Chapter 149: Mingsha Tourism’s New Ventures

“So what’s all this fuss about? Spill the details,” one voice demanded.

Among the crowd, some viewers grumbled while others looked confused.

“Here’s the scoop: Yesterday morning, the official website of Mingsha Tourism announced several updates, claiming that the guesthouse area now offers new services.”

“New services? To attract tourists? Isn’t there already Qixia Town, Wudi City, and that unopened relic site of the Protectorate of West Liang? Technically, there’s no need to lure visitors.”

“No need? With the weather growing colder, without any fresh attractions, who would dare venture into the Desert? Even Su Province’s famous Moktu is almost ready for its annual free admission tour, and the state of other northwestern attractions is no picnic.”

“So, what exactly has Mingsha Tourism rolled out?”

“First, the scenic area now hosts traditional Long Kingdom wedding ceremonies and banquets.”

“Traditional weddings?”

“Yes! According to the website, they’re strictly following traditional wedding protocols.”

“That does sound promising—with ancient architecture all around, complete mounts, and even an eight-car sedan chair. It’s got all the ambiance.”

“What about the pricing?”

“Prices vary based on your requirements! Opt for the 3,000 package and you get a modest affair; choose the 300,000 package and you’re in for luxury.”

“300,000?”

Many viewers were stunned upon hearing that a traditional wedding could go up to 300,000.

“I’m really curious—what kind of wedding package is worth 300,000?”

Someone immediately asked.

“I’m not entirely sure of the details, but I bet wealthy folks will be lining up to experience it. Just wait, and you’ll see exactly what Mingsha Tourism has in store.”

“After all, the Long Kingdom is never short on tycoons!”

“And the second service?”

After discussing the wedding project, many netizens inquired further.

“The second service is the most interesting. Mingsha Tourism has launched a project called ‘Plot Enhancement,’ where they provide the setting and several NPCs. Tourists can immerse themselves in the storylines of two dramas. Rumor has it that many of these NPCs are portrayed by actors from Wulin Wai Chuan and the Snowy Series. It’s pretty awesome!”

An informed viewer immediately remarked.

“That sounds great. Both Wulin Wai Chuan and the Snowy Series have plenty of plots to explore. Mingsha Tourism always brings the unexpected.”

“Mingsha Tourism may have noble intentions, but who would have thought that overly eager tourists would end up turning the tables!”

“Don’t even get me started—I can’t help but laugh.”

“Same here. Xu Fengnian even stole Guo Furong—now that’s talent.”

“Heh heh heh. In fact, I find it even more entertaining. Without such characters to stir the pot, I’d never have known. It’s practically free promotion for Mingsha Tourism.”

“Indeed!”

“So, what’s the price? Honestly, I’d love to experience it firsthand!”

“Prices vary widely depending on the role you play. If you’re the lead, expect to pay top dollar; if you’re just playing a servant, Mingsha Tourism might even pay you.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

“And what other services has Mingsha Tourism introduced? All in all, these new projects are impressive—it’s worth a return visit.”

“The third addition is a fireworks show. Every Saturday night, Mingsha Tourism stages a grand fireworks display.”

However, as soon as a viewer mentioned the fireworks show, a heated debate erupted.

“A fireworks show? I must have misheard—fireworks in an ancient architectural area? Not only does it pollute, it could even start fires. Mingsha Tourism is really reckless.”

“I agree. If I remember correctly, Tengwang Pavilion is entirely wooden. One stray firework landing there would spell disaster. Who on earth thought this was a good idea?”

Before long, many voices rose in protest.

“Everyone, please calm down. If Mingsha Tourism dares to proceed, they must have considered these issues!”

“Absolutely! In Haishi, Dini holds massive fireworks shows every day. Why don’t you mention that?”

Of course, some people voiced their support, too.

“Can you really compare? Dini Park doesn’t have ancient wooden structures!”

“Bah! What nonsense is that? According to you, ancient people never set off fireworks either?”

“Heh, just wait and see—the fireworks show in Mingsha County is bound to cause a major mishap.”

“I’ll be watching!”

It must be said…

Mingsha Tourism has now become a trending topic. Just one fireworks show has ignited intense debate on forums.

Initially, the focus was on the site’s fire safety measures.

Soon enough, the discussion shifted to environmental pollution, followed by concerns over the gradual erosion of traditional culture.

Then a prominent netizen named Wu Nan entered the fray, turning the fireworks controversy into the day’s hot topic—nearly trending nationwide.

Wu Nan commands several million followers on Weibo in the Long Kingdom and is affectionately known as one of its most righteous online figures.

Every time he comments, his posts instantly rack up hundreds of replies.

Wu Nan has outlined five main points: First, setting off fireworks undoubtedly pollutes the environment—no ifs or buts!

Second, as a popular tourist spot, Mingsha Tourism should not lead by example at this time. If other attractions follow suit, it could spark adverse social effects.

