novelraw Chapter 96: In a Fit of Rage
Chapter 96: In a Fit of Rage
Chapter 96: In a Fit of Rage
Back in the day, the imperial court favored civil over military officials. Young Master Zhao's chosen path for development was a civil service career. His family hired renowned teachers from both the southern and northern lands, but they didn’t travel to study abroad.
The northern lands had a less flourishing literary atmosphere. Moreover, his family members who held official positions had to be stationed at the border for extended periods. If he wanted to study abroad, he would naturally have to go south, where the literary tradition was strong.
It was too far, and the journey was too risky. After consideration, the family deemed it unnecessary. Thus, they invited renowned scholars and literati from the south to come and impart knowledge from books, as well as discuss the lives and customs of various regions in the south.
When Wen Gu spoke of his "traveling studies and their gains," the Zhao Family Father and Son did not doubt him.
In this era of inconvenient transportation and poor information flow, people believed whatever they were told. If one could provide evidence, even more people would believe it.
And what Wen Gu presented, from the honeycomb coal stove to various types of lenses, was concrete proof!
Everyone’s initial intentions and goals for traveling abroad were different. Even when following the same paths and visiting the same renowned teachers, their insights and gains would vary.
During times of flourishing literary culture, most people who traveled abroad did not place much importance on craftsmen and folk skills.
Wen Gu’s "traveling studies and their gains" might have been considered a waste of time in the past."What a pity! In these chaotic times, how many precious talents and skills are buried!" Young Master Zhao lamented.
The Zhao Family Head also thought: When the world is peaceful again, I can let future generations of the family continue this tradition of "traveling studies."
Traveling abroad is truly of great use!
Meanwhile, Wen Gu returned to their small courtyard.
He pondered matters on the way.
The microscope he gifted his uncle as a New Year's gift had a lens combination that could magnify objects nearly two hundred times.
No one knew what the蛊 (gǔ - a type of venomous insect or reptile, often used in witchcraft) that caused the epidemic of evil looked like, or how big they were.
With the limited magnification of the naked eye, magnifying by tens of times was surely not enough.
If the venomous insects that caused the epidemic of evil were smaller, and if he wanted to study them from the egg stage, two hundred times might suffice, but to be safe, a higher magnification was needed—three hundred, four hundred times…
High magnification could even see bacteria, of course, but that was limited to merely seeing them.
Fortunately, what caused the epidemic of evil were parasitic worms, not bacteria or viruses.
Currently, the production of lenses depended entirely on manual grinding. It wasn't as simple as deciding to make a lens of a certain magnification and being able to do so immediately.
It was possible that after countless trials and errors, the successfully ground lens might not achieve the desired magnification.
To better study those parasitic worms, from the egg to the adult stage, and their living environment, it was best to have lenses of various magnifications, from low to high!
That would require more high-tech craftsmen!
It would require more people to be involved in grinding lenses!
Microscopes and telescopes were considered classified items and could not be revealed to outsiders.
Glasses for myopia and hyperopia, on the other hand, were for public consumption. Workshops and stores were definitely needed, as well as the training of professional teams. Whether by degree of myopia/hyperopia or by age, a large number of lenses would be required to support this.
Therefore, no matter which type of "lens" it was, more craftsmen, a larger production system, and more professional craftsmen and personnel were needed!
It involved complex work in all aspects!
Wen Gu didn't have much time to oversee this, nor did he have suitable people to manage it. So, he dumped all these tasks onto the Zhao family.
The recruitment of craftsmen from various places, the construction of workshops, talent management, and other such affairs were all handed over to the Zhao family.
Uncle and Cousin still had a good amount of rest time each day; if they squeezed a little more, they could dedicate more effort to the "lens" project.
With this thought, Wen Gu returned to his small courtyard and began writing a plan to help the Zhao family improve their efficiency.
The next day, after finishing the plan, Wen Gu did not immediately hand it over. He decided to take a leisurely stroll to relax before returning to check for any omissions or errors.
The adults in the Zhao family were still very busy, so Wen Gu decided to visit his grand-nephew.
For his New Year's gift this time, he had given his grand-nephew a kaleidoscope. He wondered if the little friend would like it.
Strolling to his grand-nephew's courtyard, he learned that his cousin was also there, and had been for some time.
He hadn't heard of any urgent matters. Was his cousin here for a rare father-son bonding session?
Not far inside, he saw the father and son duo under the corridor.
