Chapter 6
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“How much will it cost to make it look perfect?” Qinghe looked trustingly at Uncle Liu.
Uncle Liu furrowed his brow with a sigh. “This is indeed not cheap, Master Xiaoqing. To hide any cracks, we can’t just paint over them here and there. We need to glue and carefully polish it. I won’t charge you for my craftsmanship, but the royal paint I need is only supplied in fixed quantities each month. I’ll need to request an additional bucket to afford the materials necessary to repair this wooden horse. You know I’m just a craftsman and rarely see the masters. I barely make ends meet with the meager two taels of silver I receive each month. I can’t afford the cost of that bucket of paint.”
Xue Yao closed his eyes in despair.
This might cost a lot of money.
Qinghe’s expression changed as he realized Uncle Liu’s high price. “How much money do you need? Give me a fair price, and I won’t object. But if I can’t afford it, I’ll have to move the wooden horse and find a solution outside the palace.”
Qinghe was well aware of the situation. By saying this, he was trying to threaten Uncle Liu: Don’t charge too much compared to the carpenters outside the palace, or we might end up in a confrontation.
But being young, he lacked the experience that Uncle Liu had. He didn’t know that it would require a significant amount of silver to bribe the guards to get such a large wooden horse out of the palace. The imperial palace had many checkpoints, and it was possible that they would run into trouble at one of them. It might end up being a wasted effort.
So, Qinghe’s words didn’t really have any impact on Uncle Liu.
Uncle Liu calculated the cost of moving the wooden horse through several gates and asked for only sixty percent of that amount. “It’s going to be this much.”
Looking up, Xue Yao saw the craftsman’s hand gesture indicating the number four, and felt a mix of frustration and relief.
He was frustrated because the asking price was at least four times higher than what was typical outside the palace. The relief came from the fact that he could afford the four taels, splitting it with Qinghe, each contributing with two taels of silver.
To make sense of the situation, smashing the wooden horse was instigated by Xue Yao. Theoretically, he should bear the entire cost of repairs, which was usually around one tael of silver. Now, he was agreeing to pay two taels, which wasn’t too unreasonable.
Xue Yao was busy consoling himself, but unexpectedly, Qinghe lost his temper and attempted to carry the wooden horse away.
“Let’s go, Brother Yao. We’ll find someone outside the palace to help with the repairs. I can’t afford the four taels. Even if I sold everything, I couldn’t come up with it. If this doesn’t work out, I’ll just get kicked out of the study hall,” Qinghe said indignantly and politely bid farewell to the eunuchs nearby. “Today, I’ll take my leave from you all. The road ahead is long. If I, Zhao Qinghe, ever make it to the gold list and return to the court, I won’t forget the ‘care’ Uncle Liu provided for me!”
He unexpectedly started making threats.
Xue Yao remembered that Qinghe hadn’t shown any outstanding academic performance. Being named in the golden list was impossible. In the novel, he had been mentioned a few times, but as he grew up, he, like Xue Yao, became one of the advisors in the Third Prince’s residence.
A eunuch who had been observing the commotion approached and said urgently, “Master Xiaoqing, don’t be hasty. The price isn’t set in stone. We’re all on the same side. We can go negotiate on your behalf with the procurement office!”
Speaking of this, the leading eunuch turned around, shooting a fierce glare at Uncle Liu, warning him not to be too greedy with his demands.
Qinghe was their little benefactor who ran errands outside the palace, and this favor required sincere and wholehearted assistance.
However, Uncle Liu remained unmoved. He was truly just a craftsman, with no regular interaction with the masters, so he didn’t receive any rewards. He simply had no use for Qinghe to help him run errands.
As for friendship, it was only when the eunuchs invited Qinghe to eat and drink that he could also have a small taste.
Uncle Liu had long been envious of other people’s “unexpected gains.” Now that he finally had a private job, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make some extra money.
Observing the situation, Xue Yao felt there might still be a chance to save some money. He looked around at the craftsmen who were busy at work. With curiosity, he leaned in to ask Qinghe, “Isn’t there more than one craftsmen here? Can’t we ask someone else?”
Upon hearing this, Qinghe gave Xue Yao an impatient sideways glance, clearly thinking that he knew nothing.
