Chapter 97 Zhu Yuanzhang's suspicions and the truth revealed.
As the maid in blue pushed open the door of the wing room, a rich and mellow fragrance wafted out, like a fine aged wine, leaving one with an endless aftertaste.

"Boss, is this sandalwood?"

The moment Zhu Yuanzhang stepped into the room, he took a deep breath of the fragrance in the air, then looked at Zhu Biao beside him and asked.

"The fragrance is rich and fragrant, and it can make those who smell it feel relaxed and happy."

“It’s not just sandalwood, it’s premium sandalwood.”

Zhu Biao sniffed it gently again, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and nodded.

"Yes. There are rosewood tables and chairs at the entrance, and the best sandalwood. I am really becoming more and more interested in the owner of Yi Jiangnan."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at Chang Yuchun and asked, "Old Chang, do you know who the shopkeeper of Yi Jiangnan is?"

"I've been here so many times, I forgot to ask."

Chang Yuchun was slightly stunned, then smiled awkwardly.

"That's all."

Zhu Yuanzhang rolled his eyes at Chang Yuchun, then turned to look at the famous landscape paintings hanging on the walls of the room, which were painted in light ink and had a profound artistic conception.

There are also exquisite porcelain and jade articles that glow with a warm luster under the soft candlelight.

Then in the corner, there is a celadon incense burner with curling smoke, adding a touch of mystery and elegance to the room.

But the most eye-catching thing was the five small beds covered with thick fur in the center of the room.

These furs are shiny in color and soft in texture, obviously carefully selected from rare animals on the northern grasslands. Every inch of them reveals royal luxury.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not pay too much attention to it. Instead, he went straight to a jade disk. Just as he was about to pick it up, a melodious voice like a nightingale rang out, interrupting his action.

"Sir, all the calligraphy and painting treasures in Yijiangnan are priceless, so they can only be appreciated but not touched."

The maid in blue who was accompanying him in the side room looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, bowed and smiled softly.

After saying this, the beautiful waitress in blue bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang again, with a gentle smile on her lips, showing both respectfulness and elegance.

"Biao'er, do you still remember the Tang jade that your father gave you?"

In response, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, withdrew his hand, then turned to Zhu Biao and asked.

"Naturally remember."

Seeing this, Zhu Biao felt relieved and answered.

"When I gave it to you, I thought there was only one Tang Bi, but I didn't expect to see another one today."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with emotion, and he continued: "But the shopkeeper of Yi Jiangnan is really capable. He was able to get such a complete Tang jade."

But while Old Zhu was speaking, Zhu Biao's expression looked a little strange.

Because the Tang jade in front of you is the one that Zhu Yuanzhang gave to Zhu Biao.

Besides, who else could produce such a flawless Tang Bi except the royal family?
In addition, there was another meaning behind the Tang Dynasty jade that Zhu Yuanzhang gave to Zhu Biao.

The hope was that Zhu Biao could inherit the intact country, achieve a more prosperous era than the Tang Dynasty, and become an emperor no less inferior to Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin.

"Hey. Can this shopkeeper get the sutra bottle we gave to the third brother?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze then turned to the porcelain display cabinet next to him, and excitement instantly flashed in his eyes.

The Sutra Bottle comes from the Ru Kiln in the Northern Song Dynasty, which is the first of the five famous kilns in the Song Dynasty.

Of course, the name "Jing Ping" is the current name.

But later, this sutra bottle was also called plum bottle.

Especially the sutra bottle in front of you, the bottle body is slender and straight, the bottle mouth design is small, the neck of the bottle is slender and smooth, which forms a sharp contrast with the broad shoulders. The overall lines are soft and rhythmic.

What is most praised about Ru kiln is its jade-like sky-blue glaze, which shows subtle changes under different light.

Sometimes it is as clear as the morning sky, sometimes it is as deep as lake water, giving people a fresh, elegant, tranquil and far-reaching visual enjoyment.

The glaze is smooth and delicate, as if covered with a layer of mist, revealing an indescribable hazy beauty.

"Is there a possibility that this sutra bottle was given by you to the third brother?"

Zhu Biao muttered to himself, and a trace of helplessness and a bitter smile flashed across his face.

But this trace of helplessness and bitter smile was fleeting, otherwise if their old man noticed the clues, it would be a big joke.

"Is this an authentic work by Lu You from the Southern Song Dynasty?"

"Impossible, how could there be two identical authentic paintings in the world?"

Zhu Yuanzhang came to the wall full of calligraphy and paintings again and examined them carefully, but this time he frowned and said, "But I have specially asked someone to check it out, and our painting is indeed Lu You's authentic work."

While Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking, Zhu Biao broke out in a cold sweat again.

He cursed Zhu Gang a thousand times in his heart.

