This principle Yun Xiao naturally understood, but thinking of Shangguan Lin's previous arrogant and rude words, she became very angry. Her eyes sank, "Alright, let's go, we have things to do."
With Wanwan, tasks were completed much more efficiently. As a native of Yanjing and a thief, she knew every street, alley, and hidden piece of news in this vast city.
Therefore, as soon as Yun Xiao mentioned Jin Rentang, Wanwan led the way without a word, taking the two of them to Jin Rentang.
Jin Rentang was still an imperial merchant's establishment, grand and imposing. Its lintel was gilded and silver-inlaid, exuding extreme luxury. Most of the carriages parked in front were official government vehicles, and people came and went, creating a bustling scene.
Xiuxiu and Wanwan gazed at everything before them, a sense of unease rising in their hearts. Why did their mistress insist on forging such a peculiar weapon? This was a place specializing in producing items for the government, and it was unlikely they would readily accept orders from others.
Yun Xiao was aware of this as well, but if they went elsewhere, the quality of the forged item would likely be inferior. This was why she insisted on having the surgical knives made at Jin Rentang. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and that was a fundamental truth.
"Mistress, what do we do now?"
Xiuxiu asked cautiously. Yun Xiao glanced at Wanwan and said faintly, "Wanwan, do you know any blacksmiths here? No matter the price."
As soon as she finished speaking, Wanwan frowned slightly and then quickly recalled knowing someone, though that person was not the master craftsman. "Mistress, I do know someone, but he's not the master craftsman, merely an assistant."
"Good, go find him and ask him to introduce the master craftsman. This matter is yours to handle. Show me your capabilities. No matter the price, bring the person to me."
Wanwan's eyebrows lifted. Money could make the devil work for you; with money, anything was possible. Her eyes sparkled, "Yes, I'll go."
"We'll wait for you at the teahouse ahead. Bring that master craftsman to see me."
Not far from Jin Rentang was an exceptionally elegant teahouse. Yun Xiao pointed it out, telling Wanwan, who nodded, and then disappeared. Yun Xiao then led Xiuxiu to the teahouse to await news.
Unexpectedly, Wanwan's efficiency was remarkable, or perhaps it was the power of money. In the time it took Yun Xiao to drink one cup of tea, Wanwan returned with someone.
Two men, one tall and one short. The tall one was the assistant, and the short, plump man was the master craftsman, a renowned artisan from Jin Rentang. His demeanor was somewhat arrogant, but Yun Xiao did not mind. She crisply took out the drawings she had made and handed them to the plump craftsman.
"Can this be forged?"
The drawing depicted a blade no longer than six or seven inches, thin as a cicada's wing, delicate and exquisite. Even in the drawing, its sharpness could be clearly felt, sending a shiver down one's spine.
The plump craftsman raised his head in surprise and looked at Yun Xiao. He had forged weapons for many years and had never seen such a peculiar blade.
"What is this?"
"A silver blade," Yun Xiao replied with a faint smile. Of course, she would not mention surgical knives. Even if she did, they might not understand. It was better to give it her own name. "Can you forge it?"
Her question clearly provoked the plump craftsman. Excitement flashed in his eyes, and he declared passionately, "What can't be forged? No matter how difficult the blade, I can forge it. However, the price..."
"You name it?" As long as she could get the blade she wanted forged, any price was negotiable, Yun Xiao said cheerfully.
"Two thousand taels," the plump man asked for an exorbitant price. Several gasps echoed through the private room. Wanwan couldn't help but interject, "Are you robbing us?"
Upon hearing Wanwan's words, the plump man became displeased. The work they did inherently carried great risk. If the court found out, their heads would roll.
Therefore, their prices were always high. If they were unwilling, he would not take the job. He suddenly stood up.
"If that's the case, then there's no need to discuss it further."
Yun Xiao glared at Wanwan and said calmly, "Alright, as you say. However, this blade must be made from top-quality Xuan Yu Iron, and it must be delivered tomorrow."
This kind of iron was only available at imperial merchant establishments; ordinary shops would not have it. Although the price was a bit high, they were taking on the job despite the risks.
"Good, straightforward," the plump man said, seeing Yun Xiao's generosity. He nodded briskly. Yun Xiao took out a thousand taels in banknotes and placed them on the table. "This is the deposit. Upon delivery, I will give you the remaining thousand taels."
"Mm," the plump man took the drawings and the thousand taels in banknotes, leading his tall assistant, and quickly left. In the private room, Wanwan raised her eyebrows, deep in thought.
"Mistress, now that they have the money, will they still deliver the goods?"
"He wouldn't dare," Yun Xiao said domineeringly. These people were only after money. If they really reneged on a thousand taels, the matter would become a big deal. Even if they couldn't take his life, he wouldn't be able to stay at Jin Rentang.
Even without concrete evidence, he wouldn't dare to refuse delivery. She was not worried about this. However, her gaze shifted to Wanwan's face. This girl's capabilities were quite good, and her hands were also nimble. She indeed needed such an astute maid.
"Wanwan, from now on, you will be my personal maid."
"Yes, Mistress," Wanwan replied, smiling happily. She had finally turned over a new leaf and wouldn't have to steal anymore.
As a member of the Su family, she didn't steal for the sake of stealing, but out of sheer hunger, having no other choice.
Xiuxiu reached out and patted Wanwan's shoulder. "From now on, we will serve Mistress together."
"Okay," Wanwan nodded. She could tell Xiuxiu was a good person, not snobbish, and seemed easy to get along with.
All along, she had thought that people in high positions were difficult to approach. Now, it seemed there were also approachable people; it was merely a matter of each person's way of dealing with others.
Yun Xiao glanced at Xiuxiu and calmly instructed, "Xiuxiu, you should help correct Wanwan's bad habits from now on."
"Understood," Xiuxiu suppressed a laugh. Wanwan was not at all like a lady. Her demeanor was often boyish, carefree, and a bit roguish.
Wanwan blushed when she was singled out and lowered her head. She also wished to be demure like a lady, but life's hardships had forced her to associate with men. Over time, her conduct had become no different from a man's.
The sky was already late. They had been away from Prince Yun's mansion for more than half a day. If they didn't return soon, their absence would be noticed. However, there were still things to be taken care of. Yun Xiao entrusted this matter to Wanwan.
"Wanwan, here are five hundred taels in banknotes. Help me purchase some medicinal herbs. Here is the list. The remaining amount, give it to your mother-in-law; it will be enough for her to live out her twilight years comfortably. Tomorrow morning, enter the mansion through the back gate and find Xiuxiu."
Yun Xiao handed the five hundred taels in banknotes and the list of herbs she had prepared to Wanwan. Wanwan was stunned for a moment, and then disbelief flashed in her eyes.
Five hundred taels, and Mistress gave it to her so readily? Wasn't she afraid she would run off with the money?
"Mistress, aren't you afraid I'll run off with the money?"
"Do not employ those you do not trust, and trust those you employ. I believe in you," Yun Xiao said, then turned away from the stunned Wanwan, leading Xiuxiu away from the teahouse.
In the teahouse, Wanwan reacted and chased to the door, spotting the slender figures of Mistress and Xiuxiu disappearing into the crowd from a distance.
A hint of tears welled up in her eyes, and her heart was filled with emotion. Perhaps in many people's minds, thieves were dirty and despicable.
But in her bones, she was also noble. Stealing was stealing, but handling matters was handling matters. She would definitely handle things well for Mistress. Wanwan smiled in the sunlight and walked out contentedly...