The Empress' Livestream

Chapter 703: A Badger Game (III)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

They’d originally thought that An Cui’s acting was top-notch. But now that they witnessed this, the streamer’s stellar performance abilities were obviously better.

The Oscars owed her many awards!

Yang Si discreetly curled his lips, apologizing profusely on the surface.

When Xu Bei heard that this picture had been drawn by Master Yuanjing’s disciple, his interest piqued tremendously.

He spoke kindly about Yang Si. Moreover, he tactfully asked if he could see the contents of the painting.

Naturally, Jiang Pengji did not reject his request. This was the outcome she’d wanted.

All those in the tent knew of Master Yuanjing’s renowned name. They also knew that the master had taken in his last four disciples.

Someone said, “I’ve heard that Master Yuanjing is artistically skilled. I wonder how much of his essence in art his disciple could grasp.”

“Do I have the honor of admiring the master’s disciple’s art piece?”

Those in the tent echoed his request. They harbored no ill intentions; it was purely out of curiosity.

Master Yuanjing’s reputation has spread far and wide. However, the four disciples he’d taken in were not renowned, causing their suspicions to be aroused.

Now that they had the chance to admire the artistic product of one of his disciples, they wanted to see it. They were curious if his disciple really had substance or not.

Xu Bei initially wanted to appreciate the painting by himself. However, he heard many of his subordinates also voicing their interest. He helplessly asked Jiang Pengji with his eyes for help.

Since the painting belonged to her, it was important to follow the wishes of the owner.

Jiang Pengji nodded in approval.

Xu Bei ordered the dancers to stop their dance and tasked them with unfolding the painting so that those within the tent could admire it.

“Which of the master’s disciples painted this?”

Jiang Pengji replied, “He’s from Langye’s Wei family. His name is Ci and his courtesy name is Zixiao. His body constitution is naturally weak, so he rarely appears before others.

Painting in that era lacked materials and artistic techniques. As such, many valued the freehand style over superficial similarities with other paintings.

Wei Ci’s painting was different. It was a balance of realism and freehand painting styles. His strokes were meticulous and gentle. It was vividly portrayed as if three-dimensional.

The contents of the painting were full of Xiangyang’s scenery. Because of the length of the scroll, the details of the painting were limited. Still, it presented many of the bustling locations, wineries, restaurants, and tea houses... a myriad of small businesses with men walking by on the streets. Some walked alone hurriedly, others in pairs who were the envy of many. There were family units where husbands and wives had harmonious relationships and active children. Each of their expressions was unique. This caused the viewers to be astonished by the painter’s meticulous and keen observations recreated in his exquisite artwork. Besides the streets and characters, the most outstanding aspects of the painting were the orderly infrastructures, pavilions surrounded by water, traditional ornate architectural styles... This painting alone could fully express their idea of prosperity and the golden age.

Xue Bei remarked, “The painter has outstanding talents. His heart must be full of emotions as he embraces and pities for the affairs of the world. Elder brother is ashamed.”

Her facial expression was momentarily stunned.

Viewers in the live streaming room had the same reaction.

Xiao Ruibao’s Mother: I suddenly recall that during the high school examination... his eyes were full of mischief.

Apple Scented Tea: Hahahaha, after 10 years of intense education, he is clueless when faced with a difficult question.

Tongtong De Yatou: If Xu Bei went for an examination, he’d score a distinction for reading and comprehension. He’d be the top student!

Shushan Yali: #restschinonhand Exactly, perhaps Beauty Ci only wanted to paint scenery.

Xu Bei gave his high compliments. Those beneath him in rank had to follow suit. After all, this painting was indeed a rare sight.

“It is exactly like the haven I imagined in my heart... Even at its height, when the previous dynasty had nations flocking in, the scene wasn’t as prosperous as this.”

One of the older generals touched his white beard, heaving a huge sigh.

The rest regained their senses and agreed.

