Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 149 The Wonders of the Telescope? Building a Glass Craft Workshop is Utterly Ridiculous!

The world's first telescope was invented in 1608 by the Dutch optician Hans Lippershey.

According to the original timeline, telescopes were not introduced to China until the 43rd year of the Wanli Emperor's reign.

Subsequently, the German missionary Johann Adam Schall von Bell introduced "geometric optics" to China and lived there until the Qing Dynasty.

Even during the Chongzhen reign, Xu Guangqi once petitioned the emperor to use three telescopes to observe celestial phenomena.

In a sense, the technological development of the Ming Dynasty at that time was not lagging behind that of Western countries.

As for why it fell so far behind later?
Do not ask.

On the Guangning Gate tower, Duke Zhang Rong of England forcefully closed his left eye and then struggled to open his right eye, his movements appearing quite comical and exaggerated, as if he were about to shove the telescope into his eye socket.

His body trembled slightly as he clumsily tried to adjust the focus by rotating the telescope's telescope, mimicking Zhang Yunxiu's technique.

The telescope looked towards the military camp in the western suburbs.

Zhang Rong pointed at the adjutant in the military camp, whom he knew very well and knew that it was definitely not a fake.

The moment Zhang Rong saw the other person's face clearly, her breathing became rapid.

He could even see the patches on the other person's clothes clearly.

For a moment, Zhang Rong finally believed Zhang Yunxiu's words. Like a child who had received a fun toy, she held the binoculars and looked at it from left to right.

Finally, look towards the most prominent sign in the sky.

Seeing that the other person was about to point the telescope directly at the sun in the clear sky, Zhang Yunxiu was immediately speechless and quickly reached out to stop him.

"No! No! Your Highness, you must not look directly at the sun!"

Zhang Rong was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening.

He reluctantly removed the binoculars from his eyes and said somewhat apologetically.

"Thanks to your reminder, I almost offended the Emperor. I deserve to die."

“It won’t offend the Emperor,” Zhang Yunxiu said helplessly. “However, it seems that the Duke’s eyes are probably not going to stay open.”

"Is the divine punishment really this severe?!"

Zhang Rong's eyes widened in shock.

Clearly, he still interpreted Zhang Yunxiu's reminder as divine punishment.

Zhang Yunxiu's expression stiffened for a moment; he was too lazy to argue with these feudal and superstitious ancient people.

If you want to popularize scientific knowledge, you have to start with children. It's really pointless to waste your energy explaining to these old folks.

After coughing twice, Zhang Rong turned his gaze to the telescope in his hand and couldn't help but sigh.

"This telescope is truly miraculous. If we had such a thing, the armies of Datong, Jizhou, and Xuanfu would not have suffered such humiliation at the hands of the Tatars during the Gengxu Incident forty years ago."

The invention of the telescope had a significant impact on ancient warfare.

The battlefield is ever-changing; are there truly generals who can strategize and predict events with uncanny foresight?
In ancient warfare, the most important aspects were information gathering, advance planning, military supplies and logistical preparation, and most importantly, morale.

In the era before radar was invented, having a more powerful source of information than the enemy and being able to grasp the battle situation in real time was like being a god looking down on all living beings, delivering a devastating blow!

Whether it's observing enemy military deployments, troop movements, or surveying terrain in advance, the telescope can be considered a powerful tool on the battlefield!
That's why Zhang Rong appeared so agitated and out of control, even going so far as to try to look at the sun with a telescope—a suicidal act.

Although Zhang Rong, a military officer, had not experienced many wars, he understood the significance of telescopes all too well.

He exhaled a heavy breath, looked at Zhang Yunxiu with burning eyes, and couldn't help but sigh.

"With this item, Shi Yuan's abilities will be no less than those of Zhuge Liang of the Shu Han Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period!"

Upon seeing this object, Zhang Rong stopped calling him "boy" and started affectionately calling him "Shiyuan".

From his perspective, Zhang Yunxiu could indeed be considered an outstanding individual.

Despite his young age, he is meticulous and calm in the face of adversity. What is even more commendable is that this kid is also very quick-witted.

