There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 427 Treasure in Trouble

Immediately after

In that set of "Emerald Reflecting Red Beauty" tourmaline jewelry

The largest watermelon tourmaline center stone

As everyone's attention shifted to the changing colors of the fire opal, the vibrant pink center within it trembled almost imperceptibly.

The color seemed to have dimmed slightly, almost imperceptibly, and the contrast with the emerald green at its edges was no longer so vivid and bright.

The overall impression was slightly "dull".

Finally, right before everyone's eyes, the highly anticipated aquamarine, "Silence of the Abyss," was revealed.

Deep within its pure, azure blue, near the side Li Shuchen pointed to, a truly faint, almost imperceptible wisp of "mist" seemed to rise.

The mist was so faint it was almost an illusion, but under the focused, intense light, it distorted the gemstone's original, radiant purity.

It makes it look... less "absolutely" perfect.

"what!?"

The maid carrying the silver tray was the first to cry out in surprise, her hand trembling so much she almost dropped the tray.

The hall was deathly silent, then suddenly erupted into chaos.

"What's going on? The color of the fire opal... seems off?"

"That tourmaline...is the peach-red color dull?"

"Aquamarine... Oh my god, is there really an impurity? Or... is it cracked?"

"Everything was fine just now! How did it suddenly..."

Azim's face turned deathly pale. He rushed forward, snatched the fire opal and magnifying glass, and examined it closely against the light. The more he looked, the more his hands trembled.

He lunged at the aquamarine again, but when he saw the faint wisp of "mist," his vision went black, and he almost fainted.

"No...impossible! Hassan! Where is Hassan! Bring him here!!"

Azim roared out of control, his voice distorted.

These treasures were the result of his painstaking efforts to acquire, intending to make a splash at the treasure appraisal event, and even to present them to the king and use them to influence higher-ups.

The aquamarine, in particular, is considered the store's prized possession.

Now, under the watchful eyes of everyone, such a bizarre change has occurred!

Amidst this utter chaos and disbelief, a clear laugh, laced with undisguised mockery, rang out, drowning out all the noise.

"Ha! Hahahaha!"

The "wealthy young master" in the purple and gold robe covered his mouth with a folding fan, laughing so hard he was doubled over, his shoulders shaking, as if he had seen the most ridiculous thing in the world.

"What did I tell you? The colors are dull and lifeless! There are flaws inside! You still don't believe me?"

She smiled and pointed to Azim, whose face was ashen.

"Lord Azim, is this the priceless treasure that your 'Golden Camel' has poured its heart and soul into? Is this the highest level of jewelry craftsmanship in the Kingdom of Boyu? I came all this way hoping to broaden my horizons, but this is all I got? None of these three 'treasures' can withstand close scrutiny; they all reveal their true colors under light! Is this an appraisal event, or... a joke?"

Her laughter and words were like poisoned knives, piercing Azim's heart and the faces of everyone present with ties to the "Golden Camel" project.

The guests' expressions shifted, ranging from surprise and doubt to disappointment, whispers, and even schadenfreude.

The few merchants from the Western Regions had already begun to shake their heads slightly.

Azim trembled, half with anger and half with fear.

This is too strange!

He whirled his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Li Shuchen: "It's you! It must be you who did this!"

"I?"

Li Shuchen stopped laughing, slammed his folding fan shut, and wore an expression of innocence and arrogance.

"Lord Azim, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. I haven't touched your precious stone at all, not even once. So many eyes are watching! You think you can blame your guests for your own inferior goods and embarrassing situation? Is this how you, the wealthy merchants of Boyu Kingdom, treat your guests? Or is the reputation of 'Golden Camel' built on slandering your guests?"

Her tone suddenly turned cold.

"It seems there's nothing worth staying for in this place."

Having said that, he flicked his sleeve, turned and left, his steps steady, his back view standing out arrogantly and glaringly in the chaotic hall.

Azim wanted to stop them, but looking at the various expressions on the faces of the guests in the hall...

Looking at the three "faded" treasures on the stage

With a lump in his throat, he almost vomited blood. How could he possibly stop a "wealthy young master" who had suddenly arrived?

He could only watch helplessly as the dazzling purple-gold figure disappeared outside the door.

that night

The news of the three priceless treasures at the "Golden Camel" appraisal event mysteriously losing their luster swept through Suleiman's upper echelons like a desert storm.

The more versions are passed down, the more mysterious they become.

Some say the treasure is cursed.

Some people say that Azim used inferior manufacturing processes to pass off substandard products as high-quality ones.

Some even said that a powerful merchant from a distant overseas maritime region couldn't stand it and exposed and mocked the situation on the spot.

The news naturally reached the royal palace.

When King Ardan heard the report from his confidant, he was admiring the newly presented dancers. Upon hearing this, he frowned and put down the golden cup in his hand.

"All three items have problems? And in front of so many people? That sea overlord... what's his background?"

"It's not yet clear, but... many people witnessed it, and the 'Golden Camel's' treasures are indeed... not as radiant as before, especially that aquamarine, which seems to have a flaw," the confidant whispered in response.

A shadowy glint flashed in King Ardan's blue eyes.

Azim was one of his moneybags, but this time he suffered a huge embarrassment, which could even damage the reputation of the Boyu Kingdom's gemstones.

More importantly, that mysterious overlord of the seas… he felt a vague unease.

The Purple Star delegation is still in the city, and now this mysterious sea overlord has appeared, showing such disrespect to the "Golden Camel"...

"Get Azim in here and see me!" the king waved his hand impatiently.

Soon, Atsm rushed over.

"Useless! You can't even hold onto a few rocks! What's wrong with that sea-ruling merchant? Did you offend some powerful figure by being too arrogant?"

King Ardan's rage nearly shattered the glass lamp.

Azim knelt on the ground, his fine clothes soaked with cold sweat, unable to defend himself.

"Your Majesty is wise! The gems were thoroughly inspected by Hassan and the three master craftsmen before being stored away, and there was absolutely no problem! It must be that the overlord of the sea who used some kind of sorcery..."

"Sorcery? What kind of sorcery could he possibly use in full view of everyone? Are the palace guards of my Boyu Kingdom and your bodyguards just for show?"

The king was even angrier. "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! The issue of the gems, the origins of the sea overlord, and... has there been any unusual activity from the Purple Star delegation!"

Although he was muddle-headed, he wasn't entirely without political acumen; he vaguely sensed that the timing of these events was somewhat suspicious.

Meanwhile, in the post station

Li Shuchen had already removed his disguise and revealed his true appearance. He was grinning and rubbing the remaining makeup off his face in front of the bronze mirror.

"The powder is too thick; it won't come off even when rubbed."

You were in pretty danger just now. What if you'd been recognized...?

"Fortune favors the bold."

Li Shuchen chuckled, his eyes gleaming. "This is going to be a real headache for Azim. The King should be getting restless too, right?"