Chapter 40: Qi Zheng and Chen Bai Don’t Like Men
Chen Bai had originally been waiting for these students to make the looms.
But after he went to see how Chen Xiaobu’s was coming along, he no longer held much hope.
Because Chen Xiaobu had been beaten. Chen Shouye had beaten him. Chen Xiaobu had ordered servants to split apart the redwood chair in Chen Shouye’s study, insisting with every word that this was homework.
That chair had cost quite a lot of money and had been specially custom-made. What kind of homework involved chopping up a chair? Looking at Chen Xiaobu arguing as if he were entirely justified, Chen Shouye truly could not hold back and smacked his butt a few times.
When Chen Bai went over, Chen Xiaobu was lying on the ground looking at his notes. One moment he looked at the notes, the next he looked at the loom he had made, and then he played with the screaming chicken beside him.
The screaming chicken had originally been bought by Chen Bai for the Dalmatian to play with, but this child had started playing with it enthusiastically himself.
“Why does it look a little different from the loom in my notebook?” Chen Xiaobu’s little head was full of confusion, and he was still asking and answering himself.
The corner of Chen Bai’s mouth twitched. He glanced at that strange “loom.” With a light push, it could even sway for a long while like a rocking chair.
“Brother, I feel like this loom can’t weave cloth.” Finally, Chen Xiaobu came to a conclusion.
Chen Bai laughed coldly. Why didn’t you look at what sort of thing you made? Does it even deserve to be called a loom?
No wonder Chen Shouye had been so furious. A perfectly good redwood chair had turned into a pile of scrap wood.
“Brother, let me explain its structure to you. It really is exactly the same as what I recorded in my notebook.”
Chen Bai thought, no matter how you argue, it is still far too different.
After thinking for a moment, Chen Bai simply called all the students in Shangjing to his home, using his identity as senior brother to guide them.
Fortunately, he gave them this extra lesson. Otherwise, he would definitely have received a pile of strange, broken pieces of wood.
However, when writing the invitations, he hesitated for a moment. Should he send one to Princess Lexun or not? After thinking about it, all the other students were receiving invitations. If Princess Lexun alone did not receive one, it seemed somewhat unreasonable.
He still had to send an invitation. Whether she came or not was up to her.
Qi Zheng also had to be invited, because Qi Zheng would need to have people prepare some wood and tools. Wasn’t this exactly when a teaching assistant should run errands? Although this teaching assistant’s status was a little special.
This was also the first time “Chen Zixiu” sent an invitation to Qi Zheng. He did not know whether the other party would come. If he did not, Chen Bai could only have the steward of the Court of Judicial Review prepare the materials. But the steward had not attended his lessons and would probably encounter many problems that could not be explained.
Fortunately, both Princess Lexun and Qi Zheng actually came, though he did not know what state of mind they had when they came.
The two sat there quietly, merely nodding at each other in greeting, like two blocks of ice.
It was originally a small study seminar, but Madam Ronghua forcibly turned it into a rather proper small banquet.
Madam Ronghua’s entire face was glowing with joy. How long had it been since the Court of Judicial Review residence had hosted so many young people of Shangjing?
Other families’ juniors would invite like-minded friends every few days, holding exchange banquets among young people in the name of poetry or lyrics. That was the daily life of a young master from a meritorious family.
Although she did not understand this “loom seminar,” being able to invite people over was already quite successful.
At first, Chen Bai only had people prepare some simple everyday pastries. In the end, Madam Ronghua quickly hurried over with a face full of disapproval. Since they had invited guests over, how could they be so perfunctory? If word spread, would people not say their Court of Judicial Review residence was shabby?
Thus, she had people prepare it according to the standard of a formal scholars’ banquet, even raising it by one level.
The venue was Chen Bai’s courtyard. His courtyard was quite large. Previously, he had transplanted quite a few sunflowers from Qi Zheng’s place. Now the sunflowers had already been harvested, and the dried sunflower seeds had been taken by Madam Ronghua to crack open and eat with the ladies she was close to.
It was said that, at some unknown point, sunflower seeds had already become popular in their little circle. Cracking sunflower seeds while drinking tea and eating pastries had already become the usual way for these ladies to pass the time. Some even saved sunflower seeds to plant in their own courtyards next year.
When the students of Shangjing arrived, they all came carrying the “looms” they had made.
