The Palace of Peach and Plum

Chapter 96:

His Majesty the Emperor was wayward once, and Ling Wei perfectly allowed him to succeed with his waywardness, making His Majesty the Emperor very happy.

Now he is not short of money, and when he is happy, he has rewarded many rare things.

Ling Wei aired all the things out to watch, and found that there were many strange things that were paid tribute by foreign countries this year.

One of the glazed lamps is particularly eye-catching.

“Unexpectedly, the emperor’s brother would reward you all this.” Li Yin was a little surprised.

“It’s expensive?” Ling Wei didn’t react when he saw the lamp, it was the legendary glazed lamp.

Ling Wei also felt that the lamp was particularly eye-catching among the treasures-ugly and eye-catching.

Ling Wei was about to ask if His Majesty the Emperor accidentally rewarded the wrong things and rewarded all the garbage that he wanted to discard.

It’s no wonder that Ling Wei has eyes and no beads, this glazed lamp is really not so good-looking.

The so-called colored glaze is actually ancient glass. Ancient colored glaze is a by-product of the extraction of bronze, and it is fired at a high temperature of more than 1,400 degrees.

Bronze can only be made by officials, which is destined to be very rare among the folks. In addition, it requires a high temperature furnace of more than 1,400 degrees, which is difficult to reach in general, so colored glaze is more rare than beautiful jade gems.

Ling Wei also saw ancient glazed products in the museum. Compared with modern exquisite glass products, ancient colored glaze has more of a simple and natural beauty. It is also crystal clear, but its translucent texture gives it a jade beauty. Naturally fired colors and patterns carved by ancient craftsmen based on their own colors are not inferior to modern glass products.

But the texture of this lamp is turbid, there are many impurity bubbles in the middle, and the color is distorted into a ball, which is extremely challenging for people’s aesthetics.

Why can’t it be good-looking?

“This colored glaze was accidentally extracted from bronze. It was called a colorful stone, and it was thought to be the essence of the earth.” Seeing Ling Wei’s expression on his face, Li Yin didn’t believe it, thinking that Ling Wei didn’t know what colored glaze was. “There is a legend that Nuwa To patch the sky, I use colored glaze.”

Ling Wei wiped his face. Yes, Nuwa uses glass to make up the sky? How brittle is that, or is it made of tempered bulletproof glass?

“I just don’t think… it’s not good-looking.” Ling Wei understood it. It turned out that Yan Chao just discovered Liuli and hadn’t figured out how to make it, let alone improve it.

They just took the “natural” colored stones and processed them again.

“It’s just a surprise.” Since Ling Wei said it was unsightly, Li Ying would naturally believe that it was unsightly, “Brother Huang rewarded you with this, and I seem to be very satisfied with the birthday.”

Ling Wei circled the ugly glazed lamp a few times and touched his chin: “It’s really ugly. This thing is very strange? Can it sell for a lot of money?”

“There are few rare things that have a price but no market. There are not many in the palace.” Li Yin added, “but the things that the emperor gave you can’t be sold.”

Ling Wei said, “I didn’t say that I would sell this. Of course, I don’t want to sell it. I know. I just asked, what price can Liuli sell outside and how much gold can be exchanged for.”

“I don’t know about this.” Because it is so scarce and only official kilns appear by chance, Li Ying hasn’t seen anyone sell this. “But in terms of value, a bottle made of gold of the same size. There are not twenty or thirty gold bottles that can’t be replaced, right? But now, even if you trade twenty or thirty golden bottles, others may not be willing to change them.”

Ling Wei nodded: “Your Majesty said that ocean-going boats are built, but I don’t have many precious things to exchange for gold, right?”

Although the porcelain is good enough, and selling it is profitable enough, the emperor is not greedy enough. He feels that a porcelain bottle can only be exchanged for a gold bottle, and he is not happy.

