Chapter 40: Expo

Once outside the palace, Li Xian slumped down onto his seat, exclaiming, “Ah, talking to the emperor is truly exhausting.”

Xu Ren chuckled, “It’s tiring because you’re playing mind games with the emperor. Young master, I have to admire you. Let me calculate what you achieved tonight.

First, you secured protection for the technology and sealed the borders.

Second, you promoted industrial concepts, bringing the royal family onto your side and forming an industrial and commercial alliance.

Third, you subtly landed a huge order; a hundred thousand weaving machines! Just a small bite would yield substantial profits.

Fourth, you deftly diffused the unreasonable troubles caused by the Wang family and the Prime Minister. I believe the emperor now thinks they are being unreasonable.

Fifth, the imperial calligraphy of ‘Industrial Expo’ and ‘Colorful Clothing Loom’—from now on, the reputation of industry, the expo, and the loom will all be credited to you.

Sixth, with your involvement, the Great Xia is likely to endure for several more years; that extra time will allow you to develop and lay a solid foundation.

Seventh, you’ve been emphasizing trade with the Sea Tribe for the sea silk, along with your proactive disclosure of the engine design concept. I can almost see a massive net capturing everyone interested in researching engines.

Eighth, you’ve casually solved countless minor troubles and issues along the way. I think tomorrow’s morning court will be quite spectacular.”

“Oh dear, I’m not as impressive as you say, sir; you flatter me,” Li Xian replied with a grin. “But I’m more curious to hear your evaluation of the emperor of the Great Xia.”

“Joyful when he sees a hunt, fickle when presented with novelty; he delights in rare treasures while neglecting state affairs, ambitious but lacking insight. In prosperous times, he would be a preservationist ruler; in chaotic times, merely a ruler of a fallen state. And now? Heh…

However, there is an advantage to such an emperor. If he is assisted by capable talents, he will surely achieve greatness; his nature dictates that he won’t be jealous…”

“Hehe, no need to say more. People will always change. If one lives for thirty or fifty years, that’s one thing, but practitioners often have long lifespans. Hehe…”

Li Xian chuckled softly and curled up to sleep. This journey, coupled with his earlier quick thinking and various calculations, had completely drained him.

While Li Xian rested, Xu Ren couldn’t afford to. Instead, he diligently prepared for the Industrial Expo according to Li Xian’s plans, even framing the two imperial edicts in glass.

Outside the royal city, construction began along the roadside overnight. The craftsmen responsible for building used magic to conjure simple walls, steps, and houses. Meanwhile, those close to Li Xian organized the layout of various exhibition areas. Since it was the first expo and not much was available, they kept things simple.

By dawn, a reasonably-sized expo had emerged, occupying an area of about a hundred zhang—really quite small. Most of the items on display were contributed by Li Xian, along with some ordinary goods brought in by others like Shangguan Yong, Zhang Quan, and Yuan Zhao. To bolster appearances, the three families, including Li Xian’s father, Li Yulong, provided a few magical items.

The emperor played a crucial role; after dawn, Captain of the Guards Fu Minghui personally brought a collection of royal treasures for display—merely for show, not for sale. This added considerable flair to the modest expo.

Additionally, at Li Xian’s suggestion, Xu Ren temporarily trained and hired numerous children and local rascals to spread the word about the expo’s commencement.

“Want to see a loom that can weave ten bolts of cloth in a day?”

“Want to buy cloth at an 80% discount?”

“Interested in colorful lanterns with a lifespan of five years?”

“Looking for excellent weapons that won’t rust and can serve as mirrors?”

“Want to purchase crystal vessels made from the finest glass in vibrant colors?”

“How about getting the palace’s standard crystal chandelier?”

“Come to the first Industrial Expo outside the city, the one personally endorsed by the emperor! Let’s unlock the miracles of industry and witness its power.

This expo will last three days, through the New Year. Our slogan is: Let everyone enjoy a budget-friendly New Year, a colorful New Year.

The first expo is free to visit; whether you’re a babbling toddler or an elderly person, we welcome you with open arms as long as you’re willing.”

The promotional slogans were shouted repeatedly. The children and local rascals, spurred by a promise of one or two silver taels, shouted joyfully, treating it as a fun activity, especially since they could bring their friends and family along—after all, cheap goods were always in demand.

Li Xian brought 6,000 bolts of cloth, and with the help of three inexpensive friends, they pooled together to make it 10,000 bolts for a crazy clearance sale. The fact they could gather this amount was thanks to the two-day closure of the colorful fabric shop.

This novel expo quickly captured the attention of countless people. The promotional slogans personally arranged by Li Xian and Xu Ren were all highlights, each one able to attract a different “class” of attendees.

By noon, the expo grounds, covering an area of a hundred zhang, were already packed.

“Lucky draw, lucky draw! Draw the number ‘one’ to buy one bolt of cloth; draw ‘two’ to buy two bolts; the biggest prize is number ‘five.’ Hurry, we’ve already sold 884 bolts of cloth!

Today’s sales target is 3,000 bolts, so don’t miss out!”

“Don’t push, line up!” Song Xing, accompanied by his guards, wandered around, helplessly lamenting how his hundred or so people were quickly dispersed by the enthusiastic crowd.

“Colorful lanterns with a five-year lifespan, limited quantities available!”

“Stainless steel weapons that really don’t rust! What are you waiting for? If you miss this chance, you’ll regret it. Warriors who fight in dangerous, humid, and corrosive environments need these weapons!”

“Glass cups, sunglasses, crystal vases, mirrors—hurry! Look at this red glass cup, more beautiful than roses; this blue glass cup, purer than the ocean. And this emerald green cup, its color brighter and purer than jade. Plus, check out this flawless crystal cup, with no cracks or impurities—this is top-notch quality!

Here’s a new product: ‘sunglasses.’ Put on the sunglasses, grab a folding fan, and that’s true style!”

“Mine, mine, save some for me…”

“Don’t cut in line! Get lost, or I’ll take my chance back…”

The frenzy at the scene exceeded Li Xian’s expectations. By noon, when he finally arrived after a leisurely nap, he could only enter the expo through a reserved special passage.

However, the most bustling area of the expo wasn’t the cloth or glass products; it was the textile machinery zone! This massive area occupied a full 30% of the expo space, featuring 49 looms arranged in five rows. He Lin’s apprentice and daughter-in-law, Wu Lili, was personally directing some temporarily hired female workers who were weaving on-site and providing guidance.

Next to the looms, Fu Minghui personally led the royal guards to protect the area.

Originally, there were to be 50 looms, but one was gifted to the emperor, leaving only 49. Nevertheless, even with these 49 looms, they attracted a throng of eager buyers. Li Xian glanced around and saw at least 300 people packed in; one particularly large man was almost squished out of shape.

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