At the time, even the stewards of the Court of Judicial Review were shocked. When they helped carry the things in, they simply could not recognize what they were. Each one was stranger than the last.
“Brother Bai, my loom is a little strange. If I use even a little force, it falls apart.”
“Mine doesn’t fall apart, but it creaks and groans.”
Chen Bai inspected them one by one. It could be seen that these students had indeed made them according to what had been taught in class. It was just that… their eyes had learned, but their hands-on ability…
It was painful to look at.
At this moment, the wood and tools Qi Zheng had people prepare were also delivered.
There was no helping it. He would demonstrate and make one himself.
A study seminar was like this. There had to be someone to lead.
Chen Bai made one small component, and the others held tools and learned along. If there were questions, they asked. They discussed with one another. This way, all the problems they encountered could be solved.
From beginning to end, the banquet was quite lively, and the atmosphere was very active. It was just that the dogs occasionally caused trouble. That little corgi jumped for ages but still failed to snatch a piece of pastry, whining for a long while.
During this time, Madam Ronghua also stood outside the courtyard to take a look. Only then did she leave in peace.
A loom could not be made in one day. They had to continue tomorrow.
And so…
The loom seminar, the weaving study seminar, the clothing design tea party—one after another, they continued day by day.
Of course, Chen Bai had to attend court. If there was nothing important in court, he could leave directly in the afternoon, so he still had plenty of time.
The group of students, however, did not have quite enough time, because… after Crown Prince Sudan of Zhao left, Shangjing Academy resumed classes. They had to attend school. They could only gather at the Court of Judicial Review after school to study weaving together.
“Classes at Shangjing Academy are so boring. I touched my dog for a moment, and the teacher glared at me.”
“I wanted to drink some water, but they wouldn’t let me. I had to wait until class ended.”
“It’s a pity Mountain Lord’s classes have returned to once every five days now.”
“The only fun thing now is going to Brother Bai’s place for study seminars. My small components are almost finished. Soon they’ll be able to form one loom.”
“Mine is almost done too. The wood last time was bad, so I changed it.”
Now, the fact that the Court of Judicial Review was inviting students from Shangjing Academy every day had spread throughout Shangjing.
Madam Ronghua’s previously overjoyed mood had also turned into worry. Before, she had worried that her son was unlike other families’ sons, who invited people over for gatherings every few days. Now, she worried that holding gatherings every day would cause gossip. After all, he was the Grand Scholar of the Brush in the Golden Hall.
Fortunately, before long, things stopped.
Otherwise, with the younger generation from the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers’ families running to the Court of Judicial Review every day, it would be somewhat inappropriate.
Chen Bai stopped because he had begun writing invitations for the loom launch event.
This time, the invitations were not limited to the students’ parents. Anyone with even a bit of connection was invited.
The contents of the invitation were not for a banquet either, because there were many people and he was not responsible for feeding them. The content was simply “loom launch event,” and the location was the same place where the movie had been shown last time.
Chen Bai originally thought not many people would come. He guessed mostly the students’ parents would attend.
In the end, the number of people who came exceeded his imagination. Even many commoners who had heard the news came.
Because Chen Bai had used Mountain Lord’s identity to send the invitations, and given the success of the previous “student art exhibition” and “divine wall painting,” these people actually accepted the invitation and came to watch this so-called loom launch event, even though they had never before received an invitation where the location was directly on the main street.
The launch event was still scheduled on a rest day.
Chen Bai glanced at the growing crowd. It really did look somewhat like a new product launch. Then he had people proceed according to the plan.
The originally noisy street quieted without needing anyone to remind them.
Because on the built-up platform, two rows of women walked out. They wore extremely unusual yet beautiful and dignified clothing.
They stood in two rows just like that, making people stare without blinking.
Chen Bai had not been busy in vain these past few days. He had used the cloth woven by the looms and found seamstresses specializing in clothing to make new garments according to his requirements.
They were all Tang-style palace garments: graceful, luxurious, and beautiful.
These female students were originally noble young ladies from meritorious families, so they could display the beauty and classical elegance of these clothes to the fullest.
Logically speaking, having women stand in the street wearing beautiful clothes would carry a somewhat courtesan-like feeling, but now it was completely different. The styles of these clothes were so dignified, luxurious, and beautiful that people would not think in that direction at all.