“It’s true.” The design of the ship was presented by Ling Wei, and I don’t know how many good things Ling Wei and his teacher collected for Ling Wei to bring back to Yan Chao. Li Yin really wanted to meet Ling Wei’s teacher. He even thought that maybe Ling Wei’s teacher took Ling Wei away for ten years, just to deliver these things to Ling Wei, and then let Ling Wei come to serve Yan Chao.

So many things are obviously collected for a lifetime.

As for why Ling Wei’s teacher didn’t come back by himself, Li Ying could also understand. A person of unknown origin and no status is definitely not better than Ling Wei

The convenience of this kind of honorable son, the emperor’s relatives and relatives.

“You said that if I find out how to make colored glaze and let the merchant ship sell it, how many gold bottles can I exchange for it?” Ling Wei knew that when the Emperor was lamenting that he couldn’t exchange many good things, he was also thinking about it. How to get some things that are easy to do at home, expensive outside, and flashy things go out to fool people.

Ling Wei didn’t want to be as kind as the Tang Dynasty in history, exporting food and technology to foreign countries for the benefit of foreigners. It’s better to sell luxury goods.

There were too many messing things back, and Ling Wei almost forgot the glass-making technique that this traverser must have.

This colored glaze is very valuable. Moreover, after the monopoly of technology, it is really just a special product unique to Yan Chao. You can sell as much as you want, and you can get an auction or anything.

How difficult is it for other gems to find the crystal-clear texture of colored glaze? Besides, where is such a big gem? If it is crystal, the crystallinity is enough, but where is the brilliant color of colored glaze? How can it be made into Liuli’s arbitrary shape?

Ling Wei once visited a hand-made glass manufacturing workshop and saw all kinds of glass, including the whole process of firing stained glass. He also followed the workshop master to make glass products by himself, and bought a bunch of books and crafts to go back (shopping is here) Features of similar tourist attractions), I still have a good understanding of glass manufacturing methods.

Western glass was manufactured during the Roman period, which was around the fourth century. In other words, there is already glass in the West. However, the popularity of glass among the people was a matter of the 16th century.

In other words, even in Rome, the only one that currently masters glass manufacturing technology, glass is a pity.

At this time, foreign glass was all green, and there was no way to make colorless glass, let alone stained glass.

Speaking of it, our colored glaze is much higher than their compelling standard, and we take it out and say that it is not the same thing, and now there is no technology to investigate its chemical composition.

Well, yes, what we make is colored glaze, not glass. The colored glaze is so nice. Our colored glaze is made of multicolored stones used by Empress Nuwa to fill the sky.

By the way, isn’t it also in Buddhism now? Isn’t Liuli a thing to ward off evil spirits?

Although foreigners do not believe in Buddhism, they can also speak out.

The birthplace of Buddhism does not have colored glaze, and it is not so strange to see this thing after we come to China, and it has a mythical color. If you can’t take it outside to brag a few more times, the colored glaze has also become a Christian holy thing, such as a gem made of the dripping blood of **** when he was nailed to the cross.

Everything is possible.

“If you can really make colored glaze, the emperor must be very happy.” Now that I have been beaten all around, the country that was eager to move, seeing the experience of several countries that were destroyed by Yan Chao, has also been a human being with its tail clipped. On the birthday of Li Li, all the surrounding countries came to bow their heads.

Li Ying was completely free.

If he can sail, he wants to go out with the boat. But at this time, he will also pull Ling Wei up.

Who makes Ling Wei the person who knows foreign countries best? At that time, even if it is… well, Ling Wei said, this is called a honeymoon trip.

Going out for a while, it also saves the emperor’s brother thinking about how to catch a strong man every day.

Li Yin thought well, but now His Majesty the Emperor obviously would not send out his most trusted civil and military officer. When the two successfully travelled, it was not known how long it would take.

But now Li Yin is still full of confidence and feels that he will definitely be the first to travel.

“Then go to the palace and tell your majesty, your majesty also feels that he has been idle recently.” Ling Wei complained in his heart, and everyone in this family couldn’t be idle.

