Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 24

Chapter 24

“I can naturally cooperate with you, but I must first hear if the price Miss Xiao offers is suitable,” Wei Lan said. After all, no matter how nicely someone spoke, if they pressed the price too low, there was no need to cooperate.

“Good,” Xiao Nanyan nodded briskly.

She picked up the nine-tailed fox pendant on the table and said, “In my view, among all your carvings, this nine-tailed fox jade plaque has the best craftsmanship. This plaque is only the size of a palm, but it is entirely hollowed out. Every hollowed-out part is uniform in size, and the nine tails have a beautiful curve. It is truly a top-quality piece. The only flaw is that the raw stone of this plaque is not very good. Although you have removed all the black spots on the jasper, the price of jasper raw stone is not high to begin with.”

Xiao Nanyan looked at Wei Lan with a light smile, then changed her tone and continued, “But based solely on your craftsmanship, I am willing to offer 100 taels of silver for this pendant.”

Wei Lan thought for a moment. Xiao Nanyan was clearly an expert. Among her jasper carvings, this jade plaque indeed had the best craftsmanship. Xiao Nanyan was also right that jasper raw stone was not valuable. These jasper raw stones were even given to her for free by Ying Niang.

Looking at the price Xiao Nanyan offered, it was fair. After all, Wei Lan had no reputation in the Great Zhou Dynasty. One hundred taels of silver equaled 100,000 yuan in modern times. Although it could not compare to her craftsmanship fees in modern times, for an unknown new carver, such a price showed the other party’s sincerity.

“The price Miss Xiao offers is fair. Since that is the case, I am willing to cooperate and sell my carvings preferentially to Yuya Pavilion,” Wei Lan said. Seeing the other party’s straightforwardness, she agreed readily.

“Good. You can rest assured. If your reputation truly rises, our Yuya Pavilion will never suppress your price. We will offer the fairest purchase price based on various evaluations,” Xiao Nanyan continued.

“Hmm, then I thank Miss Xiao,” Wei Lan said with a smile. This cooperation was quite pleasant, especially since the other party was a woman.

Xiao Nanyan smiled and said, “We don’t need to be so formal. Since we have agreed, we are friends now. Just call me by my name.”

“Good, then thank you, Nanyan,” Wei Lan thanked her again.

“No need. Our cooperation is definitely a win-win,” Xiao Nanyan said. Her gaze turned to the other ornaments and plaques Wei Lan brought, including the fox jade plaque, totaling ten pieces.

She said, “The other two landscape ornaments, though slightly inferior in craftsmanship compared to the nine-tailed fox jade plaque, are larger in size and have a complete structure. I am willing to offer 100 taels for each of these two ornaments. As for the remaining small jade plaques, 30 taels each. What do you think?”

Wei Lan’s face showed a smile. Xiao Nanyan was absolutely right. The other jade plaques were practice pieces from when she first arrived in this world. They looked complete, but their craftsmanship was far inferior to the nine-tailed fox jade plaque she carved later. Xiao Nanyan truly understood these things.

“Good, just pay according to the price you said,” Wei Lan said.

“The nine-tailed fox jade plaque and the two landscape ornaments total 300 taels. The remaining seven small plaques total 210 taels. Altogether, it is 510 taels,” Xiao Nanyan said. She continued to Wei Lan, “Although it may be offensive, I still want to ask again: Did you really carve all these yourself?”

Wei Lan nodded. Her current body was only seventeen or eighteen years old. Carving such jade pieces was indeed hard to believe. She did not blame Xiao Nanyan and said, “If you don’t believe me, I can carve something on the spot.”

“Really? That would be great. I have a complete set of jade carving tools in this courtyard. I will take you there,” Xiao Nanyan said.

Xiao Nanyan’s eyes lit up slightly. She had her own considerations. Three days later, Panyang City would hold its annual jade appreciation competition. At that time, various jade shops and carvers would bring their best carvings there.

Those carvings would be sold to everyone present through bidding. Carvers would also compete on their techniques on the spot. It was a good opportunity for new carvers to make a name for themselves. If this female Qianyuan in front of her truly had such skills, she could make a name for herself in Panyang City at the jade appreciation competition.

Xiao Nanyan covered her face with a veil again. Even many shopkeepers and assistants had not seen her face under the veil.

Wei Lan followed Xiao Nanyan. Xiao Nanyan brought her to a workshop in the courtyard, where several carvers were busy working.

When they saw Xiao Nanyan, they stood up and saluted her, saying, “Boss.”

Xiao Nanyan nodded to them and said, “Stop for a moment. Do you have any cut jade raw stones? Give me one.”

“Boss, here you go,” one man hurriedly handed Xiao Nanyan a palm-sized jade stone, already prepared for carving.

