496: Chapter 489 Selling Glass Cups? The Public's Doubts

In the following meeting, Zhao Fusu, with a focused expression, elaborated in detail on the plans for forming the trade caravan.

From the selection of the caravan's route to the screening of goods, he conducted an extremely in-depth analysis, leaving no detail overlooked, and clearly painted the future blueprint of the entire caravan before everyone's eyes.

His easy-to-understand words allowed everyone to grasp the future plans for the caravan, causing them to nod repeatedly and express their agreement with the plans Zhao Fusu described.

Because there was the route previously taken by the caravan formed by Zi Ling as a reference, Zhao Fusu did not need to conduct overly complicated surveying work and was able to formulate the caravan's route with relative ease.

Holding a long, thin wooden stick, he pointed to the route on the map and explained methodically, "Everyone, look, our caravan will take this route. It avoids many areas with complex terrain and dangers, while simultaneously connecting multiple important trade towns. This will not only save time but also maximize the safety and trade efficiency of the caravan."

In this regard, Xiang Liang and Fan Zeng had long since made arrangements. They carefully compared the route formulated by Zhao Fusu and found it identical to the one they had chosen themselves. They couldn't help but secretly admire Zhao Fusu's vision and judgment, so they nodded one after another, confirming this route.

Regarding the selection of goods, Zhao Fusu said with a firm tone, "The goods I have chosen are glass cups."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was taken aback, expressions of confusion appearing on their faces.

The Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions had a unique climate; the days were unbearably hot, and the heat did not dissipate even at night, with a huge temperature difference between day and night. Such climatic conditions were, however, very suitable for growing grapes.

The local people would carefully brew the ripe grapes into wine.

The wine presented a charming red color, and thus it was also called red wine.

When red wine was placed in transparent glass vessels, the color of the liquid and the crystal clarity of the glass complemented each other, possessing a unique aesthetic beauty.

This was also the reason why glass cups were so popular in the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions.

The nobles of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions were especially keen on using glass cups to hold wine, as only then could they display the nobility of the red wine and their own status and position.

Under the influence of the social trend where the lower classes followed the upper classes, even if ordinary people could not afford glass cups, they became increasingly eager to possess them in their hearts. This strong demand quietly spread among the common folk.

These observations were all useful intelligence that Zi Ling's caravan had carefully collected while doing business in the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions.

After learning of this intelligence, Zhao Fusu instantly had a plan in mind.

Readers who have reached this point, without needing Zhao Fusu to reveal it, can surely guess what he intends to plan.

"Glass cups!"

Xiang Bo looked full of surprise and couldn't help but say, "These glass cups are expensive; I fear there aren't many potential buyers!"

He frowned slightly, his eyes full of worry, feeling that this was not a wise choice.

Tian Feng, Zhao Xuan, Han Zhao, and the others all nodded in deep agreement upon hearing this. Tian Feng stroked his beard and said with a serious expression, "Although the nobles of the Western Regions have a preference for glass cups, they are, after all, only a minority. Poorly made glass cups cost several pieces of gold, and if it is a finely polished glass cup, it is no exaggeration to say it is worth a thousand gold. With such a high price, ordinary people simply cannot afford to buy them. The audience is truly too small; it is basically a situation of having a price but no market."

As he spoke, he shook his head slightly, expressing his confusion regarding this decision by Zhao Fusu.

Zhao Xuan also echoed, "That's right, the price of these glass cups is so high that very few people can afford them; I fear this will be difficult to manage."

A trace of confusion was revealed in his eyes; he truly did not understand why Zhao Fusu wanted to set his sights on glass cups.

Han Zhao said even more directly, "Looking at the current situation, doing business in glass cups really won't make much money. Forming our caravan was not easy, so we must be cautious in choosing the types of goods."

His tone carried a hint of anxiety, hoping that Zhao Fusu would reconsider.

Everyone spoke one after another, expressing their doubts. The meeting room was filled with an atmosphere of skepticism, and everyone was waiting for Zhao Fusu to provide a reasonable explanation to resolve the confusion in their hearts.