The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 66 Coal Stove

Chapter 66 Coal Stove
When the Huwei Escort Agency was leaving the city gate, they were stopped by the city gate guards.

Each of the escorts was strong and sturdy, and none of them, whether they were riding a horse or running, were thin.

He was a man of brave temperament. He killed evil creatures on the way north, and his bravery became even stronger. During this period, his food was also improved. With some nourishment, he became no worse than the guards of a wealthy family.

One or two would be fine, but forty or fifty people gathered together, holding weapons in their hands, the leader holding a horse lance, and some carrying a tiger-head flag. At first glance, they looked like they were raised by a wealthy family.

But, which family’s emblem is a tiger head?
I can't match the number at the moment.

The guards looked at this unidentified group trying to leave the city with such courage and determination, so they had to ask some questions.

Was he out hunting? Or was he out on some other business? Or perhaps, was he planning to leave the Zhao clan and choose another wise leader?

The escorts were a little panicked, but the escort leader Lin was relatively calm. He took out the certificate given by Wen Gu and stated that they had a mission to carry out and were going out to pick someone up.

Each batch of guards at the city gates specially reserved literate people to take turns on duty. When they came over to take a look, they found that there was indeed business to be done, and it was stamped!
Look at the seal again, Jingxingfang, Qingyunfang?

Hey?
Isn't that just...

They were well-informed about all the happenings in Xinzhou City. They knew that the young master of the Zhao family had opened two new workshops, which were named "Jingxing" and "Qingyun" by the young master himself.

They had no doubts about the contents of the certificate presented at this time, but the guards gathered together and looked at Lin Biaotou and his men for a long time as if they were looking at something rare before letting them pass.

"Escort agency?"

"A rare thing from the south?"

"Maybe it was brought here by that cousin from the south."

In their free time, the guards kept talking.

At the same time, at the Zhao family residence.

Every time a new wealthy family came north, there would always be people coming to the house to pay a visit, and then there would be a party.

The female relatives were at Mrs. Shen's place, young and old, and some with children, and it was very lively when they gathered together.

The journey north was arduous. Some people had already recovered, but the ladies with weaker constitutions still looked tired.

Those who prided themselves on their superior status and background than the Zhao family were unhappy. However, the situation was more pressing than they thought, so they dared not show any dissatisfaction and simply said that they hadn't recovered yet.

They claimed to be joining the Zhao clan, but deep down they were always holding onto something. Compared to a family like the Zhao family that had fallen on hard times, they still felt superior.

This trip to the Zhao Mansion also allows me to take a look at the food, clothing and other expenses of the Zhao Mansion.

No matter whether the world is peaceful or chaotic, the rich and nobles will still pay attention to the quality of life as long as their families are safe.

They just maintained basic etiquette for the exquisite snacks made by the chefs, but their response was mediocre.

Until the kitchen brought out a few servings of soup.

Mrs. Shen, who was sitting at the head of the table, smiled dignifiedly. "Everyone has different tastes and preferences. I don't like anything particularly sweet, so the kitchen always makes something lighter. But you can adjust it according to your own preferences."

The maids placed the plates according to the seating order, which contained not only desserts but also two exquisite small porcelain jars.

The ladies present were originally complaining in their hearts, wondering if the Zhao family couldn't afford candy?
When the maidservant beside her opened the porcelain jar and saw the snow-white or crystal-clear contents inside, she couldn't help but gasp.

This is... sugar?!
The situation on the Zhao family head's side is similar.

Regardless of whether these wealthy families were picky about other things in the Zhao family, they were indeed shocked by the sugar.

And this is just the beginning. In the days to come, there will always be some new things to see at every small banquet.

The Zhao family head had originally insisted on military prowess first, using force to intimidate, but being able to win back a city in terms of material wealth and seeing the surprised faces of those wealthy nobles was indeed refreshing. Thinking about the materials he could exchange with these wealthy families, he felt even happier.

The two masters like to give things when they are in a good mood.

So Wen Gu’s warehouse was mostly filled up again.

In addition to banquets and social events, Mrs. Shen is also surrounded by relatives and younger generations from time to time.

These younger relatives all knew that if they were favored by Mrs. Shen, they would have confidence in the Zhao family.

I don't have any other skills, and there's no way to get any benefits from Cousin Zhao, so it's easier to start with the elders.

Today, several younger generations of the Shen family came here to show their presence.

