"Perfume?"
Hu Daonong was perplexed.
Meton explained, "Perfume is similar to the peony nectar in your hand. Just spraying it slightly will make one's body smell good. I believe this nectar will be very popular in Luoyang!"
Since Hu Daonong had given this item to Changle, he naturally thought highly of it.
Hu Daonong immediately said proudly, "That's for sure. This nectar needs to be made with a secret recipe of peony flowers. It will last for a long time, but it's very rare. Even if ordinary people want it, the Old Man wouldn't be willing to sell it."
Meton nodded and said, "The perfume I'm talking about isn't just brewed with flowers. It uses all kinds of spices in the world to concoct a variety of floral scents. Ordinary women only need to spray a little, and the fragrance will last for several days. Once this item is released, wouldn't it be a blessing for all women in the world?"
Princess Changle's eyes lit up when she heard that. Nowadays, the concubines and princesses in the palace liked to use incense on their clothes. However, how could simple incense smell as good as the fragrance of flowers? If the perfume Meton was really concocted, wouldn't the harem go crazy for it? Even Princess Changle couldn't resist the temptation of perfume with her indifferent personality.
However, Hu Daonong frowned and said, "The Old Man only loves peonies and has never dabbled in other flowers. Besides, perfume is a woman's item. I'm afraid people will criticize it in the future."
Meton shook his head and said, "It's fine. Senior, you can use the secret recipe of the peony nectar to concoct the peony perfume. If Senior doesn't want to create the perfume, you can put it under Changle's name. When the perfume is released in the future, Senior Hu will definitely benefit from it. The Red Cross Society will definitely benefit from it. "
"Changle can't ask for more." Princess Changle said happily. As long as it could help the Red Cross Society, she wouldn't reject it. Furthermore, perfume was a necessity for women.
Hu Daonong immediately hesitated, but when he heard that the profits would be used for the Red Cross Society in the future, he didn't reject it.
Meton continued, "In return, the Mohist family will build a glass greenhouse for Senior. When the time comes, even if it's winter with the cold winds, Senior will be able to make the peony flowers bloom."
Hu Daonong's breathing quickened.
Meton continued, "The ancestors of the Mohist School once discovered that if you change the pH of the soil, you can change the color of the flowers. If Senior Hu takes this as an opportunity and studies it in depth, I believe that more colorful peonies will appear. How about I use this secret recipe in exchange for Your Excellency's secret recipe for peony nectar?"
"There's actually such a secret skill in this world!" Hu Daonong said in disbelief.
Meton nodded solemnly and said, "Of course. This is something that the ancestors of the School of Mohism learned from many experiments. Take the common morning glory as an example. As long as you control the soil, you can change the color of the morning glory."
"In that case, the Old Man has no reason to refuse.
Hu Daonong said helplessly. The peony was his favorite, and Meton had finally thrown out a condition that he could not refuse.
The Mo Family used the secret technique of cultivating peonies in exchange for the formula of peony nectar. This was exactly what he wanted. Not to mention, there was also the glass greenhouse that everyone envied. This was a temptation that no farmer could resist.
Meton laughed and said, "Then I hope that the Mohist and Nong families will have a happy cooperation."
"Then the second thing that Merton mentioned …" Hu Daonong said hesitantly.
Modun said in a clear voice, "The second thing is good news for you, Senior. Once this matter is completed, the peony will definitely bloom all over Chang 'an, and become the true king of flowers. "
"King of flowers!" Hu Daonong was instantly moved. He loved the peony and naturally had deep feelings for it. He was naturally happy to see the peony's status rise among the flowers.
"Tonight, I will be meeting with Luoyang Magistrate Zhou. Senior will know then," Meton said, keeping him in suspense.
Evening.
Luoyang Magistrate Zhou Hongde invited him again, but Meton did not refuse. Instead, he took the initiative to invite Zhou Hongde to a banquet at Luoyang's Fish Scholar's Restaurant.
Naturally, Zhou Hongde gladly attended the banquet. Luoyang's Yuanlou was the property of the Mohist family, and it was a newly opened famous restaurant in Luoyang. If he had chosen to host the banquet somewhere else, it would naturally be inappropriate. If he had chosen to host the banquet at Yuanzhuang's Yuanlou, it would appear as though he was eating for free, which would be even more inappropriate.
When Zhou Hongde arrived at Fish Scholar's Restaurant, he saw the unfamiliar Hu Daonong. Princess Changle was nowhere to be seen. He could not help but feel puzzled, but he did not show it.
"The princess is tired from the journey and has already rested. Please forgive me, Lord Zhou." Merton said. Meton could not refuse, so Princess Changle did not need to worry too much. She used exhaustion as an excuse to rest.
"The princess's health is more important. It's fine!" Zhou Hongde said. His target was Meton, and Princess Changle could avoid arousing suspicion if she did not appear. He naturally did not mind.