Who knows that the hobby of His Majesty the Emperor is not about hunting and building gardens, watching singing and dancing, but about government affairs and government affairs?

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Li Li was feeling that there was nothing new recently, so he was so idle that Ling Wei came to give a surprise.

“Liu Li?” Li Li asked, “Does foreign countries also have this thing?”

“In fact, Rome, on the same land as us, already has the technology to make colored glaze, but they call it glass, and they can only make green glass.” Ling Wei said, “Hua Guo has made colorless glass a long time ago. Colored glass… well, Liuli.”

“I thought Liuli was unique to Yan Chao.” Li Li was a little unhappy.

Ling Wei smiled and said: “Hua Guo and Yan Chao have the same history. They both made bronzes and colored glaze. Of course. Liuli was in the Shang Dynasty. It’s just that one of the emperors of Hua State particularly liked colored glaze, so he called craftsmen to study the manufacture of colored glaze. He also built a crystal palace, um, of course, this kind of emperor who devotes all the power of the whole country to his own pleasure has become the last emperor, the emperor of the country.”

Ling Wei babbled casually, still wanting to sound a wake-up call to His Majesty the emperor, playthings and lose one’s ambitions.

“Playing with things to lose one’s will.” Li Li really realized the true meaning of Ling Wei’s words, “No wonder you didn’t mention Liuli before, why do you think of mentioning it now?”

Because I forgot before, now I see the ugly glazed lamp that you rewarded me, my Majesty, and I remember it again. Ling Wei said to himself.

“Because I heard your Majesty say that the ship is built, you have to travel around the country and take a fortune overseas…cough cough,” Ling Wei hurriedly changed his mouth when he saw the emperor glaring at him, “by the way, promote business exchanges with other countries. The minister thought. When it comes up, Rome has always regarded glass manufacturing as a unique luxury product of its own country, and it is exported to European countries. When it is not available, glass will be used to exchange our things. Since the ministers also have a way to make colored glaze, even the colored glaze produced is even more dazzling, said Nothing can be scammed by Rome, right?”

“Roman merchants did sell such items in the Yan Dynasty, but I didn’t know that it was our country’s colored glaze.” There are still some Roman glass products in Li Li’s warehouse.

When Ling Wei finished Liuli, I smashed the thing.

Li Li, who suddenly felt that he was collecting such items at a low price, thought angrily.

“Rome made green glass, and we made colored glass, not the same thing.” Ling Wei smiled.

“Didn’t you say it’s one…” Li Li paused, and then said with a smile, “Of course it’s not the same. The colored glaze in our country is made of colorful stones.”

Ling Wei said: “Then your majesty, will the minister write down the method?”

“What to write? This craft must be kept secret. I can’t trust anyone else! You go to the Ministry of Industry and give me Liuli to make it before you leave.” Li Li immediately decided to catch Ling Wei who had been idle for a long time.

Looking at Ling Wei’s leisurely appearance every day, His Majesty has been dissatisfied for a long time, okay?

“Chen? Ministry of Industry?” Ling Wei was dumbfounded.

“Anyway, when you promoted new grains, you had dealt with many people in the Ministry of Industry.” His Majesty said, “You also know the Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry. Take care of it for me.”

Ling Wei thought for a while. He really wanted to hear that Shang Shu of the Ministry of Industry had just been replaced and was taken over by the former servant of the Ministry of Households. Now the housekeeper is vacant.

“Your Majesty, just make a glass. Just give the minister a foreigner, right?” Ling Wei said in a weak voice, “It’s the servant again, isn’t it good for airborne?”

“You are Lord Hou, or Prince Young Fu. You are embarrassed to be a member of the staff, but I am embarrassed.” His Majesty said that it was decided. “Well, anyway, if Liuli is ready, you will continue to rest. Don’t make a face! Asking you to do something is as if I want your life.”

“Chen Zunzhi.” Well, since it was raised by yourself, then take it for yourself. Ling Wei retired in frustration.

