Chapter 7: Building Momentum
Oh, come, bring the candlestick!" The King of Qin waved his hand, and someone brought the candlelight. The King of Qin lit it with his mouth and took a deep breath, but since he had never done this before, he began to cough violently.
The King of Qin, Zhu Cunshu, slammed the wine cup onto the table and said coldly
"Hey, what is your name?" King Qin said, throwing a piece of meat into his mouth and speaking indistinctly.
"Return to the King of Qin, my name is ... ..." Wei Ming was about to say something with trepidation, but was interrupted by the King of Qin
Congratulations to King Qin, congratulations to King Qin
"Your Highness, the King of Qin, please allow me to report." Wei Ming quickly adjusted his posture. At this moment, seeing the King of Qin's change in expression, Li Niu was already so frightened that his legs felt weak. From time to time, he would tug at Wei Ming's clothes, hoping that Wei Ming would back down. However, Wei Ming paid no attention to Li Niu. Although he was also quite nervous inside, he still had to say what needed to be said.
The Qin King waved his hand with great authority, and the guard thought to himself that if something went wrong, he should not be blamed. He responded with an acknowledgment and stepped outside. Before long, Wei Ming and Li Niu entered. It was Li Niu's first time in such a large garden, and he was filled with curiosity about everything around him. Wei Ming secretly tugged at his sleeve several times to no avail. Eventually, Wei Ming gave up. Let it be as it may. One eye open, one eye closed; out of sight, out of mind. It was Li Niu's first time in such a large garden, and he was filled with curiosity about everything around him. Wei Ming secretly tugged at his sleeve several times to no avail. Eventually, Wei Ming gave up. Let it be as it may. One eye open, one eye closed; out of sight, out of mind.
Hahaha, well said, well said, congratulations to the book of joy, hahaha! In the end, the cigarette returned to the hands of King Qin, Zhu Cunshu. King Qin was overjoyed. Meanwhile, Wei Ming, who was still hunched over, couldn't help but curse inwardly: "A bunch of country bumpkins." However, after a moment's reflection, he thought, let them be country bumpkins. Without this group of country bumpkins, I wouldn't be able to live in this great Ming dynasty.
Oh? Quickly bring it here! Zhu Cunshu eagerly waved his hand. Someone had already rushed over, taking the cigarette from Wei Ming's hand and respectfully presenting it to King Qin. King Qin received it and examined it carefully for a long time, nodding repeatedly.
Oh. Wei Ming nodded slightly, sighing inwardly. He currently did not even possess an identification card, let alone a proper identity. It was only natural for others to look down on him. However, he still felt uncomfortable regardless. He took out a cigarette from his pocket and said, "King Qin, I have come across a special dry wine, which I have brought to present to you. Please accept it, Your Highness." The indifference of King Qin towards Wei Ming made him feel less tense. His speech became much more fluent. He took out a cigarette from his pocket and said, "King Qin, I have come across a special dry wine, which I have brought to present to you. Please accept it, Your Highness." The indifference of King Qin towards Wei Ming made him feel less tense. His speech became much more fluent.
The treasure is indeed worthy of its name. Congratulations to King Qin for acquiring this treasure! With this treasure, King Qin will surely enhance his prestige and regain the status of the foremost vassal king
"Good, good. By the way, what is your name again?" At this moment, King Qin finally remembered to ask Wei Ming for his name. After Wei Ming replied, King Qin continued, "Hmm, Wei Ming, ah, your name is very good. Wei Ming, Wei our Great Ming, very good, very good. This treasure is also excellent. This king expresses his gratitude. Come here, grant one hundred taels of silver to thank Wei Ming for his treasure." King Qin said grandly. Wei Ming, Wei our Great Ming, very good, very good. This treasure is also excellent. This king expresses his gratitude. Come here, grant one hundred taels of silver to thank Wei Ming for his treasure." King Qin said grandly.
"Report to King Qin that there is a young man outside claiming to present treasures to the King." The gatekeeper soon rushed in, reporting loudly. No matter how much power King Qin has lost, he is still King Qin. Whether it is the gatekeeper or the guards, they are all respectable and formidable individuals. Just from the sound of their voices, one can discern a thing or two.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the guests responded in unison, but it seemed they could hardly pay attention to such matters. They were aware of snuff bottles. Wasn't it customary to use a snuff bottle for strong liquor? How could such an item exist? This was hardly strong liquor; it was simply a work of art! If one could obtain such a piece, who would dare to consume it? It would have to be cherished and treated as a family heirloom! The guests eagerly rushed over to take a look. Those quick enough even got to touch it. Just like the skin of a beautiful woman, it was as soft as silk and as smooth as snow fat.
