"Master Nie?" As soon as Ye Zhuo heard these three words, her heart itched even more. But because Ye Yuqi didn't let her bring jade materials for processing, and wearing men's clothes wasn't convenient to get close and take a look, she could only wish that a male customer would come soon and ask Master Nie to come out and discuss, or even carve in person.
She thought so, but Ye Zhuo quickly put her mind down and devoted herself to the jade carving works in front of her. As a fellow practitioner, she had entered the line of jade carving and became a jade carver, it was not good to often run to Nie's workshop to see these finished products, being discovered would be troublesome. Now that there is an opportunity to come in, naturally want to take a closer look, carefully pondering.
It's unknown whether her diligence and studiousness moved heaven, but just as she was absorbed in the jade carving, she heard footsteps coming from outside accompanied by the voice of a shop assistant from Nie's workshop: "...... The jade carvings here are all carved by famous masters, young master might as well take a look first before deciding whether to carve one here."
The footsteps and the voices of the companions stopped at Ye Zhuo's side. Ye Zhuo raised her head, turned around, and saw that only a young man with clear eyebrows and eyes, wearing a purple brocade long gown, was standing beside her. He was about to look up at something on the bookshelf, but when he saw Ye Zhuo raise her head, he turned his head and smiled politely at her, cupping his hands: "Is this gentleman also here to see the jade carvings?"
Ye Zhuo returned a smile: "Yes. I heard that the jade carvings of Nie's family workshop are not bad in terms of design and craftsmanship, so I came to take a look."
That man turned his head and glanced at the bookshelf, raising an eyebrow: "I've also heard that, so I came to take a look." He then turned his head and asked Ye Zhen, "What's your surname?"
"My surname is Zheng."
"Oh, Lord Zheng is well." The man bowed slightly, "My surname is Jiang."
"Lord Jiang." Ye Zhuo returned the courtesy.
He nodded slightly and turned his head to carefully examine the jade carving. Ye Zhuang saw this and also stopped speaking. Although she hoped that the young master could take out the jade material for processing, so as to open her eyes. But what made her think of a way to get close to him, she couldn't do it. The pride in her bones from her previous life did not allow her to smile at a strange man for such a purpose.
That young master carefully examined the jade carving on the shelf, occasionally asking the shop assistant about its price. After a while, he shook his head and let out a soft sigh.
"What? Young master, none of the jade carvings on the shelf have met with your satisfaction?" The shopkeeper asked hastily.
Jiang Gongzi frowned and said, "These jade carvings, to say they are particularly well-carved is not necessarily true, yet the price is still so expensive. Is your NIE family selling reputation?"
Upon hearing this, not only the man's face changed color, but also the man with a goatee standing next to Ye Zhuo, who was serving her. It was clear that his status in Nie Family Lane was higher than that of the other man. He took a step forward and said to Jiang Gongzi: "This young master, the jade materials used by our Nie Family Lane's Jade Carvings are all mid-to-high-end jade materials. The jade carvers who carve these jade carvings are all trained under Master Nie and have undergone rigorous testing before being sent out to work independently. In the same industry, they are considered top-notch. Therefore, the things we produce at our Nie Family Lane may be a bit more expensive than elsewhere, but they are worth it."
"Is that so?" Jiang Gongzi casually picked up a jade bangle from the shelf, took a look and said, "Then tell me, if I bring my own jade material and carve a bangle like this myself. How much processing fee will you charge?"
"This jade bangle was carved by Nie Shifu, a direct disciple of Master Nie. If you ask him to make one, it will be the same quality as this one. The price is 200 taels of silver."
Due to the different risks involved, jade materials of different qualities have different processing fees. However, if your jade material is not good, you naturally can't invite a famous artist to help you carve it, and the workshop will recommend a corresponding jade carver. If you insist on inviting a famous artist to help you carve it, the cost will be much higher than that of an ordinary jade carver.
"Two hundred taels?" Jiang Gongzi exclaimed, putting the jade bangle back on the shelf and snorting in disdain. "With this level of craftsmanship, you're charging two hundred taels in processing fees? You're not selling goods, you're selling reputation!"
