After Qin Ke entered the palace, he met the new Emperor, and told him everything about Rong Xi.
When the new Emperor heard this, he first denounced the Mengshan County’s Magistrate for his ignorance of the method of smelting iron, and then praised Rong Xi’s ability.
If Rong Xi were here, he would definitely recognize the new Emperor as Chen Erlang.
“If horseshoes are really magical, why should we, the Wei Dynasty, worry about not destroying the northern barbarians?” He stood with his hands behind his hands, his brows filled with the spirit of a young Emperor, “I will immediately summon Yang Qianmu into the palace.”
Yang Qianmu was the Minister of the Ministry of Industry. After receiving the Emperor’s order, he quickly packed up and entered the palace.
The three of them talked for a long time and stopped at the .
Rong Xi had no way of knowing what was going on in Shengjing, as he was busy making new utensils.
Rong Lian saw him outside all day long, wondering what he was busy with. He asked about it, but Rong Xi changed the subject.
“My second brother just needs to study with peace of mind. Next year, when you pass the provincial examination, you will truly shine.”
Rong Lian thought that he was playing all day long, he persisted in urging him to study, causing him a headache.
“Your brother is not good at studying, so please don’t try to persuade me.”
It happened that Liu Zishi came to report: “Young master, the carriage is ready. When will we set off?”
Faced with Rong Lian’s look of “looking forward to his brother’s success”, Rong Xi could only refuse cruelly, “Brother Hu and I have an appointment. Second brother, you can study at home quietly and I will be back in due time.”
Then he fled.
When he arrived at the kiln workshop on the outskirts of the city, Hu Yulin had been waiting for a long time. Spotting his carriage parked nearby, he stepped to greet him and said, “Brother Rong, are you going to make it today?”
Several days prior, Rong Xi, possessing professional knowledge but amateur skills in kiln work, successfully transformed coal into coke. Given that coke can attain much higher temperatures than coal, it became essential for producing glass at the required high temperatures..
In contrast to kilns used for firing masonry and ceramics, glass kilns must be smaller in size, facilitating temperature concentration.
After several days of modification and fuel preparation, Hu Yulin was already anxious.
“We may succeed today.” Rong Xi was inspired by him and also became excited.
Glass can be used not only for windows but also in various aspects of daily life.
If they could truly produce it, life would become much more convenient.
The kiln workers were all highly skilled, so Rong Xi divided the work and handled each process in groups.
After the mixed raw materials were put into the furnace, they were melted at a high temperature and then pressed into the mold.
With only theoretical knowledge, Rong Xi attempted his first firing with the assistance of a kiln worker, resulting in an unsatisfactory finished product. Despite its shortcomings, Hu Yulin and the other kiln workers were still impressed.
Even though bubbles and water lines appeared on it, they were discernible to anyone with a keen eye. Due to the transparent nature of glass, it was bound to become popular worldwide.
Hu Yulin was in a surging mood, his eyes tinged with red at the corners. He said, “If the firing is successful, the wages will be doubled!”
The kiln workers were overjoyed and continued to try.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Rong Xi and Hu Yulin, being wealthy and generous, had repeatedly fired the kiln, but all to no avail. Yet, they showed no sign of disappointment, their eyes fixed intently on the kiln.
Ktf olglcu kjr cba remmfrroei bc atf olgra vjs, jcv atf xlic kbgxfgr kfgf jii jrtjwfv jcv uelias.
Ebcu Wl, tbkfnfg, wjlcajlcfv j gfijzfv vfwfjcbg. Fqbc gfaegclcu tbwf, tf gfmbgvfv jii atf byrfgnjalbcr jcv fzqfglfcmfr tf tjv ujlcfv atja vjs bc qjqfg, tbqlcu atja lo atf bqqbgaeclas jgbrf, la mbeiv rfgnf jr j gfofgfcmf obg oeaegf ufcfgjalbcr.
As autumn gave way to winter, the cold wind grew even more ferocious.
Rong Lian was engrossed in his studies, the flame of the oil lamp flickering restlessly. Suddenly, a fierce wind howled, forcefully squeezing through the window lattice, threatening to extinguish the candle.
The window paper fell off again.
Amidst the quiet and peaceful scene, with delicious food laid out, Rong Lian couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling of desolation when comparing their ancestral home to Shengjing. Despite this, the opportunity to focus on studying without any disturbances was greatly appreciated.
However, the window paper was indeed thin, and if the biting winter wind were to seep through, it would be detrimental to his studies.
Tomorrow, he will order the inkstone washers and buy more paper so that it will be well-pasted.
The next morning, Rong Lian got up and finished washing. He was about to have a meal when he heard the noise outside the house.
