Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Just as Li Lizhi had predicted, a group of children wanted to make small windmills the next day.

Wang Ji is different now than before. He's no longer a pedantic old man, but instead has the little princess and others teach the others how to make windmills.

Wang Ji has now realized that missing one class doesn't actually have a big impact.

When they went home, each of them basically had a small windmill.

Before we knew it, the autumn harvest was over!
The day of release had arrived.

Everyone had said before that everything should be fine, but Zhang Erya was still very worried.

They were terrified that Zhang Dalang would be beheaded if he went back.

Princess Yuzhang guessed Zhang Erya's thoughts, "Don't overthink it, it's alright!"

Zhang Erya nodded, her eyes still red.

The fact that we haven't collapsed yet is entirely due to our trust in Xiao Ran.

Those who live far from Chang'an need to set off early to avoid missing the appointed time.

But Zhang Dalang doesn't need to. Kaolao Village isn't far from Chang'an, so he can arrive early tomorrow.

Zhang Erya didn't tell her younger sister, San Niang, and Zhang Dalang didn't do any work either, just tidied up a bit.

Actually, Zhang Dalang wasn't sure either, and was still quite uneasy.

Now we know the identities of Li Lizhi, Li Ke, and others, as well as Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

Zhang Dalang felt a little more at ease.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang were all very good people, Zhang Dalang knew this, and the villagers also approved of it.

The two princes are also good people.

The glass furnace is currently mainly managed by Li Ke, Cheng Chumo, and Qin Huaidao, with a few young men from the village helping out.

Xiao Ran would occasionally go and take a look; he was definitely in control of the development direction of glass.

The afternoon sun slanted into the glass workshop, and you could feel the heat as soon as you got close.

The firewood in the earthen stove was burning brightly, and the orange-red flames licked the stove walls, making the workshop warm and cozy.

Several young people from the village gathered around the stove, some holding the clay mold with long tongs, and others squatting beside it to observe the heat.

Cheng Chumo was carrying over a stack of newly made pottery molds, his coarse cloth sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat.

As soon as Xiao Ran walked in, he saw Li Ke turn around from beside the shelf, holding a piece of glass blank that had just cooled in his hand, with a hint of excitement on his face.

There were about a dozen glassware items on the shelf, including open bowls, narrow-necked jars, and the most eye-catching one was a shallow dish.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, revealing the fine sand marks on the bottom of the plate. It was significantly brighter than the pale green, bubbly clay plates from last month, and even the curves of the rim were more regular.

"Young master, you've come at the perfect time!"

Li Ke strode over and handed over the glass blank. "Look at this batch of material. There are almost no bubbles after firing, and it's smoother to the touch than before. Can we try to make the 'clairvoyance' you mentioned before?"

His eyes were full of anticipation. He had seen the clairvoyant and wanted to make high-quality glass that could be used to make clairvoyant.

Xiao Ran took the glass blank, turned it up to the light, and the blank was clear and bright all over, with only the edges still having the roughness of freshly made glass. It was indeed much better than the previous one.

He ran his fingertip across the surface of the blank, shaking his head with a smile: "The purity and transparency are sufficient, but what the telescope needs is not the vessel, but the 'lens'."

He held up his hand and made a circle on the blank. "We have to grind this whole blank into a smooth circle on both sides, and we also have to calculate the 'focal length' accurately, just like adjusting the temperature of a furnace. If we grind it a little deeper or a little shallower, the clarity of what we see will be different."

Qin Huaidao, who was standing nearby, leaned closer, holding a piece of glass with minor scratches in his hand:

“We’ve been trying to grind small pieces of glass with fine sand these past few days, but we can’t get it even. Either the edges are crooked, or the middle is thicker than the other side.”

Cheng Chumo also put down the clay mold and scratched his head: "It would be great if there was a fixed stand. Holding the millstone in my hand and shaking it makes my arms ache and it's not even effective."

Xiao Ran put the glass blank back on the shelf and pointed to the translucent vessels: "Being able to fire the vessels so evenly now is already an improvement."

“The lens polishing process must be done slowly. I will draw a wooden frame blueprint at night, find a carpenter in the village to make a frame that can hold the glass, and then polish it step by step with fine sand and fine stone powder.”

"First grind out a rough circle, then trim the edges, and finally smooth both sides."

Xiao Ran paused, then looked at Li Ke, "Once we grind the first lens, let's try looking at Chestnut Mountain in the distance. Maybe we can see the shadows of the trees on the mountain. We can always succeed by taking it slow."

Li Ke nodded, his eyes filled with even greater anticipation. He turned to Qin Huai and said, "Then let's go find a carpenter this afternoon and get all the materials for the frame ready!"

Several young men from the village also gathered around, asking all sorts of questions, such as "How big should the lenses be ground?" and "Will they really be able to see far away after they're ground?"