Xiao Nanyan handed the jade stone to Wei Lan and asked, “Is this okay?”

Wei Lan nodded. Carving jade was as simple to her as eating or drinking. “Naturally, it is fine,” she said.

“That is great,” Xiao Nanyan said. She handed Wei Lan a new apron-like item and said, “Wear this to avoid dirtying your dress.”

“Thank you,” Wei Lan said. She took the apron and put it on. Holding the jade plaque, she sat in front of the lathe.

Several carving workers exchanged glances, thinking this young female Qianyuan was just playing around. They did not believe she could use the lathe.

After sitting down, Wei Lan stepped on the wooden pedal below, using the round steel disc on the lathe to start shaping the jade plaque.

Wei Lan poured water-mixed jade-dissolving sand onto the plaque’s surface. She began cutting the shape she wanted with the steel disc, while also removing some impurities from the jade.

Then, Wei Lan unhurriedly replaced the thin steel ring on the lathe with a thicker one. She patiently poured jade-dissolving sand onto the jade surface again, this time to polish the edges and define the jade’s outline.

Once Wei Lan started carving jade, she entered a mysterious state. Even with many people watching around her, she felt as if she were alone. Her body and mind calmed completely, as if only the jade plaque in her hands existed in the world.

Her polishing technique was skilled, and her movements were clean. She clearly had many years of experience as a carver.

The watching carvers, who had been waiting to see her fail, were amazed.

“She really knows how to do it? And her technique looks quite skilled, not like a beginner,” one said.

“Exactly, she looks like an expert. Her technique suggests at least five or six years of carving experience,” another said.

“I think so too,” a third agreed.

Wei Lan did not respond to them. She patiently continued grinding. During this process, Xiao Nanyan had pulled up a chair and sat nearby, watching Wei Lan’s movements.

After smoothing the jade’s edges, Wei Lan switched to a finer steel disc. She still poured jade-dissolving sand on it and began polishing slowly to bring out the jade’s shine.

Wei Lan was patient, and her movements were steady. She soon completed this step.

Next was adding patterns, which involved carving designs on the jade’s surface with a small tool.

Wei Lan used a brush dipped in pomegranate juice to draw a rough shape on the jade surface. Then she began carving the pattern. Her technique was seamless and fast, with no mistakes. Every line was clear. Soon, a vivid landscape appeared on the jade plaque.

The watching carvers were stunned.

“So fast? And so complete. Her skill must come from at least ten years of experience,” one said.

“Yes, the lines are so smooth. Truly impressive,” another said.

“Worth being brought by the boss,” a third remarked.

The carvers marveled. Wei Lan continued focusing on her carving. She took the patterned jade plaque and stood up to find a bow drill. This step was to make hollowed-out carvings on the jade.

This was the most difficult step in jade plaque carving. The carvers did not expect Wei Lan to attempt hollowing out the plaque.

Wei Lan stood at the tool table with the bow drill. One end of the bow drill had a diamond bit. By continuously pulling the bow, the diamond bit could drill holes in the jade.

Wei Lan controlled her strength carefully. This step required consistent force, or the hollowed-out patterns would vary in size and look ugly.

Wei Lan’s hands were steady. Her hollowed-out carvings even had a layered effect. At this point, the jade carvers’ mouths dropped open, shocked by Wei Lan’s skill.

“My goodness, this skill? Did she start practicing from the womb?” one exclaimed.

“Her hands are so steady. The hollows are uniform, and the trees have a layered, mountainous feel. I’m over forty and can’t do this,” another said.

“Absolutely. This girl is amazing. I think even Liu Bingkun can’t match her skill,” a third said.

“Right, truly incredible. I doubt there’s another carver in Panyang City as skilled as her,” another agreed.

Xiao Nanyan was also shocked. Jade carving tested one’s patience. Skilled jade carvers with resources demanded a quiet workspace without disturbances.

Yet Wei Lan was carving in an unfamiliar place with four people watching. Her hands remained steady, and her carving quality did not falter. Xiao Nanyan was truly stunned. She had seen many skilled carvers, but Wei Lan was nothing short of a genius.

Two hours had passed, and it was already past noon. Xiao Nanyan hurriedly said, “Wei Lan, it’s already mid-afternoon. Let’s eat first. You can take this plaque back and carve it slowly.”

Wei Lan looked up at Xiao Nanyan and smiled, saying, “No need to keep watching?”

Xiao Nanyan shook her head with a faint smile and said, “I was presumptuous. But honestly, you are the most skilled jade carver I have ever seen. Come, let’s eat first.”

Wei Lan nodded. She took off the apron. Xiao Nanyan had someone bring clean water. Wei Lan washed her hands and the half-carved jade stone, preparing to take it back to finish.

