After Qin Ke entered the palace, he met the new emperor and told him everything about Rong Xi.
Upon hearing this, the new emperor first denounced the Mengshan County Magistrate for being ignorant of the method of iron smelting, and then repeatedly praised Rong Xi's ability.
If Rong Xi were here, he would definitely recognize that the new emperor is Chen Erlang.
"If the horseshoe is truly magical, why should the Great Wei worry about not being able to annihilate the northern barbarians?" He stood with his hands behind his back, his brows and eyes showing the spirit of a young emperor, "I will summon Yang Qianmu to the palace immediately."
Yang Qianmu was the Minister of Works. Upon receiving the emperor's edict, he quickly packed up and entered the palace.
The three of them talked for a long time, and did not stop until the evening.
Rong Xi had no way of knowing what was happening in Shengjing as he was busy making new utensils.
Rong Lian saw that he was outside all day long and didn't know what he was busy with. He asked about it, but Rong Xi evaded the question.
"Second brother, study hard and wait until next year's provincial examination to bring honor to our family."
Rong Lian sighed secretly, his face looked serious and dignified, like a teacher. After hearing his theories repeatedly, Rong Xi had a headache.
"I am not good at studying, please don't try to persuade me."
Liu Zishi happened to come and report: "Sir, the carriage is ready. When do we set off?"
Faced with Rong Lian's eyes that "wanted him to be a great man", Rong Xi could only cruelly refuse, "I have an appointment with Brother Hu. Second brother, you stay at home and study hard. I will be back at 3 pm."
So he fled in panic.
When they arrived at the kiln outside the city, Hu Yulin had been waiting for half a minute. When he saw his car stop, he stepped forward to greet him and asked, "Da Lang, are you going to fire it today?"
A few days ago, Professor Rong Xi's kiln workers transformed coal stone into coke. The temperature of coke is much higher than that of coal stone. Firing glass requires high temperature, so coke is indispensable.
Compared with kilns for firing bricks, stones and ceramics, glass kilns need to be smaller in size to facilitate temperature concentration.
After several days of transformation and fuel preparation, Hu Yulin was already extremely anxious.
"We can try it today." Rong Xi was infected by him and became excited.
Glass is not only used as windows, but also has uses in all aspects of daily life. If it could be fired, life would be much more convenient.
The kiln workers were all highly skilled people, and Rong Xi divided the work into groups to handle each process.
After the mixed raw materials are put into the furnace, they are melted at high temperature and then pressed into the mold.
Rong Xi only knew the theory, and it was the kiln workers’ first time firing porcelain, so the finished product was not satisfactory. But even though it did not meet the standards, Hu Yulin and the kiln workers were amazed.
Although there are bubbles and water marks on it, anyone with a discerning eye can see that it will become popular all over the world simply because of the transparent nature of glass.
Hu Yulin was so excited that the corners of his eyes turned red. "If the firing is successful, the wages will be doubled!"
The kiln workers were delighted and continued to try.
Rong Xi and Hu Yulin were wealthy and powerful, and even though the kiln turned into waste after several firings, they showed no sign of pain and just stared at the kiln.
The firing was not successful on the first day, and the kiln workers felt ashamed and guilty.
Rong Xi, however, looked relaxed. After returning home, he wrote down all his experiences of the day on paper, so that future generations could read it if there was a chance.
As autumn turns to winter, the cold winds become more violent.
Rong Lian was reading at his desk, the lamp flickering unsteadily. Suddenly, a strong wind blew in through the window and almost blew out the candle.
The window paper is falling off again.
Rong Lian looked calm, but he secretly sighed in his heart. Compared to Shengjing, the food in my ancestral home is of course much better, every meal tastes like heaven. It is quiet and peaceful, with no one to disturb you, making it a great place to read.
But the window paper is really thin. In winter, the cold wind will blow in, which is not good for reading.
He will ask Xiyan to buy more paper tomorrow and paste it tightly.
The next morning, Rong Lian got up, washed up, and was about to go to eat when he heard a noise outside the house.
He stepped into the front yard and saw carriages and horses parked outside the door, and many craftsmen were carefully unloading goods.
What did you buy, brother?
