"What does the official say?"
Looking at the surprised expression on Zhao Ji's face, Zhao Shu asked with a smile.
"This method is not entirely new, but why does the taste improve so much?"
As the saying goes, one never tires of fine food, and the elaborate preparation of dishes. This Emperor of Calligraphy and Painting lived a life of extravagance, and naturally had his own discerning taste for delicacies.
"Your Majesty, look at this!"
Zhao Shu spoke while opening a purple-gold box placed on the table.
This is truly a master craftsman!
Upon seeing this, Han Mo couldn't help but want to clap his hands in admiration.
He had been earnestly contemplating how to get brown sugar onto the Emperor's dining table.
But he never expected that the excuse he had been painstakingly searching for would be so readily presented by the Princess of Qi.
"What is this?"
Zhao Ji picked up a piece doubtfully and sniffed it at his nose.
"Let's let Brother Mo explain. He's the one who created this."
Princess Qi spoke, giving Han Mo an encouraging glance.
"Oh?"
Zhao Ji's interest was immediately piqued.
"To answer Your Majesty, this item is called brown sugar, which I have refined from frost sugar and honey."
Seeing the Emperor's interested face, Han Mo hesitated for a moment before directly giving a brief, understated account of the production process.
This was not out of stinginess, but rather because in this era, finding a way to make money was extremely difficult.
He did have other methods, but the problem was that those required significant capital.
What he lacked most at the moment was capital and time.
As for the fastest way for a transmigator to accumulate wealth, brewing wine and producing salt were things to be avoided for now!
During the Song Dynasty, the government implemented a system of joint state-private operation for salt and alcohol. However, the specific regulations were, to put it bluntly, a huge pitfall.
Even wealthy merchants and magnates, facing these utterly shameless officials, could only end up ruined. Much less someone like him, a novice.
"I never would have guessed you had such a resourceful mind! Can this be eaten raw?"
Zhao Ji picked up another piece of fish, placed it in his mouth, and tasted it carefully before asking.
"It can be eaten raw, but its sweetness is too high. It's just right for making sweet soup."
This was a golden opportunity to get rich. Han Mo was careful about every word he spoke, running it through his mind three times.
"This is the sweet soup made with it. Your Majesty might as well try it; it has a unique flavor!"
Zhao Shu spoke as she served the Emperor a bowl of soup.
"Indeed, it has a unique flavor and is most suitable for drinking now. After drinking it, it will dispel the cold from the body!"
Zhao Ji praised it highly after only a few sips.
Although he wasn't sure if this was to save Zhao Shu's face or if the item was truly good.
However, with his golden pronouncement, Han Mo's heart bloomed with joy.
"If Your Majesty likes it, I will have someone send some to the palace for Your Majesty to drink!"
Seeing that the time was right, Zhao Shu said directly.
"That would be excellent! However, I cannot accept gifts from a junior for nothing. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"
Zhao Ji spoke as he smiled and looked at Han Mo.
Han Mo wanted to curse in his heart, "If I say what I want, will you give it to me?"
"Isn't this like farting after taking off your pants?"
"Where are the gold, silver, jewels, antiques, and calligraphy you're supposed to offer!"
"Didn't you say that when an emperor bestows rewards, it's usually with houses and land?"
"Just do it!"
"You're asking me to state it myself, isn't that clearly reneging on a promise?"
"Your Majesty is joking. I created this item solely to show filial piety to my grand-uncle and the princess, to thank them for their care over the years. It is my honor to be liked by Your Majesty. How could I dare to ask for any reward!"
When you're out and about, you can't do without pleasantries, of course.
Although he was still muttering in his heart, Han Mo said this verbally.
"This child is naturally pure and filial; it makes Your Majesty laugh."
Seeing Han Mo respond fluently, Zhao Shu nodded with satisfaction and then helped him to conclude with a smile.
"He is indeed a rare good child, and a good child should be rewarded! Ordinary gold and silver are somewhat beneath this child's filial piety. I have it! I shall bestow this item upon you."
As Huizong spoke, he reached out and took a jade ruyi from the hand of a young eunuch beside him, and directly handed it to Han Mo.
"This cannot be! Isn't this the jade ruyi that Master Yuanmiao gifted to His Majesty? How can this item be given to others?"
Just as Han Mo was about to accept it, Zhao Shu suddenly spoke.
Hearing her words, Han Mo could only retract his half-extended hand.
"Sister, you are being too serious. It's just a small trinket. Since this child is about to get married, and I happened to encounter it today, it serves as a good omen!"
Zhao Ji spoke as he personally stood up, took two steps forward, and placed his hand on Han Mo's.
"This..."
Han Mo hesitated now. Although he hadn't figured out who Master Yuanmiao was, it seemed this item had some commemorative significance. For a moment, he was truly undecided whether to accept it.
"Since it is a gift from His Majesty, then you should keep it!"
With Zhao Ji having said this, Zhao Shu then nodded silently to Han Mo.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's generous gift!"
Han Mo accepted it with both hands and bowed deeply to Zhao Ji.
"Alright, go ahead and see how the two of them are conversing in front. There's no need to stand on ceremony here!"
Seeing that the necessary matters had been attended to, Zhao Shu said to Han Mo with a smile.
"Yes!"
After coming out of the warm pavilion, Han Mo then examined the jade ruyi in his hand.
The entire object exuded a greenish light, as if there were a clear spring within. Whether it was the carving or the material, it was undoubtedly of the highest quality.
Although it was a pity that this thing was clearly not convertible into cash, it was better than nothing, after all.
"Brother Mo, where did the item in your hand come from?"
As he carried the ruyi into the front hall, Han Jiayan immediately stood up with a stern expression.
"This, this was just bestowed by His Majesty!"
Han Mo was taken aback, not understanding why he reacted so strongly.
"Bestowed by His Majesty?"
As Han Jiayan spoke, he almost pulled out his own beard.
"This..."
At this point, not only Han Jiayan was stunned, but even Zhe Kecun was dumbfounded. Could this item be bestowed upon outsiders?
"Do you know what this item is?"
Seeing Han Mo's confused expression, Han Jiayan said with a wry smile.
"Isn't this just a ruyi?"
Han Mo asked with a strange expression.
"Master Yuanmiao said that His Majesty is the eldest son of the Supreme Emperor, the Great Emperor Changsheng. This ruyi is the personal magical artifact of the Great Emperor Changsheng. Prince Yun and the Crown Prince had asked for it several times but did not obtain it..."
"Cough—cough—cough—"
Han Mo coughed, and the ruyi in his hand almost fell to the ground.
At this moment, Han Mo finally understood. This was not a gift at all, it was a hot potato!