My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

"Brother Lu?"

As soon as Cui Chenggang stepped into the VIP seating area, he caught sight of a figure in the corner—Lu Yuan was holding a teacup, but his gaze involuntarily drifted toward the display stand in the center of the hall.

Hearing footsteps, they turned around and their eyes met, both of them startled.

Cui Cheng stopped in his tracks, and the calm smile on his face froze slightly.

What are you doing here?

Lu Yuan paused abruptly as he stroked his beard, forcing himself to remain calm.

"That's what I should be asking you. Didn't Brother Cui say he would never get involved with Li Shimin?"

As he spoke, he caught a glimpse of another figure out of the corner of his eye, and his tone suddenly became somewhat mocking.

"Oh, Brother Zheng is here too?"

Zheng Honggang sat down at the desk, and upon hearing this, he suddenly looked up and saw Cui Cheng and Lu Yuan. His composure instantly crumbled, and he subconsciously straightened his back.

"I... I just came to see if the celestial artifact truly lived up to its name, lest the royal family exaggerate its merits."

Before he could finish speaking, he caught sight of Wang Xian walking hurriedly from the other side, as if afraid of being seen.

"Brother Wang!"

Lu Yuan called out loudly.

"You own thousands of acres of fertile land and hundreds of shops, why are you joining in this fun?"

Wang Xian froze, a hint of panic flashing across his face, before forcing a smile.

"I came to see this on behalf of the elders of my clan. They are curious about what the magical creature looks like, and I can't very well go against their wishes."

He had barely finished speaking.

Then they saw Li Song walking over with his hands behind his back. His brocade robe accentuated his tall and straight figure, but he paused when he saw the group of people.

"You're all here!"

"Brother Li!"

Cui Cheng raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't you say that the Li family bloodline is inherently auspicious? Why come here to see these 'ordinary decorations'?"

Li Song's face darkened slightly, but he couldn't find a suitable explanation, so he could only say in a hard voice.

"I am of the same lineage as the royal family, and I have come to inspect this place to ensure that the magical artifact is genuine and does not tarnish the royal family's reputation. Yes... that is it."

The five people sat around the center of the VIP section, looking at each other, and instantly fell into an eerie silence.

Previously, they all spoke righteously and said they couldn't say it.

But now, everyone's appearance seems to be undermining the other party's efforts, or slapping themselves in the face.

Lu Yuan coughed lightly, turned his face away, and pretended to admire the painted decorations on the palace beams.

The others also looked embarrassed.

Cui Cheng picked up his teacup, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Sure enough, he knew these guys were all no good!

They're all seasoned veterans, and none of them can truly suppress their desires.

Just then, a palace attendant announced loudly from outside the hall: "His Majesty has arrived!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Everyone bowed in greeting.

Li Shimin nodded, took the highest seat, and gave a slight nod to those below.

The eunuch stepped forward carrying a brocade box, and the moment he opened it...

Six glass tea sets came into view.

The teapot is round and full, and the teacup is exquisite and small. The whole body is as clear as crystal, but even more lustrous than crystal.

The lotus scroll pattern carved on the body of the teapot is clearly visible, and the transparency allows you to see the direction of the pattern inside.

"This is... glass? But how can glass be so pure and flawless?"

Someone gasped in surprise.

"Look at that luster, it's definitely not something found in this world!"

The auctioneer chuckled.

"This is made of celestial glass. The starting bid is five thousand taels of silver, with each bid increasing by at least one thousand taels!"

"Six thousand taels!"

Representatives from the lower-middle-class families immediately raised their placards and spoke out.

"Eight thousand taels!"

Another person followed closely behind, and the price climbed all the way to 15,000 taels, eventually being acquired by a fourth-rank official.

He held the brocade box with a smug look on his face, drawing envy from those around him.

Li Shimin glanced at the official and silently memorized his appearance and name.

Fifteen thousand taels!

A fourth-rank official is incredibly wealthy!

Good job!

Well done!

Soon, the second item appeared – a glass piece depicting a mythical creature bringing good fortune.

A glass Qilin, half a foot tall, is lifelike in its design, with layers upon layers of scales, so transparent that you can see the hollow structure inside.

"The Qilin is an auspicious beast! This celestial creature can ward off evil spirits and protect the home!"

"Ten thousand taels..."

Immediately, members of small families in the audience contributed money.

This time it's a Qilin!

The previous tea set was only for display, unlike this one.

This really can ward off evil spirits and protect your home!

So crystal clear, it's definitely not something found in this world!

"Twelve thousand taels"

Fourteen thousand taels

Bidding voices rose and fell.

Lu Yuan, who was in the private room, saw everything clearly. A hint of interest flashed in his eyes, and he called out the price in a deep voice.

"Twenty thousand taels!"

After shouting, he stood up.

"Please, everyone, give the Lu family of Fanyang some face!"

"..."

The wealthy silk merchant, who had been arguing fiercely just moments before, opened his mouth, but ultimately slumped down, not daring to utter another sound.

The other bidders looked at each other, and none of them dared to continue.

An awkward silence fell over the room.

They were all cursing inwardly.

"Does being from five prominent families and seven noble clans give them the right to be so domineering? Didn't they say the highest bidder would win?!"

"The Lu family's face? Bah! They're just bullying others by abusing their power!"

Despite the criticism, no one dared to stand up and question or raise the price.

Offending the five prominent families and seven influential clans?

They don't have the guts.

The eunuch presiding over the auction was also somewhat surprised, but quickly recovered and shouted.

"The Lu family of Fanyang has offered 20,000 taels! Are there any higher bids?"

I asked three times, but no one answered.

"make a deal!"

Inside the elegant room of the Lu family, Lu Yuan slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled faintly at his trusted confidant beside him.

"It's just a little trinket, it saves us a lot of talking."

The confidant immediately flattered him.

"With the patriarch's imposing presence, no one dares to challenge him."

The other family heads sneered inwardly upon seeing this.

"That old fox certainly knows how to take advantage! Using his family's name to intimidate others, doesn't he feel ashamed?"

"Shameful!"

Seeing this, Li Shimin thought it was intriguing.

"How domineering! Even I, the emperor, wouldn't dare to so blatantly use my power to oppress others! Don't you think so, Fuji?"

Changsun Wuji's lips twitched, but he still cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right."