The auction officially began at one quarter past the Shen hour.
The one presenting the Divine Carriages was none other than Jiang Yuanbao himself—the very man who had personally led the team in crafting it according to the provided blueprints.
Unlike Zheng Qiaozhang, who was now thoroughly consumed by the world of scientific principles, Jiang Yuanbao, who had grown up in a family of carpenters, cared little for theories or mechanics. What mattered more to him was the result—what this creation could do once brought into being.
And coincidentally, that was exactly what the guests gathered for today's auction cared about the most.
"So you mean to say," a merchant inquired with narrowed eyes, "all the reports we previously heard about the Divine Carriages referred only to the limited edition imperial model crafted for His Majesty?"
"And the two vehicles being auctioned today—neither of them has actually been built yet? To put it plainly, they're merely prototypes based on refinements proposed by Her Highness the Crown Princess, and their actual performance remains uncertain?"
"You could say that," Jiang Yuanbao replied with a nod.
"But to be more precise," he added, "what we are auctioning today are two experimental models. Just how much better they might be compared to the original imperial version is still yet to be determined."
"Yet you claim there's still room for improvement?"
The crowd stirred. Considering the high price they would soon have to pay, it was only natural that they wanted more clarity.
Jiang Yuanbao's explanations thus far had been vague, which only encouraged more probing.
"I heard the speed could increase. Some even say it may one day travel a thousand li in a single day. Is that true?"
"Could the Divine Carriages be made larger? Capable of carrying more people or perhaps transporting a significant amount of cargo?"
"Can it run on land, swim through water, and even soar through the skies?"
One outlandish question followed another, until Jiang Yuanbao quickly raised his hands to cut them off.
"Please, allow me to clarify. First, yes—the speed will certainly improve in future versions. As for making the vehicle larger to accommodate more passengers or goods, I would say that is quite likely."
He paused, then added with some pride, "In fact, Her Highness the Crown Princess previously mentioned that future iterations of the Divine Carriages may replace the wooden body with iron or other materials to improve durability. This way, even if one encounters bandits on the road, their arrows would not be able to pierce through the vehicle so easily.
And to solve the discomfort of riding in the rain or during the harsh winters, Her Highness also plans to develop a material more transparent than colored glass, one that could provide better visibility and insulation.
And then, there's the matter of the wheels…"
Jiang Yuanbao went on to describe in detail everything Yun Shu had previously mentioned regarding the improvements, omitting none of the ideas—though he hadn't even employed the more persuasive methods Yun Shu had once taught him.
Yet, even without embellishment, the crowd was left thoroughly astonished.
When the bidding for the first Divine Carriages finally began, the atmosphere in the hall reached a fever pitch. The wealthy elite present raised their placards with such frequency and fervor, it was as if silver had lost all value.
Tang Xinhua, who had taken up the role of auctioneer for the day, barely had to ask for increments. Bids came rapid and relentless.
In mere moments, the price of the first Divine Carriages had soared from its starting bid of ten thousand taels of silver to seventy-three thousand.
Once the bidding surpassed seventy thousand, however, the momentum noticeably slowed.
"Seventy-three thousand five hundred!"
The Head of the Merchants' Association in Pengzhou fixed his gaze forward, sharp as a blade.
When he heard that the improved Divine Carriagess might incorporate entirely new innovations, he immediately guessed the reason for the Crown Princess's personal attendance today.
Undoubtedly, this was only the beginning. There would be many business opportunities to follow.
And although he could not be certain that owning one of these prototypes would offer an advantage in future dealings, if it did… he had to take that chance.
"Eighty thousand!"
Gasps echoed through the hall.
The bid had suddenly jumped by sixty-five hundred taels. Judging by the youthful voice, the speaker was likely a scion of some wealthy noble house—a spendthrift son with more silver than sense.
Even Yun Shu's eyelids twitched, as did those of the Pengzhou association president.
Unlike the others, who soon resumed bidding at a more conservative pace—five hundred taels at a time—Yun Shu simply smiled and spoke at a leisurely pace.
"In truth, the second vehicle will likely fetch a much higher price."
"Truly?" Yun Chuhuan's eyes lit up. "Then I'll wait for the second one!"
Yun Shu simply glanced at him.
She spared a moment's pity for Minister Liu, no more than a heartbeat's worth, before shifting her attention back to the auction, her amusement evident.
In the end, thanks to Yun Chuhuan's sudden withdrawal, the first Divine Carriages was successfully purchased by the Pengzhou Merchants' Association head for the final price of one hundred and eight thousand taels.
Across the hall, separated by more than half the auction space, Tang Xinhua met Yun Shu's eyes for a fleeting second before looking away with practiced calm.
Then she spoke again.
"We now begin the auction of the second Divine Carriages.
According to Her Highness the Crown Princess, the refinement of the Divine Carriages is an ongoing process. Therefore, this second vehicle will inevitably surpass the first in performance. Accordingly, its starting price will also be higher."
She paused before continuing, "Furthermore, the buyer of the second Divine Carriages will be granted a single customization request, provided it is feasible. You may request, for example, a specific engraving on the body, a particular color for the transparent glass, or even ask for the vehicle to be made larger."
"Truly? One could request a larger vehicle?"
If the mention of engravings and colored glass had barely piqued the crowd's interest, the promise of a larger vehicle struck directly at the heart of the gathered merchants.
There was one thing a merchant could never ignore—transportation.
If a Divine Carriages large enough to transport cargo could be built, the potential profit was unimaginable. They could secure more deliveries, chase after more opportunities, and corner entire markets.
They had to have it.
Even if it meant emptying every tael of silver they had access to.
Nearly everyone present had the same thought at the same time.
Even the Pengzhou head found himself regretful. Had he bid too early?
But just as he was lamenting the one hundred and eight thousand taels already spent—and wondering how he could possibly afford to compete again—Tang Xinhua's soft voice rang out once more.
"The starting bid for the second Divine Carriages shall be the final price of the first: one hundred and eight thousand taels. The minimum increment remains at five hundred taels. Let the bidding begin."
Silence.
A hundred and eight thousand, just as the starting bid?
No wonder Her Highness had generously offered a customization to ease the blow. She had said the price might be higher, but this was no mere increase.
This was clearly far more than just a little!