The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 78 Crystal Curtain

After thinking about it, Pei Jing came over to take a look out of curiosity.

On the first day, the model materials for the long bridge drawn on the blueprint had not yet been collected, but Wen Gu asked him to help with another design.

Wen Gu has cleared out a room in the courtyard where he works. It was renovated some time ago and is now ready for use.

Pei Jing had originally come to explore out of curiosity and for self-interest, but as he played around, he became quite interested.

a few days later.

Xianghuifang, where the Shen family members live.

Wen Gu led his men to carry a long box into the workshop.

The head of the neighborhood is a member of the Shen family's side branch, but he knows what's going on and doesn't think he is on the same level as Wen Gu.

There are differences between different wardens.

Within a ward, some ward heads are just punching bags, while some ward heads are the ones with real power!

Seeing that there were valuables here, the head of the Shen family specially sent two more people to help carry the boxes.

Shen family.

It’s still that big study.

Compared to last time, there weren't as many people coming this time, but those present were those who had a say in their families or were relatively financially independent. There were also a few more clan elders.

They heard that Qingyunfang had made a new rare item, and Wen Gu wanted to sell it to make up for the workshop's losses.

If it is really a rare item, they will indeed be interested.

But if it's just exaggeration...

They originally thought that even if they didn't like him, they would still support this capable young master.
When Wen Gu arrived, everyone exchanged polite greetings.

Only when Shen Liu urged them impatiently did the clan members quiet down.

Wen Gu stopped talking and asked someone to open the box and carefully take out the items inside.

In order to demonstrate, Wen Gu specially borrowed two tall and strong escorts from Huwei Escort Agency.

Before coming, the two escorts had already rehearsed at Jingxingfang.

At this moment, the two escorts were still tense, fearing that they would accidentally damage any link and they would not be able to afford the compensation even if they sold it!

In the large study, some were drinking tea, while others were chatting in low voices.

Until the moment the box was opened.

Everything is quiet indoors.

As the two tall and strong bodyguards slowly lifted the object, there were gasps in the room.

I saw translucent green beads strung together and woven into curtains.

The beads vary in color, but when strung together, the colors are just right, and the overall look is perfect in every detail.

When it was lifted up, the curtain swayed, like green ripples on the water, or like tiny splashes of water leaping up to become a door curtain, like a dream!

Wen Gu observed the changes in the expressions of the people in the room.

If it were purely colorless, fewer people would like it. In this era, most people still prefer colored gemstones.

Gold, silver, and colored gems.

This kind of colorful beaded door curtain that failed to remove the color is just right!

"This item was created with the painstaking efforts of many top craftsmen. It's a crystal curtain!"

Shen Qing approached, raised his hand and touched it lightly, swallowing his saliva: "It really is a crystal curtain!"

Shen Liu was also very excited and wanted to recite a poem to praise the wonder, but he was not well-educated and could only say: "How dazzling!"

Wen Gu smiled and said, "There are even more dazzling ones."

He gestured to the two escorts to lift the curtain and change the direction.

He looked at today's weather and chose the time to come over.

The two bodyguards of Xiong Jian had stern faces and moved cautiously among the group of Shen family members who had gathered around them, taking small steps and approaching the doors and windows where the sun was shining.

As it moved, the bead curtain swayed slightly.

The overall look has a natural, undulating gradient, like rippling blue waves, reflecting tiny dots of light.

There was another heavier breathing sound in the room.

Someone was mesmerized: "This is a real crystal curtain, not a metaphor from the literati's poems!"

In poetry, writers always compare the clear water surface, lake surface, and water curtain to glass mirrors and crystal curtains.

However, at this moment, the virtual metaphors in the literati's poems have become concrete and substantial!

flash!
So flashy!!
Everyone in the room gathered around and watched carefully.

Wen Gu stayed aside to leave time for these rich people to appreciate it.

These beads were made during the testing process, not just the decolorization test, but also several other tests. All those that did not meet the standards were taken out.

It does not meet the requirements of reviewing old things, but it can be made into other items.

For this purpose, Pei Jing was specially asked to design and draw the original color map of the crystal curtain. He was paid a design fee, even though Pei Jing didn't care.

After so many years of working with crystal, Pei Jing has a better understanding of how to display the beauty of crystal. Although he cannot carve it, he knows how to appreciate it.

Different colors of crystals, even if only slightly different, can have different artistic expressions.

When Pei Jing first saw these beads, he felt confused and his whole world view was reshaped.

Later, under Wen Gu's persuasion, Pei Jing forced himself to ignore these artificial crystals and replace them with natural water jade. When he drew the design, inspiration burst out and he finished it in one stroke!

Artistically arrange and connect the subtle changes in color on paper!

With the drawing, Wen Gu invited several craftsmen who were sensitive to colors to work according to the drawing.

The final product is quite satisfactory.

Seeing the reactions of these local tycoons makes me even more satisfied.

Wen Gu first explained: "This is not natural water jade crystal, it is fired glass."

"I know, I know!" someone answered absentmindedly. Does it matter?

Water jade crystal, some clear gemstones, all were once referred to as glass. Glass is also a noble word!
As for firing?

They don't care if it's fired or not.

