Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 330, 329. Willing to be driven
Visitors flocked to the residences of the Pakistani and Ukrainian merchants.

Those who, like Nan Li, realized the hidden information within were naturally intelligent.

But those who were able to gather in Xianyang at the first opportunity, receive the "signal" sent by the Queen, and take action were also intelligent people.

If some particularly clever people join in, their front yards will naturally resemble a marketplace.

Meanwhile, at Xianyang Palace, Qin Shi had already boarded the carriage, ready to follow Princess Wen to see the fruits of her labor over the past few days.

The once spirited and proud young princess, like a little peacock, has suddenly developed a calm and composed demeanor in the short span of time she has experienced.

Her emotions were still easily revealed on her face, and her pride remained unchanged.

However, when he spoke, he subtly abandoned his previous tactful and subtle banter, becoming unusually direct instead.

Princess Wen, on the other hand, was unaware of the changes in herself. But this was her first official job!

Therefore, it is imperative to strive for perfection!

Otherwise, it would be shameful enough to have a good cry at Ganquan Palace, but it would be even more shameful if the cause that was brought about by crying were not done well.

Therefore, she had to oversee all the complex matters, big and small, of the auction.

If one doesn't speak concisely, clearly, and directly to the point, those dull-witted servants below will surely make countless mistakes.

She's already so busy she feels like she could split herself in two. If she makes a mistake due to a communication problem, she won't even have time to cry.

Now she slightly raised her chin in the carriage:
"Your Majesty, I have worked tirelessly day and night and have made all the necessary arrangements. Your Majesty will see them at a glance."

Qin Shi was also quite looking forward to it: "Then I'll have to take a good look."

She was genuinely looking forward to it.

When adults imagine the same thing, they can only do it in a conventional and cautious way.

Young people are different; they really dare to dream! For example, Qin Shi himself, when he was young, sometimes fantasized that he was a princess in a mysterious world of cultivation...

If everyone's cultivating immortality, why are there still princesses?

Never mind, the question is about daring to dream!

One day, when she was wronged, a valiant female cavalryman riding a celestial horse appeared in the sky and said, "Greetings, Princess!"

In short, let's just say whether she dares or not! She's thought about everything Pegasus could be like.

Therefore, the auction was entrusted to his ministers, including Xin, who might put in utmost care and hand it over to Princess Wen...

The carriage rumbled along, having left Xianyang Palace and arrived at the spacious drill ground at the palace gate, which had already been transformed.

...

The people of Qin valued martial arts, and there were martial arts training grounds like these outside the palace gates in various places.

However, because the functions and locations were too scattered, Ji Heng wanted to build the unprecedented Epang Palace, concentrating the area in front of the palace into a place that combined military and political functions, military exercises, and banquets.

However, the idea for the Epang Palace had barely begun when it was stopped by the Queen.

The training ground in front of us was rapidly renovated by craftsmen when Qin Shi was preparing for the auction...

In the center of the open-air training ground, the ground has been completely paved with cement.

There are tall beams overhead, though not as tall as the Xianyang Palace which is often over ten meters high, they are still six or seven meters high.

If it were any longer, it would be considered a giant log, which would not only have to be transported from other places, but the cost along the way would also be heartbreaking.

She had visited this building when it was under construction, and it was about six or seven meters tall. It was no different from the height of those high-ceilinged villas, and it was already quite tall and spacious.

The roof is a carved ceiling painstakingly assembled by craftsmen using readily available materials, inlaid with colorful glazed tiles.

Over the years, the Shaofu Office has accumulated countless discarded and scrapped carving materials.

Given the extravagant lifestyle of royalty, most of these items would not be reused; at most, they would be used directly as firewood.

Now that we need to rush the construction, the roof is high and far away, and we need to use glass to cover it, so these things don't matter anymore.

Therefore, at the queen's command, the craftsmen racked their brains, trying to balance aesthetics, hide the mistakes, and create suitable grooves to inlay the broken glass. They were so frustrated that they almost lost their hair.

As the Qin royal family's prestige grew stronger, the craftsmen dared not risk their lives to challenge it. So they pooled their wisdom and efforts and managed to complete the project within the deadline.

Now, what Qin Shi wants to see is the final result.

This place is a forbidden area of ​​the palace, and no one may enter without permission. After the initial preparations were completed, it was covered with straw mats to prevent dirt from getting in.

Now, thanks to Princess Wen's arrangements, the coverings have been removed and the area has been cleaned up.

At this moment, Qin Shi stepped down from the carriage and looked at the vast and colorful building in front of him. In a daze, he seemed to see those abstract yet spacious stadiums from later generations.

Princess Wen still had some complaints:

“For a grand event like an auction, even if the palace cannot give five years for preparation, it must start two or three years in advance.”