Just then, Rong Xi came around from the other side of the horse, stood side by side with Hu Yulin, and they laughed and whispered.
The sunset glows brilliantly, and people are like green bamboos.
My brother has lost some weight. The cheek flesh has receded, revealing a handsome outline, eyebrows like peaks, eyes like stars, and the nose and lips are all worthy of being painted.
He has nothing in common with the Rong Dalang that others describe.
"Brother." He couldn't help but call out.
Rong Xi turned around, looking relaxed, "Second brother, have you gotten up? I was just about to go look for you. The craftsmen are repairing the doors and windows today, which will definitely disturb your studies. Can you go to Master Gao's house and stay for a day?"
He was just thinking about the doors and windows last night, and his brother hired someone to fix them this morning. Rong Lian felt ashamed and grateful, and said, "I'm not studying today, brother, maybe I can help?"
"No need, just rest." After Rong Xi finished speaking, he invited Hu Yulin to go into the house with him.
After many failures, the glass was finally produced successfully. After pressing, burning the edges and fading the fire, the glass window finally appeared in front of Rong Xi.
After gaining more experience, the kiln workers have been firing day and night, and now the quantity is sufficient.
Hu Yulin came today just to see the effect of the glass doors and windows with his own eyes.
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 had been quiet for a long time, but today it was noisy. The craftsmen were hammering and pounding, and the courtyard was filled with their figures.
When Rong Lian first saw the glass, he was shocked.
What is this? Why had he never seen it?
"Erlangjun, do you know what this is?" Xiyanyi asked his knowledgeable master with a confused look on his face.
Rong Lian pursed his lips and shook his head. He walked to Rong Xi and asked directly, "Brother, what are these? Why are they so transparent?"
"This is glass. It can be used as a window. It lets light in and blocks wind. It is much better than paper." Hu Yulin answered for Rong Xi. "This is Dalang's brilliant idea. It will amaze the world in the future."
Seeing that Rong still ignored Dalang's talent, he felt indignant and said it directly without Rong Xi's consent. Then he gave Rong Xi an apologetic smile.
Rong Xi was helpless. He didn't want to hide his incompetence, he just didn't want to talk about it.
Rong Lian suddenly looked at Rong Xi, his eyes trembling.
How many new things has he seen since he came to Linxi? Whether it is Mr. Hu who makes coal briquettes, Mr. Jiang who creates thin cauldrons, or Mr. Duan who introduces new dishes, they are all inseparable from my brother.
All these things are still vivid in my mind. The thoughts that have been buried in my heart for a long time but I couldn't believe them all came out at this moment.
Rong Lian opened his mouth slightly, wanting to say something but stopping himself.
"Once the glass is installed, my second brother can study in peace without being disturbed by the cold wind and with plenty of sunlight."
Rong Xi smiled.
After a long while, Rong Lian's face suddenly brightened and he sighed, "I was narrow-minded before, please don't blame me, brother. The imperial examination is for common people like us. With your talent, you don't need to seek a chance to serve in the government. You can live in the countryside and benefit the world."
He now realized that his words of encouragement to study the day before were too narrow-minded.
"You are too kind, brother." Rong Xi saw that he was in a trance and seemed to be doubting himself, so he said, "Everyone has his own strengths. My brother is good at studying. He will pass the imperial examination in the future and become an official to serve the people. Whether your way can benefit thousands of people, you still need your help."
If the imperial court is unwilling to put in the effort, what good will it do even if Rong Xi creates a new device? How can the strength of one person compare to the strength of a whole country?
Rong Xi's words made Rong Lian suddenly realize something and he was stunned. He was still immersed in shame, but his brother had such a brilliant idea.
"I will do my best to support and help you, brother!" Rong Lian suddenly became excited, as if he had found his life goal.
Before this, he just followed the world's view, took the imperial examination, and entered the court, but he felt confused and at a loss. Even if he really entered the court, what use could he be as a mere scholar?
Now that I have heard your advice, it is as if the Ren and Du meridians are open and I have new energy.
After the unremitting efforts of the craftsmen, by sunset, the courtyards where Rong Xi, Rong Lian and the Liu family's grandparents and grandchildren lived were all installed with glass windows.