As a seller, all kinds of guests can be encountered. Some out-of-town guests do not know the power of Nie's family and in order to lower the price, they pick on the jade carvings. So although the goat-bearded man at Nie's workshop is very unhappy, he still patiently explains: "Master Nie is a collateral descendant of our Nie family, because he is clever and diligent, and has been learning from Master Nie since he was ten years old, following Master Nie to learn jade carving for twelve years, and is one of the best jade carvers among the younger generation of our Nie family. Master Nie often praises him highly. If the jade carvings carved by Master Nie cannot meet the guest's requirements, it would be difficult for the guest to find better works."
"Nie's direct disciple? Still learning jade carving for twelve years? Hmph, I think that's all. The level is not even comparable to someone who has learned jade carving for less than a year." Jiang Gongzi curled his lips in disdain.
Apart from him, everyone else in the house turned pale.
The two people in Nie's house immediately knew that this person was not sincere about buying jade carvings, but rather came to pick a fight. Their faces naturally looked unpleasant. The man with the goat-like beard showed an anxious expression. Because the room was adjacent to the one where they received female guests, and the wooden house did not soundproof well, this person's loud voice would definitely be heard by Nie Bao Yi, who was sitting next door discussing jade carving with the previous female guest. Nie Bao Yi was Nie Zhong Kun's third disciple, known for his good understanding and high talent among Nie Zhong Kun's over ten disciples. He had a proud and arrogant personality due to being a member of the Nie family. If he heard this remark, there would inevitably be an argument.
But Ye Zhuo heard "learn jade carving in less than a year" and felt a faint sense of unease - this sentence, why did it sound like it was talking about her?
"I'd like to ask, where is this master who claims to have surpassed me in jade carving skills within a year? I'd love to learn from him." Just then, a man in his early twenties wearing a moon-white embroidered shallow yellow cloud patterned brocade robe walked in. His face bore some resemblance to Nie Bowen's, and it seemed that he was indeed Nie Boyi, the chief jade carver of Nie Family Lane.
As soon as Nie Boyi came in, the goat-bearded man let out a sigh. The best way to handle this matter was to pretend not to have heard what the guest had said, let him complain for a few sentences, and then politely send him away, and that would be the end of it. But now that Nie Boyi had come out, things were going to get worse. You're arguing with a guest over these things, aren't you afraid of losing face? In the end, nothing will be clear anyway. Because the guest just doesn't like what you carve, and he says others are good, can you take him to court for that? And your shop's reputation for cheating customers is already spreading.
Jiang Gongzi saw Nie Boyi walking in, and a hint of joy flashed across his eyes. However, this hint of joy flashed by, replaced by extreme disdain. He looked Nie Boyi up and down, asking the goat-bearded man: "Is this the highly skilled jade carver you were just talking about?"
When had Nie Bo Yi ever seen someone look at him with such disdain? He suddenly became furious. To Jiang Gongzi, he said: "Yes, I am the jade carver he mentioned. I heard that you think my jade carving is not worth looking at and doesn't deserve so much processing fee. Then I'd like to ask you, where is the person who learned jade carving for less than a year and has a higher level of carving than me? If you can't explain it clearly, can I understand it as you intentionally coming to our Nie family's workshop to cause trouble?"
Hearing this, the goat-bearded man secretly cursed. Nie Bao Yi, how is this calming things down? It's clearly stirring up trouble. This matter, wanting to resolve it peacefully has become difficult. With Nie Bao Yi's temperament, he must compare himself with that person and see who's superior.
Jiang Gongzi didn't say a word, but instead reached into his sleeve and rummaged around. He pulled out a brocade box, walked over to the table, and set it down. Opening the box, he took out a jade bangle and handed it to Nie Boyi, saying with a smile: "Just because of this, you still think I'm the best in the world? Ha! This is that exquisite jade bangle. Take a closer look, isn't it better than yours?"
As soon as Ye Zhuo saw the brocade box, she knew that she couldn't stay out of this matter today. The brocade box was designed by her and was exclusively for Yu Zhuo Fang. Without looking inside, she already knew what it contained - the peony flower jade bangle. On that day when she went to the workshop, she happened to meet someone who brought a piece of jade material over. The sheep fat white jade material had a beautiful green color band on it, and the person's request was to carve it into a jade bangle, specifically asking her to do it. At that time, Ye Zhuo liked the jade material at first sight, and the idea in her mind emerged without thinking. So she agreed without hesitation. After returning home, she spent only one day's effort to carve out this jade bangle.
