On this day, the Xiangyang government office was filled with the sound of flutes and horns, and the deafening roar of gongs and drums!
On the day when Liu Qi, the General of Chariots and Cavalry who led the Governor of Jingzhou and the Marquis of Xiangyang, was engaged, the whole city was filled with joy and all the celebrities from all walks of life were present.
There was a constant stream of traffic and people outside the government office. Everyone who came today was of noble status and had great wealth.
Xiahou Ba and the other two were also invited. They were amazed at the scene and when they entered the gate, they saw Liu Qi in a purple gown welcoming guests in the lobby.
Amid the cheerful music, the three were instantly attracted by the furniture in the yard. They had never seen those tables and chairs before, and they surrounded Guanzhong, praising them.
"Oh my, water bed!" Xiahou Mao's eyes suddenly widened and he was about to run to the side.
"Zi Lin, don't be rude!" Xiahou Ba hurriedly grabbed him, and the three of them stepped forward to greet Liu Qi.
After presenting the gifts and exchanging a few pleasantries, the three of them couldn't wait to squeeze over to take a look, wondering what was so special about these things.
"Wow, this bench is really wonderful. It is not only comfortable to eat like this, but you can also eat an extra bowl of rice."
"Tsk, how many bowls of rice can you eat? I think that chair is the best. It's more comfortable with a backrest."
"That's right. When I sit on it to read or discuss things, my legs and waist don't hurt anymore!"
"Hiss—what kind of brand is this Hanxingtang? Could it be that these tables and chairs are from Hanxingtang?"
…
There was a lot of discussion in the crowd, and everyone pointed at the tables and chairs and expressed their opinions. There was even a long line around the row of chairs for trial, as everyone wanted to try them out.
Xiahou Meng rushed directly to the water bed, pushed through the crowd, reached out and pressed it. Sure enough, it was exactly the same as the one he had seen in Shuiyunjian. He immediately smiled happily.
During the past few days of fighting with Black Pearl in the side room, I felt very energetic and this water bed was half responsible for it.
He asked Black Pearl and Zhang Wei several times, but he didn't know where the water bed came from. He was so anxious that he scratched his head, but he didn't expect to meet it here.
"What is this... soft and cold, what is it good for?" Xiahou Ba looked confused.
"This is called a water bed. Look at how ignorant you are!" Xiahou Mao curled his lips and said proudly, "If this thing..."
He suddenly realized something was wrong, stopped talking, and asked the people around him: "Where did you buy this bed?"
"This gentleman has really good eyesight!" The person introducing the water bed came over immediately and introduced enthusiastically: "The water bed is not only soft and can fit the body at any time, but also very elastic, which can promote harmony between husband and wife. In winter, hot water can be injected to keep warm. You can all lie on it and experience it for yourself!"
Xiahou Ba frowned and said, "It's all water here, how can I sleep?"
"Brother, try it first!" Xiahou Mao didn't say anything. He pushed Xiahou Ba onto the bed, pulled him down, and even shook him a few times: "How does it feel?"
"Hey, it's really comfortable!" Xiahou Ba's eyes lit up and he exclaimed: "Don't mention it, this water bed is better than my soft bed. My father has been fighting for many years and often suffers from back pain and can't fall asleep. If he had this water bed, wouldn't it relieve the pain?"
"You haven't experienced anything more comfortable yet!" Xiahou Mao laughed strangely and pulled Xiahou Ba up: "In that case, why don't you buy a set for your second uncle?"
Xiahou Ba was excited and quickly grabbed the person who introduced it and asked, "Excuse me, where can I buy this water bed?"
"You can make reservations here!" The man nodded and smiled, "When buying water beds, furniture, tables and chairs, please remember the name of Hanxingtang. We are honest and trustworthy, and the goods are genuine at reasonable prices."
Xiahou Mao asked anxiously, "How much?"