Viewers in the live streaming room were about to laugh hysterically. The painting was obviously of Xiangyang district’s landscape.

She purposely waited for them to heap their praises, then she bashfully hurt them a second time.

“Everyone is too generous with their praises. The scenery here is the land I am the governor of. Xiangyang district’s landscape, it isn’t... Eh, nothing...”

Jiang Pengji vaguely dismissed it. As if the cold Siberian wind blew through the entire commander’s camp, everyone was at a loss and froze in their places.

Xu Bei’s face turned fiery red. He was secretly embarrassed. With hatred in his eyes, he stared at the senior general who’d first complimented the painting.

Those who are inept at speaking should not speak. It was very awkward for them now!

Luckily, she didn’t harp on this matter. Instead, she exchanged experiences of governance with Xu Bei...

He had extensive knowledge in this area. Simultaneously, it salvaged his awkwardness.

Because their hearts and minds were in a state of chaos, coupled with the awkwardness of before, Jiang Pengji possessed the power to drive the conversation.

Under her influence, Xu Bei directed his attention from the painting’s “skills and techniques” to the people and infrastructures in the painting.

Speaking of infrastructures, he realized that the streets, houses, and courtyard walls in the painting were rather strange.

After he casually mentioned this, she conveniently publicized her “flash bricks.”

Viewers in the live streaming room praised her publicity handsomely. The strategy used by the streamer was convoluted and deeply scheming.

If they met a salesperson like the streamer, let alone splurged mindlessly, perhaps they would willingly hand over their trousers!

During the entire exchange, it seemed like Xu Bei was the one doing the questioning and she the one passively replying. But truthfully, the pace of the conversation was determined by her.

“May I ask how much it costs to synthesize flash bricks?”

After she led him into the conversation, Xu Bei finally asked this question.

Zhe county was in the south. The weather there was usually humid, and it rained across all four seasons of the year.

At present, most buildings and structures were made of wood and stone. Once the rainy season came, it would increase moisture and promote the growth of mold. The ground would also be slippery.

Xu Bei was also a shrewd character. Naturally, he was unwilling to take a loss. He only wanted the best product while paying the lowest price.

He intended to test Jiang Pengji’s limits.

“The cost of synthesizing isn’t expensive. If I can mass-produce suitable soil, I’m able to synthesize the flash bricks at a low cost,” Jiang Pengji casually added, as if she was ignorant of his motives like a foolish landlord’s son.

Xu Bei’s brows knitted. He asked, “These were made from dirt? It looks like they’re made from clay.”

“The reasoning is the same, but the heat required for the latter is different. The way the kiln is built is also critical.”

Xu Bei’s heart gained interest. He pretended to probe, “Would younger brother sell this item?”

She laughed and mentioned light-heartedly, “Even if your younger brother was willing to sell, Brother Xu may not be able to afford it.”

Filled with doubts, Xu Bei asked, “You just mentioned that the counterfeit flash bricks were sold at low prices. How is it exorbitant now?”

She smiled as she explained it to him. “The flash bricks are inexpensive, but consider the distance between Xiangyang district and Brother Xu’s Zhe county. The bricks are cheap, but the quantity is large. If a large load of flash bricks is transported from Xiangyang district to Zhe county, I wonder how much money and manpower it would entail. Since that’s the case, these flash bricks may as well be made from silver. Younger brother values Brother Xu’s talents, how would I dare to swindle you?”

He was startled. Just now, he’d forgot to consider profit and loss. He appeared rather embarrassed.

Meanwhile, she continued her long-winded talk. “If you wish to use kiln burning to synthesize bricks, it’d be better if the kiln was built on land with suitable soil.”

Xu Bei’s heart and purpose were ignited. He was very intrigued by the flash bricks.

He was a man of ambitions. Naturally, he wouldn’t want to lose out.

A man should first and foremost establish his career by creating an outstanding workpiece.

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