"Oh dear, Your Highness Qin Wang, it is not like that. Cigarettes need to be lit with a candle flame first, and then you inhale with your mouth. One puff invigorates the mind, two puffs keep fatigue at bay, three puffs... well, you get the idea." Wei Ming quickly stopped speaking. He almost let slip the secret of immortality. This thing is harmful to health. If it proves ineffective and instead harms the body, Wei Ming would be in trouble. He certainly did not want to end up losing more than he gained.
"Oh, someone actually has treasures to present to me?" King Qin, Zhu Cunshu, was somewhat surprised. He had only inherited the title of King Qin last year; could it be that someone is already trying to curry favor with him? Ah, this is quite interesting. This person is indeed thoughtful, choosing to come today during the grand banquet for guests, which certainly adds to his own prestige. Such a person deserves to be met.
"Hmm, not bad, not bad. Everyone take a look!" Zhu Cunshu said as he reluctantly handed the exquisite cigarette to the servant. After all, while the treasure is indeed fine, being able to show it off in front of everyone brings Zhu Cunshu even more pleasure. However, he ultimately reminded, saying: "Please be sure not to break it!"
"Oh? Are you dissatisfied with the rewards bestowed by this king?" The King of Qin furrowed his brows and said. According to the script, Wei Ming should now be shouting 'Long live the king' and then sensibly exit. Is he still thinking of coming over to ask me to dine with him? He should consider his own status. Is he complaining about the amount? Giving you money is meant to demonstrate my generosity, not to serve as a reward for you. Does he not understand this simple principle? Regardless of Wei Ming's reasons, as long as he is dissatisfied with himself and the situation, it is Wei Ming's fault. If there is a mistake, then he must face punishment. The King of Qin was already prepared; if Wei Ming could not provide a reasonable explanation, he should be ready to be driven out with a beating.
Thus, the guards departed, and the guests shared a cigarette. Wei Ming's heart finally settled down. With the first time comes the second. Wei Ming was well aware of the taste of it. Once these individuals, who have developed a taste for it, realize the benefits, would they still hesitate to come and buy? Haha, my money! Here I come!
There are all kinds of sayings. Flattery is the most effective. This has been the case since ancient times. Upon hearing the congratulations from the crowd, King Qin was indeed very pleased
"Enough, enough, this is not important. What do you have to offer me? Hurry up and show me," said King Qin, waving his hand impatiently. His interest in treasures far exceeded his interest in Wei Ming. As for Wei Ming, he was merely an insignificant person. In a world full of people with the surname Zhu, no matter how impressive you are, I am still more impressive. As for treasures, well, that is somewhat intriguing. Since it is said to be a treasure, it must possess some unique qualities. If it is meant to mock oneself, heh heh, then that would be entertaining.
"King Qin, this strong liquor is meant to be consumed. If it is not consumed, how can its value be realized?" Wei Ming said. Wei Ming said this to convey to King Qin that this item is a consumable, intended for consumption. By saying this, if he were to bring it out again in the future, King Qin would have no grounds to object. It is even possible that he could become a customer. Otherwise, if he were to sell cigarettes later, would he not risk being captured and punished by King Qin?
"Bold little thief, who on earth dares to come here to harm the prince!" The captain of the guards was about to go over to apprehend the person. At that moment, the recovering King Qin waved his hand and said, "Ah, this thing is really powerful. However, it is indeed quite enjoyable. Come, come, everyone, have a try!"
Oh? The King of Qin suddenly became interested. However, after looking at the cigarette, he brought it to his nose to take a puff, and then he wanted to bite it with his teeth.
Cough, cough, cough! The Qin King was coughing severely, and the surrounding guards immediately became agitated. Those who drew their swords did so, encircling Wei Ming and Li Niu. The guests were also alarmed, genuinely believing that the Qin King had been poisoned, as it seemed he was on the verge of death at any moment
Thank you, King Qin. However, upon hearing that he could obtain as much as one hundred taels of silver, Wei Ming felt a surge of excitement. Yet, if it were to be the case that King Qin truly regarded this item as a treasure to be collected, then he would only receive one hundred taels of silver. This was a significant deviation from his initial plan. In the strategy, King Qin was merely bait. He intended to follow this bait to catch a big fish! However, if it were to be the case that King Qin truly regarded this item as a treasure to be collected, then he would only receive one hundred taels of silver. This was a significant deviation from his initial plan. In the strategy, King Qin was merely bait. He intended to follow this bait to catch a big fish!