The heat from the workshop mingled with lively conversation, and even the crackling of the firewood in the stove sounded particularly energetic.

The clear glasswares were displayed, and the hope of seeing a thousand miles away filled my heart. These days were even more hopeful than the autumn harvest.

Li Ke couldn't help but pull Xiao Ran to the other side, "I hope Da Lang will be alright!"

"It's nothing!" Normally, it's nothing, but so many things have changed that Xiao Ran really isn't sure.

Historically, when prisoners were released and returned to prison, everyone else was allowed to go home. Li Shimin was so pleased that he pardoned them all.

But now Xiao Ran's appearance has changed many things.

Xiao Ran was also afraid that his actions might prevent these people from being pardoned.

Many changes that are ahead of their time inevitably raise concerns about the "butterfly effect" disrupting the course of history.

However, considering the political logic of the seventh year of the Zhenguan era, Li Shimin's governing philosophy, and the "domain attributes" of the changes he brought about.

This concern stems more from a sense of awe for "historical uncertainty" than from a risk that is inevitable.

All the changes brought about by Xiao Ran were essentially "improvements in people's livelihoods and technological advancements," and did not shake the political foundation of the Zhenguan era or Li Shimin's decision-making logic.

The core of the decision to release prisoners and return them to prison was precisely Li Shimin's "political philosophy." The two were in different fields and had very little conflict.

The key to the prisoners' return to prison was their trust in Li Shimin's "pardon promise" and their consideration of the "consequences of breaking their promise," which had nothing to do with "whether they could eat roasted chestnuts."

On the contrary, improved living standards would make prisoners more accepting of the Zhenguan court and more willing to abide by their agreements with the court.

Li Shimin's core reason for releasing prisoners was to "demonstrate benevolent governance," and the abundance of food and the people's peaceful and prosperous lives were precisely the foundation for his confidence in implementing "benevolent governance."

This will only strengthen his resolve on the principle of "mutual trust between the monarch and the people," rather than causing him to overturn his promise due to changes in crops.

The value of printing technology lies in accelerating the spread of culture, and the theory of consanguineous marriage is to optimize social ethics. Both belong to the category of "long-term social improvement" and have no direct connection with short-term "judicial decisions".

Li Shimin would not change his promise to pardon prisoners just because he could print books faster.

They would not neglect the importance of "favorable relations" because of the concept of consanguineous marriage.

These changes do not affect the judicial system, nor do they affect prisoners' expectations that "returning to prison may result in a pardon."

In terms of actual impact, the changes brought about by Xiao Ran were all in line with the core logic of returning prisoners to prison, and even played a "positive auxiliary" role, without touching the "core variables" that might overturn the historical outcome.

Therefore, the outcome of "all prisoners being imprisoned and pardoned" will most likely still occur according to historical inertia. Xiao Ran patted Li Ke on the shoulder, "Eldest son's glassmaking skills are now also exceptional, I believe Uncle Shi knows this."

Zhang Dalang is considered a leading figure in the field of glassmaking.

Only Li Ke, Cheng Chumo, and Qin Huaidao can compare to Zhang Dalang.

Li Shimin should think twice about such a great talent.

This can be considered as Xiao Ran providing insurance for Zhang Dalang.

Even if other prisoners don't return on time, or even run away, Zhang Dalang might still be treated specially.

Glass is a luxury item, and Xiao Ran made a fortune from it.

Li Shimin might not care about this money, but Xiao Ran had previously said that good glass could be used to make telescopes.

Li Shimin knew what a telescope meant for warfare in this era.

Even disregarding the fact that glass is a luxury item, Li Shimin had to treat Zhang Dalang specially because of the telescope.

Back in the courtyard, Xiao Ran saw Zhang Dalang standing there in a daze. He walked over and said, "It's alright, trust me."

Zhang Dalang smiled and said, "I believe in the young master!"

Zhang Dalang saw clearly how Xiao Ran treated Zhang Erya and San Niang.

A year has passed, and Xiao Ran's feelings for the three siblings remain unchanged, just like those for family.

Even if he were to be beheaded, Zhang Dalang wouldn't have to worry about his two younger sisters not living well.

The frost of the autumn morning had not yet dissipated. A blue cloth carriage was parked at the gate of the courtyard, its wheels covered with bits of withered grass from the roadside. The horse tied to the carriage shaft was munching on dry millet stalks on the ground.

Several children had already gone to school with their schoolbags on their backs. The courtyard was quiet, with only Xiao Ran, Zhang Erya, Li Lizhi, and Li Wu standing by the carriage, their eyes all fixed on Zhang Dalang, who was carrying a small bundle on his back.

Zhang Dalang was still wearing that faded brown short jacket, and his bundle contained only two changes of clothes and the millet cakes that Zhang Erya had steamed the night before.

"Let's go! We'll go with Dalang!"

Xiao Ran knew that Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya would feel more at ease knowing that he was going.

