jdhmnovel Chapter 372 The Carving Master Arrives
Chapter 372 The Carving Master Arrives
After completing the ice sculpture design, Su Nuannuan handed it over to Jinse for safekeeping.
To create an ice sculpture, you naturally need ice first. So, at this very moment, Su Nuannuan is leading a group of people, busily using various containers to fill with water, then adding pigments to the water according to the design, stirring it evenly, and preparing to freeze it into ice blocks.
However, the number of containers was limited and could not meet the demand. Therefore, Su Nuannuan decisively decided to send people out to purchase more containers. At the same time, she searched all over the mansion and finally found a spacious and flat place to place the ice sculpture later.
At the same time, Li Desheng also received an imperial decree from his empress, and immediately left the mansion to find a highly skilled carving master.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Su Nuannuan personally checked the quality of the ice blocks, and the result was satisfactory—all the ice blocks had been completely frozen into a hard solid.
Seeing this, Su Nuannuan made a quick decision, ordering Li Desheng to invite the carving masters to her home, and instructing Jinse to take out the previously drawn patterns for future use.
It's worth mentioning that the ice sculpture design drawn by Su Nuannuan wasn't very complex; it was simply a cute, chibi-style representation of the twelve zodiac animals. This design was not only adorable and fun, but also relatively simple to carve, requiring minimal time and effort.
Furthermore, since the ice has already been colored during the freezing process, there is no need to apply separate coloring to the ice sculpture.
Before long, Li Desheng arrived as promised, leading four carving masters. These four masters were all highly skilled, not only proficient in carving techniques, but also adept at ice carving.
Of course, the wages wouldn't be cheap either; an ice sculpture cost as much as five taels of silver, and food and lodging had to be provided.
The four sculptors first bowed respectfully to Su Nuannuan, and then took the ice sculpture design from Jinse with utmost deference.
After they carefully opened it, they immediately saw the cute, chibi-style dragon in the design. One of the sculptors pointed at the dragon with a look of horror and said, "Madam, this dragon... we absolutely cannot carve it! That would cost us our heads!"
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and said softly, "Four masters, please feel free to carve. This dragon may be taboo in your eyes, but it is perfectly acceptable for me."
Upon hearing the lady before them refer to herself as "this palace," the four sculptors immediately realized who she was.
"This humble subject pays respects to the Noble Consort Zhuang!" the four carving masters shouted in unison, then hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, performing the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine prostrations.
Seeing this, Su Nuannuan quickly smiled and said, "No need for formalities, please rise. These twelve ice sculptures will require the efforts of the four masters. Each person is responsible for three ice sculptures. I wonder how many days it will take to complete them?" Su Nuannuan asked gently.
"Your Highness, it will take ten days," one of the sculptors replied, glancing at the other three before bowing. His voice was steady and confident, as if he were completely certain of his skills.
The other three sculptors nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I will see the results in ten days." Although Su Nuannuan's voice was gentle, it carried an undeniable authority.
"Li Desheng, take the four carving masters down and arrange accommodations for them."
Upon seeing this, Li Desheng, who was standing to the side, quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Yes, Your Majesty." Then he turned to face the four carving masters and gestured for them to come with him, "Masters, please follow me."
After bowing respectfully to Su Nuannuan, the four carving masters followed Li Desheng away.
After they left, Su Nuannuan turned to Jinse and said, "Jinse, you can reply to the ladies who sent the invitations now, and invite them to the mansion at the end of the month to enjoy the ice sculpture banquet."
Jinse quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
However, Tingxue, who was standing to the side, said softly, "Your Majesty, isn't it a bit early to return these invitations?"
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly and explained, "It's getting late. There are only fifteen days left until the end of the month. I need to give them time to prepare."
After hearing this, Tingxue smiled and said softly, "Your Majesty is truly considerate of them!"
"Oh, right, let's bring out all the hair accessories we made before. These ladies will definitely bring their daughters with them, and these hair accessories can be given to them as a greeting gift," Su Nuannuan said with a smile.
These hair accessories were made by Su Nuannuan and her friends from scraps of fabric when they were bored on their way to Huiyang City. Although the materials were not precious, each hair accessory was carefully designed and handmade, full of creativity and ingenuity.
However, since arriving in Huiyang City, Su Nuannuan has been busy with the down jacket issue. Although Tingxue is managing it, Su Nuannuan is also silently supporting and helping from behind.
She had no time to meet with the ladies of the city. Therefore, she never had the opportunity to summon these ladies, nor did she attend any banquets.
If Jinse hadn't suggested holding a banquet at the end of the year, Su Nuannuan would probably have continued to be busy, and her meeting with the ladies would likely have remained indefinitely postponed. After all, she couldn't keep avoiding interactions with these ladies indefinitely.
Just then, Li Desheng strode in, wearing a dark blue long robe with a black belt around his waist, looking exceptionally smart. Li Desheng walked up to Su Nuannuan, bowed respectfully, and then slowly said, "Your Majesty, the accommodations for the four sculptors have been arranged. They have already headed to the sculpting site to begin carving ice sculptures."
Su Nuannuan nodded slightly, indicating that she understood. Her gaze fell on Li Desheng, and she said softly, "Yes, the charcoal braziers in the four carving masters' rooms must be kept burning and cannot be extinguished. Of course, you must also remember to ventilate the rooms to avoid carbon dioxide poisoning."
It's cold, so make sure they don't catch a chill. Also, make sure hot water is always readily available for them. And make sure they have a meat dish at every meal to ensure they have enough energy for their carving work.
Li Desheng nodded repeatedly and replied, "Yes, this old servant has remembered."
Su Nuannuan nodded in satisfaction and continued, "If there is anything you need, just do it. You don't need to report to me about everything."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Desheng bowed again, then turned and withdrew.
Just as Li Desheng turned to leave, Jinse suddenly raised her head, looked at Li Desheng's back, and asked loudly, "Eunuch Li, are we slaughtering a pig for the New Year?"