It was evident during their time in Kaolao Village that Qin Qiong's status was inferior to that of Li Shimin.

Someone even more powerful than Qin Qiong—Zhang Huaicai's family certainly wouldn't dare offend him.

They are not from the same class at all.

"Of course I'm going to sell them." Xiao Ran couldn't just leave them there forever. He felt these things were a bit lacking, but they were really valuable!
“If the young master has no other plans, I can find someone to sell him.” Li Lizhi was not concerned about profit.

Even if you help sell things, you can't take too much.

The main reason is that I want to have more contact with Xiao Ran.

"Then I'll have to trouble Fifth Sister!" With the matter settled, Zhang Huaicai swallowed back the words he wanted to say.

Even if Xiao Ran offered to make it for Zhang Huaicai, he wouldn't accept it.

Zhang Huaicai is a wise man.

Zhang Jinnian, who previously ignored San Niang, is now amazed by the two little princesses and wants to play with them.

But the three little girls didn't want to bring this stranger along.

This put Zhang Jinnian in a somewhat awkward position.

It would be a lie to say that Zhang Huaicai and Madam Qin were not tempted when they looked at the glassware on the shelf.

Each one of them is priceless.

Previously, Zhang Huaicai and Qin Shi had designs on Xiao Ran.

Zhang Jinhe has reached the age to get married.

However, the appearance of Princess Yuzhang, Li Lizhi, dispelled this idea.

It's obvious to anyone that Xiao Ran and Princess Yuzhang, Li Lizhi, have an unusual relationship.

Zhang Jinhe was unaware of Xiao Ran's coal washing technology, but he knew about the profit sharing with Li Lizhi.

Zhang Huaicai and Qin Shi felt embarrassed to stay any longer, and since it wasn't appropriate for Li Lizhi and the others to stay there, they made an excuse to leave.

"What a pity!" After walking a distance, Madam Qin said, "How much money are those glass pieces worth! I wish we had come sooner!"

"Forget it, forget it. Those people are not people we can afford to offend. If we upset them, we'll be in deep trouble." Zhang Huaicai could only console himself with this thought.

"Look at Er Ya and San Niang a few months ago, they're so different now that they've met someone important!" Qin Shi said sourly.

Zhang Erya and San Niang are now living a life no worse than Zhang Jinhe's.

Xiao Ran's house is better than Zhang Mingde's.

Zhang Huaicai and Qin Shi were in Chang'an with Zhang Jinnian, but they were always renting shops and couldn't afford to buy a house.

Xiao Ran really does own a house.

Xiao Ran didn't mention the house and shops; it was Zhang Jinhe who knew about them beforehand.

"That's fate. I used to look down on them, but now I can't afford to be near them." Zhang Huaicai shook his head helplessly.

“Young Master Xiao Ran isn’t a member of the Zhang family. Next year, Zhang Dalang will be gone, and the family line will end,” Madam Qin continued.

"Don't say such things!" Zhang Huaicai said, quite displeased.

Zhang Dalang, Zhang Erya, and Zhang Sanniang are not hated; they were pitiful, unfortunate people before.

Qin then remained silent.

That's just how people are. If you're not doing well, they look down on you; if you're doing too well, they get envious.

After strolling around the stove, Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi walked to the pool.

"Young master, your birthday is in a few days. I would like to ask you to make a cake, just like the one for Third Sister's birthday before."

Xiao Ran looked at Li Lizhi, "Whose birthday is it?"

“It’s mine.” Li Lizhi said a little embarrassedly, “I’d like to invite Second Aunt, Third Aunt and Eldest Brother to come along for a meal.”

San Niang went to play with the two little princesses, and since everyone else had gone, it wouldn't be appropriate for Zhang Dalang not to go.

"You went to your house?" Xiao Ran assumed it was the palace.

"Yes, it's in Chongrenfang, not far from the young master's residence." Li Lizhi knew what Xiao Ran was thinking, so she specifically mentioned the location.

It wasn't the imperial palace, but Chongrenfang.

Xiao Ran really wanted to see the palace.

The capital of the Han Dynasty was also Chang'an, but it was not the same as that of the Tang Dynasty.

The palaces of the Han Dynasty were relatively small, while those of the Tang Dynasty were much larger.

It is much larger than the Forbidden City of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Zhang Erya was invited to help with cooking.

"Okay!" Xiao Ran agreed, and decided to go take a look at the house.

I definitely need to prepare a gift for Li Lizhi's birthday.

Xiao Ran also began to ponder.

Another carriage stopped in front of the courtyard gate.

Xiao Yu got out of the carriage and helped Empress Xiao down.

Empress Xiao came just yesterday, and Xiao Ran didn't expect her to come again today.

Xiao Ran led Li Lizhi over; they couldn't neglect their elders.

Xiao Ran was very curious about how Li Lizhi would address Empress Xiao.

Like Li Ke, she was his maternal grandmother.

This is calculated from Consort Yang's lineage.

However, Li Shimin could still address Empress Xiao as his cousin-in-law.

"The maid is here too!" Empress Xiao was a little surprised to see Li Lizhi.

Xiao Yu, who was standing next to her, was even more surprised, as she naturally recognized Li Lizhi.

“Grandmother!” Li Lizhi called out as well.

He walked to Empress Xiao's side and gently took her arm.

"lady!"

"Young master, you've come to bother me again."

Empress Xiao was in good health; she mainly wanted to chat with Sun Simiao.

"Madam, you're being too polite."

Princess Yuzhang arrived with her two little princesses.

Without anyone else saying a word, the little princess called out, "Grandma~"

It's obvious they know each other.

Empress Xiao would definitely go during festivals and special occasions, and the little princess had met her a few times.

"Our little princess has grown up again!" Empress Xiao rubbed the little princess's head.

"Hee hee~"

"It's a duck, it's a duck~"

With the arrival of Empress Xiao, Sun Simiao had no choice but to put down his Compendium of Materia Medica.

Others might not be interested in the Compendium of Materia Medica, but Sun Simiao was.

Only those who understand it know the true value of this book.

Xiao Yu did not stay in the room with Empress Xiao and Sun Simiao, but looked at Xiao Ran and the princesses.

He realized he had underestimated Xiao Ran.

He's getting a little too close to the princesses.

(End of this chapter)