Zhang Erya didn't say anything, but just stuffed the corn cake wrapped in coarse cloth into Zhang Dalang's hand. Her fingertips touched his hand, but she quickly pulled them back. Her eyes were still red, but she didn't shed any tears.

She remembered Xiao Ran's words, and also her brother's words, "Come back and get your lenses fixed," and knew she couldn't cause any trouble.

Li Wu walked over and gently patted Zhang Dalang's arm: "Everyone knows your glassmaking skills, so don't worry about it."

Zhang Dalang nodded, "Mmm~"

Xiao Ran helped Zhang Dalang put his bundle into the carriage and helped him get in: "Don't panic when you get to the prison. Just follow the rules. Your skills will be of use to the Tang Dynasty. No one will mistreat you."

Zhang Dalang nodded from inside the carriage: "Don't worry, young master, I'll remember."

As the carriage started moving, Zhang Erya was still standing at the courtyard gate, watching the direction the carriage had gone until it became a small dot. Then Yuzhang gently tugged at her arm and said, "Let's go back too. We'll just wait for news."

Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi went along, and Li Wu helped drive the car.

Li Lizhi's status definitely disqualifies her from driving, but Xiao Ran doesn't care about her status; he simply doesn't know how.

The autumn sun slowly rose, casting long shadows of the carriages. There was no wind on the road, and even the sound of the horses' hooves seemed exceptionally steady, like the confidence in their hearts, unhurried and composed.

The carriage rolled over the bluestone slabs of Zhuque Avenue in Chang'an. The autumn sun had already climbed high, illuminating this official road that ran from north to south.

The road was wide enough for four carriages to travel side by side, and on both sides were neat rows of locust trees, whose shadows were cast on the road, creating dappled shade.

Occasionally, an official's carriage in a blue robe would pass by, the curtains tightly closed, and only the clatter of hooves on the stone slabs could be heard.

Soldiers from the Left and Right Guards patrolled past in formation, their armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight, their steps precise and silent.

This is the main road of Chang'an, without the hawking of street vendors, only the order and solemnity of an official road.

Li Wu drove his car familiarly towards the Ministry of Justice on the east side of the imperial city. When he passed the gates of Pingkang Ward and Chongye Ward, he could see that the gates were tightly closed.

The walls of the market town were painted with notices that read "No Night Walkers," reflecting the strictness of the market town system.

Before long, two stone lions stood at the street corner ahead, and beneath the high, gray-blue wall was the vermilion gate of the Ministry of Justice prison.

The jailers on either side of the gate wore dark blue uniforms, held long sticks in their hands, stood upright, and glanced at the passing carriages, but did not put on a fierce or menacing appearance.

Instead, he would occasionally glance towards the East Market—presumably waiting for prisoners who had come from afar and needed to detour through the East Market.

A few steps away, you can see a dozen or so men gathered at the prison gate. They are all men dressed in short tunics and carrying small bundles. They are prisoners who, like Zhang Dalang, have been released.

Most of them came from surrounding counties and towns, but they didn't linger on Zhuque Street and went straight to the prison gate.

"It seems everyone timed their arrival perfectly." Li Lizhi lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, her gaze sweeping across the road.

Apart from official carriages and patrolling soldiers, the only people on Zhuque Avenue were prisoners heading to the jail gates; there was no trace of the usual bustling chaos.

Xiao Ran, being a time traveler, knew these people wouldn't die, but the death row inmates didn't.

They didn't want to come early, because if they came early, they wouldn't have freedom in the prison cell.

They definitely want to stay out for a few more days.

Sitting in the carriage, Zhang Dalang looked at the orderly official road outside and the prisoners who were approaching calmly. His hand, which had been gripping the bundle strap, slowly loosened.

With so many people arriving on time, his anxiety dissipated considerably.

Xiao Ran noticed his relaxation and patted his arm: "Look, everyone remembers the agreement with the court, and no one wants to break their promise."

The carriage stopped at the prison gate. Li Wu jumped off and helped Zhang Dalang lift the curtain.

After queuing up to register, the jailer will take Zhang Dalang to his cell.

Zhang Dalang turned around, looked at Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi, and smiled.

"It's alright, go ahead!" Xiao Ran waved his hand.

After Zhang Dalang had gone far away, Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi returned to the carriage.

Xiao Ran was still worried. "Fifth Sister, why don't you talk to Uncle again?"

Li Lizhi knew that Xiao Ran was worried because he cared too much.

Zhang Dalang was family to Xiao Ran.

“Young master, how should I put it?” Li Li asked.

"Tell Uncle that Dalang's glassmaking skills are unparalleled; there are very few people in the Tang Dynasty who can do it like this."

Li Shimin probably knew, but Xiao Ran still wanted to remind him.

“Alright, I’ll write a letter to Grandpa later.” Li Lizhi didn’t refuse Xiao Ran. (End of Chapter)