In the palace, facing Cheng Gujian who was meeting every day, the little queen Dongfang Xiao curiously mentioned this issue.
One thing is that she has lived in the palace for a long time, and her real power may not be very great. In this case, except for occasionally showing her face as a mascot, she does not care about many things.
Now that he has taken the initiative to ask this question, one can imagine how wide the scope of the issue regarding the Poseidon Stone has spread.
"...How did your Majesty know about this?"
Cheng Gujian's reaction was the same. He didn't explain at first, but asked like this.
"It was the female officers around me who were talking. I overheard it..."
Dongfang Xiao curled his lips and urged, "Hurry up and tell me what's going on."
"yes."
Cheng Gujian then nodded and explained everything about the Poseidon Stone.
"...The first person to propose the acquisition of Poseidon Stone was the trading post opened by Xu Shi, and other trading posts began to follow suit."
He concluded, “Nowadays, basically the entire main city is very active in this regard.”
"That's it."
The little queen nodded thoughtfully, "Listen to what you said, it was Messenger Xu who started it... Why did he do this? Can you think of it?"
"Um……"
Grand Duke Gu Jian paused.
As the actual person in charge of the royal family in a sense, he certainly has a deeper understanding of this, but after these days, he still has not been able to fully understand the intention of Xu Shi's move.
After previously conquering Poseidon and harvesting a large number of Poseidon Stones, he naturally sent people to study them immediately.
However, the results obtained are not good. Again, this thing is somewhat useful, but not that useful.
It would be okay to directly shatter the "divine breath" in the refining, but doing so requires time and effort to remove the impurities in the Poseidon Stone, as well as the energy residue of Poseidon itself. The effect of one and two is not ideal, and it is not as good as what they originally had. Those "divine breath" veins that we have mastered.
So in the end, he did not deepen it, only kept part of it for storage, and distributed the rest as rewards as mentioned before.
He did know that Xu Shi was not a simple person. Could it be that they had some better way to use the Poseidon Stone?
Anyway, in his opinion, this brother Xu is by no means a targetless target, especially such a high-profile acquisition at a high price... It is impossible to say that there is nothing fishy there.
But after observing these days, he didn't find any other clues. What he must say is that they seem to be making it into a handicraft?
The trading station did display many objects made of Poseidon, and Cheng Gujian also discovered that the trend of Poseidon jewelry became popular in aristocratic circles.
The earliest statement was that "Poseidon can nourish the ability of the "God's Chosen One" and prolong life." This is enough to make everyone excited. In addition, Poseidon is indeed beautiful. After coming and going, no matter whether this thing really has such an effect, people will Started to flock to it.
Whether it is a larger ornament, or a smaller necklace, bracelet, ring, etc., according to the servant, in the circle of nobles, if you don’t have a Poseidon on your person or at home, you are really embarrassed to meet people... Gradually, this trend began to emerge among civilian circles.
There are three, six, and nine grades of Poseidon Stone. The general public cannot afford the high-grade variety of blue color, but the lower-grade ones can still buy one or two pieces - although the standard of Poseidon Stone in the market today is based on one. One hundred grams is used as a measurement, but most of the handicrafts made from it do not use this amount.
For example, a ring and necklace, inlaid with three to five grams of the lowest quality Poseidon stone, will eventually sell for only a dozen or dozens of copper coins. What can't be afforded?
Despite everyone's dissatisfaction with the aristocratic gentlemen, they are actually learning their hobbies and trying hard to be like them... People are all vain. It seems that as long as you wear the Poseidon Stone, you are also a noble.
This should be Xu Shi's purpose?
Cheng Gujian can easily understand the concept of "luxury goods"... From this point of view, he should be using this thing to earn the price difference. The price of the finely processed Poseidon Stone must be higher than the purchase price. .
Is this considered to be making up for the losses caused by the crusade against Poseidon? There is a saying that in order to defeat the Poseidon, no matter who the three parties are, the contribution is not small, in terms of manpower and material resources... As for the operation of acquiring the Poseidon Stone, Cheng Gujian thinks it is normal. He knows that Xu Shi was in deep crisis at the time, and there was no way for them to do so. He has no time to collect trophies, and the inventory on hand is definitely not as much as that of himself or the Holy See. Now that he wants to do this kind of thing, he will naturally spend money to buy more.