So the moment they appeared and stood on the platform, everyone was directly shocked into silence.
Especially Princess Lexun. Her outfit contained some artistic design elements. Its long train left people dumbfounded.
It looked strange. Who would wear such clothing outside? Yet it looked beautiful, so beautiful that people could hardly take it all in.
Added to the eldest princess’s icy temperament, she looked just like a goddess from a painting.
Who knew how many people immediately thought in their hearts: which family’s woman is this, to be so coldly beautiful and noble?
The other female students were more or less somewhat shy, because this was also the first time they had stood on a platform like this. Their teacher’s eldest disciple, Chen Zixiu, had told them that they were only displaying the cloth woven by the looms, but once they came up, it still felt like more than that.
Lexun was different. These gazes meant nothing to her. Compared with the gazes back then, when people had avoided her for fear of not being able to get away fast enough, what did this count as?
So Lexun stood on the platform, looking at people as though overlooking all living beings. It would be right to say there was a hint of disdain for worldly customs in her noble gaze. It would also be right to say her gaze was cold and proud, like a flower on a high ridge.
Even Chen Bai was stunned for a moment. If Lexun had been born in modern times, she would definitely have been a natural goddess of fashion on screen.
In the silence, Lexun’s cool voice rang out. “The loom launch event begins. Please first enjoy the guqin piece, The Ballad of Mulan.”
The corner of Chen Bai’s mouth twitched. She was not even warming up the crowd. But in the current situation, there was no need to. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the stage, looking at the clothes that were pale yellow, or gorgeous, or elegant.
At this moment, one little boy after another walked out carrying guqin.
They set down the guqin, then sat cross-legged.
A group of people—especially the parents—covered their mouths.
These young masters actually had some of the bearing of refined scholars. One had to know that even in meritorious families, cultivating descendants into refined scholars was something that could only be encountered, not sought. One might not be able to cultivate even one in a lifetime.
So now, they felt that the tuition of ten taels of gold had been simply too worth it.
Many people were also stunned. They wondered whether it was still possible to send their family’s juniors to Mountain Lord’s place to study now. They thought to themselves that when they went back, they had to ask around. In any case, Mountain Lord’s school only held classes on Shangjing Academy’s rest days, so it would not delay their studies.
At this moment, the sound of the guqin rose, and singing began.
“Chirp chirp, chirp chirp again, Mulan weaves facing the door…”
The women used an especially elegant ancient singing style. The male students’ voices still carried a unique childish tone, using recitation as background sound.
As the women sang, they also sat down on stools. In front of them were the looms that had already been prepared.
A group of palace-dressed women, singing songs, turning looms, and weaving cloth—the visual impression was truly too strong.
This was a picture of beauty pushed to the extreme. The people watching could not help holding their breath, afraid of disturbing this scene.
Chen Bai watched with great interest from below. This era lacked entertainment. Going to a teahouse to listen to a story was already something extraordinary. They definitely rarely saw scenes like this.
When the guqin music stopped, the group of young masters left carrying their instruments, yet the people below still had not reacted.
Chen Bai had no choice but to cough and walk onto the platform.
A mask, a red robe—it was still the familiar appearance of Mountain Lord.
“Everyone, was the performance just now good?” Chen Bai began to stir the atmosphere.
Only then did the crowd react. In ancient times, performances like songs, dances, and musical instruments were actually mostly done by men, not by women as seen in television dramas. Moreover, musical instruments were something only those of noble birth would learn, and even then, not many learned them.
So when the group of young masters came out to play the guqin just now, it did not feel out of place at all.
As for whether it was good? Had they not watched without even blinking?
Chen Bai continued, “Everyone, are the clothes on the stage beautiful?”
More than beautiful. They were simply beautiful to the extreme.
The replies grew louder.
Chen Bai smiled. “Then do you know how the cloth for these clothes was woven?”
Everyone’s eyes could not help turning toward the strange machines on the stage. They had just seen with their own eyes that these girls in beautiful clothes had used those things to weave cloth.
“These are looms, and they are also the main product of today’s launch event.”
“The women wearing these beautiful clothes are the female students of my school. In these past few days, they and their classmates worked tirelessly to make the looms, and then used the looms to weave cloth, using that cloth to make the clothes on their bodies.”
