novelraw Chapter 87: New Tycoon
Chapter 87: New Tycoon
Chapter 87: New Tycoon The biting cold wind raged, and work had stopped in Jingxing District. However, the kilns in Qingyun District were still operational.
Several special kilns had been reinforced with insulation, their bodies thickened with additional insulating layers. The improved kilns required highly experienced craftsmen to operate and manage them to maintain stable operation.
Even so, the low-temperature environment increased the cost of firing. The technical challenges were even greater; a moment's carelessness could lead to firing failure.
Of course, this failure referred only to not meeting Wengu's standards.
In recent days, the Treasure Bridge in Jingxing District had become a hot topic in the city, and the idle craftsmen had gone to see it.
After the initial shock and awe, they knew in their hearts that those so-called treasures actually contained many flaws. The kiln experiments were still ongoing.
The winter's low temperatures and the increased costs of raw and auxiliary materials, even experienced artisans could estimate the money burned daily. Some, with concerns, specifically sought out Wengu: "Given the multiple factors causing excessive expenditure and the finished products still not meeting your standards, Foreman Wen, should we temporarily halt operations?" To this, Wengu replied: "No need to worry, continue firing!"
The failed products would have their own outlets.
With current limited technology, defects produced from experiments in de-coloring, color adjustment, impurity removal, bubble removal, etc., could be placed on rooftops or embedded into walls as decorative art.
Few people would bother to examine them closely. Later, when the craftsmanship improved and building maintenance was scheduled, they would be replaced one by one.The beauty of distance could still be maintained.
Wengu requested two types of colorless transparent glass: one thin and transparent, like a petri dish, and another thicker, perfectly clear glass without bubbles, to be used for polishing.
The craftsmen didn't know what Wengu intended to polish, only that this foreman's requirements were extremely high. Those that failed to meet the standards during the trial-and-error process would be re-fired if possible; otherwise, they would all be used as other "architectural decorative materials."
However, the craftsmen did not develop strong negative emotions, as Foreman Wen paid their rewards promptly. Moreover, Wengu had set several deadlines.
The sooner qualified products were developed, the greater the rewards for the craftsmen, and they might even be recruited to work in the Zhao family's workshops as junior stewards, with their families also being accommodated! This was a dream for many craftsmen!
Wengu held the latest fired product, examining it against the light. In fact, as the craftsmen's experience accumulated and their techniques improved, they were getting very close to his requirements.
Calculating the date for the Chinese New Year, Wengu went to encourage the craftsmen again during their meal and rest times— "Work with all your might, strengthen your resolve, push forward under pressure, and strive with high spirits!"
…
On the road to Xin Prefecture City. A convoy with numerous horse-drawn carriages moved forward in the cold wind.
From a distance, it looked like a giant snake winding through the snowy landscape. Although the sky was clear, the temperature was frigid, and the thick snow on the ground had not melted.
Fortunately, upon entering Xin Prefecture, the local City Defense Army had cleared the roads in advance, and some sections were even sprinkled with burnt coal ash for anti-skid purposes. The convoy did not need to spend extra time clearing snow and obstacles.
The road surface was also smoother, making the journey much more comfortable for those inside the carriages.
At the very front of the convoy was the cavalry of the Xin Prefecture Xiànsòu Army.
Closely following them were some guards on horseback, distinctly dressed, protecting the important carriages and goods of their respective families. Inside the large carriage closest to the front of the convoy sat an old woman and a young man.
Exhausted from their long journey for survival, both bore weary expressions. The precious fabrics decorating the carriage were embroidered with Buddhist patterns.
The young man wore a string of Buddhist beads on his wrist. He raised his hand, slightly lifted the curtain, and looked at the monotonous snowy landscape outside.
They were from the Southern lands. Their hometown rarely experienced snow in winter; it only snowed occasionally during rare cold snaps.
Some nobles recuperating during winter also went to the warm and prosperous towns of the Southern lands. However, with the epidemic of evil spreading, the warm climate brought many disadvantages, and the Southern towns were successively destroyed.
From the beginning to the end of the year, they lived under the threat of evil creatures every day, with despair and tragedy filling every corner. Last winter, they moved their families and some supplies to several small islands, but this was not a long-term solution.
They decided to send a group north to seek more opportunities for survival and a more distant future for their families.
Among the gathered information, they had considered all six major powers in the Northern lands.
With great business and responsibilities, the leaders bore immense pressure; time was of the essence, and a decision had to be made quickly. After nearly a year of observation, during which the Zhao family sent people south to contact them, they contacted three other major maritime families and chose to head to Xin Prefecture.