Third, the pure wooden ancient architecture built by Mingsha Tourism is priceless. It could easily be classified as an intangible cultural heritage—its complete preservation would be invaluable. It would be a true loss if the fireworks destroy it.

Fourth, Mingsha Tourism should preserve its rustic charm instead of becoming overly commercialized. A traditional wedding priced at 300,000 warrants an investigation by the pricing authorities for potential consumer fraud at a trendy attraction. And fifth, Mingsha Tourism must publicly apologize for this debacle.

Surprisingly, Wu Nan’s points have gained massive support, with many loyal fans liking and sharing his views. Some even tagged the Long Kingdom Consumer Association in their reposts.

“Fireworks in the Desert and a 300,000-dollar ancient wedding—whose fault is it? Is it greed or the decay of human values!”

Many who had been unaware of Mingsha Tourism’s new projects suddenly caught wind of the fireworks show in Mingsha County. Some nearby tourists even confirmed they’d show up on Saturday night.

And so…

For a while, it was hard to tell whether Wu Nan and his supporters were criticizing or inadvertently promoting Mingsha Tourism. One thing was clear: once Mingsha Tourism issues a statement, this controversy won’t die down anytime soon.

Meanwhile, in Mingsha County, Xu Hao was oblivious to the online uproar over Mingsha Tourism. Instead, he was poring over thick blueprints in a temporary steel shed set up in front of the relic site.

The excavation work at the relic site has officially wrapped up!

The Yeguang Cup is now temporarily stored at the Wei City Museum. Before leaving, Feng Wancheng told Xu Hao that all the necessary reports have been submitted.

If the restoration project of the Protectorate of West Liang meets approval, there’s a good chance the Yeguang Cup will remain in Mingsha County, though it will likely be sent out for exhibitions later.

However, if the project fails inspection, there’s almost no chance for the Yeguang Cup and the Sheepskin Journal to stay.

Thus…

Xu Hao has been entirely focused on the restoration project lately. In just three days, over a hundred machines have been deployed, and the underground construction has officially begun.

In Xu Hao’s eyes, even if the launch of the Langya List gets delayed, the Yeguang Cup must remain in Mingsha County no matter what.

“Brother Hao!”

Just as Xu Hao was pondering a detail in the original blueprints for the Protectorate’s compound, a voice from outside interrupted—Luo Peng’s voice.

“The door isn’t locked.”

Hearing this, Xu Hao looked up and replied casually.

“Brother Hao!”

“What’s up?”

Xu Hao noticed Luo Peng clutching a thick stack of blueprints and couldn’t help but ask.

“Brother Hao, could you add some annotations to these drawings? The craftsmen over there are having trouble deciphering them!”

Luo Peng sighed and placed the blueprints before Xu Hao.

Ever since Mingsha Tourism decided to launch the traditional wedding project, Luo Peng had been heavily involved, drafting every standard for each package.

Especially that 300,000 package!

If luxury is the goal, then go all out. On the wedding day, the groom rides in a top-tier luxury car, and the bride’s sedan chair is designed to be a masterpiece.

This isn’t just any sedan chair—it’s crafted over 10,000 work hours, earning it the name ‘Wan Gong Sedan Chair.’

This chair requires eight carriers, hence also known as the ‘Eight-Carrier Sedan Chair.’ It is undoubtedly the most lavish ancient sedan, built with mortise-and-tenon joints without a single nail, made up of hundreds of detachable panels and featuring no doors.

During the wedding, a designated specialist disassembles the chair to allow the bride to step in and out with ease.

Moreover, the entire chair is a masterpiece of carved wood, finished in vermilion with gold-foiled embellishments, gleaming like a miniature palace from afar.

Decorations on the chair feature round carvings, bas-reliefs, and pierced designs depicting countless figures, birds, insects, and beasts. Dubbed the ‘Hundred-Child Sedan Chair,’ it showcases auspicious themes like ‘Heavenly Blessings,’ ‘Auspicious Gestures,’ ‘Star of Prosperity,’ and also dramatic opera themes such as ‘The Tale of Huan Sha,’ ‘Tianshuiguan,’ ‘Tie Gong Yuan,’ ‘Water Margin,’ ‘The Romance of the Western Chamber,’ ‘Jingchai Ji,’ and ‘The Jade Bracelet.’

In short…

This sedan chair, once designed, will undoubtedly outvalue even the top-tier luxury cars.

Thus…

When you break down the costs, isn’t a 300,000-dollar luxury wedding package a bargain?

Luo Peng originally thought that while this sedan chair could be dubbed the Wan Gong Sedan Chair in ancient times, modern tools would make it a breeze. So he requested Xu Hao, amidst his busy schedule, to draft several designs for the Wan Gong Sedan Chair.

Who would have thought, though, that the craftsmen simply couldn’t manage it—even with numbered blueprints, some of the crucial mortise-and-tenon details remained unsolvable.

With no other choice, he had to turn to Xu Hao for help once again.