What?
These looms were made by these women?
These women were the ones who had entered the school to study in defiance of the world’s disapproval?
This…
Some people began to show signs of criticism.
But before they could speak, Chen Bai said, “Many people present should know Great Qian’s method of weaving cloth, yes?”
In this era, basically every household wove cloth by themselves. It counted as a way to supplement the family income.
Chen Bai continued, “If you use our looms to weave cloth, the speed is three to four times faster than the original method. It greatly improves weaving efficiency. Moreover, the quality of the woven cloth is higher, and the clothes made from it are even more beautiful.”
“Do you… know what this means?”
Chen Bai thought: let’s see if this still cannot shut your mouths.
Without waiting for anyone to speak, Chen Bai continued, “It means that in the time it once took to weave one bolt of cloth, we can now weave four bolts of higher-quality cloth. It means that Great Qian’s weaving technology will surpass that of all the other states. It means that once this new loom-weaving method is promoted throughout Great Qian, we can even sell the surplus cloth to the other states, making Great Qian richer and stronger…”
His voice grew more and more impassioned.
Below, Qi Zheng had also arranged for people to carry the cloth on trays and let the audience see it.
The people below listened to Chen Bai’s speech while touching the passing fabric. The cloth was woven with unbelievable evenness, and it felt much more comfortable to the touch. Just these two points alone were something they usually could not accomplish.
It really was cloth of a higher grade. If, as he had just said, the weaving speed was several times faster as well, then this loom was truly extraordinary.
Chen Bai said, “You also saw just now how the looms are used. Is there anyone who would like to come up and try?”
Everyone froze, but some people could not resist and went up.
In truth, there were only so many looms. With so many people watching, having a few people go up was enough.
The palace-dressed students beside them began teaching these people who were trying how to weave, while those below stood on tiptoe to watch.
Once the people above got started, their faces were full of surprise, because it was too easy to begin. They also understood why the speed was so fast.
This loom wove cloth row by row.
In the past, when weaving by hand, the threads would always become messy, causing knots. And if the person weaving was not skilled, the cloth would always end up uneven—some parts long, some parts short—because the force used was uneven and the threads were pulled to different lengths.
But with a loom, these were no longer problems.
In just a short while, they had woven a small piece, and the quality was indeed remarkable.
More and more people went up to try, because merely watching was already astonishing.
Everyone who tried it excitedly explained it to those beside them.
Chen Bai glanced at the orderly line of people trying, then continued, “I heard some people had criticisms about my student Grand Scholar Zhaoxue hosting banquets several days in a row. Yet they did not know that, precisely during those days, whenever he had time, he was researching and making looms. That is why today, the loom that can change Great Qian’s weaving situation could be placed before everyone.”
“Let us congratulate them for the results they have achieved with applause.”
Chen Bai clapped first.
The audience was dazed. “…”
But they also followed and clapped a few times. Was this expressing congratulations?
It was indeed worthy of congratulations. For Great Qian, this loom was something truly extraordinary.
Chen Bai continued, “Especially the female students of my school. Not only did they make the looms together, they were also the first batch to attempt something even the male students of my school were unwilling to do: using the loom to weave thread into cloth. Let us thank them for their efforts with applause.”
When the applause sounded, the audience froze, and the female students on stage froze as well.
Was this applause for them? For some reason, their eyes began to redden.
Had they not heard the voices outside talking about them?
They had heard. It was only that they felt, since they had done something others did not dare to do and walked into the school as women, then even if they had to endure such things, it was nothing.
But now… this applause was for them. Was this not a kind of recognition?
Every piece of fabric on the clothes they wore had been woven by their own hands. They were also young ladies from refined families, their hands once untouched by even dripping water.
Now, quite a few had blisters rubbed into their hands by the loom. But at this moment, it had been worth it.
The expressions of the audience below became strange.
This group of female students had indeed made something that contributed to Great Qian. They had to admit it. Could Great Qian refuse to use the loom just because they were women? Who would dare say such a thing? They would probably be cursed to death by thousands upon thousands of commoners.
The corners of Chen Bai’s mouth lifted. The first step had gone fairly well. But if he wanted these people to completely change their restrictions and views of women, that would not be possible in a short time.
Chen Bai continued, “Next, Lexun of my school will continue explaining the second half of the loom launch event.”