The moment their fleet approached the coast and a large amount of supplies was exchanged for Xin Prefecture money certificates, their path forward was largely decided. This road led directly to Xin Prefecture; any deviation midway would result in significant losses.
The convoy arriving at the port would come in batches. Many people were unaccustomed to the Northern climate, and coupled with the fatigue of the journey, they required longer rest periods.
They were the first batch to head for Xin Prefecture City, and the journey had been interrupted by weather twice. On the Southern coast, fierce winds carried destructive power, laden with moisture, as if wanting to engulf people and drown them.
In contrast, the biting winds of the North were like rows of ice blades, each aiming to pierce one's bones. They were indeed unaccustomed, but they also saw that the monsters that had driven them to despair several times in the South were like robots under a spell, or like severely rusted machinery, slow and clumsy.
When they rested in a town midway, the army and guards cleared out the hidden evil creatures with ease, like slicing through vegetables. It was as if they weren't facing the same kind of monsters.
The limitation of low temperatures was so apparent!
"The Northern winter indeed holds the key to survival!" The young man lowered the curtain, preventing more cold air from entering. The old woman beside him also withdrew her gaze, her hands moving over her prayer beads.
The harsh winter and the falling snow, in these chaotic times, also served as a form of protection.
"It's been a long time since I felt such peace," the old woman sighed softly.
The Northern winter was cold, but it offered a reassuring tranquility. If it weren't for this, in ordinary chaotic times, they could have established their own power in the South! Those who engaged in maritime trade and became successful lacked neither connections nor wealth.
Far from the emperor's reach, their lives of luxury were no less than those of the great nobles in the Imperial City. Now…
"Alas!" The young man sighed silently.
Amidst various thoughts and calculations, Xin Prefecture City was finally reached! They saw the newly built magnificent defenses and also the military districts in the outer city area. Despite their complicated thoughts, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief at this moment.
The destination had been reached, and it appeared to be safe and reliable.
They would rest for another night in the outer city area.
Given their status as the leaders of their families, they were exempt from quarantine observation. However, they needed to rest and refresh themselves here.
Once they entered the inner city, social engagements would begin, and they couldn't possibly meet people looking disheveled and exhausted. They had expected Xin Prefecture to be harsh and had mentally prepared for a significant drop in their quality of life, but they unexpectedly found novel items even in their temporary lodging!
"Glass windows? Xin Prefecture is this extravagant?!" The young man's eyes widened in surprise.
As people involved in maritime trade, they possessed many imported glass objects and were not unfamiliar with them, but they had never reached the point of using glass for windows!
"They are better than window paper and splints, windproof, rainproof, and translucent," the old woman said, looking out at the scenery through the glass window.
"Xin Prefecture has mastered the firing technology!"
They sent people to inquire and learned that accommodations for distinguished guests in the outer city area were all equipped with glass windows.
However, production was currently limited, and many wealthy households in the inner city were still on a waiting list! "Grandmother, once we enter the city, let's get them installed," the young man said. They were joining the Zhao family and would likely enjoy certain privileges.
He couldn't help but consider the potential profits the Zhao family could gain from this.
Aside from the glass windows, the other furnishings inside were, in their eyes, rather ordinary.
The old woman's novelty with the glass windows had passed, and her expression became subdued again. The young man understood that the elder missed their family members who remained on the island in the Southern lands; he missed them too.
This trip was to scout ahead, and whether they would bring their families over depended on whether Xin Prefecture was worth it!
"I heard there's a Treasure Bridge in Jingxing District in Xin Prefecture City, newly built. We can see it then!" While it sounded anticipated, their tone was casual.
They also discovered newspapers placed inside the room. The young man picked one up and read it aloud to the elder for a while.
Outside, the guards and followers had also gathered, discussing among themselves. Among the intelligence gathered, the current hot topic in Xin Prefecture City was the Treasure Bridge.
"Jingxing District and Qingyun District? Jingqing Alley? Which part of the inner city is that?"
"I asked the City Defense Army. They said once you enter the inner city, you'll know immediately; it's a tall glazed tile long bridge suspended in the air."
"All treasures? Is it that magical? Just bragging!"
"It's definitely exaggerated.
This frontier town is harsh and cold, so rare and precious items are hard to come by." They were in the maritime trade and had seen plenty of rare treasures, unlike the locals who lacked experience.
"But there are also many noble families here; perhaps they contributed."