The light shone into the house. Even though the golden wheel could not be seen, there was only a faint glow, and the objects in the house could be seen clearly. It was different from the past when it seemed dim even in the daytime.
I can have a good sleep tonight, Rong Xi thought to himself.
After the craftsman finished admiring the work, he gradually left the house. Feng Shan and his son were left behind to eat together.
"Da Lang, glass is indeed novel and convenient. It is so clear and bright. The price must be high. How much do you want to sell it for?" Feng Shan asked.
Rong Xi smiled and replied, "Brother Xuanshi is good at pricing. If Engineer Feng doesn't mind, I can give you the glass, but I need you to help me with one thing."
He is Liu Zishi's martial arts master, and Rong Xi has quite a bit of respect for him.
Considering that Mr. Gao is old and his eyesight is weakening, glass should also be used.
He thought to himself, and heard Feng Shan ask: "Don't be polite, Dalang. I will help you if I can, but I must buy the glass myself."
"Mr. Feng's words are very sincere. People in the world do not know the benefits of glass. Mr. Feng is willing to do business with Mr. Hu. I am so happy. Just as Dalang said, the glass is given to Mr. Feng. I only hope that Mr. Feng will spread the word."
Hu Yulin smiled and exchanged a glance with Rong Xi. Rong Xi gave him a grateful look, which made him feel very happy.
What he said sounds reasonable, but people in the world are not stupid. When they see glass, they will definitely know its wonders. Why does they need a craftsman to promote it?
But now that things have come to this, Feng Shan can no longer refuse.
"Engineer Feng, glass is fragile and 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 considered Rong Xi's expression and words. Was he asking him to deliver a piece of glass to Prince Qin's mansion?
Rong Xi's move had its purpose. Firstly, glass was indeed fragile, and he did not believe in ordinary post messages; secondly, Feng Shan had a close relationship with the Prince's Mansion, and if he found someone to send him off, the Prince's Mansion would definitely treat it with caution.
"I will never fail to live up to Dalang's trust." Feng Shan replied solemnly.
When Rong Lian heard this, he thought that Rong Xi was going to be sent to Rong Mansion in Shengjing, and he felt slightly happy. Since he came to Linxi, his brother never mentioned anything about his family and didn't write a single letter. He thought his brother had become estranged from his family.
Now it seems that my brother still cares about his family.
Feng Shan was indeed trustworthy. A few days later, a piece of smooth and transparent glass was presented to Qin Ke intact.
What followed was a letter written by Feng Shan himself.
The glass attracted many people to watch. Liang Siwen and Chen Chuangu were amazed. Liang Siwen boldly asked, "Aye, who sent this? It's brighter than gold!"
Chen Chuangu smiled, and had a guess in his mind, and said, "Could it be that Dalang made it again?"
After reading the letter, Qin Ke smiled, as if in a very good mood, "This is indeed a brilliant idea by Rong Dalang. This thing is called glass, which can be used as a window, letting in light and keeping out wind."
"Rong Dalang?" Liang Siwen couldn't believe it and looked shocked.
The slightly plump figure of Rong Xi appeared in his mind, and Qin Ke's smile deepened, "I will go to the palace to see the emperor."
So he left with the glass.
With the emperor's permission, Qin Ke entered the palace, where Shangshu Rong happened to be there.
"Cousin, do you have anything new?" The young emperor asked happily when he saw Qin Ke holding something in his hand and thinking clearly.
Qin Ke took off the outer layer of paper and held a square piece of glass in his palm.
"Your Majesty, please watch."
The emperor almost jumped down the steps in the hall and strode to Qin Ke. He looked at it carefully with a look of surprise in his eyes. After a long while, he asked, "Did he make it?"
Qin Ke smiled, "That's right."
"Haha," the emperor was extremely happy. He looked at the bewildered Minister Rong and couldn't help laughing and praising him, "Rong Qing gave birth to a good son!"
Minister Rong, who was not aware of the situation, said: "..."
Your Majesty, your praise makes me feel a little flustered!
The author has something to say:
Minister Rong: When His Majesty praised my son, I was so panicked that I said a lot of QAQs and so on. Which son was he praising?
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