The audience: “…”
Were they actually letting a woman do it?
Lexun’s expression did not change at all. Still dressed in that exaggerated and luxurious palace attire, she said, “I will open several shops in Shangjing dedicated to selling looms. They will be named Women’s Loom Sales Workshops. If any family needs one, they may come to the shops to purchase it. The main goal is to promote looms throughout Great Qian, so the price will only cover the cost of materials and labor. Not a single coin of profit will be taken…”
Hiss!
What a grand move.
Shops in Shangjing were not cheap, yet she was opening several at once?
And… she would actually not earn a single coin, all for the sake of promoting looms throughout Great Qian.
This woman had such great boldness. Many men could not compare.
Chen Bai watched with a smile. Probably only Princess Lexun dared take on this task. If it were someone else, the issue would not merely be whether or not money was earned.
Sure enough, many people looked thoughtfully toward Lexun.
As for the older ones, when they saw Lexun, their expressions became extremely strange.
Was it not said that she had locked herself deep in the palace and would never appear before others again?
Today, she had actually made such a large move and even created something called the Women’s Loom Sales Workshops.
The surrounding crowd lingered for a long time, all waiting to try the loom.
Only when the sun slanted westward and there was truly no other way did Chen Bai go onto the stage and say, “Today’s loom launch event ends here. If you wish to learn more, you may wait until the shops open.”
The female students onstage also breathed a sigh of relief. They were the most tired today. They had continuously taught people how to use the looms, and later on, they had no time to care about what kinds of looks others were giving them.
Chen Bai said, “You performed well.”
Then he handed the organized loom-making procedures to Princess Lexun.
Qi Zheng had brought people to maintain order. In truth, he had blocked many foul words for these girls. Although perhaps no one saw what he was doing, Chen Bai did. Qi Zheng was now also leading people to clean up the venue.
Chen Bai walked over and said, “You performed well.”
Qi Zheng froze for a moment. The corners of his mouth could not help lifting, but then he said solemnly, “I had a share in making the loom too. I merely did not want anyone to make a mess of things. I will go ask the king for credit myself.”
Chen Bai thought, keep acting all aloof then. I was just about to praise you.
In the end, Qi Zheng said, “Then Chen Zixiu has also put in quite a bit of effort these past few days. Why did he not appear at a moment like this, when his name could spread?”
Do not underestimate this launch event. It shocked Shangjing even more than the movie screening last time. In the end, movies were entertainment, while looms could change many people’s lives, and even change Great Qian’s quality of life.
The corner of Chen Bai’s mouth twitched. He answered, “My student does not love empty fame.”
Qi Zheng nearly could not hold back a cold laugh.
Grand Scholar Zhaoxue, to a certain extent, was built up by reputation. And among grand scholars, which one did not want their name to spread throughout the world?
Not showing up at an occasion like today’s was indeed a little strange.
After the students left, Chen Bai also left.
The next day, news of the looms spread throughout Shangjing.
Even during court, the king specifically asked Chen Bai about it.
As the Grand Scholar of the Brush in the hall, he originally only needed to write, but he had no choice but to step out and explain and introduce it.
Of course, the main purpose this time was for those female students of his, so he ended with, “If you wish to know the specific details, you may ask Princess Lexun. She is responsible for promoting the looms.”
The officials looked at one another.
“Is it not inappropriate for such an important thing to be promoted by the eldest princess?”
Sure enough, someone asked this question.
Chen Bai shot back, “If you understand looms better than the eldest princess, then you go.”
Everyone: “…”
This loom had been created by that Mountain Lord and that group of students. They had not attended any lessons, nor had they gone to that so-called seminar. How would they understand?
No matter what others said, Chen Bai refused to speak further. If they asked him, he told them to go find Mountain Lord or Princess Lexun. Since they could not find Mountain Lord, they naturally had to go find the eldest princess.
With Princess Lexun’s temperament, if these people made any unreasonable demands, they might not gain any advantage.
On the streets of Shangjing, when several women carrying twin swords on their backs went shopping, they discovered that the way others looked at them had become complicated.
They looked at one another and smiled, then stopped caring.
They roughly understood what their teacher had meant when he said they should make themselves more outstanding, make themselves people others could not reach.
They did not need to please others. They only needed to be themselves.
