"Master, everyone has arrived."
The five people came in, looking rather reserved. Although they had seen Youqing once yesterday, they were even more nervous after a night.
Seeing their somewhat uneasy demeanor, Youqing didn't mind. She needed people who could make glass, not talkative firecrackers. This kind of behavior was fine and might even be a good thing.
"Did you all get a good night's rest last night?"
Even though they hadn't rested well, several people still insisted on taking a break.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have rested well."
"That's good. I'll have to trouble you all for the next period of time. But don't worry, your hard work will be rewarded and won't be in vain."
"Thank you, Master. We don't know what you want us to do, so please give us your instructions."
All five of them worked in the Imperial Household Department, firing kilns, but in different areas. They had thought about it last night and figured it was related to their old profession, otherwise they wouldn't have specifically asked for someone who knew how to fire kilns.
“You are all straightforward people. I can’t say exactly what we’ll do, but I’ll take you directly there.”
Youqing led people to build a new workshop in the orchard. It wasn't very big, and it would be moved to another place after the glass was successfully fired.
This workshop served as a transitional measure.
The group followed Youqing to the small workshop. Some of the items inside were familiar, but others were unfamiliar.
Then Youqing explained the recipe for the glass and asked everyone to write it down. Afterwards, she prepared masks, since it's true that these things can damage the lungs.
"I've given you the recipe. As long as you can successfully fire the glass, regardless of the order, you'll receive a reward. Also, your safety is the top priority."
Things were fine before. They had seen the good treatment given by their new master, and it was not surprising that they would be rewarded for their achievements. But no one had ever told them before that they should put their own safety first when working. They were all getting on in years, and for a moment, their eyes welled up with tears.
"This servant will certainly not fail to live up to my master's expectations."
"Do your job well."
"yes"
After leaving the small workshop, Youqing said to Chengying, "Send two old women over there, one to deliver the food and the other to sweep and clean."
Although the recipe for making glass has been given, there is a gap between theory and practice, and we can't treat people unfairly.
"Yes, Master."
After arranging things for a few people, Youqing left. She couldn't have helped much even if she hadn't left, since she wasn't as professional as the others!
After she left, the five of them started moving. Although they hadn't slept all night, they were all very excited and not listless at all.
First, there was a discussion, and around noon, just as they were about to start trying it out, an old woman came into the workshop carrying a lot of things.
"Are you all new chefs? The master instructed me to bring you meals. If you're not too busy, please eat first, and we can deal with anything else after you finish eating."
The group looked at each other, then put down what they were holding and started eating.
After finishing their meal, the youngest one couldn't help but say, "We really have met a good master."
"Who can argue with that!"
Those who could work in the Imperial Household Department were considered among the top craftsmen, but even so, they were still just craftsmen, making a living with their skills, but that was all they did.
Life in the palace was tough, but it wasn't all easy either. Those who were diligent and resourceful had an easy time, as did those who were shrewd and worldly-wise. However, life wasn't easy for them. In the palace, if you didn't eat at mealtimes, no one would remember you. In the cold winter, no one would remember that the blankets they used were years old and needed to be replaced…
Although these are all trivial matters, the warmth and coldness of human relationships are revealed in these small things.
Youqing had no idea that what she considered normal "work treatment" was seen as preferential treatment by several people; she was just doing what she was supposed to do.
If you want your employees to perform well, you need to pay them enough, make their dormitories comfortable, and make sure their meals are good. In Youqing's view, these are the basic benefits.
It was precisely because of this treatment that the several masters, who were not young, suddenly seemed to have gained more vitality.
The glass construction is continuing here, while on the other side, at Jingren Palace, Consort Tong is gone.
When Emperor Kangxi received the news, he was at Muqing Garden. After learning about it, he said, "Tell Yinzhen to bury him according to the rules."
The scale of her burial was not raised. Kangxi did not forgive her for what she had done, and naturally he would not consider her dignity after death.
“Zha”
When Yinzhen learned of Consort Tong's death, he was doing his homework in his study. Upon hearing the news, he was stunned. His adoptive mother had passed away just like that.
Since arriving at Muqing Garden, Yinzhen's life has become much quieter. He no longer has to go to Jingren Palace every day to attend to his sick relative out of filial piety. He only needs to go back once every five days, and he can simply pay his respects at the gate of Jingren Palace before returning home.
He thought life would continue like this, but then he suddenly passed away.
Yinzhen's feelings for Tong Yingying, the mother and son, had long been worn away, so he wasn't particularly heartbroken, but he felt a little empty and unaccustomed to it.
When Consort Tong passed away, her rank was Consort. Emperor Kangxi said she should be buried according to the standards for a Consort.
The death of a concubine in the harem wouldn't cause any stir. However, since Concubine Tong was formerly an Imperial Noble Consort, her death elicited jubilation from some, sighs from others, and indifference from still others.
As her adopted son, Yinzhen had to go back to see her off. The funeral was held very quietly, and among the princes, only Yinzhen attended.
When Yinzhen returned to Muqing Garden from the palace, he was even quieter, and his demeanor became even more aloof.
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