Zhang Rong had a premonition that as long as his Zhang family of Jiangling did not commit any heinous crimes in the future, given Zhang Yunxiu's status and talent, and with His Majesty's current advanced age, this boy would surely have a bright future.

He might even be more influential than Zhang Juzheng today!

What's even more remarkable is that the emperor trusted him implicitly!
For a moment, Zhang Rong felt increasingly envious, wishing he could grab the boy and bring him to his mansion to marry his daughter immediately!
Zhang Rong couldn't help but glance at the other party. Seeing Zhang Yunxiu's shrewd appearance, he knew in his heart that it would not be possible to capture this promising son-in-law overnight.

Zhang Rong wasn't in a hurry. With his status as the Duke of Yingguo, he figured that no one in the world, except for the royal princess, could compete with him for this golden son-in-law.

Thinking of this, Zhang Rong couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions. He patted Zhang Yunxiu on the shoulder and said...

"Shiyuan, listen to your uncle's advice. You are at the age of 'playing with your spoon' (a metaphor for being young and carefree), and in two more years you will be settling down and starting a family. You must not do anything reckless or absurd anymore. You should be more composed and steady."
You are exceptionally gifted; you must not let this talent go to waste. From now on, dedicate yourself to your studies.

As they spoke, even the way Duke Zhang Rong addressed her changed, from repeatedly calling her "this Duke" to "Uncle." The change in address was so quick and smooth that even Zhang Yunxiu almost didn't notice it.

But Zhang Yunxiu gave a completely unresponsive reply.

"Uncle, there's no need to worry. I've always been a very mature and steady person. Just look at the past. Xu Shuming slandered and defamed me all day long. Did I, Zhang Yunxiu, feel even the slightest anger? Did I retaliate in the slightest?"

He sighed heavily, looking very aggrieved.

"Who can know the bitterness in my heart, my nephew? This endurance of humiliation and hardship is not only for His Majesty and the court, but also for the common people of the world!"

Zhang Rong's face turned green. This kid's shamelessness was no less than that of the group of upright officials.

He referred to himself as his uncle, and Zhang Yunxiu directly called himself his nephew. In just a few words, they effectively bridged the gap in their social status.

And what about Xu Shuming? Hasn't that kid found a chance to get revenge yet?
Hearing that Xu Shuming had not yet entered the court, he was furious.

Zhang Rong suddenly felt a headache coming on. He had originally wanted to use his status and position to teach this kid a lesson, but unexpectedly he ended up being taught a lesson himself.

But the more he acted this way, the more Zhang Rong admired him. This kind of kid had a bright future!

He became even more determined to make the other party his son-in-law.

The topic returned to the telescope, and Zhang Rong thought for a moment before speaking.

"You previously said that Xishan Workshop not only didn't lose money, but actually made a fortune? Could it be because of this telescope?"

He then gave a serious reminder.

"This telescope is of paramount importance and should be controlled by the imperial court like gunpowder and ironware. It must never be allowed to circulate outside the country!" Zhang Rong couldn't imagine how much benefit this divine artifact would bring to the nomadic peoples of the north who were riding horses and shooting arrows!
Zhang Yunxiu had already considered Zhang Rong's concerns and nodded in agreement.

"Please rest assured, Your Excellency, I will never sell telescopes."

But then he changed the subject and reminded me.

"However, I have heard that Westerners are also developing this, though they are a little later than us. I imagine it will be in a few years."

This telescope will not only fall into the hands of the northern Tatars, but will also be acquired by the Western countries.

The invention of the telescope is a relatively recent phenomenon, and telescopes are not particularly technologically advanced.

It's only a matter of time before it spreads.

"No! Never!"

Zhang Rong glared angrily and said in a stern voice.

"We must stop them! We must not let them control us, whether they are the nomadic barbarians of the north or the foreigners of the west, no matter what means we use!"

For a military officer like Zhang Rong, it was absolutely unacceptable for the enemy to possess such a powerful weapon.

Zhang Yunxiu sighed and continued to explain.

