Since ancient times, the first entry in any prince's record of merit had been expanding the realm. But the Immortal Realm was only so large, and there were no enemies to conquer, so that requirement was waived. As long as one's merits were sufficient—and, more importantly, several senior ministers jointly recommended him—His Majesty would seriously consider it.
Most of the senior ministers at court were political rivals of Yao Shu's son. How could they recommend him? So despite all the time Yao Shu had spent on the matter, he had made little progress. Luo Qian was different. In Yao Shu's eyes, he was an Immortal Jade devotee through and through: a deal might have the wrong price, but no deal was impossible.
So by evening, Luo Qian held an invitation card with an antique pattern. Two flowing characters danced across it like a dragon and a phoenix: Yao Shu.
"My master hopes you'll honor him with a visit. He's prepared the finest Jade Clarity Down for you." The messenger Yao Shu had sent was smooth-tongued, making a point of mentioning the tribute tea that few people ever got to drink. Luo Qian cared nothing for Jade Clarity Down, but the old fellow would not invite him to dinner for no reason. He might as well go see what medicine Yao Shu was selling from his gourd.
After several rounds of wine and a full spread of dishes, the servants cleared away the table piled with plates and cups. They brought in a long table and served two cups of Jade Clarity Down, fragrant and steaming. "Come, Mr. Luo, have a taste. This tribute tea comes only from Jade Clarity Heaven. Just two jin and three liang are produced each year: two jin go to His Majesty, one liang to the