"Whether it's true or not, all of you, get yourselves together! The inner city already houses wealthy households and aristocrats, and many eyes are watching.
We cannot bring shame to our Boss when we enter the city tomorrow!"
After a night of rest, the following day, the first contingent of the four major maritime families—Feng, Liang, Xu, and Guo—who had migrated north from the Southern lands, led by the Feng family, stepped into the inner city of Xin Prefecture. The leading guard contingent was from the Feng family.
They had once battled water bandits and pirates, fought against evil creatures in chaotic times, and their wild bodies, tempered by the ocean waves for years, were agile and dangerous. Though not necessarily burly, they were as formidable as frontier soldiers.
Now, to uphold their Boss's reputation, whether on horseback or walking closely behind, they maintained a steady and powerful demeanor, exuding great spirit.
The few guards on horseback had stern expressions, but their minds were elsewhere.
As trusted confidants, they possessed more information. The Boss revered Buddhism; among the northern powers, their Feng family initially intended to go to the Ren Clan.
However, the Zhao family had contacted them earliest and offered promises and sincerity, which led them to unite with the other three families and come to Xin Prefecture. Yet, they also heard that the Zhao family did not have a favorable attitude towards Buddhism and Taoism.
They did not build temples, only allowing family shrines within their residences. The guards and followers also followed their Boss's preferences.
Besides the Sea Goddess of sailors, they usually worshipped Buddha on land.
Upon entering the inner city, they deeply felt the local district system and the strict order under the chaotic times.
Walls separated the districts, revealing only the rooftops of various tall buildings, but not a single one resembled a temple. They also saw no monks on the streets.
The Zhao family really didn't build temples! Did they only get to worship at home from now on?
With these thoughts in mind, they also paid attention to their surroundings. In their peripheral vision, something seemed to flash.
It was bright, colorful, and dazzling, but not the glint of a weapon. They turned to look.
Bathed in sunlight, a dreamlike flying bridge entered their sight.
"I… ah… wow!" They wanted to say something, but for a moment, they didn't know what to say.
Remembering they shouldn't shout randomly and shame their Boss, they could only utter sounds. Those on horseback had a wider field of vision and discovered the wondrous sight one after another.
They craned their necks; some couldn't help but exclaim, almost falling off their horses. The horse saddles felt as if they were nailed down, making it impossible to sit still.
They wanted to calmly look ahead, but their gazes were drawn to the gleaming location.
"Is there some custom here? Was it made by melting ice?" someone asked with a hoarse voice, as if asking with difficulty.
"How is that possible!" If it were on the snowy ground, such a suspicion might arise, but look at the flying bridge erected high above, the roofs and walls piled up like jewels, and the glass windows and dazzling lights on both sides as if they were free! "Is that the legendary Xin Prefecture Treasure Bridge?!" Is Xin Prefecture City this wealthy?!
Inside the guarded carriage, the young master Feng Zai Ning and the old lady were looking at a list of identities of Xin Prefecture's dignitaries and important figures. Their own strengths lay on the water, in maritime navigation, and they were difficult to utilize in Xin Prefecture.
Although they knew the Zhao family would arrange other tasks for them later, their options were limited in the short term. Old-fashioned noble families and newly developed powers, with the new rules in this chaotic era, might not welcome their arrival.
The grandfather and grandson discussed how to engage in social exchanges during the upcoming New Year festivities, reciprocating goodwill and exchanging necessities, and quickly integrate into Xin Prefecture City's upper circles.
Hearing the commotion outside, the grandfather and grandson's first reaction was: a snub from the local dignitaries! Wary, Feng Zai Ning lifted the curtain beside him.
A guard approached and, in a low voice, briefly informed him. Not dignitaries? The Treasure Bridge? Feng Zai Ning was somewhat surprised.
He stepped out of the carriage and stood on it, looking in the direction everyone was gazing. His eyes squinted from the glare, then widened in astonishment.
From their vantage point, though they couldn't see the entire Treasure Bridge, they could see most of it. Even from a distance, they could perceive its sacred radiance and splendor! If it were a small object, such a glittering treasure would be enshrined in a family shrine! In a daze, he even saw some colorful light spots moving on it.
Feng Zai Ning felt a wave of dizziness at this moment. Xin Prefecture City… seemed different from what they had anticipated! This place didn't favor Buddhism and Taoism; perhaps they worshipped a different deity?! Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor on the surface, the Buddhist beads on his wrist trembled slightly, while his heart frantically chanted sutras! He wondered if he could donate some merit money there!
(End of this chapter)