"Now that things have been done hastily in just a few months, and the training ground has been renovated, there are flaws everywhere..."

She complained, half-jokingly, "Fortunately, the glass is rich and the colors are dazzling, so the flaws don't detract from its overall beauty, and it's alright."

Qin Shi chuckled upon hearing this.

However, it must be said that, in terms of its architecture, this auction house far surpasses the grand and spacious Qin-style buildings that are commonly seen today.

As for minor flaws in the details...

So what's the problem?

Do those who come here really have the mind to question the royal family's strength because of minor flaws?

Looking down, the cement floor was so simple that there were no novel decorations outside the spacious auction hall.

But after the vermilion gate opened...

Qin Shi walked in almost in a daze.

Like.

It was so similar to the martial arts arenas and stadiums she visited in later generations.

Pushing open the gate and walking a few steps forward, one comes to a screen wall inlaid with glazed tiles in varying shades of blue-green. The tiles, in varying shades, are inlaid both randomly and seemingly orderly, creating a refreshing and beautiful sight.

On either side of the screen wall are steps that ascend slowly.

Princess Wen, unusually, willingly praised:

"The Queen's drawings are indeed ingenious. There is a central gate in front for us servants and laborers to walk through, while the steps on both sides are for the powerful merchants who come to attend the auction to enter."

The actual auction venue is shaped like a huge bowl, with the auction platform located in the flat area at the bottom center.

The two sides were temporarily built with bluestone slabs of varying heights, and seats were placed on top, which made it easier to gather more people and look at the center from all directions.

The only drawback is that the auction venue is not very large because there is no large screen for display.

A complete bowl shape is also divided into several fan-shaped sections. For an auction of this scale, only one section will be open to the public.

But that doesn't stop anything.

Because the venue was set up in advance, the so-called seats were just mats laid out underneath, and there were no fixed seats.

If, for example, a variety show were to be performed there later, the seating could be moved to create a larger, more open space in the center.

It's more like a movie theater than a stadium.

It will be used by the royal family for their own purposes, for theatrical performances, for talent assessments, and for leasing to others...

These are all very comprehensive.

Princess Wen wanted to rebuild a row of palaces here. As for the Queen's talk of leasing out the palaces, theatrical performances, and talent assessments, given the grand scale of the Qin royal family, there would naturally be dedicated venues for all of them.

but……

That's it.

The queen had already said that the treasury was empty, and that this trip was to raise more money for the treasury, so she didn't mention it again.

In short, Qin Shi carefully toured the area, examining every detail, and finally nodded to Princess Wen with satisfaction: "Wen'er's trip has been truly meritorious."

Some things might only surprise her, but if powerful merchants were to see them, they would probably be truly shocked.

Making a strong first impression and exerting a powerful momentum is very beneficial for increasing the auction price later!

Not bad!

She also sincerely praised it, saying:
"On the day of the auction, I will invite Your Majesty to come and watch in secret, and I will then speak highly of you."

With those words, Princess Wen's fatigue and toil of the past few days seemed to be gently smoothed away. She proudly raised her head, showing no politeness whatsoever:
"I told you long ago, I am also talented!"

……

Princess stories can wait for now.

Upon returning to the palace, Madam Zheng immediately took her for a hot spring bath, followed by a massage with fragrant balm and lotion. Even her hair was gently dried and made to smell sweet. Only then could she enjoy a hearty meal and fall asleep peacefully.

But Qin Shi was different.

After watching the auction, Madam Ba and Wuyou were still waiting outside Ganquan Palace for an audience.

The two not only came in person, but also carried a huge box.

At this moment, the box was presented to the Red Maiden. She and her men took a quick look at it and found it to be a list of land and treasures sent by powerful figures from various places.

While waiting for the two to enter the palace, Qin Shi also opened the list and then laughed:
"It seems there's nothing to worry about with this auction."

The Red Maiden also laughed:
"Giving away this item hastily suggests that they didn't believe there were truly priceless treasures at the auction before. Now, they can only rely on the list to try their luck."

Qin Shi shook his head: "It's only human nature. Besides, they haven't had much time to get the news. If they rush to sell it, the price will probably be driven down to a very low level, which would not show their sincerity. It's better to just offer it up."

If the Qin royal family wanted to maintain a respectable image, they couldn't afford to undercut prices too much. In doing so, it was actually more convenient and reliable than selling directly.

In short, there are countless intelligent people in the world, and the Qin Dynasty certainly dared not claim to have surpassed them.

Her only advantage was that she had heard and seen more, and had more historical references.

The vast amount of information that future generations will receive in just three to five months could very well cover the vicissitudes of a person's entire life.

If that's the case...

"Has the Grand Astrologer returned? Is there an auspicious day coming up soon?"

