novelraw Chapter 85: Treasure Bridge
Chapter 85: Treasure Bridge
Chapter 85: Treasure Bridge
The final maintenance and inspection of the Flying Bridge were proceeding normally, allowing it to be put into initial use as planned and on schedule.
Before that, Wen Gu paid a visit to the Zhao Residence to invite his cousin to the unveiling. The dog Taoist priest was consulted for the weather, and an auspicious time and date were chosen. Wen Gu did not intend for the unveiling of the first representative structure in Jingxing District and Qingyun District to be a quiet affair.
Cousin Zhao was busy with many affairs, and such a minor matter as the construction of a new building in a small district was not something he would typically spend time on. However, considering other factors, he agreed to Wen Gu's invitation after some thought. The section of the Flying Bridge above Jingqing Alley had its design drawings pass through him, so he had a general idea of what it would look like, but he had not seen the finished product. He had also not gone to see it in advance. Wen Gu, he believed, would not disappoint.
With the important guest for the unveiling decided, Wen Gu went on to invite the benefactors of the Wanfu Garden project. Upon learning that Young Master Zhao would personally attend the unveiling, the benefactors, regardless of their original plans, expressed great enthusiasm and assured their attendance at the ceremony. They also wanted to see how much of the money and grain they had contributed was actually used for the project. Even if only fifty percent was used, they would be able to accept it.
The Qingliu brothers of the Shen family did not suspect Wen Gu of embezzling funds. They had seen what the Flying Bridge looked like beforehand and were not overly curious. They were more anticipating showing the people of Xin Prefecture City the first result of the Wanfu Garden project!
Zhao Residence in Zhaohui District. Members of the Zhao family's collateral branches also received news.
"My cousin actually agreed to attend the unveiling?" a young man exclaimed in surprise. It was merely a Flying Bridge, and only a damaged section at that. As the young master of the Zhao family, he must have been swamped with official duties. Yet, he actually made time to go to such a remote place for an unveiling ceremony? Wasn't he just there to support Wen Gu in this matter?!
"It's clear he truly values this!" The Zhao family members were also planning to acquire land and build gardens in the newly opened districts. They had analyzed that such entertainment venues were sure to be profitable, and they couldn't let the Shen family make all the money! This year, several districts in the core area of Xin Prefecture City had seen new faces, and the number of wealthy households and great clans had increased, presenting an opportunity for them.
"We'll go take a look then. Those two idiots from the Shen family have been hyping up that Flying Bridge privately, calling it a jade palace in the sky." "I really want to see where that Wen Gu spent the money and grain!" This would also serve as a reference to estimate their budget. If they were to bring in investors to build gardens, what would the approximate costs be?Wen Gu knew that after Cousin Zhao agreed to attend the unveiling, various districts in Xin Prefecture City would pay attention. However, he felt no pressure and continued to arrange affairs methodically. He had initially planned to set off firecrackers, but gunpowder was a strategic material, reserved for preparations against threats in the coming spring and summer. Wen Gu had to opt for a different kind of commotion—inviting musicians for atmosphere.
In the blink of an eye, the auspicious day for the unveiling ceremony arrived. The weather was clear and fine. The dog Taoist priest's weather prediction was indeed accurate! Jingxing District bustled with activity early in the morning, with the City Defense Army conducting checks in various locations within the district in advance. The loafers responsible for running errands and delivering messages transmitted the latest developments to their employers. However, by the time they returned to Jingxing District, the site was overcrowded and had already been controlled by the City Defense Army, making it impossible to get close. The crowds drawn by the commotion to watch the spectacle could not even enter Jingxing District and could only observe from a distance.
Elegant horse-drawn carriages began to arrive one after another, and the benefactors of the Wanfu Garden project came as promised. Uncle Shen, along with the Qingliu brothers and other Shen family members, arrived, but instead of going to the resting area for minor officials, they waited at the district gate. Seeing this, several other prominent families changed their course and joined them in waiting.
Soon, two teams of well-equipped guards escorted a horse-drawn carriage. The onlookers pushed their necks forward, but the people in front blocked the view, making it impossible to see the family crests of the nobles on the carriage. "Is that the City Defense Army?" "No, it's not. They're dressed better than the City Defense Army and look more spirited. Must be the guards of some noble." "In Xin Prefecture City, there are still people who dare to use such guards..."