Now, with no patience left for explanations, Qinghe, holding the wooden horse, gestured as if he was leaving but continued to haggle with the group of eunuchs, “Let’s not make things difficult for Uncle Liu. It’s just that I really can’t come up with four taels of silver. You all know me well. I’m always helping everyone, even if it’s with a bit of self-interest. If I can afford it, I could even produce forty taels without hesitation, but I never expected that when I open my heart to someone, they would…”
“Master Xiaoqing, don’t get angry!” The eunuchs, fearing they might genuinely offend Qinghe, took some practical action. “Leave this wooden horse here, and come back for it tomorrow. We guarantee you’ll get a brand-new one to take back. As for the silver, contribute what you can, and we’ll make up the rest for you!”
Only then did Qinghe stop his “exit performance,” turned to the eunuch who spoke, and expressed gratitude, “I’m grateful for this kindness. Even if the task cannot be accomplished, I haven’t made friends with you in vain!”
Xue Yao listened with astonishment, never expecting that Qinghe, this young rascal, would take such a convoluted approach to seek favors. It turned out he wasn’t just trying to gain favor with Uncle Liu, but with the eunuchs and officials among this group.
It appeared that Qinghe had been putting on a performance from the very beginning, determined to recoup the favors he had extended over the past two years. Now, it seemed he had achieved his goal.
Xue Yao felt somewhat conflicted. In reality, this matter could have been settled by vaguely pretending it was official business and providing some payment as a gesture. However, Qinghe had gone to great lengths by using so many favors, essentially paying a high price for it.
Afterward, Qinghe and Xue Yao had a private discussion, intending to pool together one tael of silver, with each of them contributing half.
Essentially, this meant Xue Yao was responsible for half a tael.
This price aligned well with Xue Yao’s budget. Even if he had to cover the entire one tael, he could manage it. However, Xue Yao didn’t want to agree too readily. Being too eager might make Qinghe feel like Xue Yao was getting the better deal and that Xue Yao would owe him a favor. Therefore, he feigned reluctance, “Brother, you know my family only gives me eight hundred copper coins each month, and I’ve already spent it this month…”
“Ah! Originally, that guy demanded four taels of silver. This brother had to put his dignity on the line to bargain for this favor. Stop complaining about being broke! This money, you can go ask your parents for it or borrow it from someone. You must come up with it!” Qinghe insisted. “Don’t think it’s easy for this brother. Going back to ask for money means I’ll still face a scolding, but who got us into trouble? Stop dilly-dallying and agree already!”
With a resigned expression, Xue Yao finally accepted.
The next day, the two of them went to collect the wooden horse, paying half a tael of silver each.
The eunuchs cheerfully accepted it, without a hint of changing their attitude, likely having guessed that Qinghe would only provide this amount.
The woodworker on duty was not Uncle Liu. It was highly possible that the eunuchs had taken some action against him.
Xue Yao and Qinghe both tacitly refrained from inquiring about it.
Xue Yao carefully examined the restored tail and ear of the wooden horse. There was absolutely no sign of any cracks. The palace craftsmen had indeed worked their magic.
The freshly applied paint had also dried, not vividly eye-catching, but the entire wooden horse appeared significantly refreshed. It was unlikely that even the Seventh Prince’s palace maid could find any faults.
After expressing their gratitude to the palace eunuchs, they made their way to Qingqiong Hall.
Qinghe still hesitated to enter the hall and chose to wait outside. After all, having offended the Seventh Prince, he believed it best to remain inconspicuous and not further cement a negative impression.
Xue Yao had no intention of bringing him along either. Qinghe didn’t strike him as particularly adept at handling such situations. Allowing him to accompany Xue Yao might actually cause more trouble, so it seemed wiser to go alone.
This time, upon visiting, Xue Yao deliberately waited until the hour of the Monkey to request the eunuch’s presence. This timing was to avoid disturbing the little prince’s nap.
As in the previous encounter, he was summoned to the reception hall.
However, on this occasion, Consort Xi herself was present. Upon learning that the Third Prince’s reader-in-waiting had come to return the repaired wooden horse, she personally arrived at the reception hall to meet the guest.
