As the news spread, even though it was a snowy day, the whole of Chang'an became active. Every family was working hard to calculate their assets, benchmark the auction items they wanted, and decide whether to buy them.
Finally, the time came for the auction to be officially held. Although the stipulation is that it starts at Mao hour, carriages have already come out of Fangshi one after another at Yin hour and are waiting in front of Taiji Palace. The emperor ordered that the curfew be lifted on this day and anyone could go out early.
Zhang Youcai got up very early. Seeing that many carriages had gathered in front of the door, he led his men to visit them, served them warm medicinal porridge, verified their identities, and issued bidding signs to them. From 500 Wen to 1,000 Guan, different brands represent each increase in price. The reason why it was so cumbersome was that Li Xian was really afraid that the two rival families would cause a farce for only one penny more.
As time went by, the chaos in front of the Taiji Palace became more and more chaotic, but this chaos disappeared in an instant when the emperor's ceremonial staff arrived. No one was arguing about their own situation anymore, and everyone stood aside obediently. Those on the carriage, whether they were officials, nobles, or children of aristocratic families, all got out and stood in the snow to salute.
The emperor dispatched the ceremonial staff, which was equivalent to a direct display of imperial power. This year's drought has been easily overcome. Nowadays, the people have great respect for the royal family. This is the time when the imperial power is flourishing. Even the five surnames do not dare to directly contact the emperor who has angered the people.
As for those wealthy businessmen, they wanted to bend their waists one hundred and eighty-one degrees. Given this opportunity to see Tianyan, they felt like their ancestral graves were emitting smoke.
Li Zhi, who was sitting on the chariot, looked proudly at the people on both sides of the road who were bowing their hands and saluting. He enjoyed this feeling very much at this moment. Especially when he saw that the old man named Wu who used to only come out of the carriage and stand on the carriage board with his nose pointed at people also got off the carriage today and saluted meticulously in the snow, he suddenly felt more relaxed.
[In view of the general environment,
The Queen of Heaven, who was also in the carriage, didn't know the emperor's thoughts, and said with a smile: "Xian'er just became the prince, and he put the five surnames together on the drought, which dampened their spirit. It seems that Taizong and you It will pave the way for this child to realize your long-cherished wish in a short time after he succeeds to the throne."
Li Zhi nodded with a smile and said, "I tested him with the inner guard, but he didn't take it seriously at all. I acquiesced to his misbehavior, but his biggest move was just to arrange a governor for Yazhou and someone for Jiangzhou. As for Wang Bo, he has not yet been able to find a place in the government. It seems that he trusts me unconditionally. Forget it, let’s not talk about this. I saw a gold hairpin from the Han Dynasty in the brochure, although it is a bit worn. , but let the craftsmen redecorate it, and it will still match you very well."
Seeing what Li Zhi said, the Queen covered her mouth and smiled and said: "Everyone is confused. Do you know that these old objects are valuable because they are old? If you decorate them, wouldn't you be going against the grain?" Forget it, it's rare that you are interested in giving me a gift, so I won't say much. Speaking of which, I have also fallen in love with an ancient painting, which is most suitable to be placed in your study."
"Yeah, that's fine."
In the royal chariot, the laughter of the emperor and empress could be heard.
The emperor and empress were happy, but everyone outside was a little miserable. For some unknown reason, the emperor's carriage started very fast, but when it reached the camp of the five surnames and other aristocratic families, it slowed down. There was no way, no one dared to stand up until the carriage had completely passed by. Several old guys with the fifth surname had their shoulders swaying a little. Although they are very good at etiquette, that was all in their youth. Now he has become the ancestor of each family, and his status is respected. He didn't have to salute when he met Taizong back then, but who knew that today he would have to go back to the old ways...
The carriage passed through the area of the aristocratic family and immediately increased its speed. Seeing that the saint's carriage finally left, the old guys heaved a sigh of relief. However, just as they were about to return to the carriage to warm themselves up, another group of ceremonial sticks came from behind.
It belongs to the prince....
It's definitely making a fuss about using the ceremonial staff just to participate in an auction. However, the emperor and I have done this, and the prince's son has to follow him no matter what.
So...
The fifth surname is Yuan
The old men held on to their sore waists and bowed for a long time.
When they arrived at the gate of Tai Chi Palace, Li Xian jumped off the carriage and saw Li Zhi and Tian Hou already standing in front of the palace gate, so he waved.
Countless torches lit up, illuminating the open space in front of Chengtian Gate as bright as day.
The people waiting by the carriage immediately gathered in front. There was no need for the imperial censor or officials from the Ministry of Rites to preside over the ceremony, as the standing positions were assigned naturally.
Du Chunyi appeared at the front of the queue, fully armed, with fierce eyes. Today, he carefully inspected all the carriages. He wanted to scratch the horses' buttocks to see if there were any hidden weapons. Among the officials who liked to wear jade pendants, he threatened them and asked them to leave the jade pendants in the carriages.
For today's safety, it can be said that he went all out.
Zhang Youcai limped out, saluted Li Zhi first, then turned around and saluted, and sang: "The auction held by His Royal Highness today has won the sage, the queen, the emperor's relatives, and the nobles. Thank you very much for your support and the support of the aristocratic families. You must have seen the rules of the auction in the booklet. I will not go into details here. Next, I will ask the saint to give instructions."
Seeing Zhang Youcai carrying him out, Li Zhi immediately understood what was going on. He took a step forward and saw the crowd saluting respectfully. He smiled slightly and said, "No gift, the prince organized this auction to fill the national treasury." , Therefore, it is inevitable that the smell of copper is a bit stronger, which is insulting to gentlemen. However, it is related to the national system, and I can’t say anything. Since profit is the priority today, naturally everything will be based on money. Is it a treasure, the one with the highest price will get it, anyone can , including me, should follow this.”
After Li Zhi finished speaking, everyone bowed their hands in agreement.
"In that case, let's enter."
After speaking, Li Zhi turned around and walked into Chengtian Gate accompanied by Li Chengqian.
Everyone followed closely.
As soon as they entered Chen Chengtian Gate, everyone understood why the saint specifically lectured in front of Chen Chengtian Gate.
Because at this time, on the other side of Chengtian Gate, there was actually a brocade tent that had been set up. The brocade tent stretched endlessly, and the sky was still dark at this time, so there was no end in sight. On both sides of the brocade tent passage, there are some cabinets with auction items on them. On both sides of each auction item, there are fully armed Qianniu Guards and a guy who looks like a shopkeeper.
In order to have a dedicated host for each item in the auction, Zhang Youcai almost packed up some capable shopkeepers from Quan Chang'an and Quan Luoyang for intensive training. These people were all capable of handling the scene.