Indeed, there were! The young master's carriage had reached the district gate, and the guards cleared a path. The carriage could drive directly in, but Young Master Zhao alighted at the entrance. Since he was here, he wanted to see firsthand what this place had become. Someone guarding the district gate stepped forward and bowed respectfully. The attendant beside him seemed about to kneel. Young Master Zhao waved his hand and said, "It's cold, no need for such ceremony. Rise." He glanced at the construction site within Jingxing District, the newly built houses, and then looked up at the location of the draped cloth. He said to Wen Gu, who was walking over, "I've heard for a long time that your district is very lively, and it truly is... vibrant!" As the young master of the Zhao Clan, he had seen all sorts of scenes and could discern the sincerity of the emotions of the onlookers. He had seen much of the outside, but looking at the residents within Jingxing District now, the vibrancy emanating from their hearts was uniquely remarkable. It was hard to believe that these people were commoners who had only moved to Xin Prefecture City in the autumn and winter of this year.
"It lives up to the name of the district I wrote!" Young Master Zhao was in a good mood. Wen Gu simply smiled and said, "This is just the beginning." Young Master Zhao mistook Wen Gu's words to refer to the Flying Bridge to be unveiled today and no longer lingered. He quickened his pace towards the draped cloth. Wen Gu knew that his cousin had other affairs and did not delay, leading him to the unveiling location and briefly explaining the district's affairs during this period, including the arrangements for those transferred from the Patrol Division.
The Qingliu brothers of the Shen family, several people from the Zhao family's collateral branches, and a few other prominent families tried to follow closely but were stopped by the guards. Uncle Shen, however, remained calm and did not crowd forward, knowing that Young Master Zhao and Wen Gu had matters to discuss, and maintained a safe distance with his usual experience.
Soon, the group arrived at the unveiling ceremony site. They did not get too close, stopping near the staircase leading to the bridge, where they could still see the bridge's structure. Most of the scaffolding inside had been removed, and more was removed that morning. Now, the cloth was only held at the edges, with some parts requiring manual support, awaiting the final removal during the ceremony. All that was needed was to pull the red silk on the side, and craftsmen stationed elsewhere would remove the curtain.
The auspicious time had not yet arrived. Following the procedure, Wen Gu invited his cousin to speak a few words, which had been prepared in advance. Thus, Young Master Zhao, with a benevolent and approachable smile, used elegant yet down-to-earth language to affirm Wen Gu's work, express his expectations for Jingxing District and Qingyun District, and convey concern and reassurance to the residents who had moved there. Wen Gu, outwardly calm, inwardly thought: The father and son of the Zhao family are indeed qualified political beings! He looked at the residents in the district, whose eyes were red with emotion—they were truly not hired actors! In a feudal era with distinct social classes, and in chaotic times, encountering such a benevolent superior, how could the people not be deeply moved? They must surely be grateful for choosing the Zhao Clan. Glancing at the sun's angle, Wen Gu subtly signaled his cousin. Young Master Zhao, with his benevolent and approachable smile, naturally concluded his speech. The atmosphere musicians struck up again, doing their utmost to let the young master hear their enthusiasm!
However, at this moment, Young Master Zhao's attention was entirely diverted from other matters. Guided by Wen Gu, he pulled down the red silk on the side, his eyes fixed on the Flying Bridge. With a swoosh—the heavy cloth curtain was finally removed. As the obstruction slid away, the Flying Bridge, which had been hidden for so long, finally revealed its true form under the sunlight. The atmosphere musicians, abruptly silenced as if their throats were choked, stopped with a strange, abrupt sound. But at this moment, no one paid them any attention.
The moment the Flying Bridge revealed itself, many people, including Young Master Zhao, couldn't help but close their eyes. It was too dazzling! The first thing that caught their eye was the typical palace-style green tiles and red walls. However, these were unlike previous glazed green tiles. The tiles, with their rich and deep yet somewhat translucent luster, were layered like the scales of a crystal beast. The eaves curved upward, resembling wings taking flight. The stacked, shimmering tiles, combined with the upward-curving eaves, did not appear cumbersome but instead conveyed a sense of light movement. There were five ridge beams and four corner beasts. Each mythical beast bore multiple colors and varied expressions. The heavy colors were yet crystal clear, with nearly colorless parts that were neither conspicuous nor out of place. The ridge beasts under the sun emitted an aura, making it impossible to see their features clearly, but their majestic spirit could be felt. Sunlight passed through the more transparent and pure parts of the ridge beasts, casting rainbow-like beams onto the roof.