The child stood with a stern face, as if angry but trying to suppress it.
What could have caused this…
Taking a few more steps closer, he saw his cousin holding a cylindrical tube with one eye, gazing intently, and continuously rotating the tube.
Wen Gu: "..."
Ah, he understood the reason now.
The kaleidoscope he gave to his grand-nephew was indeed very attractive to young children who had never encountered such toys before.
Now, it seemed, it was also very attractive to certain adults who were well-traveled and open-minded.
Wen Gu did not try to muffle his footsteps. Young Master Zhao, engrossed in rotating the tube, looked up and a fleeting embarrassment crossed his face.
He explained, "When I first arrived, I thought he was holding... that thing."
When he came over and saw his son playing with this tube outside, he was startled. He thought Wen Gu had sent over a telescope.
Upon taking it in his hand, he exclaimed, "Huh???"
It was quite intriguing.
He had initially intended to just inspect it, but as he looked, he began to study it.
The child, having his toy snatched away, could only stand beside him with a stern face, daring not to speak out.
In a few words, Wen Gu understood the cause of the incident.
The little friend was very fond of his newly received gift. The corridor was brighter, so during his free time, he took his new toy outside to play, unafraid of the cold, wearing gloves as he looked.
Then his father saw it and had been hogging the toy ever since.
Now that Wen Gu had arrived, Young Master Zhao no longer felt comfortable playing with this "toy." He returned it to the child and walked with Wen Gu along the corridor.
Listening to Wen Gu explain the making and principle of the kaleidoscope, Young Master Zhao was very interested. However, compared to telescopes and microscopes, which could change the course of events, a kaleidoscope was merely a small toy. What truly interested him was what other interesting things Wen Gu had seen during his travels.
"Besides this kaleidoscope, what other 'lens'-related artifacts did you see during your travels?"
Young Master Zhao sighed as he spoke, "I almost went traveling abroad back then, but unfortunately, it didn't happen."
Wen Gu smiled politely.
"Speaking of traveling experiences related to 'lenses,' it reminds me of another item, also related to mirrors, a device for observation that was made."
"Oh? Tell me!" Young Master Zhao's interest was piqued.
"The principle is actually very simple; it's made using the reflection of mirrors. A flat mirror can be used for the initial version," Wen Gu briefly explained the simplest version of a periscope.
Young Master Zhao had some difficulty understanding the principles of reflection that Wen Gu spoke of, but a "device for observation" might be something they could use now!
"How long would it take to make this initial version you mentioned?" Young Master Zhao asked.
"It can be done now. I brought some defective parts from when the mirrors were being made." Wen Gu said.
Even the defective parts couldn't be left behind in Jingxing District, so Wen Gu brought them along when he came to the Zhao residence. They were just a few pieces of glass, which could all fit into a small box.
Young Master Zhao became even more interested upon hearing this.
"Do you have anything else to do? If not, why don't we start now?"
"I have nothing else to do, but Cousin, you should have more affairs to attend to? I can make it and bring it to you?" Wen Gu said.
"No need for such trouble, I'll go with you," Young Master Zhao said decisively. "Tell me what other items are needed, and I'll have them prepared."
"Stiff paper, and glue that can stick the lenses."
"That's all?"
"For a simple one, that's enough. I have scissors on my end."
Confirming that Wen Gu was not joking, Young Master Zhao called over a servant who was following him, gave a few instructions, and then headed to Wen Gu's small courtyard.
The servant behind him hesitated to speak. Young Master, you still have visiting guests waiting!
Young Master Zhao naturally knew he had many matters to handle, but those matters were not particularly important. Relatively speaking, he was more eager to know what kind of observational device Wen Gu had spoken of!
When he had asked someone to fetch the paper and glue, he had already instructed them to have the visiting guests entertained by a scholar present.
Wen Gu also knew that his cousin had been attending many social events recently. To save time, he didn't waste words. Upon reaching the small courtyard, he asked Tietou to bring out the box containing the parts.
Inside were several small square or round pieces of glass.
Young Master Zhao glanced at them. They were indeed defective products; some glass pieces were locally blurry, and some had chipped edges, clearly showing various problems that occurred during manufacturing.
Wen Gu took two square glass pieces of similar size.
The paper and glue were quickly delivered.
Various types of paper were stacked together. Wen Gu selected two sheets of suitable material, picked up a charcoal pencil and a small bamboo ruler to draw lines.