"This is Senior Hu of the Farmer's Restaurant, the former owner of the Peony Garden," Meton introduced.
Zhou Hongde came to a realization and warmly said, "This official has naturally heard of Senior Hu's great name."
"Lord Zhou is too kind!" Hu Daonong cupped his hands. He usually loved flowers and rarely interacted with outsiders, so he was somewhat ill at ease.
Zhou Hongde had also been in the bureaucracy for a long time. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the atmosphere in the room immediately livened up.
"Merton has come from afar, so I should be the one to entertain him. I am truly sorry for making Merton spend so much money," Zhou Hongde said politely.
Meton laughed and said, "Fish Scholar's Restaurant is the property of the Mohist Family. How can you say that you are spending money if you don't spend money?"
The design of Luoyang's fish-shaped restaurant was very exquisite, and it incorporated many of the Mohist Family's craftsmanship. Meton reached out and pulled the bell beside him. Soon, Uncle Yu pushed the door open and entered. The Mohist Family's land served the delicacies unique to the Fish Scholar's Restaurant. Even the Mohist Family's unique off-season vegetables were on the list.
Zhou Hongde could not help but sigh. The Mohist Family's Fish Scholar's Restaurant had only opened in Luoyang for less than a year, but it had become the top restaurant in Chang 'an City. Other than the exquisite delicacies of the Mohist Family, the exquisite practical design also played a significant role. Especially now that the off-season vegetables had appeared, it further solidified the position of the Fish Scholar's Restaurant.
"These are the off-season vegetables!" Hu Daonong looked at the vegetables and fruits in front of him in surprise. He had been planting flowers all year round, so he was naturally familiar with the farming season. According to the farming season, these vegetables had probably just sprouted, but the Mohist Family had already served them on the dining table.
"I have long heard of the Mohist Family's secret skills! Now that I have seen them today, they truly live up to their reputation. "Zhou Hongde took a bite of the off-season vegetables and could not help but exclaim in admiration.
"I'm just fond of good food. I've embarrassed myself in front of you," Meton said humbly.
Zhou Hongde shook his head solemnly and said, "Although the desire for good food is a trivial matter, it is also a major matter that concerns the national economy and the people's livelihood. Merton's concept of daily necessities for the people is indeed extraordinary."
Hu Daonong nodded in agreement. He could not help but be impressed by the Mohist Family. Flowers followed by fruits. If the Mohist Family could cultivate off-season vegetables and fruits, it was naturally not difficult for them to cultivate fresh flowers. As such, Meton's promise to him would definitely be fulfilled.
After three rounds of wine, both the host and the guest enjoyed themselves.
Zhou Hongde put down his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. "Merton has come all the way from the east. The value of Huashan and Stork Brothel has multiplied. The people of Luoyang have long been anticipating Merton's arrival and witnessing Merton's splendor."
Meton's eyes flashed. Naturally, he knew what Zhou Hongde meant. He said helplessly, "That was just a small trick. How can it compare to Lord Zhou's strategy of benefiting the people? Now that Luoyang is the center of the world, with roads and canals intersecting here, and with parents like Lord Zhou working hard to manage it, Luoyang will definitely surpass Chang 'an City in terms of taxes in a few decades and become the world's number one city."
"In less than a few decades!"
"The world's number one city!"
…
Zhou Hongde immediately felt a burst of heroism. Even the famous Mo Jiazi had acknowledged Luoyang's potential. This was enough to make him feel proud.
However, not to mention a few decades, he might not even be in the position of Luoyang Magistrate for a few years. Luoyang's future achievements had nothing to do with him. He wanted political achievements that were within reach. He needed immediate results like Huashan and Stork Brothel.
Just as Zhou Hongde was thinking about how to ask Meton for help, he suddenly heard Merton say, "Actually, I came today because I have something to ask of you."
"Merton, please speak! As long as it is something I can do, I will do it without question. " Zhou Hongde was immediately overjoyed. He had been looking for a chance to make Meton owe him a favor. This was a perfect opportunity.
"After the princess toured the peony garden, she deeply felt the beauty of the peony. How could such a beautiful flower be hidden in the courtyard? Meng Ziyun, it is better to enjoy it together than to enjoy it alone. After discussing with my wife, we have decided to open the peony garden for the people to see for free," Meton said seriously.
"Open the peony garden!" Hu Daonong was shocked. He quickly turned to Meton. The peony garden was his life's work. All this time, only a few officials and nobles had been able to visit it. It was not open to the common people.
"This is a good thing for the world. The princess is benevolent!" Zhou Hongde naturally agreed.
"However, the power of one person is limited. There are many varieties in the peony garden, and it is impossible to cover all the peony varieties in the world. In Chang 'an, there must be many precious peony varieties that have been cultivated privately and are not willing to be shown to others. I would like to ask the county magistrate to help gather all the peony varieties in the city. With the peony garden as the center, we can gather all the peony varieties in the world and form the first Luoyang Peony Festival." Merton said. Since he had come to Luoyang with Princess Changle to see peonies, he naturally had to complete it. How could he give up halfway?