Although both porcelain and glassware are produced, the value of the products they produce varies greatly. Some can become tributes to the royal family, while others can only be found in the market!

The same goes for glass objects.

They will judge for themselves whether it is worth it or not!

Wen Gu went on to describe the meticulous craftsmanship of this door curtain, including the thread used to string the beads inside:

"This top-quality blended thread, a combination of fiber and metal, is more flexible than pure metal thread and stronger than pure fiber thread. This is the top-notch technique of top-notch craftsmen. This kind of craftsmanship was once reserved for royalty and high-ranking officials!"

Thanks to Aunt Shen for her support! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to get this level of mixed thread in such a short time!

The more he introduced various "top-level" products, the more excited the people present became.

"The glass beads inside are not easy to obtain, and the scrap rate is high," Wen Gu said.

A lot was indeed wasted during the experiment.

"After I make it, I want to exchange it for some money and food to support the workshop's expenses. If any of you clansmen know anyone who would like this..."

Before he finished speaking, someone interrupted him:
"We can do it ourselves, why should we give it to outsiders?"

"That's right, don't let such a good thing go!"

It's the end of the year, and the rich and nobles don't have the worries of winter like the common people. They are more concerned about the social interactions during the New Year.

Many members of the big family were not in Xinzhou City, but were scattered in other towns within the Zhao family's sphere of influence, holding official positions and handling affairs.

The only time he would come back in a year would be during the Chinese New Year.

There will definitely be social interactions.

Military achievements are just as important as wealth. Visible ornaments are the most direct demonstration of one's strength!
This winter, many wealthy families from the south have come one after another. They are from their own families/maternal families/in-law's families. They want to make a good impression and perhaps even promote cooperation.

It doesn't necessarily have to be bought for yourself, you may also buy it for someone else or use it as a gift.

They are not really stupid and rich.

He has a lot of money, but he is not necessarily stupid.

Some people couldn't wait to ask the price.

Nowadays, large-scale transactions are all carried out in cash. The cash is Xinzhou money notes, which can be exchanged for food and supplies from the Zhao family.

"Everyone present is a relative, so I won't lie."

Wen Gu gave a family price.

There was another sound of inhaling.

It’s not that they think it’s too high, but it’s much lower than they expected!

Some people thought they didn't hear clearly, or made a slip of the tongue, and asked again.

Review and confirm again.

If the world is peaceful, if you go into business, maybe you can do something different.

But now Wen Gu doesn't want to go this way. Besides, Madam Shen is watching, so it's not easy to kill him too harshly.

He has added enough research and development, labor, technology, materials, and artistic premium to this crystal curtain.

An ordinary wealthy family definitely cannot afford it, and only the wealthy and powerful would think it is cheap.

However, some people here have invested their savings in Wanfu Garden.

Even if I am tempted, I can't take it out for a while.

For example, Shen Qing and Shen Liu.

The door curtain a few steps away swayed slightly, and the beads sparkled.

It was so bright that tears were about to come out of their eyes.

"You should have taken it out earlier! If you had taken it out earlier, I would have bought it earlier!" Shen Qing was unwilling to give in. "Or later is fine. When the first phase of Wanfu Garden makes money, I will definitely buy it!"

Wen Gu comforted him, "No need to do that. We will make crystal curtains like this in the future. But right now, for the time being, we only have this one."

Shen Qing: Thank you, I’m not comforted at all!
What I’m going for is the uniqueness of the present!
Compared to the reluctance of Shen Qing, Shen Liu and others, there were many people in the room who were moved by Wen Gu's family affection and were eager to try.

Looking at the expressions of these people, we can tell that they have quite a lot of money and food.

Wanfuyuan can only be regarded as a product of group buying by a group of wealthy sponsors, and most of them do not make any serious investments.

Someone wanted to buy it, but had concerns and asked:
"This crystal curtain...you didn't send it to your aunt?"

"My aunt said she has enough things, so she'll let the younger ones choose first. Don't worry." Wen Gu said.

Everyone in the room felt relieved immediately.

After a fierce competition, an elder from the Shen family finalized the result.

Shen Liu said sourly, "Seventh Uncle, what do you want this crystal curtain for? I remember you prefer purple and red to green and blue. Aunt said to let the younger generation choose, and you're not a younger generation!"

Uncle Shen Qi said cheerfully, "I picked it for your sister Xiaoxi."

He was talking about his own daughter, who was engaged to the eldest son of a wealthy family from the south and was to be married a few years ago.

Uncle Shen Qi didn't chat with them much, but went to discuss the details of the transaction with Wen Gu. He also asked someone to install the crystal curtain and prevent anyone from touching it. What if it got dirty or damaged?
It was late in the evening when Wen Gu returned to Qingyunfang.

A craftsman came over, carefully carrying a box filled with fragile items.

"This is a lidded box made according to your request, Master."

The craftsmen actually didn't quite understand the aesthetic of revisiting the past. They had also made crystal inkstones and crystal lidded boxes for nobles in the past.

But Wen Gu's requirements are different. It must be simple and round, without any patterns on the lid, and as colorless as possible. It must also be thin and clear.

After the craftsman leaves, review and check the "lid box" inside the box.

This batch of newly produced culture dishes is not very satisfactory, so they are stored in the warehouse for future use.

(End of this chapter)