Madam Shen has a lot of good stuff here, and besides that, it can often directly influence the father and son of the Zhao family. Being diligent in making your presence felt is beneficial and harmless!
As the Zhao family's power and strength expanded, this aunt became more and more graceful and noble.

Sure enough, power feeds people!
Let's imagine a little more boldly. If the Zhao family finally succeeds, this person will be either the queen or the queen mother.
The one that these in-laws can rely on the most and the one who can hold their support the most is this person!
Mrs. Shen was usually quite tolerant of younger relatives. Having these younger people around to amuse her was truly a joy.

Every time, he would give something. Exquisite jewelry, delicious snacks, luxurious clothes...

These youngsters said that they dared not refuse the gift from their elders and were very happy to receive the gifts.

But when these people left, Madam Shen turned around and instructed the maid beside her to send Wen Gu a batch of newly prepared medicinal herbs and incense by the doctors.

The maid showed no strange expression and went about her work respectfully.

In today's world, besides rice and grain, what is more valuable? Is it gold, silver, or precious stones?
No!

It’s medicinal incense!
Wen Gu has become accustomed to replenishing things in the warehouse from time to time.

Neither my uncle nor my aunt were stingy people. That was why Wen Gu continued with his plan.

Send something else.

The goods in his warehouse were being consumed quite quickly, and he needed to keep replenishing them. That day, he strolled to Qingyunfang and did not bother Taoist Qingyi. Instead, he came to Yu the blacksmith.

The things he asked the Yu family to make were finally done, and he came to inspect them.

"Master, we have made further improvements according to what you said last time."

Yu Er came over carrying a barrel-shaped object.

This is the honeycomb coal stove that Wen Gu asked them to make. Next to it is a small pile of finished honeycomb coal that was brought in.

The main body of the coal stove is made of cast iron, and the furnace is lined with refractory lining.

The Yu family has a formula for refractory clay. After all, these things are related to wrought iron. Others may not know it, but their family is very familiar with it.

The overall style of the coal stove was based on the design drawings provided by Wen Gu. Because they were not familiar with this new object, they inevitably made mistakes during the production process.

I didn't blame them when reviewing the old lessons. I just noted down the places where they were prone to making mistakes and asked them to continue improving.

What is taken out now is the stove after another modification and adjustment.

Everyone in the Yu family looked at Wen Gu nervously.

The conditions provided by Wen Gu were very good, from the venue to the remuneration, and they were very happy. The missing materials were also provided by Wen Gu, so they did not need to worry about it.

However, they always made mistakes in their work, which made them very embarrassed and uneasy, fearing that they would not be allowed to do the work after the review.

Wen Gu carefully examined the first honeycomb coal stove of this era.

This thing is a gift for my uncle. It is made with more exquisite workmanship, and the details have been polished many times. It is also carved with flowers and has some copper decorations. The shiny color makes it look more noble.

The appearance is just okay, but it’s great that the Yu family can do it like this.

He asked Yu Er to add coal and boil water to try.

Whether it is successful or not depends not only on its appearance but also on its actual use.

After trying it out and finding no mistakes, Wen Gu nodded and said, "It's OK!"

Yu the blacksmith's family heaved a sigh of relief.

Finally succeeded!
Wen Gu looked at the coal next to him again.

These coals may look the same at first glance, but they are different inside.

In addition to clay, a small amount of combustion aid is added, according to the formula provided by the Taoist priest.

Taoist Qingyi would not easily give out the truly advanced and top-secret formula, and Wen Gu did not require that kind of advanced level either. He only asked Taoist Qingyi to make some adjustments. It did not need to be too advanced, just enough to be used.

He just wanted to make honeycomb coal into several grades to meet the needs of people of different identities.

Those big dog owners love to pursue high quality.

Later, the Taoist priest conducted some experiments and gave a recipe, which, when added to honeycomb coal, would make it burn faster and more thoroughly.

"Let's keep these things confidential for now." Wen Gu said to his family.

The Yu family nodded repeatedly, wishing they could swear immediately.

"Keep it a secret! We won't tell anyone!"

Wen Gu pointed to the small pile of honeycomb coal and lit a few.

"Put these up. Cover the coal stove. Where are the tongs and fire hook?"

"Here!" Yu Er handed it over.

"Install the briquetting mold as well."

Wen Gu walked to the stove.

For easy carrying, the furnace body is also equipped with a movable handle.

He lifted the coal stove by the handle and tested it. It was OK.

Yu Er next to him: "!!!"

Look at the coal stove and then look at the old things.