novelraw Chapter 76: Crystal Ball
Chapter 76: Crystal Ball
Chapter 76: Crystal Ball
Returning to the office in Jingxing District, Wen Gu took out paper and drew a new sketch.
It wasn't the full view of the long bridge, but the section of the flying bridge spanning between the two districts. After finishing, Wen Gu set it aside and pondered the news he had heard about the Pei family.
Pei Jing's physique was different from his brother's because of a serious illness in his childhood; he wasn't robust. However, he wasn't sickly either. The Pei family's genes were indeed strong. Pei Jing had survived his childhood illness, and even if he wasn't strong, he was still better off than ordinary scholars. Outwardly, he looked at most like a refined scholar, but if he were truly frail, he wouldn't have lasted this long. In the early days of the chaotic times, the Pei family was still in the Imperial Capital. That was the most stressful period, a test of both mental and physical fortitude. Survival meant enduring it. He was also talented, having intended to pursue the imperial examinations and coming from a distinguished noble family. His knowledge in culture and art was beyond that of ordinary scholars. Excellent, excellent!
Wen Gu checked the sky outside. There was still some time before the district gate closed, so he wrote a calling card. Pei Jing had left his address when he visited Jingxing District before. Wen Gu asked Chang Shun to make a trip to the Pei residence. Both parties weren't yet very familiar, and it was a noble family with certain proprieties, so he first wrote a calling card to arrange a time and see if the host was available. Chang Shun was quick. He returned after delivering the calling card, his expression strange.
"What's wrong?" Wen Gu asked him. Chang Shun looked around to ensure no one else was present and then quietly recounted what he had seen and heard when he went to the Pei residence. "Patrol Officer Pei is back..." This was Pei Jing's elder brother, Pei Jun, the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division, rumored to be a ruthless man. The new military institution established by the Zhao family must have entrusted him with the position not only because they trusted him but also because he was quite capable. "Inside, there was a racket of wailing, men and women. It seemed like someone wanted to curse, but their mouths were quickly shut..." "I didn't enter the courtyard and didn't dare to look too closely. I just delivered the card and came back. However, looking back carefully, it seemed I heard some... sounds of fists and feet hitting flesh."
Wen Gu nodded inwardly. He was indeed a ruthless man. However, it seemed the visit to the Pei family would have to be postponed. "The timing isn't suitable." The Pei family was clearly experiencing a period of intense family conflict, so it probably wouldn't be appropriate for the next few days.
While he was thinking, someone from the Pei family delivered Pei Jing's reply. Wen Gu had expected Pei Jing to suggest a meeting a few days later, but when he opened it, he saw: "Tomorrow?"
Had the Pei family's internal conflict been resolved so quickly? The Pei family's eldest son was indeed worthy of being the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division at such a young age; he was so efficient! Wen Gu wondered how much of his elder brother's prowess Pei Jing had inherited. Wen Gu rubbed his hands together, full of anticipation. "Recruit him, recruit him!" Sufficient status, sufficient knowledge, ability to withstand pressure, and if he had some skills, he would be perfect!
Wen Gu went to the storeroom and carefully selected a set of small gifts, all related to calligraphy and painting—several rare pigments, some bound notebooks convenient for recording, and two charcoal pencils he had "borrowed" from the Daoist Master. Given the Pei family's wealth, they wouldn't lack good things. Novelty would be more appropriate. It could also let young Master Pei experience the cultural characteristics of their Jingqing Two Districts.The next day, Wen Gu, accompanied by his entourage and the carefully chosen small gifts, arrived at the Pei residence. A family servant was already waiting at the gate. Pei Jing had sent someone to specifically wait. Upon seeing Wen Gu, he was led directly to the courtyard where Pei Jing resided. The Pei residence was unusually quiet today. The family servants were all well-behaved, their eyes not daring to dart around, nor would they whisper to each other. All the courtyards were also silent. The entire mansion seemed to still carry a lingering aura of fear. From the news Wen Gu had gathered, the Pei family had many more servants. The current quietness might mean they were all staying indoors obediently, or perhaps... they had been purged. Recalling what Chang Shun had said yesterday, this situation was likely the result of Pei family's eldest son's forceful rectification.
Pei Jing was currently in his study. An opened drawing paper lay on the desk, but only a few strokes had been made; he hadn't continued. Pei Jing sat by the desk, fiddling with a crystal. Hearing the movement outside, Pei Jing withdrew his thoughts, a polite smile appearing on his face as he got up to greet him. They exchanged pleasantries. Pei Jing said, "My elder brother is busy with official duties and left for the outer city area this morning, so he is not at home. My father accidentally broke his leg yesterday and still needs to rest." Wen Gu followed suit, "Then I won't disturb the elder gentleman." "Please forgive my poor reception." "You are too kind." The atmosphere in the entire Pei residence today was somewhat stiff, and Pei Jing seemed preoccupied by family matters, so Wen Gu didn't bring up other topics. "I've come today to seek your help, Brother Pei!" "Oh? May I ask what troubles you, Brother Wen?"
The two walked into the study. A charcoal stove was placed inside the study, using the finest smokeless charcoal, making the room warm. Some of the skylights and windows were fitted with translucent mica, which, although not as transparent as glass, was much better than paper windows and could also protect against wind and rain. These were precious items, especially in these chaotic times; without considerable wealth and status, they were simply unaffordable. Two windows were covered with gauze. With the spread of pestilence, closing windows was fine in cold weather, but it felt stifling to close them in hot weather, and they dared not open them frequently. Thus, more and more people were using expensive gauze instead of paper for windows, allowing light and air in while blocking strong winds. Families with means would add another layer of window boards, which could be tightly closed when necessary.