Xue Yao had expected to encounter Aunt Yiqiu, so when he noticed someone entering, he raised his head with a bright smile. But he was caught completely off guard by the breathtaking beauty of Consort Xi.
Consort Xi was offered to the Great Qi Emperor at the age of fifteen, and gave birth to a child at seventeen. Her appearance and figure were that of a young maiden, unadorned with cosmetics, yet her skin was as smooth as cream, and her features were unparalleled in their delicacy.
She was a dancer sent as tribute from a foreign land, but one couldn’t discern any trace of mixed heritage in her appearance. Draped in a snowy-white undergarment and an elegant emerald green shawl, her simple, wide-sleeved fairy-like dress accentuated her Eastern beauty completely.
Upon closer observation, one could discern her somewhat deeper facial contours and her pale, glass-like eye color, distinct from the typical Han Chinese.
With just one glance from her enchanting peach blossom eyes, Xue Yao’s mind went momentarily blank, then he quickly bowed respectfully.
“No need for excessive courtesy.” Consort Xi haughtily strolled past Xue Yao, her expression cold. “His Highness the Third Prince’s guests are all esteemed. I can’t afford to entertain them.”
She made no attempt to inspect the repaired wooden horse. Instead, she went straight to the grandmaster’s chair and took a seat. Her gaze was icy as she looked at Xue Yao. “His Majesty mentioned that the Third Prince is deeply regretful, is that true? If His Highness hasn’t had enough of his tantrum, you can carry this wooden horse to Linyou Palace and let the Third Prince throw it around to his heart’s content. I just hope he will take his anger out on the wooden horse, and not on Old Seventh. Old Seventh is still young. He can’t handle the Third Prince throwing that wooden horse for the second time.”
Xue Yao hadn’t expected this fairy to be in a huff as well. Last time, she happened to be absent from the palace, which was why she didn’t personally come to settle the score. This time, she had walked right into the line of fire.
This was only natural. Her little son had been publicly humiliated by the Third Prince and his minions. As a mother, she could surely not accept that.
After some thought, Xue Yao bowed respectfully and replied, “His Highness the Third Prince is deeply remorseful. He knows he went too far with his joke and has been reflecting in his study room for the past few days, copying texts and examining his actions.”
Consort Xi’s expression remained displeased. “So, he’s been copying texts, you say? No wonder he didn’t have time to come in person and sent a young child like you to wander in front of me instead. I thought he might still bear a grudge against the Emperor’s reprimand. Consort Tong invited me to watch… Ahem…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Consort Xi suddenly coughed. Her personal palace maid hastily picked up a teacup to offer it.
Consort Xi appeared somewhat lightheaded, one hand supporting her forehead and the other pushing away the teacup. She closed her eyes and took shallow breaths. Her appearance, similar to that of the sick beauty Xi Shi, truly evoked sympathy in others.
Xue Yao suddenly recalled a prior plot point from the novel. After the Third Prince offended the Seventh Prince, Consort Tong, the Third Prince’s biological mother, came to Qingqiong Hall in person to apologize and even invited Consort Xi to watch a performance together.
With this thought in mind, Xue Yao’s expression changed noticeably.
He remembered that in this plot, Consort Tong feigned remorse and presented many gifts to please Consort Xi. Among these gifts was a pouch of calming incense.
As was typical in traditional palace intrigue plots, this scented pouch had hidden secrets. It was said that wearing it regularly would naturally emit a pleasant body fragrance. However, in reality, it contained a toxic powder, ultimately resulting in the premature birth and subsequent death of the female infant Consort Xi was carrying, born less than a month after conception.
This was one of the crimes the Third Prince and his birth mother committed against the male protagonist.
This presented an opportunity. If he could successfully remind Consort Xi to replace the pouch’s ingredients, not only could he gain her favor, but he might also save the life of the future female infant, earning him quite a few Whitewashing Points.
But if he were to report this to Consort Xi, it would have a significant impact on the original plot, resulting in the Seventh Prince inexplicably gaining a surviving younger sister.
Xue Yao worried about the potential consequences of altering the plot. Moreover, he lacked any evidence to prove the pouch’s harmful ingredients. In the novel, even the imperial physicians couldn’t detect it. Could an eight-year-old child like him be convincing?
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