When Chen Bai returned home, Madam Ronghua was using a loom to weave cloth herself. Back then, one loom had been left in the residence.
Chen Bai paid his respects and returned to his own courtyard.
Calculating the time now, Qi Zheng’s potatoes should be about ready.
He picked up his phone, connected the video, and reminded the other party, “Qi Zheng, go dig up one cluster of your potatoes and try.”
Qi Zheng froze. “I see the leaves have not all turned yellow.”
Chen Bai said, “Go try. Digging up one plant won’t be a waste.”
There was no need for the leaves to all turn yellow.
Qi Zheng said, “Then I’ll livestream it for you.”
Chen Bai: “…”
Ever since Qi Zheng learned the word “livestream,” he had used it quite a lot.
For example, right now, he dismissed everyone, familiarly placed the phone at a good viewing angle, then appeared in the middle of the screen holding a hoe. “I’m starting to dig.”
Chen Bai stretched lazily. He had watched Qi Zheng livestream many times. Every livestream was basically about these potatoes.
This simpleton Qi Zheng even rolled his sleeves very high, revealing a layer of inner clothing beneath, as well as arms so muscular they could be seen even through the fabric.
Those arms were strong enough.
As expected of someone who looked slim in clothes but beastly without them…
Chen Bai also had the heart of a muscular man, but unfortunately, his body frame was what it was. He could only look on and sigh.
Qi Zheng raised the hoe high, then brought it down.
Chen Bai opened his mouth, because a clear sound of something being cut came through the phone, like the sound of a knife slicing into a watermelon.
Qi Zheng froze. When he lifted the hoe, several half-cut potatoes came up with it. “…”
Chen Bai: “…”
Sure enough, he was someone who had not done much farm work, yet insisted on doing it himself.
If farmers dug like him, most of a year’s labor would be lost.
Qi Zheng could no longer care about that and kept digging.
One potato after another rolled out. Even the smallest was fist-sized.
Looking at the dozen or so potatoes, Qi Zheng: “…”
This was only one vine. Back then, it had only been a small piece of potato. After planting, the harvest was actually this large.
One could say it was far greater than the harvest of millet.
He had eaten potatoes before too. They were very filling, and the taste was quite good.
How was this different from an auspicious miracle?
Chen Bai said, “The harvest is good. I didn’t lie to you back then, did I?”
Sometimes, he did like taking shortcuts, but his character was still guaranteed. Well, to Qi Zheng, it would be his demon character.
Qi Zheng thought, more than good.
This was news that could shake all of Great Qian. “Do you want to come to my residence to eat potatoes?”
Chen Bai: “…”
Heh, run all that way just to eat potatoes? He replied, “No.”
Qi Zheng frowned and suddenly muttered, “What a strange demon. Don’t storybooks all say demons like to eat strong, well-built men?”
Since a strong, well-built man like him had invited him, even if he was not interested in potatoes, he should have come rushing over eagerly.
Chen Bai was stunned and swallowed. “Don’t talk nonsense. Demons are different from demons. I don’t mess around with men.”
Look at how skilled his wording was. He had not lied.
Chen Bai said, “You humans have such filthy thoughts. Do you know how pure demons are?”
Qi Zheng looked at his own arm. “I’m starting to believe what you said.”
After saying this, he added, “You really aren’t coming?”
Chen Bai quickly nodded, as if avoiding suspicion.
Qi Zheng said, “I used to worry that you were like the demons written in storybooks. This is good.”
Chen Bai: “…”
Damn it. He said it as if he could feel so much more at ease now.
Chen Bai sighed. In modern terms, the other party was a dead-straight man, the kind who seemed to think every gay man in the world would cling to him.
Chen Bai said, “Qi Zheng, you definitely didn’t wash your face today.”
Qi Zheng froze. “What?”
“Because you didn’t look in the mirror.”
As if other gay men would necessarily be interested in him.
After saying this, he hung up the video.
Chen Bai rolled around on the bed. “This Qi Zheng is really infuriating sometimes. He was even testing whether I like muscular men.”
No matter how he thought about it, the other party had meant to test him, right?
Then he found it somewhat funny. Could Qi Zheng have always thought he would pounce on him?
Ha. Even if Chen Bai wanted to torture himself, he would not go looking for a block of ice. Wasn’t a sunny, handsome, warm man much better?
