Chapter 444 – Not Afraid of Wealth, Buy Buy Buy (Part 1)
The Northern Border stretches vast and wide, yet its population is sparse. Coupled with years of constant warfare, the common people once struggled to survive.
In the last twenty years, under the counsel of the “Wise” clan, the royal family of the Northern Border finally agreed to focus on recovery and encourage their subjects to bear children, actively opening up commercial trade with neighboring nations.
Undoubtedly, this policy has proven to be a sound decision, as the three clans of the Northern Border now thrive and bustle, their national strength flourishing like never before.
Over a decade ago, they launched a sneak attack on the Eastern region, seizing three cities in Shangyu County, which has significantly boosted the arrogance of the Northern Border, making them feel as if they possessed the absolute strength to dominate the Central Plains.
After all, the Eastern region is simply too weak now, unable to withstand the relentless charge of their cavalry. The downfall of the nation seems imminent!
The “Wise” clan of the Northern Border quickly realized this and admonished the king, barely managing to suppress the bubbling pride and arrogance among their ranks.
In recent years, Princess An Yina has meddled, causing increasing chaos in the political landscape of the Eastern region. Their national strength has plummeted, turning the Eastern region into a seemingly easy target for the Northern Border—ready for the king of the Northern Border to merely give the command, and they would march to attack.
In such a scenario, the king of the Northern Border could no longer resist strutting with pride, his authority growing ever stronger and more entrenched. To this day, the loyal but harsh advice from the “Wise” clan has begun to irritate him, and this atmosphere of arrogance has pervaded all levels of the Northern Border.
Wu Libai, a strategist from the “Wise” clan of the Northern Border, may seem rough and reckless, but he is actually meticulous and keen-minded.
He has recognized the underlying danger of the Northern Border’s inflated pride and has repeatedly advised the king to exercise caution.
No matter how weak the Eastern region may be, it was once among the Five Powers of the Central Plains—one should treat such an adversary with utmost care!
Has there ever been a shortage of historical examples where pride led armies to defeat? However, no matter how much Wu Libai quotes scriptures and classics, the king of the Northern Border refuses to listen, and even harshly rebukes him. Faced with this situation, Wu Libai feels both worried and saddened.
He’s not afraid of anything else; he simply fears the Northern Border becoming smug from minor victories, underestimating their enemies.
Today, he again faced the king’s ire, just for speaking out. He hoped the king would order the subjects to restrain their extravagant display of wealth. He voiced the issues plainly, but the king of the Northern Border did not heed his words…
Wu Libai sighed. This kind of atmosphere is truly detrimental to the current Northern Border, yet he feels powerless to change it.
He can’t really pinpoint when this malicious wind began to spread throughout the Northern Border.
With this anger welling up inside, Wu Libai wearily returned home, where a few female slave-servants hurried over to serve him.
He waited for a long time but still didn’t see his wife. His bushy eyebrows knitted tightly, revealing his displeasure in his eyes.
He definitely looks down upon this uncultured and rough wife. However, this marriage was arranged by Wu Libai’s elders. His wife’s family runs a prosperous trading business, well-known for their wealth in the Northern Border. Given that he needs support with military supplies, Wu Libai figures he can endure having this wife.
But come on, which man—especially a Northern Border man—doesn’t hope his fiery wife will treat him gently?
Even Wu Libai can’t help but share this thought; he feels a strong urge to possess and control his wife.
If he returns home one day and doesn’t see his wife, his mood takes a deep dive.
In the Northern Border, women’s chastity isn’t valued much, and there’s no concept of loyalty between husbands and wives. If a wife is dissatisfied or uninterested in her husband, she might just turn around and take a lover or find a gigolo.
Wu Libai, well-versed in Central Plains culture, absolutely cannot accept the idea of his wife stepping out on him.
Whenever his wife is out of his sight, Wu Libai inevitably worries about whether she’s mingling with some young stud.
Feeling down, he barked at the female slave-servants, “Where did my lady go?”
The female slave-servant trembled and replied, “Milady went out for fun with a few noblewomen, she’ll be back in about two hours.”
Hearing this, Wu Libai’s mood soured even more, and he snorted in annoyance, “Lead the way, let’s go take a look.”
His wife is already rough and uncultured; mingling with those women, what kind of decorum can you expect?
At this very moment, Wu Libai’s lady is shopping with great flair.
Yes, shopping.
While others may buy quality goods, she only buys the expensive stuff—enough to clear out an entire street!
Her family is wealthy, and in the Northern Border, women are highly regarded, so Wu Libai’s wife is not short of cash. Plus, her husband is a fierce general of the Northern Border, from the esteemed “Wise” clan, earning great respect—even the king of the Northern Border must treat her royally.
Wu Libai’s wife is living the life of leisure, casually going out with a bunch of her sisters for a shopping spree.
Now, a group of Northern Border noblewomen eagerly awaits the shopkeeper of the Gathering Treasures Pavilion to bring out the goods.
“Ladies, thank you for your patience.”
The shopkeeper of the Gathering Treasures Pavilion is of mixed ethnicity, boasting the gentle sophistication of a Central Plains man along with the boldness of a Northern Border warrior. If he weren’t already forty-five years old, with several grandchildren, many high-ranking officials in the Northern Border would certainly worry about their wives frequently visiting this charming man—he’s that appealing! Who knows, while wandering and shopping, they might just end up in bed with him!
The shop often sells rare smuggled items, making it a favorite among the Northern Border aristocracy, thanks to the quality and high prices of the goods.
With steady hands, the man held a small box, his thin lips parting to speak in an elegant and melodious tone. Despite being a woman who could easily wrestle her husband to the ground and overpower him, the noblewoman couldn’t help but embrace her “ladylike” demeanor, patiently awaiting him to slowly reveal the treasures inside.
“This is a Colored Glaze Artifact, ladies, please take a look.”
As the box was opened, all the ladies were captivated by the precious items nestled inside.
Wu Libai’s wife snapped back to reality after a moment, instantly asking, “Shopkeeper, how much are these treasures?”
The shopkeeper replied, “This is a complete tea set, made from rare materials with exceptional craftsmanship, but it is a bit pricey.”
Wu Libai’s wife laughed brightly, “Are you worried I can’t afford it, shopkeeper?”
The shopkeeper said, “Milady, you jest. Your family’s wealth is unmatched, known even in the Central Plains. How could you possibly not afford it? Even if you couldn’t, to cater to you, I’d lower the price to ensure you take it home. A treasure deserves a beautiful lady like yourself to showcase its true value.”
Wu Libai’s wife blushed, her smile blooming even brighter, “Shopkeeper, you’re getting better at flattery!”
No woman dislikes being praised, especially not Wu Libai’s wife.
Although the other women might not be as wealthy, they too are used to spending lavishly, quickly inquiring about the price.
The shopkeeper lowered his eyes slightly, speaking gently, “This set is of upper-middle quality, not quite a masterpiece, so it is sold for twenty-five thousand guan.”
Twenty-five thousand guan?
This price makes many noblewomen hesitate—not because they can’t afford it, but because it seems just a tad steep.
Wu Libai’s wife, however, didn’t focus on the price, “Why don’t you take out the best pieces?”