……

Lady Ba and Uyu met the Queen together.

The two had cooperated many times and made significant contributions, so Qin Shi was generous in rewarding them. At this moment, he instructed a maid to present a list to the two of them:

"Since you two have rendered meritorious service, I will refrain from such empty words. These are the most valuable treasures to be auctioned off in front of you; you may choose one of them."

"Then, I will change the list and change the ones you selected to non-exclusive pawn sales."

Consequently, the price will also be lower.

As for giving it only to these two people...

That's absolutely impossible.

These sums, often amounting to tens of thousands or even more, were used to fill Ji Heng's private treasury as well as the national treasury.

Given Qin's current financial strength, it is far from the time to put on a show of wealth beyond its means.

Despite this, when they received the list, Mrs. Ba and Wuyou were still deeply shocked.

The Queen had previously promised them partial rights to sell the salt and sugar, and now she's asking them to choose other items...

Quota for cement paving and road rerouting?

I don't know what it is, but I want it.

The Crimson Glaze Secret Technique? I want it!

The Azure Glazed Treasure Secret Technique? I want it!
Universal Glassmaking Technique? Why are there so many details? This one is more expensive and more comprehensive, and I want it even more!

Brown sugar making? You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you missed this!

Dessert making? It may seem insignificant, but it involves several techniques... With these techniques, wouldn't one be able to master everything and even create other unparalleled delicacies?
This is not only profitable, but it can also serve as a secret recipe passed down through generations of the clan, making it absolutely perfect!

The two men watched with gritted teeth, wishing they could spend all their wealth to acquire them all.

Then I looked at the starting price hanging behind it—

hiss--

The two exchanged a glance and realized that the Queen had no intention of allowing one family to dominate, even setting the starting price extremely high.

Even if a wealthy family were to acquire several crafts, they probably wouldn't have the financial resources to support it.

Looking down, there are indeed restrictions: each household can only take a maximum of two photos.

However, these restrictions are just talk.

After all, nowadays there are many families, and under them are many smaller families.

Each participant in this auction may bring two servants. Whether these servants are from other vassal families or simply servants, who knows?
In comparison, it's better to set the price higher, so that once people buy one or two, they can't do anything about buying a third.

Of course, considering the enormous benefits these things would bring, Qin Shi believed the price was well worth it.

She pondered the matter carefully, not in a hurry to urge the two of them.

But at this moment, after looking through the list from top to bottom and carefully calculating the most basic starting bid, Mrs. Ba closed the list again and solemnly said:

"Your Majesty, my Ba clan also owns many fields and houses in Shu, and we have no worries about food and clothing. We should not compete with the country for profit now."

Her words were filled with righteous indignation:
"The gifts from the Queen have already satisfied the entire Ba clan. We need nothing more now. We are willing to serve the Queen, to be her vanguard, to demonstrate the loyalty and sincerity of the entire Ba clan..."

Wu You, who was watching more slowly, hadn't had time to think before he heard Madam Ba utter these resounding words.

He looked up in astonishment, his expression still too visibly agitated—

Well, we're partners, yet you betray me and fawn over the Queen before I even get a chance!

What do you mean by serving the Queen and being her henchman? Just say you don't want money, you just want to do your job well and get a position in front of the Queen!
He wants it too!
At this moment, Wuyou also solemnly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Even petty people are like that!"

Qin Shi paused in his movements.

After a moment she laughed: "Is that really so?"

Lady Ba laughed, her voice sincere: "Thanks to the Queen's trust, I am now also the head of the Ba family in Shu."

Her husband was a strong candidate to be the head of the household, but due to his poor health and the fact that his children were not yet grown up, he could no longer work.

In such a large clan, if one does not hold power, one can only depend on others and have to obey their every whim, from drinking to eating.

How could someone with such a strong personality as Mrs. Ba tolerate this?

Therefore, she persuaded her clan members and went through all sorts of hardships in order to gain a voice in the community.

Now, having gained the Queen's trust and been bestowed with a golden hairpin by her own hand, the Ba family of Shu has become known throughout the land...

Naturally, she has now become the head of the Ba family.

Thinking of this, Mrs. Ba's smile was utterly genuine:
“My words are from the bottom of my heart.”

To reiterate: Because the Qin Dynasty lasted too short a period and existing records are scarce, many details and specific data may originate from the Han Dynasty…

Then there's the issue of finances in ancient times. Some might think that the royal family needed money for everything, which is somewhat undignified. But if you've ever looked into the finances of the Han Dynasty, you'll know that it was a complete mess, utterly disastrous…

……

I really wanted to write this Mary Sue story about a fantasy princess, the kind where it's all about a sweet, innocent girl getting her face slapped... but before I wrote it, I saw someone else had written it, and it was really good...

Forget it.