Xiao Nanyan brought Wei Lan to the dining hall. After the servants left, she removed her veil and said, “Let’s eat first. I have some things to discuss with you later.”

Wei Lan nodded and said, “Good.”

Wei Lan and Xiao Nanyan were not very close, so they did not talk much during the meal. Wei Lan was hungry and ate quite a bit.

After lunch, Wei Lan followed Xiao Nanyan back to the study to continue their discussion.

“Three days from now is Panyang City’s annual jade appreciation competition. I want to take your ornaments to sell and help build your reputation. It would be best if you came with me, as there is a segment where carvers compete on their skills on the spot. It’s a great opportunity for you to become famous,” Xiao Nanyan said, looking at Wei Lan.

Wei Lan thought for a moment and said, “I don’t want to use my real name, and I temporarily don’t want people to know I carved these jades.”

She had her own plans. Once she became famous, more people would seek her out. Wei Lan did not like that. Also, security in ancient times was not like modern times. Sudden fame would likely attract unwanted attention. Wei Lan did not want trouble, so she wanted to conceal her identity for now.

Xiao Nanyan nodded with a smile and said, “Using a pseudonym is a good idea. Sudden fame might attract ill-intentioned people.”

Wei Lan nodded and said, “That’s what I think too.”

“But your name sounds familiar, and your dress is made of fine material. You must be from a wealthy family,” Xiao Nanyan said. She thought through the wealthy families in Panyang City but could not recall any surnamed Wei.

Seeing Xiao Nanyan could not figure it out, Wei Lan said frankly, “The Qianyuan who married into the Lu Mansion is me.”

Wei Lan spoke openly. Xiao Nanyan was stunned. She thought the name sounded familiar. It turned out Wei Lan was the female Qianyuan Lu Zijin recently married.

Xiao Nanyan felt a bit envious of Lu Zijin’s luck. Not only was she wealthy, but the Qianyuan she married into her household had such talent. Truly remarkable.

“No wonder it sounded familiar. A pseudonym is fine. If you don’t want people to know your true identity, you can wear a mask. The jade appreciation competition is a great opportunity, only held once a year. Think about it again,” Xiao Nanyan advised.

As a merchant, if Wei Lan became famous, Xiao Nanyan would spend more silver to buy her jade, but she could also sell Wei Lan’s jade for higher prices. It was a win-win, so she naturally encouraged Wei Lan to participate.

Wei Lan thought for a moment and nodded. Indeed, she did not know the strength of other carvers in Panyang City. This was a good opportunity to see their skills. In her line of work, reputation was important.

“Fine, can I use this place to change my appearance? It might not be convenient to do so at the Lu Mansion,” Wei Lan said.

In truth, Wei Lan thought of using the money from selling jade to buy a small courtyard and change her appearance there to assume a new identity. But that would be too obvious. If someone was watching her, going from the courtyard to the Lu Mansion after changing would be too conspicuous.

Using Yuya Pavilion was different. With people coming and going daily, Wei Lan could change her appearance here and leave with the jade buyers. No one would notice her.

Xiao Nanyan immediately agreed. Wei Lan’s request showed trust in her. “Of course, I will have a room prepared for you to use anytime. I will absolutely keep your identity confidential,” she said.

Wei Lan nodded and said, “Good.”

“You don’t need to worry about a cloak or mask to conceal your appearance. I will have someone arrange it. Three days from now, come here in the morning. I will wait for you, and we will go to the Bright Moon Tower together,” Xiao Nanyan said. Seeing Wei Lan’s sincerity, she naturally wanted to arrange everything properly.

“Good, thank you,” Wei Lan said politely.

“No need. Making you prove your carving skills wasted half your day. Here are 600 taels in silver notes. Take them. I come here once every half month. If you need me, you can go to the Xiao Mansion in the south of the city,” Xiao Nanyan said. She liked quiet, so her residence was in the suburbs.

Wei Lan did not refuse and accepted the 600 taels in silver notes. Then she took her leave. When she left Yuya Pavilion, it was already late afternoon.

Wei Lan, having earned silver, was in high spirits. Six hundred taels equaled 600,000 yuan in modern times, no small sum. She knew as her reputation grew, she would earn even more.

She knew she could make money with her skills. However, Wei Lan had no plans to leave the Lu Mansion. She had grown accustomed to living there, and the food was delicious. She liked it. For example, the meal at Yuya Pavilion, though exquisite, was not as tasty as the food from her courtyard’s small kitchen, let alone the food from Lu Zijin’s courtyard.

Wei Lan realized her palate had been spoiled by Lu Zijin. She no longer enjoyed food outside.