So, he told his analysis to Dongfang Xiaoting, "From what I can see, this is probably the case."
"oh."
The little queen blinked her eyes and murmured, "This is really interesting for a while..."
Cheng Gujian agreed. He also admitted that Xu Shi's method was indeed good, because it was the best way to maximize the benefits of the Poseidon Stone so far, not to mention that it could create such a trend in such a short period of time. You can tell it with your feet. He will make a lot of money.
He couldn't help but smile when he thought about this. Why didn't he consider this? He just used the waste and distributed it to his subordinates, and many people complained behind his back... That's old.
"What does the Grand Duke think of this?"
Dongfang Xiao also smiled, looked at him and asked again.
"From what I see, this is not a bad thing."
Cheng Gujian thought for a moment and then said seriously, "Xu Shi did make profits for their city-state by doing this, but in the final analysis, the empire as a whole also gained more gold and silver for circulation."
"I'm thinking, since this is the case, we might as well imitate it and purchase and process the Poseidon Stone in the name of the royal family. Only in this way can we truly fill the national treasury."
The truth is this. No matter how much money Xu Shi invests in acquiring the Poseidon Stone, he will essentially seek profits for himself. If things go on like this, it will definitely not be appropriate. Then they might as well do it themselves, so that the money does not flow to outsiders.
As for how to do it, I can’t think of a way to learn how to do it? It’s not like there are no craftsmen in the empire, and the ornaments they create may be better. And for the people of the Hualan Empire, the existence of the royal family will always make them feel more at ease than outsiders.
"Do we still need acquisitions?"
The little queen tilted her head, "My lord, didn't you tell me that you brought back a lot of Poseidon Stones from this trip to the sea?"
"this……"
Cheng Gujian touched his nose. He brought back a lot, but he also sent out a lot before. Otherwise, where would there be so much goods on the market?
Now we can only recycle a little bit more. Fortunately, it is not too late to make amends.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
He cupped his hands.
"It's okay, I forgive you!"
Dongfang Xiao pursed his lips and waved his hands indifferently, "Just hurry up and do it. Pass on my decree, and you immediately arrange people to take charge of this matter... By the way, I forgot to ask, what does the Holy See think about this matter?" What's your attitude?"
"Your Majesty, they don't seem to pay much attention to it, but according to the current situation, they will never miss it if they want to come to the Holy See."
After dealing with the Holy See for so many years, Cheng Gujian is quite certain about this. The matter has been laid out for a long time. You can think of others... Maybe the Holy See has an even greater advantage. They have not released so many seas like themselves. As for the divine stone, I still have more inventory on hand.
If they also participate in the show, things may sell better - the Holy See itself has many symbolic totem symbols. Then a version of the Poseidon Stone will be released, put it in the church, and tell the believers that it has been blessed by the Lord. .
According to the nature of their urine, they must be talking about "paying more and paying less", but for believers, they will be happy to pay for several times the price... The Holy See has been relying on this method over the years. Collecting money has always worked.
It seems that their advantage is indeed greater, so they need to tighten their grip.
"Then I will retire first."
Cheng Gujian did not dare to neglect, stood up and prepared to leave - he had the privilege of being given a seat, and he had been sitting and talking to Dongfang Xiao just now. This was a treatment that others could not enjoy.
"Well, don't worry if you go and do it."
The little queen didn't want to leave him alone, but she thought about it and asked, "Speaking of which, where is Xu Shiren? Is he the hero of the crusade against Poseidon, or should he be thanked?"
Although there is not much publicity on the surface, there are just the two of them here, and Dongfang Xiao's words are also straightforward. If we want to cooperate again in the future, we can't keep others in the dark.
"He should be recuperating on Silver Pine Island."
Cheng Gujian replied, "The relationship between their group and Yinsong Island has always been good, as your Majesty knows."
"oh."
Dongfang Xiao nodded slightly, "Then tell me what I mean, let him recover well, and when will he come back. When will he come to the palace first, and I will personally receive him. Isn't this a thoughtful etiquette?"
