Mi Yihai watched as the atmosphere began to grow tense. He interjected appropriately, "General Wang's journey here must have been quite arduous. Let's discuss something cheerful, something about making money."
"I believe Village Chief Wang has something to say. Perhaps he should speak first. General Wang, what are your thoughts?"
Wang Zhen had heard "what are your thoughts" twice tonight and was already growing weary.
He lost his temper and retorted, "You, the Prefect, have already spoken for me. Why ask my thoughts? Isn't that like taking off your pants to fart – completely unnecessary!"
Mi Yihai choked, a lump forming in his throat. He forced a laugh, "Hehe, I was just offering an opinion. General, why get angry? If you don't like it, we won't discuss it. It's that simple."
Wang Zhen's tone shifted, "Don't like it?"
He sneered, "You've got that wrong. Anything I intend to feed my soldiers, I must inspect thoroughly. Is it wrong for this general to be cautious?"
Fan Zehao saw that Wang Zhen was too invested in his role and quickly said, "Exactly. That's your responsibility, and I believe everyone understands."
His words offered a way out, and Wang Zhen didn't dare to push further. He seized the opportunity, "Village Chief Wang, you say your product is made from flowers. Are these flowers poisonous?"
Not only Wang Yuanzhi, but even Hua Yunzhe was taken aback. They both replied, "No, no, absolutely not poisonous."
Wang Zhen continued, "What kind of flowers are they? You wouldn't mind us taking a look, would you!"
"Also, you claim this product is made from flowers. This general finds it puzzling. I've heard of flowers being added to recipes or tea, but for flowers to be used to create this... honestly, this general is quite skeptical!"
Village Chief Wang observed that Wang Zhen was a stickler for detail, but his questions were indeed reasonable. Such a person seemed more suited for business.
After a series of inquiries, Wang Yuanzhi didn't think much of it and instead enthusiastically promoted his product, "The world is wondrous. This product is indeed made from the fruit of flowers. No matter how much I say, General won't believe me. Why don't we visit and see for ourselves? I'm sure the General will gain some understanding. What do you say, General!"
The people at the table listened. Zhao Jiaqi wanted to give Wang Yuanzhi a thumbs-up. This village chief was even more impressive, especially since Wang Zhen was so persistent about the product.
If Wang Zhen hadn't said it himself, Zhao Jiaqi believed the village chief had already taken the bait, and things would naturally proceed much more smoothly from here on.
In the adjacent private room, the princes who had overheard the conversation quietly departed. Those who needed to mobilize troops did so, and those who needed to prepare got busy. It seemed a silent war was brewing.
At that moment, Wang Zhen heard the village chief's words and finally showed him a pleasant expression. "Tonight, you are the only one who speaks sense. You sound like a businessman."
Wang village chief beamed, his old face creasing with smiles.
Wang Zhen continued, "In business, you must first present your product and show us how it's made, what raw materials are used. That way, we can use it with confidence."
"You can't just tell us how great this product is from the outset. Behind me are over two hundred thousand soldiers, not two hundred or two thousand. Only after I see that you've genuinely used non-poisonous flowers, seeds, or fruits to make it can I believe we can continue this business!"
"Of course, I must have at least half of the profits. Village Chief, you need to think carefully about this. If it's not acceptable, we'll finish dinner tonight, call it quits, and go our separate ways. I can then spend some time with my elder brother. We haven't seen each other in a long time, and I miss him dearly."
Village Chief Wang realized that Wang Zhen was entirely focused on Young Master Fan and wasn't in a hurry to make money.
However, demanding half the profit was acceptable. If he didn't ask for so much, he would feel a bit guilty selling his "Elixir of Immortality" to him. Once they were on the same boat, they would truly be family, and he wouldn't be able to escape if any problems arose.
Wang Yuanzhi quickly agreed, "No problem. I have a good relationship with Young Master Fan. His friends are my friends. The profit margin is entirely negotiable. Whatever makes you happy is fine."
His frank response seemed genuinely sincere.
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao exchanged glances, a deeper smile growing in their eyes. The cunning old fish had finally taken the bait.
Creak. The door to the private room opened, and a fragrant aroma filled the space. Looking out the window, it was already dark. They had been so engrossed in conversation that they had lost track of time.
Bai Lu entered with a smile, placed a dish on the table, and introduced it briefly. Many of the dishes were their secret signals.
Seeing a green vegetable dish, Zhao Jiaqi instantly understood. Prince Xian, Prince Xiaoyao, and Fan Lao'er were ready, awaiting their signal.
Bai Lu then said, "All the dishes are served. If you need anything, just ask. Our waiters are just outside."
With that, Bai Lu turned to leave. Zhao Jiaqi called out, "Wait a moment. I'm entertaining guests today, and it's not right to have a meal without fish. Add another fish dish for us, and then... roast duck."
Hearing the mention of fish, Bai Lu's heart was overjoyed, but she managed to suppress her excitement, replying in a most ordinary tone, "We have boiled fish, braised fish, and sweet and sour fish. The squirrel fish we originally planned is no longer available. What kind would you like to substitute?"
Zhao Jiaqi heard that it wasn't according to their original plan. This was a delay tactic. She nodded, feigning contemplation, and asked the woman beside her, Wang Tangshi, "Sister-in-law, what kind of fish do you prefer?"
Tang Tang smiled shyly, "I'm pregnant, and my tastes are a bit peculiar. I'd like sweet and sour fish."
"Really? Congratulations! Then let's have sweet and sour fish, two portions."
In her joy, Zhao Jiaqi ordered two portions of sweet and sour fish, which puzzled Wang Yuanzhi.
If he remembered correctly, this lady was also pregnant and couldn't stand the smell of fish. Why order two portions now? Wasn't she afraid of throwing up later?
Despite his doubts, he said nothing and sat quietly to the side.
While the kitchen prepared the dishes, they began to eat. As there was an important matter at hand tonight, Wang Zhen did not drink, and neither did anyone else.
Though they didn't drink alcohol, they didn't forgo tea. Eating and drinking tea was a unique scene.
The men's conversation revolved around the difficulties of being an official. Aside from complaints, the rest of their talk centered on women.