As luck would have it, Zhu Yuanzhang did not give Lu You's original works to any of his sons. Instead, they were kept in the inner treasury.

But Zhu Gang asked Empress Ma for an imperial decree and went to the inner treasury to pick out two things he liked, and this guy was also ruthless.

Or maybe Zhu Gang thought that with Zhu Yuanzhang's status, how could he possibly go to Yijiangnan? So he took this authentic copy of Lu You out of the inner treasury.

And they are placed in Yi Jiangnan for people to appreciate, to show that the collections of Yi Jiangnan are all the best in the world and are priceless treasures.

So today, Zhu Biao is afraid that he can no longer hold it back!

Moreover, with Zhu Yuanzhang's intelligence, it would not be difficult for him to see the clues.

"Go ask your shopkeeper, we want this authentic Lu You painting."

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, looked at the blue-clothed waitress, and said in a deep voice.

"really!"

Zhu Biao was startled by Old Zhu's sudden gloomy tone.

"Sir, all the treasures in Yijiangnan can only be appreciated, not sold."

The maid in blue bowed gracefully, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and smiled softly.

Recalling the guests in Jiangnan, all of them are either rich or noble, so even if it is a priceless treasure, there is always a price, and as long as the price is offered, it can still be sold.

But Yi Jiangnan is not stupid. Selling these treasures may seem to make huge profits in an instant, but if they are all sold out one day, Yi Jiangnan will be worthless.

Therefore, once a customer mentions that he wants to buy these treasures, they can only be tasted but not sold.

"Then we can always meet your shopkeeper, right?"

In response, Zhu Yuanzhang did not make things difficult for the blue-clothed waitress, but simply changed the subject.

Tang Bi, Zhu Yuanzhang can tolerate it!
Sutra bottle, Zhu Yuanzhang can also tolerate it!

But Zhu Yuanzhang really couldn't tolerate this authentic work of Lu You!
The most precious treasures in the world are all unique pieces, especially calligraphy and paintings.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was not keen on this, he also understood that the authentic painting of Lu You in the Nei Nei Ku was absolutely one of a kind in the world.

But today, I saw the same original work again when I recalled Jiangnan.

In addition, there were the Tang Bi given to Zhu Biao and the sutra bottle given to Zhu Gang.

Old Zhu's heart sank suddenly. Could it be that his two sons were doing something else behind his back?
For example, Zhu Yuanzhang strictly prohibited doing business!

"To be objective, the shopkeeper usually comes to check the accounts at night."

The maid in blue still bowed gracefully.

"You go out first."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang simply waved his hand gently, signaling the waitress to leave.

"My dear guests, please take a rest first."

The maid in green bowed slightly again, then left the room. After closing the door, she stood guard at the door.

To facilitate service to Zhu Yuanzhang and others.

After all, Yi Jiangnan’s main focus is high-end boutique services.

"Boss, have you seen our original painting of Lu You?"

As soon as the waitress left, Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze to Zhu Biao.

"I've seen it."

As if feeling Zhu Yuanzhang's fierce momentum, Zhu Biao's forehead was also sweating, and he nodded. "It's over! I can't hide it anymore!"

At the same time, Zhu Biao was feeling a little overwhelmed.

This old man, why is he starting to scare his son today?

"Then can you tell us why there is also an authentic painting of Lu You here?"

"And your Tang Bi and the third brother's sutra bottle."

"Yes, it is not an exaggeration that the Tang Dynasty jade and sutra bottles still exist."

"But our Lu You painting is the only one of its kind. Why is there another one in Reminiscences of Jiangnan?"

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang had already untied his belt and slowly approached Zhu Biao.

"Uh uh. Looks like I'm in trouble!"

As for Chang Yuchun, Xu Da and Feng Sheng who were standing aside, they all tactfully turned their heads away.

After all, the father is teaching his son a lesson, so they should not get involved to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Of course, if Zhu Yuanzhang really got angry, they would have to stop him to prevent him from really hurting Zhu Biao.

"Third brother, a beautiful woman is playing the piano, and a beautiful woman is rubbing my shoulders. Such a day is really a happy one."

At this moment, a clear voice came from the next room, and there was a soft and slow sound of piano.

Just this sound rang out.
Feng Sheng and Xu Da both looked at Chang Yuchun who was stunned.

"Why does this voice sound so much like our boss'?"

Chang Yuchun also muttered to himself.

Then this "Old Third?", couldn't it be...
Not daring to think any further, they all shook their heads, then secretly glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face became even gloomier.

This is the top floor of Yi Jiangnan, and the cost there is extremely expensive.

The cost of this room alone for more than an hour would amount to hundreds of coins.

Moreover, foot washing and massage are charged per person.

Even after Zhu Yuanzhang knew the price, he was shocked for a moment and said it was a bit outrageously expensive.