She was attracted by the jade at that time and didn't see the person holding the jade, nor did she know if it was this Mr. Jiang in front of her.
And this Jiang Gongzi, although he repeatedly says that she is stronger than Nie Bo Yi, but isn't this actually a provocation, clearly trying to stir up hatred! This is because they have a grudge against the Ye family and want to use the power of the Nie family to thoroughly crush the newly established Yu Zhuo Fang.
Who is this person?
Ye Chou sized up the man with a few glances, wanting to find some clues on him. However, after looking from head to toe twice, he still couldn't see anything unusual.
At this time, several people walked in from outside the door. Ye Zhuo raised her eyes to take a look and saw that it was the female guest who had entered before her, followed by her two maidservants. After entering, the woman walked directly towards Nie Boyi and stopped beside him, her eyes fixed on the jade bangle in his hand.
Three people walked in, but Nie Bo Yi seemed to have not seen them, his eyes fixed on the jade bangle, motionless. The jade bangle, under his wrist's movement, placed the green peony right before his eyes.
The woman guest clearly saw the peony on the jade bangle, her eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but reach out to grab the jade bangle. Nie Bo Yi was startled by the sudden hand and subconsciously flashed the jade bangle to the side, his hand slipped, and the jade bangle flew out.
"Ah!" With a cry, the goat-bearded man stared at the jade bangle and his heart was about to jump out. He rushed forward, wanting to stretch out his hand to catch it, but since he was four or five steps away from Nie Bao Yi, how could he catch it? Just as the jade bangle was about to fall to the ground and shatter, he closed his eyes, unable to bear looking again. But then he heard a "huh" sound, and the sound of the jade bangle hitting the ground did not come. He opened his eyes to see that the jade bangle had been caught by the 15 or 16-year-old young nobleman who was hosting him.
"Thank you, thank you so much, young master. If it weren't for you, this jade bangle might have shattered into pieces. Our humble shop will send you a gift later as a token of gratitude." The goat-bearded man was originally the manager of Nie's workshop, surnamed Sun. Seeing the jade bangle being caught by Ye Zhuo, he felt extremely grateful. Although the material of this jade bangle wasn't top-notch, if it had shattered, Nie's workshop wouldn't have been able to afford the compensation. However, its owner was someone who constantly found fault with Nie's workshop. Even if Master Nie himself were to personally re-carve a new one using good materials, he might not be satisfied. In that case, Nie's workshop would be in for a disaster, and this manager wouldn't be able to keep his job either.
Ye Zhuo carefully handed the jade bangle to Sun Zhanggui, smiling and saying "don't mention it". After he took hold of it steadily, she retreated a few steps and stood in a position to observe. She practiced splitting incense. Whether it was her eyesight, reaction ability or hand-eye coordination, all had reached an extraordinary level, even compared to high-level martial artists. Catching something that was falling down wasn't really difficult for her at all. As for the pros and cons of the situation, she hadn't thought much about it at the time. Now thinking back on it, being able to help Niejiabang a bit, letting them suffer less loss, might be able to eliminate some of their hostility towards Yuzhuofang.
But the woman's gaze remained on Ye Zhuo for a while before she finally shifted her eyes away.
"Clang, clang, clang", the owner of the jade bangle, Jiang Gongzi patted his chest, with a shocked face, "I was scared to death, I'm afraid this jade bangle will be gone just like that. Such good jade material and craftsmanship are hard to find again. If you break it, I'll have no place to cry." As he spoke, he reached out his hand to take the jade bangle from Sun Zhanggui's hand.
"Let me see? I'll be very careful." The woman suddenly spoke up.
The young master Jiang looked at the female guest and saw that although she was middle-aged, her skin was still well-maintained. She wore a deep purple five-colored embroidered edge jacket with a silver fox fur cloak draped over it. On her head, she only had one hairpin and two pearl flowers, but just by looking at the hairpin and pearl flowers shining brightly, you could tell they were of high quality. It was clear that this was a wealthy person.
He hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying, "Alright, be careful."
Ye Zhuo and Sun Zhanggui both looked at him with the same thought. Just now, he had said that this jade bangle was his life, but now he easily let a strange woman see it. Wasn't he afraid that she would break the jade bangle?
Thinking of this, both of them recalled the scene just now. The jade bangle fell closest to this person, but he didn't show any intention of picking it up. It seems that he couldn't wait for the jade bangle to be smashed.