"Your Excellency may not know, but the invention of this telescope is a technology that is difficult to conceal."

Even if we intend to conceal it, it's only a matter of time before Western glass merchants and our own Ming Dynasty's Ai-Dai merchants try to imitate it.

“Then it means to kill them all without exception.” Zhang Rong was unusually extreme about such a major military matter.

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head.

"It is better to guide than to block. Your Excellency, rest assured, the Xishan Workshop will not be sold off easily in the future."

With our first-mover advantage, we have firmly grasped the technological level, and the telescopes we develop are naturally hundreds or thousands of times better than those that are copied.
Once we've established a technological advantage, even if someone tries to imitate us, our Great Ming Dynasty will remain invincible!

Zhang Rong's eyes widened. She felt that what Zhang Yunxiu said made some sense, but it was also a bit confusing.

He sighed helplessly.

"Enough, enough. This is a matter for the Grand Secretaries and ministers. It is not appropriate for me, as a Duke, to interfere."

However, Shiyuan must remember that this item, along with all other inventions, are vital treasures of our Great Ming Dynasty and must never fall into the hands of foreign races!

An ancient person emphasized technological blockade to himself?
Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "Uncle, don't worry, I was prepared."

This is a profitable business. It's not just foreign tribes; even if someone in the capital dares to imitate it, I, Zhang Yunxiu, will break their legs, and His Majesty will break theirs!

His Majesty?

Zhang Rong grasped the key point in the words.

He looked serious and lowered his voice.

"His Majesty also invested money in your Xishan workshop?"

No one in the imperial court dared to mention it, but after the Xu Xuemo incident, everyone knew the truth.

The Emperor himself owned a stake in Renmin Medical Clinic.

With Zhang Yunxiu's silver tongue, he should be able to get the stingy emperor to part with some money from the Xishan workshop.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled sheepishly.

"My uncle and I are on good terms, and I won't hide it from you. Renmin Medical Clinic is doing very well. It has not only helped the people of the capital, but also earned a small amount of money."

A few days ago, His Majesty and I did some calculations and decided that the surplus silver was just sitting there anyway.

"Why not invest in and build this Xishan workshop to solve the livelihood problems of the displaced young and middle-aged people, and also earn some extra money?"

small amount of silver
Zhang Rong's expression stiffened for a moment.

He suddenly realized that the money Renmin Medical Hall earned belonged to the nobles and officials of all ranks in the capital!
Now they've come to this Xishan workshop again; I wonder what trouble they'll cause this time.

Zhang Rong's lips twitched slightly as she spoke.

"Your Xishan workshop can earn money without a telescope?"

Zhang Yunxiu lowered his voice and said.

"Of course, it won't rely on a telescope. Even if a telescope were to go on sale, it would just be a gimmick and wouldn't make any money."

The Xishan workshop wanted to make money, so it did two things: mine coal and refine glass.

"Liu Li?"

Zhang Rong frowned deeply, showing no surprise, but instead sneered.

"Shiyuan, are you joking? This glass is valuable, but it's not a rare item."

The imperial palace in the capital had a glass workshop that specialized in making glass windows, as well as glass beads and hairpins.

He shook his head, his face beaming, seemingly very happy to have caught Zhang Yunxiu's mistake.

"Shiyuan, your uncle is going to give you a good talking-to. Opening a glass factory in Xishan is hardly a profitable business."

Clearly, Zhang Rong had some understanding of the ins and outs of this matter.

"If it were possible to make money, all the nobles in the capital who rack their brains to make money would have gone to the Western Hills long ago."

The most crucial question is, once this glass factory is established, how will you manufacture the kilns? What kind of craftsmen will you be able to hire? How many pieces of glass can you produce each day?
Have you thought all this through?

Zhang Rong twirled the jade belt around his waist, looking like he was showing off his knowledge.

"Do you know that the trees on the western mountain have long been cut down? There are only a few saplings left on the mountaintop, which are not enough to make glass."

Making glass requires a huge amount of charcoal!

In his eyes, building a glass factory in Xishan was as ridiculous as selling cotton-padded clothes in the summer.

(End of this chapter)