Chapter 8: Mo Ye Workshop

“Enough, this can truly be called a fine earthly brew! If there is any better wine, I dare not even imagine it,” Mr. Xiao exclaimed with deep admiration.

“Could it be that you are the reincarnation of a heavenly wine immortal? Otherwise, how could one possibly craft so many exquisite vintages?”

“Besides a deity, I simply cannot fathom who else could produce such superb wine.”

Li Ye burst into hearty laughter. “The Hundred Herbs Pavilion even claimed I am the reincarnation of the Medicine God! You all are quite amusing! Does possessing great skill mean one is a reincarnated immortal?”

“Regardless of reincarnation, I know Your Highness loves good wine! I’ve prepared a hundred jars for you, enough to last quite a while!”

“That’s more than enough; I could easily drink for half a year! Prince Li, you truly understand my heart,” Mr. Xiao said, beaming with joy.

As they chatted, a guard approached respectfully holding an invitation. “Your Highness, the Mo Xie Workshop has sent an invitation. They claim to have forged a peerless sword and request the honor of Prince Li’s presence to appraise it.”

Li Ye took the invitation with delight. “Already completed? Tell them I will certainly attend tomorrow!”

Mr. Xiao’s eyes twitched slightly. “Mo Xie Workshop has forged another divine weapon! Such an opportunity cannot be missed! I shall accompany Your Highness tomorrow, if it pleases you.”

“Of course! Mr. Xiao, please join me,” Li Ye replied.

Mr. Xiao, intrigued, said, “Since Your Highness already practices martial arts, you are in need of a fine sword. If it suits you, perhaps you should consider purchasing it outright.”

“That won’t do. Everyone knows I do not train in martial arts. Buying such a sword would only raise suspicions. If I were to admit to possessing martial skills, any assassins would be better prepared against me,” Li Ye immediately declined.

Mr. Xiao was both amused and baffled; the Prince’s ways were always inscrutable. Normally, any martial artist would be enamored with weaponry, yet Li Ye never took it seriously.

“Very well, as you wish! But remember, with enough rigorous training to reach the pinnacle, even an ordinary weapon can unleash the power of a divine armament.”

“I’m too lazy for hard training! You should think about how to make me a master comfortably,” Li Ye said, pausing. “I was just considering buying that sword to gift you. But since you say ascending to divine weapon status is useless, forget it.”

Mr. Xiao was speechless.

“Mr. Xiao, please enjoy your wine. Just tell the servants what dishes you want! I’ll rest for now!”

“Your Highness, please!” Mr. Xiao said.

Though Li Ye was usually lax in his martial practice, he knew tonight would be tough. When effort was needed, effort must be given. He hurried back to rest and replenish his strength.

...

Qin Qingxue’s welcome banquet was a complete mess. They had to resort to hosting guests hastily at other taverns. Once the guests had left, Qin Qingxue immediately sought out Qin Xinghuai.

“Father! Li Ye wants all the properties he arranged for our family returned. Otherwise, I’ll never hold my head high before him. Even a servant girl dares to confront me on this matter. It infuriates me.”

Qin Xinghuai’s face showed distress. He had long lost track of the money Li Ye had given them. Maintaining the household expenses was already difficult. How could they possibly repay Li Ye?

“Qingxue, you don’t realize! Even the mansion we live in was provided by Prince Li. If we return it, where will we live? Besides, he has lent us at least seventy or eighty thousand taels of silver. Even selling all our possessions couldn’t cover that.”

Qin Qingxue’s delicate face grew icy. “This is easy! The mansion probably only costs about twenty or thirty thousand taels. I will lead the troops to defeat the barbarians soon. The Emperor will surely reward me. I’ll use the reward money to buy this mansion.”

“That’s not so simple. The land alone cost over thirty thousand taels. Many buildings were constructed later, costing another thirty to forty thousand taels. I estimate the mansion cost at least seventy to eighty thousand taels to acquire,” Qin Xinghuai explained.

Though mentally prepared, Qin Qingxue still gasped at the sum, staring in disbelief. “Just one mansion costs that much?”

“The estate isn’t very large, but the location is prime. The buildings, gardens, and rockeries are all exquisitely crafted. You wouldn’t get such quality without spending a fortune.”

“If I had known, I would have plundered more from the barbarians during the campaign. But there will be many battles ahead. I’ll earn back whatever silver we lack. Tomorrow, I’ll ask Young Master Shi Wushuang to lend some. Maybe we can gather enough then.”

Qin Qingxue was resolute; she refused to owe Li Ye any favors. Qin Xinghuai sighed deeply, helpless.

“Why trouble yourself? The house wasn’t demanded back from us. We can continue living here. As long as we avoid conflicts with him, we’ve gained a great advantage.”

“No! I will hold office in the court in the future and inevitably meet him. I cannot bear to owe him money and be looked down upon.”

“Fine! If you want to repay him, that’s your choice. But make sure there’s enough left for household expenses. My salary alone doesn’t even cover meals.”

“Understood!” Qin Qingxue replied with frustration and stormed off.

The next morning, Shi Wushuang arrived early to see Qin Qingxue. Everyone in the Qin residence already knew about their relationship and welcomed him warmly.

Qin Qingxue was overjoyed to see Shi Wushuang. She felt as though a day apart was an eternity and missed him terribly.

She intended to borrow silver from him.

Shi Wushuang’s expression was excited. “I heard the Mo Xie Workshop forged a sword, said to be a divine weapon of unmatched sharpness. Many have been invited to view it today. There will be an auction too, highest bidder wins. Let’s hurry over!”

Not wanting to disturb Shi Wushuang’s mood, Qin Qingxue accompanied him to the sword viewing.

Weapons crafted by Mo Xie Workshop were unrivaled in the world. This grand announcement meant the sword would certainly be exceptional. All martial artists longed for a trusty weapon. Even Qin Qingxue was deeply interested.

“Alright, let’s go quickly!”

Originally, the Mo Xie Workshop was located at Fiery Mountain, utilizing the mountain’s core fire to forge weapons. In the capital, it only had a branch shop. But in recent years, for some unknown reason, the workshop had gradually expanded its capital branch. Even the workshop’s master frequently resided in the capital.

Though somewhat unusual, it made acquiring weapons in the capital much more convenient. Whether martial artists or military commanders, owning a Mo Xie Workshop weapon was a great honor.