Below, people couldn't see clearly, but the soldiers on the inner city wall had their eyes bulging out. Someone shouted something loudly, only to be quickly gagged and dragged away. The red walls were not entirely painted vermilion; many patterns on them shimmered as if inlaid with colored gemstones to form designs. The two sides of the long bridge were not simple railings but were composed of floor-to-ceiling windows! The window grilles resembled turtle shells, fish scales, floral knots, and auspicious clouds—combining northern and southern patterns, inlaid with glass of different colors, creating a play of light and shadow, alternating between brightness and darkness. Combined with the green-tiled red walls, it appeared even more magnificent and luxurious. The rich colors were not ostentatious or vulgar but gave an impression of elegance and nobility.
Beneath the eaves hung objects resembling wind chimes. In the city, warnings were given through sound, and other noises were strictly controlled. Therefore, what hung were decorative items made in imitation of wind chimes, with carved and polished patterns on their surfaces. The colorless pendants extending from within, resembling ice crystals, were also polished with complex angles. Sunlight shone upon them, cutting into countless small pieces of light, each ray of light with a colored border, casting onto the Flying Bridge. As the wind moved them, countless dazzling colors continuously swept across the Flying Bridge, presenting a state of ceaseless flow. It was sacred and vibrant!
Wen Gu was pleased with the sunlight at this moment. True splendor must be displayed under the sun. What was an auspicious time? An angle of illumination that was just right could maximize the impact on the visual senses! The scene fell into abrupt silence, followed by a "boom" that sounded like a vast sea of noise. The members of the Zhao family's collateral branches, at this moment, tilted their heads back and let out meaningless "ahs" that seemed to contain complex emotions. They stared intently at the Flying Bridge above, shivering. Their own families possessed some exquisite glass ornaments, imported from overseas in the past and circulated among officials and nobles. Now that the Zhao family held an extraordinary status, some were given to them. They cherished these items, rarely taking them out for play, only displaying them on special occasions to show off. Even with the advent of glass windows during this period, their production was limited, and in terms of exquisiteness and artistic value, they could not compare to the ornaments they possessed. However, at this moment, from the crystal tiles and mythical beasts of the Flying Bridge, to the gemstone patterns on the walls, and then to the wondrous "wind chimes" hanging under the eaves... the impact of these combinations was far beyond what glass windows could achieve! Those who were good at calculation continuously estimated the value in their minds, and the more they calculated, the more they trembled. They felt a choking sensation and broke out in a cold sweat. The enormous expenditure was terrifying! In their eyes, they seemed to see countless kilns, in which not glass and glazed tiles were fired, but countless grains and wealth! At this moment, they felt timid. They even suspected that the money and grain they could gather would not be enough to build such a bridge, let alone build gardens... How did Wen Gu dare!
Uncle Shen's state was similar. Although he was incredibly astonished by the marvel of the Flying Bridge, the abacus beads in his mind began to move first, calculating the finances. As his gaze followed, he estimated the values, continuously adjusting, accumulating, and gasping. His eyes gradually became vacant. The benefactors of Wanfu Garden, accompanied by the rising and falling sounds of gasps, their minds were running like a dog race, with various thoughts vying for attention. They did not cry out or rush forward to touch and admire, fully restrained by the presence of the young master, and could only vent in their hearts. This Treasure Bridge before them, as if born of nature's creation, how was it built? Were the few craftsmen they provided enough?! Although they knew that some prefabricated parts for building gardens were moved here, those crystal tiles, ridge beasts, and those crystal treasures, even if fired, wouldn't be simple, would they? Perhaps many were purchased through other channels? The money and grain they invested were allocated in stages, and they knew how much was given. However, could that amount of money and grain build such a Treasure Bridge? Some even suspected that Wen Gu not only did not embezzle funds but actually subsidized it! Otherwise, how could such a Treasure Bridge be built in such a short time?! How much did he subsidize! Should they "show more" consideration? Comparing the results before them with the money and grain they had invested before. It seemed, perhaps... they had indeed fallen short... by a little bit. If it were an ordinary person supervising the construction of a Flying Bridge, they certainly wouldn't care, what did it matter to them how much he subsidized! But Wen Gu's identity was special, and the young master valued him, so they couldn't really let Wen Gu pay out of his own pocket... could they?
Not far away, the Qingliu brothers of the Shen family were not thinking so much, but they were also stunned by the wondrous sight before them. Their mouths opened and closed. "This Flying Bridge..." "...looks different from before!" The appearance hidden by the cloth curtain and the appearance exposed to the sun felt like two completely different things! One was like a jewel placed in a box, while the other was like a rare treasure embedded in a scepter or a noble crown. The dazzling brilliance made one want to light incense immediately to worship it!
(End of this chapter)