Arriving at the desk, Wen Gu took out the drawing and showed Pei Jing the sketch of the flying bridge he had drawn. The structural aspects would be analyzed by professional craftsmen. He had indeed come to Pei Jing today to seek advice from an artistic perspective on what modifications should be made. Pei Jing listened as Wen Gu explained some of the questions on the drawing. Hearing that crystal-like decorations would also be used on the flying bridge, Pei Jing had a servant bring over a large wooden box. Upon opening it, it revealed hydrous obsidian/crystals of various sizes, colors, and styles. At a time when gold and silver had greatly depreciated, such items, considered flashy and of little substance by many, were indeed not as valuable as before. However, good quality ones were still favored by the nobles. Pei Jing asked Wen Gu to examine these crystals first while he carefully studied the drawing.
Silence fell in the study. Wen Gu sat to the side, looking at the various crystal items in the box. In this era, some people called things with pure qualities "glass," such as highly transparent crystals, or even some glazed tiles. The poem "When struck, they sound like jade chimes piercing the forest, suddenly like glass shattering on the ground" might be referring to crystal. Pei Jing was very fond of hydrous obsidian/crystals, that is, natural crystals and similar gemstones. Compared to gems with more intense colors, Pei Jing preferred the noble and elegant clarity of hydrous obsidian like ice. Wen Gu looked at the items in the box, the exquisite artworks of this era, and was filled with admiration. Most natural crystals inevitably had flaws, such as uneven color bands, coexisting minerals and inclusions, internal cracks, or cloudiness. Some flaws were indeed flaws, but other flaws, after being processed by craftsmen, became a part of the art in a most opportune manner. Without high-precision professional equipment, the carving and polishing were so fine, the curves flowing, and the surfaces smooth and bright. He had to admire the aesthetic sense and craftsmanship of the top artisans. He sincerely hoped that these artistic treasures of the era would be passed down for thousands of years, to amaze future generations. Immediately, Wen Gu thought that Pei Jing's excellent artistic talent and the superior aesthetic cultivated by his noble family would surely contribute to the development of Jingqing Two Districts!
At the desk, as Pei Jing studied the drawing, he also observed Wen Gu's actions. When Wen Gu saw the box of precious crystals, and merely appreciated them without greed, Pei Jing further considered Wen Gu a person of high integrity and noble character. Thus, he confidently continued to study the drawing. Wen Gu had drawn a section of a flying bridge. Elevated corridors and covered walkways had existed since ancient times. Buildings in the soon-to-be-constructed Wanfu Garden in Jingxing District would also be connected by flying bridges, something the noble families had seen many times. To span across two districts, however, was rare. After reviewing the design drawing, Pei Jing had a general understanding. However, there were still some things on the drawing that he couldn't understand, such as the side of the flying bridge, which didn't look like a railing. As he looked up to discuss with Wen Gu, he noticed that Wen Gu's attention was fixed on a certain treasure, and he was extremely absorbed. Wen Gu was originally viewing these treasures with the eyes of an admirer of classical art. Crystals of varying transparency had been made into all sorts of crafts. There were also some simple crystal balls, from variously colored crystals with unique textures to almost perfectly transparent colorless crystals. After being smoothly polished by craftsmen, just looking at them conveyed their cool and delicate texture.
Thinking of what was being researched in Qingyun District, Wen Gu carefully selected those crystal products with high transparency and fewer inclusions or cloudiness from among the treasures. Until he saw a crystal ball the size of a goose egg. In this box of gemstones, the owner had placed it in different positions according to preference. Logically, this crystal ball was large enough and clear, with no cloudiness or cracks inside. Compared to another crystal ball that was slightly smaller, it should have received more favor from the owner. However, this was not the case; its placement was in an easily overlooked corner, meaning the owner didn't often take it out to play with, and their fondness for it was limited. The moment Wen Gu saw it, he felt a sense of familiarity, and his heart skipped a beat. While it was sufficiently clear on its own, when placed with other colorless transparent crystal products, one could still sense a slight color tint. Wen Gu picked up this crystal ball and felt it carefully, then walked to the side. Sunlight streamed through the gauze window, casting a hazy golden light. Wen Gu opened the window a sliver, allowing the sunlight to shine directly in. After observing the refracted light, he closed the window. Seeing Pei Jing's questioning gaze, Wen Gu asked, "Brother Pei, may I borrow some drawing paper?" Pei Jing took out a sheet of paper: "Please do." He also took out a brush and an inkstone. However, Wen Gu did not use the brush provided by Pei Jing. Instead, he took out the charcoal pencil he carried with him and drew a thin black line on the paper. Pei Jing had seen Wen Gu use a charcoal pencil on his first visit to Jingxing District and was not surprised. He just didn't understand what Wen Gu was doing now.
After drawing the line, Wen Gu held the transparent crystal ball in his hand and placed it on the paper, looking at the black line from different angles. He then switched to another crystal ball from the box, repeated the previous action, and then picked up the first one again. His gaze gradually became fiery, burning. Wen Gu looked at the shimmering, clear "crystal" ball in his hand, finding it so captivating! So dazzling! It made his heart pound! The "surprise" was filled with actual surprise, and the "pounding" was literal. Pei Jing was confused by Wen Gu's series of actions. If Wen Gu really liked the crystal ball, he could just give it to him. Pei Jing had a vague impression of that crystal ball; it had been presented by a servant, but he didn't particularly like it, so he wouldn't mind giving it away. Thinking this, Pei Jing spoke, "Brother Wen? If you like this item..." Wen Gu looked over, his eyes shining: "Friend, have you heard of birefringence in crystals?"
(End of this chapter)