Chapter Forty-Six: A Discussion

Cheng Lingyu lifted her head from behind the desk, a faint, meaningful smile flickering in her eyes. She spoke calmly, “I am curious to see what ‘surprise’ you have brought this time.”

Chu Nan revealed a mysterious smile as he solemnly placed a wooden box on the desk. He then cracked it open slightly, allowing a shimmering light to spill forth.

Cheng Lingyu’s gaze sharpened subtly, her brow lifting involuntarily.

The two conversed quietly in the imperial study for quite some time. By the time Chu Nan stepped out, evening had fallen.

Within just a day, the entire capital was set abuzz.

Rumors spread that a foreign merchant had presented the Great Wilderness Empress with a rare treasure: a translucent jade-glass cup.

This cup was said to be crafted using secret techniques from a distant land, its body flawless and transparent, like a droplet of celestial dew condensed from the heavens.

It refracted light into a spectrum of colors, resembling a star of glazed crystal fallen from the skies into the mortal world.

Tea houses and taverns throughout the capital buzzed with eager discussion.

“Have you heard? The Empress’s new glazed cup is a treasure even foreign royal families seldom possess!”

“Yes, I heard that when you lift the cup, its glow can illuminate an entire room. Pour tea into it, and the water ripples are as clear as a mirror. Truly a divine artifact!”

“A treasure like that, I doubt even gold could buy it.”

What drew even more fascination was the Empress’s reverence for this cup.

“They say Her Majesty keeps the cup in a special cabinet in the imperial study and personally handles it every day!”

“That’s nothing. The Empress has decreed that every visiting minister may admire it from afar once, but no one is allowed to touch it!”

“Of course. Such a treasure would be desecrated by even a single touch!”

As the news spread, the noble families of the capital erupted in excitement.

Especially the great clans, who loved to flaunt their wealth, yet now felt a profound sense of frustration.

“What good is our family’s heirloom celadon? It doesn’t even compare to a corner of the Empress’s glazed cup!” one elder lamented bitterly at home.

“If such a treasure sat in my study, all my peers would surely envy me!” another patriarch’s eyes gleamed with longing, wishing to possess the gem immediately.

Then an even more explosive piece of news broke out.

“The Empress intends to bestow the glazed cup as a reward to loyal subjects who have rendered great service or donated generously to the state.”

As soon as this was announced, the atmosphere in the capital grew feverish.

The great families’ discussions grew louder, each secretly plotting.

Calculating how to produce enough “contributions” to earn such an unparalleled treasure.

The Yang Residence in the capital, with its ornate beams and deep courtyards, was abuzz.

Yang Tiejin sat in the main hall’s grand chair, holding a cup of hot tea, though the liquid had long since cooled.

His expression was tinged with excitement, eyes narrowed as if scheming.

The news had been brought by one of the Yang family’s aides, who reported eagerly in the main hall: “Master, have you heard? That glazed cup is the finest treasure in the realm!”

“The noble families across the capital are abuzz, with some even willing to pay thirty thousand taels of gold just for a single viewing!”

Yang Tiejin, sitting in the seat of honor, was momentarily taken aback. He then set down his cup, interest shining in his eyes.

A renowned patriarch wielding military power for years, he had long been fond of rare treasures.

He had seen countless heirloom celadons and carved lacquer screens, but the description of this “glazed cup” stirred his heart.

“Is this foreign glaze truly so miraculous?”

Yang Tiejin stroked his beard, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The aide nodded repeatedly: “Master, it’s more than miraculous. The cup is perfectly clear; after pouring water, even the ripples are clearly visible.”

“Moreover, it’s said that when light shines on it, the cup refracts a rainbow glow, like stars fallen from the heavens.”

Yang Tiejin was dumbfounded, unable to remain seated. He sighed softly, marveling, “If such a marvel could be displayed in the Yang Residence’s main hall, no one in the capital would not envy us!”

Beside him, Yang Ruyan appeared indifferent, clearly uninterested.

She raised an eyebrow and said lightly, “Father, it’s just a cup after all. No matter how fantastical the stories, it remains an ordinary object.”

Yang Tiejin shot her a glare. “What do you know? Though a mere vessel, glaze signifies prestige in the imperial capital.”

“Everyone in the capital is talking about it. If the Yang Residence can’t even glimpse the cup’s shadow, won’t we be ridiculed?”

Yang Ruyan pursed her lips and fell silent, evidently disinterested.

At that moment, the aide continued, “Master, the Empress now lists the glazed cup as a reward. Those who donate money or supplies to the state may have a chance to receive this supreme treasure.”

“Given our family’s wealth, making a substantial donation might just secure us that opportunity.”

Yang Tiejin’s eyes brightened, about to agree.

But then he hesitated, thinking it over: “Though donating money sounds easy, at our family’s status, casually throwing silver around would be beneath us. We must find a more dignified approach.”

As he pondered, Yang Ruyan spoke coldly: “Father, you need not trouble yourself over these matters.”

“Besides, personal affairs aside, if the Yang Residence wants to maintain its influence, true merit in the military is the proper path.”

Yang Tiejin merely nodded, saying nothing further.

He knew his daughter was intelligent but stubborn, disinterested in such ostentatious matters, so he did not press.

Yet Yang Ruyan was quietly considering something else.

She had been reflecting on Chu Nan—how he had shocked the northern garrison with his boldness.

But what truly intrigued her was not that earth-shattering duel, but the battle formations Chu Nan had left behind.

She recalled how Chu Nan demonstrated those square formations at the northern camp; though they appeared simple, their complexity was immense, showing great tactical value in repeated drills.

She had her own soldiers rehearse the formations, only to find that even the initial assembly left them breathless and chaotic.

“This Chu Nan really has some skill,” Yang Ruyan thought coldly.

Though she generally bore no affection for him, deep down she had to admit that this man possessed something unique.

With that in mind, she rose and faced Yang Tiejin directly.

“Father, I wish to go out for a while.”

Yang Tiejin set down his cup, frowning. “Where to?”

Her tone was calm but her gaze resolute: “To seek out Chu Nan and ask him a few questions.”