He hadn't prepared them beforehand, so he could only draw a rough sketch. Then, with Young Master Zhao's assistance, they cut and pasted, patched and mended, to create the desired shape.
"My hands are unskilled, so it's quite rough," Wen Gu said.
Young Master Zhao looked at the two square, strange tubes full of "patches" and could tell that Wen Gu was indeed unskilled, but he didn't mind:
"As long as it works!"
Wen Gu then attached the two glass pieces to the pre-designated positions at both ends of the tubes.
The paste used for sticking paper was ordinary paste, while a different, freshly boiled glue was used to stick the lenses, which adhered quite firmly.
The two of them were busy here.
At the same time, Uncle Zhao had intended to call Young Master Zhao over to discuss some matters. Upon inquiring, he learned that Young Master Zhao had abandoned several visiting guests and rushed to Wen Gu's small courtyard.
After a moment of thought, Uncle Zhao also arrived at the courtyard, in his wheelchair.
Yesterday, he had been too excited by the New Year's gift from Wen Gu and had used his legs for too long, causing some discomfort.
After all, he hadn't fully recovered and needed to take good care of himself. Except for important occasions requiring brief standing, he intended to let his legs rest at other times.
There were no other people left in the courtyard. Tietou was guarding the gate and did not stop the Zhao Family Head when he saw him. Wen Gu had told him whose presence was permitted.
The Zhao Family Head, filled with curiosity, entered the room and found the two of them crouched below the window, acting suspiciously.
The Zhao Family Head frowned: What kind of behavior is this!
Don’t they have any sense of integrity and openness befitting a gentleman!
"What are you two doing?" he asked in a deep voice.
The two below the window replied: "Simulating reconnaissance from a field outpost!"
A moment later.
The wheelchair was empty, and another person appeared below the window.
Young Master Zhao was squeezed to the side, the core position forcefully occupied by the Zhao Family Head, who also firmly held the sole initial version of the periscope.
"Not bad, not bad! Excellent! It works!"
The Zhao Family Head played with the crudely made paper tubes for a while before standing up. With Young Master Zhao's assistance, he slowly returned to his wheelchair and asked about the origin of its creation.
"I originally thought that such flat glass mirrors could only be used as luxurious ornaments, but now it seems they have important uses!" Young Master Zhao sighed again.
Although not as miraculous as telescopes and microscopes, if used well, they could play a significant role.
During spring and summer, there were times when it was necessary to reduce outdoor exposure and enhance stealth, while still maintaining observation and surveillance of the outside.
Periscopes were also quite good; as their name suggested, they were suitable for lurking in the shadows.
Young Master Zhao's heart stirred, and he asked Wen Gu, "Can these periscopes be combined with telescopes?"
Wen Gu nodded, "It's possible to add devices similar to the lenses in telescopes, but that would require craftsmen to explore and improve. The difficulty of grinding lenses..."
The Zhao Family Head had an idea and couldn't help but sigh: We still need craftsmen!
More craftsmen are needed!
Process improvement could not be completed in a short period. Let's first produce a batch of the basic version.
"How many qualified flat glass mirrors like this can be manufactured?" the Zhao Family Head asked.
"The craftsmanship for producing flat glass mirrors is limited, and the process is quite complex. I mentioned to Auntie before that currently, only Daoist Master Qingyi of Qingyun Temple has the highest success rate."
Wen Gu explained the manufacturing steps, including the technical difficulties and common problems, to both the Zhao father and son.
He also took out the defective items he had brought in the box for comparison.
"Many crucial steps are not easily achievable by ordinary craftsmen. The highest quality and most successful ones are still by experienced individuals like Daoist Master Qingyi, who has a foundation in chemistry... alchemy!"
The Zhao Family Head pondered for a moment: "In that case, let Daoist Master Qingyi work a little harder."
Qingyun District.
Holiday!
It was the New Year holiday!
Daoist Master Qingyi was in a good mood. He had a rare period of rest and was very relaxed.
He didn't have to worry about other dangers, he was well-fed and clothed, and had young disciples serving him. His life was leisurely!
The "dog scholar" had also gone to the Zhao residence, so he wouldn't be urging him for tasks from time to time. Out of sight, out of mind, his mood was even better!
Thinking about the Daoist temple that was about to be completed, his heart felt even more elated.
The architectural plan for the Daoist temple was designed on a large scale, with several phases of construction. However, as long as the first phase was completed, he could move in and wouldn't have to borrow lodging from the "dog scholar's" residence.