The man bowed to the people who were looking at him eagerly and said, "General Liu is very happy today. New products are coming to the market. All products are half price. The price is behind you. If you miss this day, you will regret it for the rest of your life..."
Everyone turned around and saw a sign behind them, which stated:
Item: Waterbed.
Materials: South China Sea dragon, ox tendon, and copper mouth.
Price: 39,900.
Xiahou Mao was looking forward to it, and when he saw this, he exclaimed, "A mere bed costs 30,000 coins, isn't this robbery?"
The man smiled and said, "Don't be surprised, sir. The most important thing about this water bed is its tightness. If it's not well sewn and leaks, wouldn't it be more trouble than gain? South Sea Flood Dragons are extremely rare, so they are naturally expensive. We also have one made of tanned cowhide, but it's much less elastic and only costs three thousand coins. But with your status, I'm afraid you won't consider it."
"Well, ahem... Of course!" Xiahou Mao nodded with a restrained expression, and said with his hands behind his back: "Of course I will choose the best quality."
The man ordered people to bring two water beds. Sure enough, the feel of the South China Sea dragon and tanned cowhide was very different. When there was no water, it was like a quilt and not very heavy when rolled up.
Xiahou Ba felt around for a long time, finally gritted his teeth, pointed at the South China Sea dragon skin and said, "Half price, I'll order a set."
Xiahou Mao patted his chest and said, "One set is not enough. I want to order ten sets, and give one set to my uncle."
The man smiled and said, "This young man has good vision and courage. If you buy ten sets today, you will get a set of tanned cowhide waterbed for free."
"Hahaha, this Hanxingtang deal is really well done!" Xiahou Mao seemed to have picked up a great bargain, and turned to look at Cao Tai who was hesitating behind him: "The one with cooked cowhide will be the one to give birth to a child."
Cao Tai snorted coldly: "Thank you for your kindness, I will also order three sets myself."
"Okay, the three gentlemen, please come over here to pay the deposit!" The man greeted the three of them warmly and went to the account book.
…
The furniture exhibition area on the other side was the most lively. Not only were the furnishings here dazzling, but there were also officials and celebrities such as Kuai Yue, Liu Xian, and Song Zhong who were here and were all attracted by the furniture.
Liu Neng held up his newly made iron trumpet and shouted, "Come, come, come and have a look, take a look, Hanxingtang furniture is out, new products are on sale - not 998, not 888, only 488, take a table and four chairs home!"
The shouting was immediately followed by a cheer. Everyone was shocked by the price of tens of thousands of dollars. When they heard that the tables and chairs were only worth a few hundred dollars, they gathered around and clamored to buy them.
"The world is bustling with people, all for profit; the world is bustling with people, all for profit!"
Liu Qi was dressed in gorgeous clothes, but he stood alone at the door of the lobby, sighing at the bustling crowd.
Liu Pan crossed his arms and shook his head, laughing: "Today is the day when Dalang is getting engaged. The celebrities of Jingzhou will gather here, and drinking and writing poems are the right scene. Isn't this a distraction?"
Liu Qi smiled and said, "It's just an engagement, not a wedding. Let's make the name of Hanxingtang known today and receive a large number of orders. This will be the best betrothal gift to the Xi family."
Liu Pan was puzzled and said, "These tables and chairs are indeed novel and comfortable, but if they are made public today, everyone will imitate them. How can they still be sold at a high price?"
Liu Qi smiled and said, "It's really good when everyone is happy! I want everyone to come and create business and promote it, so that we can change the etiquette of today."
The furniture of the Han Dynasty was called An Ji, which had a very simple shape. It was a short, long table with a kneeling cushion. No matter in the court, government office or at home, people would kneel in front of the table to discuss matters or entertain guests.
Liu Qi was scared when he saw this thing. After kneeling for too long, his legs became numb and his knees ached. He didn't know how these people endured it.
Apart from anything else, if this continues, you will get arthritis sooner or later!