He stepped to the front yard and saw carriages and horses stopped outside the door, and many craftsmen were carefully unloading things.
What did his brother buy?
At the right time, Rong Xi came around from the other side of the horse and stood side by side with Hu Yulin, laughing and murmuring.
Radiant sunset glow, people were like verdant bamboo.
Rong Xi unexpectedly became slightly thinner. His cheeks receded, revealing a refined and handsome contour, with eyebrows like peaks, eyes like stars, and features suitable for painting.
The person described by others bore no resemblance whatsoever.
“Brother.” Rong Lian couldn’t help calling.
Rong Xi turned around with a leisurely expression and said, “Second brother, are you getting up? I was about to go find you. Today the craftsmen are repairing the doors and windows, which will disturb your study. Can you go to Master Gao’s house and stay for a day?”
He only thought about the windows last night. Brother hired someone to repair them this morning. Rong Lian felt both ashamed, grateful, and said, “I won’t study today. Brother, maybe I can help?”
“No, you can just rest.” Rong Xi said and invited Hu Yulin into the house with him.
After many failures, the glass was finally successfully produced. After pressing, burning, and fading, the glass finally appeared in front of Rong Xi.
After gaining experience, the kiln workers fired day and night, and now the quantity was sufficient.
Hu Yulin came today to see for himself the effects of glass doors and windows.
After breakfast, the craftsmen started working, and even Feng Shan and his son were invited. After all, installing glass on wooden doors and windows requires the assistance of a carpenter.
The Rong residence, which had been quiet for so long, was now bustling with activity. The craftsmen were hammering and banging, and the courtyard was filled with the figures of artisans. Rong Lian was shocked when he saw the glass.
What is this? Why has he never seen it?
“Second young master, do you know what this is?” Xi Yan asked Rong Lian with a confused look on his face.
Rong Lian pursed his lips and shook his head. He came to Rong Xi and asked directly: “Brother, what are these? How can they be so transparent?”
“This is glass, which can be used as a window. It transmits light and blocks wind. It is much easier to use than paper.” Hu Yulin replied instead of Rong Xi, “This is your brother’s wonderful idea, and it will surely amaze the world in the future.”
Seeing that Rong Lian was still ignorant of his brother’s talent, he felt aggrieved, so he said it directly without Rong Xi’s consent, and then showed an apologetic smile to Rong Xi.
Rong Xi was helpless, he didn’t mean to hide this, he was just too lazy to say it.
Rong Lian suddenly looked at Rong Xi, his eyes trembling.
How many new things does he see since he comes to Linxi? Regardless of the Hu family that makes briquettes, the Jiang family that makes thin pots, or the Duan family that introduces new dishes, they are all inseparable from his brother.
All these things were clearly visible in his sign, and the thoughts that he had buried in his heart for a long time but could not believe came out at this moment.
Rong Lian opened his mouth slightly, but did not know how to start the conversation.
“Once the glass is installed, my second brother can study without worrying about the cold wind, and there will be enough sunlight.”
Rong Xi smiled.
After a long time, Rong Lian suddenly lowered his face and sighed, “Before, I was narrow-minded, brother, please don’t blame me. Entering the official position through the imperial examination is for ordinary people like us. With your talent, you don’t need to seek that fate. You can live in the countryside and bless the world.”
He now felt that his words of encouragement to study the day before yesterday were too narrow-minded.
“Second brother’s words are serious.” Rong Xi saw that he started to doubt himself, so he continued, “Everyone has their own way. My second brother is good at reading. In the future, he will be named on the gold medal list and become an official, so he can serve the people. Whether I could benefit thousands of people, I still need the help of my second brother.”
Even if Rong Xi creates a new invention, what can he do if the court is unwilling to invest time and effort? How can the strength of one individual compare to the power of an entire nation?
Rong Xi’s words made Rong Lian feel like he was enlightened and suddenly lost his mind. He was immersed in shame, but his brother had such high opinions.
“Brother, I will do my best to help you!” Rong Lian was suddenly in high spirits, as if he had found his goal in life.
Previously, he had merely followed the expectations of society, taking the civil service examination and entering the imperial court, yet he felt lost and uncertain. Even if he does enter the court, what can he, a mere scholar, accomplish?
Now, with his brother’s words, he felt as if the two governor meridians had been connected, reinvigorating him.
Through the tireless efforts of the craftsmen, by the time the sun dipped below the western horizon, the courtyard where Rong Xi, Rong Lian, and the Liu family members resided was fully equipped with glass windows.
Sunlight streamed into the room. Even though the golden rays were no longer visible, and only a faint glow of twilight remained, the objects in the room could still be clearly seen, unlike before, when even in broad daylight, the room felt dim.