"yes."
Cheng Gujian responded, although it would not be wrong for him to "consol" Xu Shi himself, but since Dongfang Xiao has this intention, he can't stop him - not to mention that she is the Queen, and if she comes forward, it will be more effective. It shows the importance.
"Then it's up to you, Grand Duke Lao."
Dongfang Xiao smiled, and then ordered, "There's more, I keep talking about the Poseidon Stone, but I don't have a decent jewelry until now. Can you help me get one?"
While she was talking, she called her servants and got a few high-quality Poseidon rough stones. "Here, can you perform that one? It's that one... you know that, right?"
"As commanded."
Cheng Gujian understood the idea, touched it with his finger, and instantly carved it into a lifelike bird, "Your Majesty, please accept it."
"Okay."
Dongfang Xiao smiled happily, stroking his hands repeatedly and said, "The Grand Duke has been good to me since I was a child. You will do whatever I say."
"Your Majesty, this is the duty of a minister."
Cheng Gujian smiled and said, "That minister will leave first."
"go Go."
The little queen held the bird in her hands and couldn't put it down, and said casually.
But soon after Cheng Gujian left, the joy in her eyes disappeared.
Instead, there was extreme cruelty.
Looking at the bird sculpture again, Dongfang Xiao just sneered, then squeezed it hard, and with a bang, the pieces flew away.
"His Majesty!"
The female officer behind her exclaimed and hurriedly stepped forward and said, "What are you...ah, you are injured, your hands are covered with blood..."
"It doesn't matter."
The little queen's face remained calm and gloomy, and she seemed to feel no pain at all.
Instead, she first looked at the female officer with interest.
"You won't tell anyone...right?"
"...No, absolutely not..."
This female officer is not very old, and she only serves her food, clothing, and daily life. She has just arrived, and she has never seen such an expression on Her Majesty the Queen.
Just seeing it shocked her. Is this still the amiable and affable His Majesty?
She was so frightened that she couldn't even speak. How could she do anything else?
"No, right? I don't think you can, either. Your family members all work in the palace, and they have always been very loyal."
Dongfang Xiao looked at her with a smile and reached out to touch her face, "Of course, it's mainly because you are so good, right?"
"Um……"
"Okay, you go down."
"Yes...then your injury..."
"It's none of your business."
The little queen calmly pulled out the fragments on her hand piece by piece, and then blew on it gently, and she was instantly healed as before, with no trace left.
"Hehe, I'm very good too."
She looked at her palms and smiled sweetly.
…
Xu Shi was indeed still on Silver Pine Island.
Of course he is not in a hurry to return to the main city. As long as things start to work, he does not need to go back so soon. Wouldn't it be better to maintain a state of "still recovering from injuries"?
Anyway, it's not like he couldn't receive news from there. Basically, what happened in the main city was updated to him in real time.
"Master, master, the royal family has also started."
Xiaozhuan's microphone Pan Ling came with the news, "They opened an official trading station to purchase or sell Poseidon stones. Then they also opened a special processing factory and started to create related handicrafts."
"Including the Holy See, they have also taken similar actions. They have begun to replace some common jewelry with the material of Poseidon... Exactly what you think!"
To be honest, although it is now commonplace, every time she sees others following Xu Shi's plan step by step, she can't help but be moved, and she admires Xu Shi extremely in her heart.
"right?"
Xu Shi stretched his waist.
This is the right thing to do, and it proves that both the royal family and the Holy See are just as he expected. They just put his behavior on the level of "making money", and they are more concerned about the Poseidon Stone itself.
Especially the royal family, it seems that they have no intention of banning their own management rights - this feels like a statement, as if they are saying that they can make money together. It can be seen that they do not want to do things too badly. After all, they have conquered Poseidon before. There will be unhappiness when we are together, so of course we can’t really break up with each other.
Little do they know that there are many twists and turns behind this... Of course, it is normal. They don't understand this. Only when they can find the problem in a short time can there be trouble.
Then feel a little tired yourself and become a teacher for them.
"It's time to change roles."
(End of chapter)