In a great mood, Wei Lan visited two more jade shops. Since she had already helped Lu Zijin through her heat period, no one at the mansion was looking for her.

At that moment, at the Lu Mansion’s back gate, Cao Qiushuang paced back and forth with several guards.

Cao Qiushuang cursed, “Hasn’t Wei Lan returned yet? It’s already evening, and she still hasn’t come back to the mansion? Does she really think she’s the master of the Lu Mansion?”

“Commander, what should we do? Did Wei Lan flee out of guilt?” Wang Yiding asked.

Cao Qiushuang snorted coldly and said, “Not likely. How could she bear to give up the wealth and luxury of the Lu Mansion? Let’s wait and see.”

“Yes, yes,” the guards replied.

The guards continued to wait at the back gate. After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Wei Lan walked through the back gate of the Lu Mansion.

As soon as she entered, she saw Cao Qiushuang leading ten guards, all gathered at the back gate.

Wei Lan frowned and asked, “What are you all doing gathered here? Won’t you step aside?”

Cao Qiushuang saw she indeed had no parcel in her arms and said, “Step aside? I want to ask where you went, my lord. I heard you took a large bundle of things from the mansion. What? Did the young lady not give you silver, so you stole things from the mansion to pawn?”

Wei Lan thought Cao Qiushuang was like a mad dog, simply insane. “Are you crazy? Not to mention I took my own things. Even if they were from the mansion, a servant like you has no right to control me. Get out of the way,” she said.

Cao Qiushuang did not expect Wei Lan to be so tough. He provoked her, saying, “Oh, I call you my lord to give face to the young lady. Wei Lan, take a good look at yourself. Do you really think you’re the master of the Lu Mansion?”

He mocked further, saying, “Ask them. Who really sees you as the master of the Lu Mansion?”

Wang Yiding and the other guards at the back gate burst into laughter.

“Wei Lan, you’re just a bit luckier than us. Someone like you as the master?” one said.

“Exactly. You just have a decent face. If you went to a brothel, you might earn some silver as an escort Qianyuan,” another said.

“Hahaha, that’s hilarious. No one in the Lu Mansion cares about you. Honestly, our Commander Cao would be a better master than you. You’re overreaching,” a third said.

Wei Lan’s face turned completely cold. She had not taken the servants’ matters to heart, but now they dared to insult her openly.

“What do you want?” Wei Lan asked coldly.

“What? If you have the guts, come with me to face the young lady. Let her see what kind of thing she married,” Cao Qiushuang said, laughing at the thought of Wei Lan’s miserable state later.

“Fine, I haven’t done anything wrong. Why wouldn’t I dare?” Wei Lan said calmly.

Her calm demeanor made the gatekeeping guards hesitate.

“Commander, maybe we should drop it. She doesn’t seem scared at all,” one said.

“Yeah, this small matter might not be worth bothering the young lady,” another said.

Cao Qiushuang glared coldly at them and said, “What do you know? She’s just pretending to be calm. When she faces the young lady, she’ll be terrified.”

With that, Cao Qiushuang stepped aside and said, “Go on. I want to see how you explain this to the young lady.”

On the other side, a secret guard noticed the situation. Seeing Cao Qiushuang and his men blocking Wei Lan, he hurried to report.

They had a uniform whistle that sounded like a bird call. Qianxue heard the sound and immediately went to the room where the whistle came from.

She pushed the door open, quickly closed it, and saw a secret guard standing inside.

“What’s wrong?” Qianxue asked.

The secret guard hurriedly said, “Cao Qiushuang and the lord had a dispute at the back gate. He brought a dozen men and waited there all afternoon. When the lord returned, those guards surrounded her.”

“And now? What’s the situation?” Qianxue asked urgently.

“I rushed back to report and don’t know what’s happening now,” the guard said.

“Go follow them quickly. Don’t let them harm the lord,” Qianxue said. She hurried to find Lu Zijin.

Lu Zijin had just finished dinner and was sitting at the table drinking tea to rest. Seeing Qianxue, she dismissed the maids serving in the bedroom.

Qianxue closed the door and said, “Young lady, the lord was stopped by Cao Qiushuang and his guards. I don’t know the exact reason, but they seem to have blocked the lord all afternoon.”

Lu Zijin’s face turned completely cold. “Hmph, I didn’t know Cao Qiushuang had grown so bold. Take some people and check on it. Bring them all to me. It seems we need to deal with these disobedient servants in the mansion.”

“Yes, young lady,” Qianxue said. She took a few maids and headed to the back courtyard.

Meanwhile, Wei Lan was almost at Jingchen Courtyard. Cao Qiushuang saw her calm demeanor and mocked, “Tch, some people have thick skin. They won’t cry until they see the coffin. You’ll have your tears soon.”