Thinking of this, Sun Zhanggui slowly backed out and didn't return to the house until about half a catty of tea later.
Ye Zhuo felt relieved upon seeing this.
The steward used by the Nie family should not be a useless person. This Sun steward should have been told to send someone to follow that young master's carriage driver or attendant, right? Once he leaves, they will definitely track him down. I really hope to investigate the origin of this Jiang young master to eliminate the hostility between the Nie and Yu families. At this time, the Yu family is still a child who has just learned to walk, while the Nie family is a big and powerful man. It wants to destroy the Yu family, it's just a matter of stretching out one finger, even if the Ye family now has Yang Jianxu supporting them!
She took another look at Jiang Gongzi, trying to determine whether he was sent by the Xie family or the Gong family. It should be one of these two families that wants to put Yu Zhuo Fang out of business, right? But from this person's attire and appearance, it's really hard to tell anything.
The jade bangle was now in the woman's hand, but Nie Bo Yi's gaze remained on it. After the woman finished looking at it and returned the jade bangle to the young master, it was put back into the brocade box. Only then did Nie Bo Yi come back to his senses and ask, "Is this jade bangle really carved by a jade carver who has only learned for one year? Who is he?"
"How's that? I said you can't compare to her, and you still don't believe me! Now are you convinced?" Jiang Gongzi's tone and expression made everyone in the room want to strangle him.
"Who exactly is it?" Nie Bao Yi suddenly flew into a rage.
"Hey, get it straight, I'm a guest and you're the ones asking me questions, how can this be like an interrogation? Is there still any justice?"
Sun Zhanggui hastily stepped forward, pressed Nie Boyi's shoulder with his hand, and smiled at Jiang Gongzi: "Please forgive us, Jiang Gongzi. Our Master Nie is eager to learn from anyone who excels in jade carving skills, and he didn't mean to offend you."
Jiang Gongzi looked at Nie Boyi with satisfaction, raised his chin and said: "This is right, if one's craftsmanship is not as good as others, they should be humble and ask for advice from others. Don't think that just because you have a big bowl, you are the best in the world and look down on others." Before Nie Boyi could strangle him to death, he continued: "That person is the granddaughter of Ye Laoban from Yu Zhuo Fang across from you. She carved two jade carvings in a short period of time and sold them for a high price. You shouldn't be unaware of this, right? Weren't you, Nie Gongzi, present at that time and helped the Ye family out of a difficult situation?"
"Is it her?" Sun Zhanggui asked in surprise.
"Who? Sun Zhanggui, who is it?" Nie Boyi was sent to the Nie family compound after that incident, and because of that incident, Nie Bowen and Du Haoran both intervened. Ye Zhuo was young and beautiful, so Sun Zhanggui was afraid that the lower-ranking people would gossip and cause dissatisfaction among the young masters. He had ordered that no one in the Nie family compound was allowed to discuss this matter again. So Nie Boyi didn't know what happened earlier.
Sun Zhanggui did not want to say more, but he knew Nie Bao's temperament and dared not hide the truth. He said, "It was the 15-year-old daughter of Ye Laoban from Yu Zhuo Fang who had been learning jade carving for less than a year. Someone tried to harm the Ye family by intentionally giving them a good piece of jade to carve, which the jade carver ruined. They were forced to compensate, but the girl redesigned the jade and scraps on the spot, creating two pieces that sold for a high price. The Ye family not only overcame their crisis but also made a profit."
This chapter is 5,000 words. Thank you to Guang Han Gong Zhu for the peach blossom fan, thank you to jaang, Dong Fang Feng Yun, Kang Xiao Huai, Qin Mu Jin for the peace symbol rewards, thank you to Wang Qiang's little Deng Deng, happy jade fish child, ╭や┃Gu Diao Xian Yin つ寞, Qing Shui Bing Xue, Ji Mo De Yu Er, Xiao Mo Nv 0106, Zhui Ri De Nu Er, jaeton, yuki_zx, sandyg, Mu Yu Yuan Mu Qiu Yu, Zhi Wen Lan, Dao Dao Mao, Hua Yu Rong, Lan Tian by2008, Qiao Qiao Mei, Wang Xiao Huang, jinjin960806, feifei88aa for the pink votes!
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