"Some time ago, the imperial court implemented a policy of allocating taxes to each acre of land in the south of the Yangtze River, requiring officials and gentry to pay taxes together."

"There is also the currency reform and the implementation of the new system. I don't even have time to sit down and visit Yi Jiangnan."

In the other room, Zhu Gang lay in the arms of the beautiful woman, feeling her delicate and gentle touch. He turned his eyes to Chang Mao beside him, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he said, "Sure enough, compared to those tedious things, I still prefer quietness."

"That's not difficult. I'll build you a room in the Prince Jin's mansion specifically for massage."

Chang Mao was also lying in the arms of the beauty. He turned his head to Zhu Gang and said with a smile: "You just need to send someone over and I will arrange it for you."

"Door-to-door service?"

Zhu Gang raised his eyebrows.

"Haha, yes, yes, it's door-to-door service."

Chang Mao was stunned at first, then he laughed.

"Let's not do it. It's a waste of time and money."

In response, Zhu Gang shook his head and said, "And if our old man knew, he would think that I was extravagant and indulged in pleasure."

"That's right. You are a prince after all. You can't go too far."

Chang Mao thought about it, but still glanced at Zhu Gang and smiled: "Then I will inform the shopkeeper that this wing room will be reserved for us and not for the public. If you want to come, you can come anytime. I will cover all the expenses!"

As he spoke, a hint of heroism flashed across Chang Mao's face.

"Ah."

This time, Zhu Gang did not refuse, but just nodded slightly.

But Zhu Yuanzhang, who was in another wing, had a glimmer of suspicion in his eyes after hearing what Zhu Gang and Chang Mao said.

Could it be that Old Zhu was overthinking it, and this Reminiscence of Jiangnan was not really opened by Zhu Gang?
But how do we explain this authentic work of Lu You?

Could it be that there are still the best in this world?
The original painting in the inner treasury is not a unique piece?

For a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought again.

"This prodigal son!"

But unlike Lao Zhu's thinking, Chang Yuchun widened his eyes and cursed inwardly.

Chang Mao's annual salary is only a few yuan, so doesn't it have to be paid for Zhu Gang's expenses by his family?
And they booked this box directly and didn’t open it to the public?

okokokok???

Why does this sound a little wrong?

Why should the shopkeeper of Yi Jiangnan reserve this room for you just because you, Chang Mao, informed him?

Don't forget, the charge for this room is by the hour, and the focus is on foot washing and massage, which costs more.

From the perspective of interests, let alone whether the shopkeeper is willing or not, even if Chang Mao sold the Chang family, it would not be enough to pay for Yi Jiangnan's expenses for a year.

"By the way, should I hand over the property seized from Yuexianglou to the national treasury or send it to your palace?"

In the next room, Chang Mao's voice was heard again.

"No need, Yuexianglou will be useful for now."

"As for property, you should buy a yard in the suburbs, build a few large workshops, hire craftsmen to make bluestone slabs, and then pave the yard with them."

Zhu Gang thought about it before speaking.

"Your Highness wants to make salt?"

Gu Xiuqi, who was lying on the other side of Zhu Gang, also turned his head and looked at Zhu Gang.

"Salt-making?"

Chang Mao was also slightly stunned.

"Ah."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly and added, "And sugar making."

"It's not that this business is impossible, but compared to Yi Jiangnan, the profit is not that great, right?"

Chang Mao still didn't understand what Zhu Gang meant, so he asked.

As for sugar and salt production, Chang Mao certainly understood that the profits involved were immeasurable.

After all, whether it is sugar or salt, they are indispensable in daily life.

Compared with Yi Jiangnan, the profits from sugar and salt are lower, but they are still far from being a long-term profit that can make money continuously.

"Mingqian, let our Young Master Chang have some Shanxi's unique sugar and salt."

Zhu Gang gently lifted the beauty's chin, and smiled lazily while admiring her shy beauty.

"Ah."

Zhong Boxian took out two small cloth bags from under his robe.
"Compared to Yi Jiangnan, isn't the profit very big?"

But in the next room, when Zhu Yuanzhang heard these words, his face changed in shock in an instant!
Even Chang Yuchun, Xu Da and Feng Sheng were dumbfounded.

Based on this sentence alone, this building, Recalling Jiangnan, was most likely opened by Zhu Gang.

And the partner is Chang Yuchun’s son, Chang Mao.

"It's cold!"

As for Zhu Biao, when he heard this, his expression, which had originally relaxed, became bitter again.

In fact, Zhu Biao had already witnessed the famous scene where Zhu Yuanzhang beat up the two brothers.

　There is a leader after 11 words!
　　I don't need to say much about its value.

　　You can go and have a look

　　
　
(End of this chapter)