"Luoyang Peony Festival!"
Zhou Hongde was shocked. He had not expected Mo Jiazi's vision to be so grand.
"Gather all the peony varieties in the world!"
Hu Daonong couldn't help but hold his breath. This had always been his goal. Unfortunately, it was impossible for him to do it alone. Yet, the Mo family's son had only been in Luoyang for a day, yet he was about to do something that he had never done in his entire life.
Furthermore, with the name of the Peony Festival and the influence of Princess Changle and the Luoyang magistrate, Hu Daonong was almost certain that this matter would succeed.
Zhou Hongde frowned and said, "I do know of a few people who love peonies. However, these flower lovers all view peonies as treasures. How could they be willing to show their precious peonies to the world?"
In Luoyang, there were many rare peony varieties that were hidden deep in the courtyards of the rich. They were usually treated as treasures and were proud of them. How could they be willing to share them with the common people?
Meton cupped his hands and said, "This is why I'm requesting Your Excellency's help. I believe that with Your Excellency's influence, you will definitely be able to make this happen. Once the Peony Festival is completed, every time the peonies bloom in Luoyang, the entire city of Luoyang will be like a sea of flowers. How magnificent would that be? It would be much more beautiful than some of the evergreen trees in Village Mo."
Zhou Hongde's breathing immediately quickened. He knew that ever since Village Mo was expanded, its urban planning and design had immediately spread to all the cities in the world. It was extremely stunning. Chang 'an magistrate, Su Luosheng, was in a favorable position and had been the first to plant evergreen trees on a large scale.
Now, Luoyang was one step behind, and with Meton's suggestion of the Peony Festival, Zhou Hongde immediately saw a chance for Luoyang to overtake them.
"When the time comes, Luoyang will definitely become famous. The people of the world will flock to it, and tourists will jostle one another. The peony will become the king of flowers, and Luoyang will benefit from it for generations."
"The peony is the king of flowers!"
"Luoyang will benefit from it for generations!"
Zhou Hongde's heart palpitated with eagerness. A single peony had already attracted Princess Changle and Merton. To ordinary people, it was an irresistible temptation. When the time came, Luoyang's Peony Festival would definitely become as famous as Chang 'an's Lantern Festival. The benefits to Luoyang were self-evident.
With the expansion of the Peony Festival's influence, when the peony bloomed again in the future, it would not be impossible for that person from Chang 'an City to personally attend.
"In addition, we can also set up a generous reward. If someone offers a variety that the peony garden does not have, Village Mo will reward them with 10,000 coins," Merton said.
Hu Daonong nodded inwardly. Not many people could resist the price of 10,000 coins for a new variety. Moreover, this move seemed expensive, but the peony garden had already collected most of the varieties, and there were not many left outside. After calculating, it would not cost much.
"The Old Man knows of a few extinct peonies in the hands of a few people. I'm afraid that even if Merton offers 10,000 coins, he might not be able to attract him." Hu Daonong's heart stirred. He naturally had some people who treasured peonies, and he had long set his eyes on them. Unfortunately, the other party was unmoved even when he offered a high price.
Meton said confidently, "Since the temptation does not work, we will use the name. Every Peony Festival, we will choose a Peony King, and the Luoyang County yamen will personally nominate him. Those peonies that are unwilling to show themselves will naturally have no chance to participate. I don't believe that many people will be able to resist."
"Merton's plan is brilliant!" Zhou Hongde said with a laugh.
Hu Daonong could not help but nod. In this way, with Zhou Hongde's face, the temptation of 10,000 coins, and the honor of being the Peony King, the Peony Festival would definitely succeed.
Meton said boldly, "Now that we have the support of the yamen, the wealth of the Village Mo, and Senior Hu's secret cultivation technique, all sorts of rare peonies will definitely fill the streets of Luoyang in the future. The Luoyang Peony Festival will definitely flourish."
Meton would naturally spare no effort to bring the charm of the Luoyang Peony Festival to the Tang dynasty. On one hand, it was to give Changle a perfect honeymoon, and on the other hand, it was for the ancient city of Luoyang.
"Thank you, Merton, for your guidance!" Zhou Hongde stood up and bowed to Meton.
Although it might seem like Meton was asking for his help, there were countless benefits to Luoyang. The value of the Luoyang Peony Festival was not something that could be compared to Mount Hua's Vast Sky Plank Road or Stork Pavilion's poem.
"Mo Jiazi's Midas Touch truly lives up to his reputation." Hu Daonong sighed inwardly.
The peonies had existed in Luoyang for a thousand years, and no one had ever thought of using them for profit. But in a single day, Mo Jiazi had multiplied the value of the peonies.
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