“Hmph, I don’t know if Hu Chen will quarrel with me again this time, saying that Ling Wei will work hard in the Ministry of Engineering Minister, so that he can take over the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of Engineering in the future.” Li Li shook his head funny.

When Ling Wei was in the household department, not only did he succeed in getting Xie Rong to correct his position and draw a clear line with the eldest prince, he was also praised by Xie Rong, saying that this son should stay in the household department.

Ling Wei went to the Ministry of Rites afterwards, and when he resigned, the Gu family still quarreled with him for a while, saying that Ling Wei was not guilty and shouldn’t have been dismissed as a minister of the Ministry of Rites. He was a model scholar and should stay in the Ministry of Rites. Before Gu Yuzheng, when Yu Zheng was transferred from the Ministry of Household Shangshu to another place, he also advised him to transfer Ling Wei to the Ministry of Rites.

Now that Ling Wei has gone to the Ministry of Engineering, the Ministry of Engineering still admires Ling Wei’s old acquaintance Hu Chen a long time ago. I really don’t know what Hu Chen will do when Ling Wei finishes this job and is about to resign.

“It’s such a nasty brat,” Li Li scolded with a smile.

A position that others couldn’t ask for, others begged this stinky boy to stay, and this stinky boy had to do it, as if letting him go to work on time every day would cost him his life.

Ling Wei would rather be harassed by a group of children every day than to deal with official duties quietly, which made Li Li a headache.

“I’m the only one who spoils that stinky boy like this.” Li Li shook his head, “Next time I find a chance and get the stinky boy to stay with the staff for a while, and he will stay in all four of them. I don’t believe it, the staff. Shang Shu would still cry and shout to keep the brat.”

Yes, Your Majesty, are you pissed? Or obsessive-compulsive disorder? But are you already sure that the Ministry of Industry Shangshu will be upset about leaving Ling Wei?

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Ling Wei’s intention to go to the Ministry of Industry has aroused strong opposition from the DPRK and China.

Originally, the main force of the Grand Prince’s party that had always been opposed to Ling Wei was the first to jump out, but soon this main force was suppressed by the family Shangshu Xie Rong and the official family Shangshu Gu.

Officials from the two ministries followed their bosses and rolled up their sleeves, as if they were going to fight in groups.

Hu Chen, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, smiled triumphantly: “Weichen has worked with Jintang a long time ago. Jintang is very suitable for the Ministry of Industry. Weichen thanked your Majesty.”

Xie Rong smirked: “When Jintang worked with Mrs. Hu, he was still from the household department. Since Mrs. Hu admires Jintang, it means that Jintang has done a good job in the household department. Jintang should return to the household department. .”

Gu snorted coldly: “Jintang is a stern and talented scholar who is rare in a century. The Ministry of Rites is where he should be! He is an example of a literati!”

The eyes of the three Shangshu met in the air, and the sparks aroused almost ignited the scene.

Shang Shu silently stepped back. This Ling Jintang is really a talent, so that the other three Shangshu adults are about to fight for him. Fortunately, this has nothing to do with our staff.

“I asked Jintang to go to the Ministry of Industry, because there is an important secret task to give him.” His Majesty rubbed his eyebrows, and he knew that there would be a quarrel. Sure enough, “You don’t need to argue, Jintang. It’s still young, and the days will be long in the future.”

“Huh!” The three Shang Shu said in unison, standing back to their positions.

Next, wait and see!

Ling Wei, who was not in court, did not know that Master Shang Shu was about to rob someone.

He is just going to fight and make Liuli.

By the way, His Majesty said that since he has gone to the Ministry of Households, he should look at more things.

Are there any problems with the planting and promotion of new food, whether there are problems with the manufacture and use of cement, whether there are problems with the manufacture and trafficking of sea salt, whether there are problems with the manufacturing and launching of sea-going vessels, and how are the promotion and trials of new agricultural tools? , How about the promotion of the new tea frying method…

Huh, why are there so many things?

