154: Chapter 154: Bait and Switch 154: Chapter 154: Bait and Switch When the guard opened the wooden box, there were neither weapons nor any dangerous items inside.
Instead, a glow burst forth as the box was opened, instantly catching everyone’s attention.
This naturally drew everyone’s gaze towards it.
Especially the Civil and Military Officials, who stared intently at the box, eager to see what was inside.
Seeing that there was no danger, the guard then handed it back to those people.
Upon seeing this, the Envoy hurriedly stepped forward to take the box in his hands, his forehead already breaking out in cold sweat.
Clearly, that moment had scared him significantly.
Being in a foreign land, if he were really dragged away to be executed, there would be nowhere to even plead his case.
After quietly wiping the sweat from his forehead, he immediately bowed deeply to the young Emperor.
Then he carefully lifted the contents out of the box.
As he did so, everyone’s gaze suddenly paused, some even revealing a greedy expression.
“Your Majesty of You Country, this is a gift from our Emperor to you, a Glazed Glass Horse.
This item is not easy to come by, and it is also extremely rare in our country.
To show our sincerity, we have specially presented it to Your Majesty.
We hope that the Emperor of You Country will like it.”
As he spoke, he already lifted the item high in his hands.
At this moment, Lin Yi and the young Emperor could see it clearly.
It was indeed a Glazed Glass Horse.
And looking at the craftsmanship, Lin Yi couldn’t help but sneer:
[Such a shoddy piece, and they dare to present it; this is the worst product of glass-making.]
Indeed, both in progress and glossiness, it is much inferior.
If it were in later times, probably no one would display it.
Especially the obvious bubbles on the horse’s body.
From this, Lin Yi could tell that the other party was not telling the truth.
This item might indeed be precious, but over there, it had probably become commonplace.
After all, if it were a national treasure, how could it be allowed to be taken aboard a ship and drift around?
Such items are extremely fragile, prone to break with just a light touch, hence it was not wise to keep it on a ship.
If this were truly a national treasure, damaging it would mean these Envoys could not bear such a responsibility.
This also showed that the other party wasn’t entirely truthful.
At that moment, a young eunuch stepped forward to take the glass horse and carefully approached the young Emperor.
Initially shocked by the appearance of the Glazed Glass Horse, the young Emperor, after hearing Lin Yi’s thoughts, quickly regained his usual composure.
Without Lin Yi’s remarks and internal thoughts, the young Emperor might have really been fooled.
After all, glass is rare and extremely precious, not to mention such a large Glazed Glass Horse could fetch at least a hundred thousand taels at auction.
If it attracts the right buyers, an even higher price isn’t out of the question.
Seeing the shocked expressions of everyone around, Charles finally felt somewhat relieved.
A sense of pride and satisfaction also naturally emerged.
Although You Country was extremely powerful, with vast lands and population that astonished him,
One undeniable fact was that they had no ability to make glass.
This clearly shows that their industrial level was relatively backward.
Thus, he felt a sense of pride and was scheming to sell these glass products for a high price.
Moreover, he had some ulterior motives.
The king of England had set a price for them,
Such a Glazed Glass Horse should at least fetch back ten taels of gold.
Now, it was clear that ten taels of gold were easy money!
Not to mention ten taels, if he even asked for ten thousand, it seemed they could afford it!
After all, this place, big business seemed to be the norm, wealthy people indeed.
When he returned, he could say that he sold each glass product for fifty taels of gold, and the rest would fill his pockets.
By then, he might become the richest man in all of England.
With the wealth, he could raise an army, and even aim for a significant position.
Thinking of the happy prospects, he couldn’t help but break into a grin.
To him, everyone around now seemed like plump sheep.
His future height depended entirely on these people.
At this moment, the young eunuch brought the Glazed Glass Horse before the young Emperor.
After going through Lin Yi’s mental guidance, the young Emperor’s gaze at the glass tile was much less joyful.
It could even be described as indifferent.
Looking at this Glazed Glass Horse, he wasn’t even inclined to take it over for inspection.
However, at the same time, Lin Yi’s thoughts echoed in his mind again:
[Heh, even though this thing isn’t worth much, it doesn’t mean it can’t be manipulated.
Now, as long as Your Majesty shows delight and treasures it highly, then perhaps for a while, the entire court and nobility will be pleased to receive a piece of glass.
Then, opening a Glazed Shop in the Capital City would surely be profitable.
As for these Englishmen, just confiscate all their goods on the ship, store them in the Imperial Palace, give them back at cost price, and send them on their way.
This way, it’s also good to claim that these glass products were brought by them.
At that time, due to rarity, won’t they sell for a sky-high price?
As for whether they would cause trouble, huh, isn’t that a joke?
Not to mention that this is You Country’s domain, just take them to visit the glass factory I built, and won’t they just scurry away shamefacedly?]
It must be said, upon hearing Lin Yi’s thoughts, the young Emperor was momentarily stunned.
His hand, which he hadn’t intended to extend, subconsciously reached for the Glazed Glass Horse.