MCUS Chapter 35

The old map of the capital city was used a reference for the new map.

Yan Ge sought the expertise of a skilled artist and within a day, both a simplified and exquisite version of the new map were drawn and sent to the printing house for mass production. Both versions recorded the streets, residences, shops, government offices, and meticulously labeled their names after entering the city through its four gates. However, the exquisite version was drawn with greater intricacy, and different colors were used to distinguish between residences, shops, and government offices, while the imperial city was depicted in a dignified golden hue.

Huangfu Yuchen greatly appreciated the maps after reviewing them. Naturally, he received the first copy free of charge, and unsurprisingly, behind the words “Capital City Map”, he discovered the slightly smaller font saying “The First Company” and a familiar seal, “男已”.

Yan Ge first placed both versions of the map for sale in Liuxian Pavilion. The ordinary map was priced at four coins per copy, while the exquisite map was priced at five taels per copy. People had never seen such exquisite and detailed maps before, and without hesitation, they reached into their pockets, fearing that they might miss out if they were a step too slow.

They not only bought them, but also bought several copies. Merchants sent them to friends, low-ranking officials sent them to superiors, and the wealthy sent them to their families… As for the ordinary map, Yan Ge had already anticipated that the affluent patrons dining at Liuxian Pavilion would not be interested. The reason for placing them there was merely for publicity.

On the first day, only over 30 copies of the ordinary map were sold, mostly purchased by the staff at Liuxian Pavilion. However, all 1,000 copies of the exquisite map were sold out in an instant!

Huangfu Yuchen was somewhat puzzled when he suddenly received over a dozen copies of the exquisite map from ministers and consorts. It wasn’t until he heard the report in the evening that he understood what was going on and had to admit Yan Ge’s idea was ingenious. That face that always seemed to be smiling kept appearing in his mind.

The next day, when more people wanting to do business went to Liuxian Pavilion after hearing the news, they found that the maps were no longer being sold there. After inquiring, they learned that the map manufacturer had entrusted the selling of maps to others, and they could be purchased at various major restaurants, clothing stores, inns, silver shops, and carriage shops.

As for a higher commission? Well, forget it. Our company was willing to entrust you with selling the maps because it’s also a way for us to attract business. You are the ones benefiting from this.

The shop owners had nothing to say. This was indeed the truth. Liuxian Pavilion had stopped selling maps, and during the first few days when the maps were in high demand, people looking to buy maps naturally went to their shops. Wasn’t it just a convenient opportunity for them to eat or rest in their establishments when they were hungry or tired?

Meanwhile, the prices of the maps also changed. Buying a map anywhere in the city cost four coins for the ordinary version and two taels of silver for the exquisite version. However, if purchased from a small stall at the city gates, the ordinary map was priced at eight coins, and the exquisite version at four taels of silver. It was twice as expensive as buying it within the city.

Huangfu Yuchen asked Yan Ge why.

Yan Ge explained skillfully, “Your Majesty, as the ruler of this imperial city, it is not unreasonable to offer the people some benefits. I am merely safeguarding the interests of the people of the Imperial city. As for outsiders, I am currently unable to accommodate them; their silver won’t come without a cost.”

These words were pleasing, and Huang Fu Yuchen couldn’t help but smile.

Yan Ge also smiled. Yes, the thighs still had to be held tightly for now.

Perceptive businessmen from other regions saw the commercial opportunities of the map and, upon returning home, decided to purchase hundreds of exquisite maps and thousands of ordinary ones to sell in their own territories. Those who were planning to visit the imperial city in the future would be in dire need of a map.

In just five days, the first batch of fifty thousand ordinary maps and twenty thousand exquisite maps sold out completely. The printing workshop began a new round of printing, with the second batch primarily intended for sales in other regions. Almost every noble in the imperial city already had a copy of the exquisite map.

Boxes filled with silver were placed before Yan Ge, and he smiled with satisfaction. After admiring them for a while, he instructed Gao Feng to transport half of the silver to the money exchange, where it would be exchanged for silver tickets. He planned to hand them over to Huang Fu Yuchen later that evening upon returning to the palace.

Huang Fu Yuchen noticed Yan Ge’s reluctant gaze on the silver tickets and found it amusing. Nevertheless, Yan Ge was indeed talented, and he didn’t mind treating him well. “Have you already had your evening meal?” he asked.

Yan Ge replied, “I hurried back to report good news to Your Majesty and haven’t eaten yet.”

Huang Fu Yuchen said, “Join me for dinner.”

Deng Mande conveniently forgot who made the previous declaration to avoid Yan Ge as much as possible.

He walked to the door and instructed the palace attendants to serve the meal. Soon, palace maidens entered one after another, filling the imperial dining table with delicious delicacies.

“Please take a seat.”

Once the eunuch responsible for tasting the dishes and Huang Fu Yuchen had sampled the food and started eating, Yan Ge picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. He was truly hungry, which made his movements a bit quick.

Huang Fu Yuchen didn’t reproach him. Yan Ge’s various unconventional behaviors had already made him helpless and he had become more casual with Yan Ge.

Huangfu Yuchen observed him enjoying the food and casually asked, “How does the taste of these dishes compare to those of Liuxian Pavilion?”

Yan Ge answered truthfully, “Although some of the dishes use the same recipes as Liuxian Pavilion, they are evidently superior in terms of appearance, aroma, and taste. The royal chefs truly excel at their craft.”

“It seems that the imperial chefs are really doing a good job if they can get Yan Daying’s praise,” Huangfu Yuchen said to Deng Mande, “Pass on my word, the royal chefs shall receive double their monthly allowance this month.”

Yan Ge glanced at him. He had also done well, so why wasn’t Huang Fu Yuchen rewarding him? After all, it was the silver he had earned.

Huang Fu Yuchen saw through his thoughts and took a sip of wine. “Haven’t I already rewarded you with a royal meal?”