Isn’t he just going to make colored glaze, and after the colored glaze is made, he can be idle? Why are there so many things?

“I feel like I was pitted by His Majesty the Emperor again.” Ling Wei looked dumbfounded.

Li Ying had an expression of “Isn’t it always like this?”

Ling Wei beat the bed: “Your Majesty is doing too much! Is this doing hard work? Is there too much work in the Ministry of Engineering, too busy, he has waited for me to bump into it!”

Li Yin thought for a while, and said unsure: “Maybe?”

Indeed, I heard that Brother Huang said several times that Ling Wei gave Yan Chao too much, and the Ministry of Engineering was a little too busy.

But he wasn’t sure if Brother Emperor decided to catch people even if Ling Wei didn’t bump into him.

Or maybe it wasn’t planned, but Ling Wei ran into him, so he didn’t have to do it in vain.

“Too much! I want to raise my salary!” Ling Wei began to roll around the bed.

“Well… don’t tell the emperor brother.” Li Ying suggested, “If emperor brother hears, he will definitely say that you will be given a private subsidy to double your salary and let you do more.”

Ling Wei was dumbfounded and smashed his head into the quilt.

Well, it is indeed possible.

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Soon Ling Wei tasted the bitter fruit.

The minister of the Ministry of Industry is very busy and is responsible for the specific affairs. He has to summon craftsmen to work on the manufacturing of colored glaze, which is even more busy.

However, he had so much work in the Ministry of Engineering, and he did not lose his teaching job. Although the time has been shortened and others have shared part of it, his time has become tighter.

When others went to court, he was in class with His Royal Highnesses. When someone else is going to court, he goes to work in the Ministry of Engineering. When others are on vacation, he still has to go to the Liuli Workshop.

Sometimes he has to go down to the ground to see the problem of new food, sometimes the craftsmen have to improve farm tools, weaving machines, etc. and ask him to see it, and sometimes he has to go all the way to see the new ship launched in the water. At that time he was going to go farther to see how the sea salt was drying…

“I can’t live this day!” After returning home, Ling Wei hugged his little angel to draw strength.

“It will be fine after this period of time has been busy,” Li Yin comforted. “Since the emperor said that Liuli was made, he can let you relax. Jun has no joking, it must be fine.”

“Then I must work hard to speed up the progress!” Ling Wei clenched a fist.

Since you can’t resist, then quickly complete the task.

The most difficult part in the manufacture of colored glaze is the high temperature.

At present, it is not common for Yan Chao to stably reach a high temperature of more than 1,600 degrees. If the temperature is not enough, the quartz stone cannot be melted.

As for the problem at the time, such as how to remove iron from the iron-containing substance, it was a trivial matter that Ling Wei brought forward technology that could be solved.

Only the hardware is difficult to handle.

Although Ling Wei is familiar with glass manufacturing methods, he doesn’t know much about kilns.

Although he never forgets, it also has to be done. He had never touched a kiln before, so naturally he couldn’t come up with a good plan.

However, Yan Chao’s porcelain firing technology is very advanced, and the furnace fire could have reached a high temperature of 134 degrees Celsius. After continuous improvement by the craftsmen, the temperature gradually increased, and finally a kiln that can stabilize the high temperature of more than 1,600 Baidu was finally obtained.

It’s just that the kiln is a tunnel kiln, which consumes a lot of money, but it can produce the same product in large quantities.

easy.

However, this kiln was originally used to burn paper colored glaze, so there is no need to worry about using it instead. When Liuli is produced, this is a luxury among luxury goods, and its price can definitely fill the cost quickly.

When the first batch of finished products came out, Hu Chen learned what Ling Wei was doing on the ‘secret mission”. Only then did I know that it turned out that this thing is to be sold to foreign countries for gold, and not for the emperor’s own use.

He suddenly became energetic.

For gold, he likes it! Exchange more foreign barbarian’s gold, and then benefit the people of this country!