I will have a good sleep tonight, Rong Xi thought to himself.
The craftsmen, having finished admiring their work, gradually took their leave of the Rong residence. Feng Shan and his son were asked to stay for dinner.
“Young master, glass is indeed novel and convenient. It is so transparent and smooth. The custom-made cost is not low. How much do you want to sell it for?” Feng Shan asked.
Rong Xi smiled and replied: “Brother Hu decides the price. If Master Feng wants to have it, I can give you the glass, but I just need your help.”
He was Liu Zishi’s martial arts master, and Rong Xi respected him quite a bit.
Considering that Master Gao was getting old and his eyesight was gradually weakening, he also needed to make a glass for him.
He was thinking in his mind when he heard Feng Shan ask: “Young master doesn’t need to be polite. I will help if I can, but as for the glass, I have to buy it myself.”
“Master Feng, your words are too serious. The world is still unaware of the benefits of glass. I am more than happy to have Master Feng as a customer. Just as brother Rong said, I will give you the glass for free, only asking that you spread the word about it.”
Hu Yulin smiled and looked at Rong Xi. Rong Xi looked grateful and felt very relieved.
His words sound reasonable, but the world is not foolish. Once people see glass, they will surely recognize its wonders. Why do we need a mere craftsman to promote it?
But the words had come to this, and Feng Shan could no longer refuse.
“Master Feng, glass is fragile. I don’t trust others. Do you have a way to help me transport it to Shengjing?” Rong Xi asked calmly.
Feng Shan was shocked. He carefully guessed Rong Xi’s expression and words. Did he ask him to send a piece of glass to King Qin’s Mansion?
Rong Xi’s move had its purpose. Firstly, the glass was indeed fragile, and he did not believe in ordinary delivery; Secondly, Feng Shan had a close relationship with the Prince’s Palace, and if they found him sending it, the Prince’s Palace would definitely treat it with caution.
“I will definitely live up to the young master’s trust.” Feng Shan solemnly replied.
Upon hearing this, Rong Lian thought that Rong Xi was sending it to the Rong family residence in Shengjing, and a faint joy stirred within him. Ever since he had come to Linxi, his elder brother had never mentioned anything about their family affairs, nor had he sent a single letter. Rong Lian had assumed that he had become estranged from their family.
Now it seemed that his brother still thought about their family.
Feng Shan was indeed trustworthy. A few days later, a smooth and transparent glass appeared in front of Qin Ke intact.
What followed was a letter, written by Feng Shan himself.
The glass attracted a crowd of onlookers. Liang Siwen and Chen Chuangu both exclaimed in amazement. Liang Siwen, emboldened, asked, “Father, who sent this? It’s even brighter than gold!”
Chen Chuangu smiled, already having a guess in his mind, and said, “Could it be created by Rong Xi again?”
After reading the letter, Qin Ke smiled wholeheartedly and said, in a good mood, “This is indeed Rong Xi’s wonderful idea. This thing is called glass, and it can be used as a window to transmit light and protect against the wind.”
“Rong Xi?” Liang Siwen was in disbelief and looked shocked.
Rong Xi’s slightly fat figure appeared in his mind, and the smile in Qin Ke’s eyes deepened, “I will enter the palace to meet the Emperor.”
Then he took the glass and left.
With the Emperor’s permission, Qin Ke entered the palace and happened to see Rong Shangshu also there.
“Cousin, do you have another novelty for me?” The young emperor, noticing Qin Ke carrying something, asked with a keen mind and excitement.
Qin Ke took off the outer paper coat and held a square piece of glass in his palm.
“Your Majesty, please take a look.”
The emperor was almost tempted to leap from the imperial dais and stride towards Qin Ke to examine the object closely. His eyes widened in astonishment, and after a long silence, he asked, “Did he create this?”
Qin Ke smiled and said, “Yes.”
“Haha,” the emperor was extremely pleased, and he couldn’t help but look at Rong Shangshu , who was bewildered beside him. He laughed heartily and praised, “Minister Rong, you’ve raised a fine son!”
Rong Shangshu, outside the situation: “…”
Your Majesty, your praise makes me panic!
The author has something to say:
Rong Shangshu: His Majesty praised my son, and I panicked a lot of QAQs and so on. Which son was he praising?
Thanks for the chapter! What I keep thinking: hey MC, don’t forget window treatments for the warm season or the evening! Glass can let in too much light too! lol
So the useless dad will find out the “truth”.
Yeah time for some face slapping🙂
Thanks for the chapter!
Father will have headache today
Thank you for your translation 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
The father will probably need more convincing than anyone else 🙄