Soon he would have his own territory. Daoist Master Qingyi began to plan again.
He currently had six young disciples. In fact, there were a few other promising individuals he had his eye on, but he didn't dare to take in too many at once. It was better to be cautious in Xin Prefecture.
He couldn't take too big a step at once; it was easy to...
Once the Daoist temple was built, he would proceed gradually.
He would fulfill the tasks given by the "dog scholar" perfunctorily. In the new year, his own Daoist temple would be his priority, and his own plans would come first!
He would refine some pills and exorcism incense, as well as magic artifacts, to supply to those who wished to accumulate merit in the future.
Recently, he had met a few wealthy patrons and believers. He planned to have a chat with them after the new year to deepen their relationship.
As he was happily planning, a young disciple rushed in: "Master! Someone from the Zhao Residence has arrived!"
Daoist Master Qingyi quickly got up.
Could it be a New Year's gift? A reward?
During holidays, superiors would also send gifts to show their appreciation.
Daoist Master Qingyi maintained a composed demeanor, stroking his newly grown beard.
The Zhao family still maintained a cautious attitude towards Buddhism and Daoism, and Daoist Master Qingyi had often subtly complained about it.
However, the Zhao family had always been prompt in handling affairs and providing rewards.
Let me see, what reward has the Zhao family brought today?
Daoist Master Qingyi stepped out with a smile.
There was indeed a New Year's gift, and also a reward.
There was also a document.
He opened it, and his smile quickly vanished.
The antennas of caution in his mind whirred loudly!
The document generally stated:
First, strong support for the construction of the Daoist temple.
Second, permission to accept more young disciples and develop the Daoist temple.
Third, a mission from the Zhao family with a very high reward.
The first point was that the Zhao family's support was very substantial, covering everything from construction materials to decorative items, and there was no need to worry about various approvals.
Combined with other rewards previously received, it could be said that the entire construction of the Daoist temple, including glass windows and other decorations, would not cost Daoist Master Qingyi a single cent.
Good news.
The second point stated that he could recruit twenty young disciples. He didn't need to worry about taking too big a step and offending the superiors; he could recruit openly.
Also good news.
Individually, these two points were quite good.
But…
But!
Damn it!
The main point was the third item!
He had to refine glass mirrors again?
And so many!
The document detailed the specifications and quantities. Although he did have plans to make some small glass mirrors as "magic artifacts" to supply to wealthy patrons, he hadn't intended to refine so many!
How much of his time would this workload consume!
Even the village oxen couldn't pull such a large plow!
Daoist Master Qingyi was utterly perplexed.
He couldn't comprehend it!
What were so many mirrors for? To subdue demons?
Logically speaking, such mirrors, if made more ornate, would be luxury items supplied to wealthy families, with a short usage period.
Luxury items should be scarce, not produced in such large quantities. If they couldn't be sold and their usage period passed, they would become scrap.
Such a large quantity, Xin Prefecture certainly couldn't absorb it. Could it be for trade with other factions?
Troubled.
He could fulfill the tasks given by the "dog scholar" perfunctorily, but did he dare to be perfunctory with tasks assigned by the Zhao family?
Should he refuse it?
Think of an excuse to refuse?
Daoist Master Qingyi held the document, flipping through it repeatedly.
The more he looked, the more something felt wrong.
This style, it faintly bore the mark of the "dog scholar"!
Hiss—
He took a deep breath.
After labeling it as the "dog scholar's" work, he looked again. The twenty young disciples were actually being recruited as mirror-grinding apprentices, weren't they?
Written as young disciples, read as laborers!
If one ox couldn't pull the plow, use many oxen!
He, as the master, had to labor tirelessly!
With the need to supply so many glass mirrors every month, he felt his vision blacken when he calculated the workload!
Doing all this, where would he find the time to deepen his interactions with the wealthy patrons and believers?
It was definitely that scoundrel's doing!
That scoundrel!
In a fit of rage, he slammed the document onto the ground.
After a moment of silence, he quickly picked it up and, like a madman, sat there flipping through it.
The previous page listed the benefits, and the next page listed the tasks.
Flipping back, they gave so much!
Flipping forward, damn it, I don't want to do it!
Flipping back, my dream come true!
Flipping forward, damn it, I don't want to do it!
Torn!
What on earth did the "dog scholar" say to the Zhao family?
He wouldn't even let people have a peaceful New Year!
(End of this chapter)