Royal Gold Magistrate

Luo Ningxin’s smile froze on her face as she flushed red and white.

She hadn’t expected Fang Zheng to be so blunt. Even if he didn’t fancy her, did he have to say it so directly?

Ignoring Luo Ningxin’s reaction, Fang Zheng explained, “Miss Luo, this deal is quite extraordinary. I’m here on the Crown Prince’s orders to specially prepare for the Qiyuan Festival.”

“These items are extremely rare and of noble quality. You could say they represent the most steadfast love between men and women in the world!”

Luo Ningxin blinked, not quite comprehending. Noble quality… Is that how you describe a product?

“The Crown Prince favors these items greatly, so he ordered me to give everyone in the world a chance to witness true love during this wonderful holiday. Therefore, I must request Miss Luo to give face to the Crown Prince and help promote it!”

Luo Ningxin gently bit her lower lip, her eyes showing a hint of grievance as she looked at Fang Zheng.

If you’ve already invoked the Crown Prince, what reason do I have to refuse?

She then said softly, “Since Lord Fang has spoken, Ningxin is naturally willing. But while helping is a small matter, shouldn’t you at least let Ningxin know what exactly you want her to promote?”

Fang Zheng smiled slightly. “No rush. There’s still some time before the Qiyuan Festival and the items are not fully made yet. If there were finished products, I would’ve sent someone to deliver a set to Miss Luo.”

“Then how should Ningxin promote it?”

“If all goes as planned, Hidden Fragrance Pavilion will also hold a grand event on the day of the Qiyuan Festival, right? At that time, please wear this item and make an appearance in the crowd, walk around a bit and say a few words.”

“Say what?” Luo Ningxin’s curiosity was somewhat piqued.

Fang Zheng proclaimed, “You’ll just need to say a few lines. I haven’t thought of the specifics yet, but let me give Miss Luo an example.”

“Something like… Diamonds are forever, a gem that lasts for eternity!”

“True love is priceless, true love has diamonds. Possess it for life, cherish it for generations!”

“That should be the gist of it. I’ll write down exactly what to say on paper and give it to Miss Luo when the time comes.”

Luo Ningxin couldn’t help but cover her cherry-like mouth in shock. “What are diamonds? Ningxin has truly never heard of them. Judging from how Lord Fang describes them, they must be extremely valuable. But will people really buy such expensive things during the Qiyuan Festival?”

Fang Zheng said with a serious expression, “Indeed, these items are priceless. Diamonds are originally huge gemstones, buried deep underground for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years, gathering the spiritual qi of the earth’s veins to form. Under sunlight, they radiate prismatic light, impervious to water and fire. They can be called incredibly magical, with immeasurable value. Using them to symbolize love is most fitting!”

“The Crown Prince also obtained this item by chance. Though overjoyed, he thought that happiness shared is double happiness. So he ordered me to cut the huge diamond into smaller pieces, fashion them into jewelry, and sell them during the Qiyuan Festival to celebrate with the people.”

“Of course, since the pieces vary in size, the prices will differ too. People can buy according to their means then.”

“Although expensive, the Crown Prince absolutely does not intend to make a single coin from this. Otherwise, he would not have easily shattered a whole massive diamond.”

Fang Zheng lied through his teeth without turning a hair.

Of course Great Jing had diamonds too, only they were still called adamantine. The prices were indeed quite high, but the processing techniques tended to be rather crude.

Because diamonds are extremely hard, with the very backward technological conditions at present, it was exceedingly difficult to create the regular polyhedral, glittering light and shadow effects of modern times.

As for the diamonds Fang Zheng spoke of… they were naturally made of glass, because diamonds aren’t fireproof after all…

When Fang Zheng did this kind of thing, he felt no guilt whatsoever.

In any case, no one knows what diamonds are! The power to define is all in my hands!

From today onward, glass that’s been ground is called a diamond!

In terms of pricing, ordinary commoners definitely can’t afford them. If the wealthy want to buy, let them buy.

We’re selling science and concepts… Future generations did the same.

…

“I understand now, Lord Fang. Just leave it to me. Is there anything else you need?”

Luo Ningxin kept throwing coquettish glances at Fang Zheng.

Fang Zheng scoffed inwardly. This woman probably wants to break my back. She’s being too forward… there must be something fishy.

“No other business. I’ll take my leave then!”

With that, he directly went out the door and downstairs.

Luo Ningxin stood there stunned for a long while before angrily stamping her delicate foot and glaring resentfully at the doorway…

Fang Zheng walked straight back to his original spot. Zhang Biao and Li Yuanzhao were still there.

The madam was flushed and snuggling against Zhang Biao, continuously bringing cups of wine to his lips. Zhang Biao accepted all that came, reclining half-naked in his chair, heartily eating fruits and occasionally taking swigs of wine.

Li Yuanzhao looked a bit gloomy, sitting dazedly in his chair.

One glance and you could tell he was shocked by Brother Biao’s imposing aura.

Fang Zheng found it a bit amusing, so he called out to the two, “It’s done, let’s go home!”

Li Yuanzhao looked at Fang Zheng in delighted surprise, then quickly walked over and said softly, “Let’s hurry and leave! I can’t stand being around this Zhang Biao fellow any longer. That woman is really… *tsk tsk*, it’s corrupting!”

Hearing this, Zhang Biao responded and immediately stood up, heartlessly dumping the madam on the floor. He put on his clothes and strode over to Fang Zheng’s side with big steps.

The madam half-crawled on the ground, casting a resentful look at Zhang Biao. “My lord~ come often!”

Zhang Biao left with Fang Zheng without looking back.

A songstress nearby hurriedly ran over to help the madam up, laughing, “Oh, Sister Chun, which man has you so besotted?”

Sister Chun got up and patted her clothes, saying in embarrassed anger, “What do you know! In my years at Hidden Fragrance Pavilion, I’ve finally met a real man among men.”

“That strong physique, that cold expression, and that beast-like aura. Once you truly experience him, you’ll know there are no other men in this world besides him… You’re still young, you don’t understand!”

“This old woman has him in her grasp! No one else is allowed to steal him!”

The songstress shrugged helplessly, “No one’s fighting you for him. I actually find the one beside him more to my taste…”

…

After the three men exited, Fang Zheng teased, “You like her? Want to take her home? She’s fallen for you at first sight!”

Zhang Biao shook his head, “No, too weak… I need a strong woman.”

“Young Master, I suddenly realized something just now.”

“What is it?”

Zhang Biao lifted his head and sighed despondently, “Perhaps there’s no one left in this world who can give me a satisfying fight!”

“I’ve decided to find a few more women to bear my children. Maybe when they grow up, they’ll be qualified to be my opponents!”

Fang Zheng: “…”

Li Yuanzhao: “…”