Chen Bai even changed the name of Qi Zheng’s profile picture to Shameless.
Qi Zheng looked at the closed phone. “Why do I feel like he’s angry?”
“Isn’t it better that he doesn’t like men?”
For some unknown reason, his mood was especially pleasant.
As Mountain Lord’s name grew increasingly famous, the marketplace rumors that Mountain Lord was drowning in longing for Lu’s Zuo Qiu and could not free himself also spread more and more fiercely.
Qi Zheng thought, they are all fake. The demon does not like men at all.
These marketplace rumors really could not be trusted.
The more Chen Bai thought about it, the more he felt something was off. Why could Qi Zheng ask him in such a roundabout way?
No. Chen Bai opened the video again and said, “Qi Zheng, don’t tell me you like messing around with men?”
Qi Zheng’s originally rather good mood instantly turned dark. Vulgar!
When this demon became vulgar, he truly shocked the world.
Listen to what kind of question this was.
With a dark face, he answered, “Of course not.”
Chen Bai looked relieved. “That’s good.”
Qi Zheng froze. “What do you mean?”
Qi Zheng: “…”
What did this demon mean?
Chen Bai lay on the bed while playing with his phone and thought, as expected, he is a straight man.
He simply found Tang Shen and started chatting. “Are straight men all especially stubborn?”
Tang Shen replied, “No, I’m not stubborn. Brother Bai, what’s wrong?”
Chen Bai thought, that was true. Tang Shen had such a sweet mouth. “Nothing. Play ranked with me.”
“Come on, bro. I’ll carry you to the top rank today.”
Chen Bai almost laughed. With Tang Shen’s clumsy hands, he wanted to carry him? Only his mouth was good at boasting. Who was it again who, the moment Chen Bai did not play with him, dropped rank nonstop?
Chen Bai started a match and chose Li Bai. “The jungle king will carry you.”
Tang Shen: “No sleeping tonight until we hit the top rank. I’ve prepared a dozen cans of Red Bull.”
Chen Bai: “…”
It had been a long time since he had stayed up late playing games like this. Perhaps it was because his recent situation had improved greatly. Ever since he became Grand Scholar of the Brush in the hall, quite a few people had come to build connections with him.
Of course, he also did not dare seek death and truly get close to anyone. He merely dealt with them perfunctorily.
The next day, when Chen Bai attended court, his spirit was somewhat lacking. He sighed inwardly. Back then, when he stayed up late rushing drafts, he could work several all-nighters in a row. Why was he unable to endure even a little now, when he was so young?
He quickly shook his head to wake himself up.
When he opened his eyes, he saw Qi Zheng carrying a basket of potatoes and saying something.
The king had already abruptly stood up, scaring Chen Bai awake.
The surrounding officials could not help looking at the potatoes in the hall that still had mud on them.
At this moment, Qi Zheng had already ordered people to bring up the cooked potatoes.
Each one had been cut into pieces and skewered on sticks.
Chen Bai: “…”
What kind of strange way to eat them was this? It did not look like barbecue. Did boiled potatoes need to be served like this?
Where had this Qi Zheng learned such a bizarre idea?
Chen Bai’s expression was very strange.
“Does this kind of potato truly have such a high yield?”
“The taste is indeed quite good.”
“It seems it can be used as a staple food.”
The entire hall became chaotic.
“First there was the loom improving Great Qian’s weaving craft.”
“Now potatoes have appeared, improving Great Qian’s people’s livelihood. The heavens truly bless Great Qian.”
At this moment, a voice suddenly cut in. “Wait. Just based on one thing of unknown origin, you can prove it can change Great Qian’s people’s livelihood? Are you not making your conclusion too early?”
The speaker was Crown Prince Jiao. His face carried a gentle smile, but inside, he felt as if he had swallowed a fly. This Prince Zheng—how could his luck be so good?
Someone agreed. “What Crown Prince Jiao says is very true. Not to mention that this thing has never been seen before. Just based on this one example, declaring that it can even replace millet is truly hard for people to agree with.”
Chen Bai: “…”
He roughly understood why Qi Zheng had chosen to test-plant it himself back then instead of handing it directly to the king.
Chen Bai thought, go on, work hard to oppose it. Since you are jumping out so fiercely now, do not cover your faces with your hands later.
