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

Chapter 150 Anthracite is the foundation! How come my son is here?
In fact, Zhang Rong's reasoning was not without merit; it was even an economic calculation made from the practical perspective of a Ming Dynasty person.

Did ancient China have glassmaking techniques?

Records of glassmaking date back to the Sui and Tang dynasties, and even to the Western Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods.

Even during the Ming Dynasty, the art of glassmaking continued to improve.

During the late Tang and Song-Liao periods, Eastern Roman glassware became popular in China, mainly due to its craftsmanship.

At that time, the sodium-calcium glass products that came from the West were more transparent than the lead-barium glass products made in China, and therefore appeared more valuable.

By the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, the production of transparent sodium-calcium glass had become a achievable technology.

Therefore, in Zhang Rong's view, trying to manufacture glass in the Ming Dynasty would not only fail to earn money, but would also make one a laughing stock.

Especially regarding fuel.

The firing temperature of glass is relatively high, and the process is more complex than that of porcelain, with a relatively long firing cycle.

To fire a piece of glassware, the amount of fuel required is almost several times that required for porcelain.

It is counterintuitive that many people in later generations believed that the ancient environment was not damaged or polluted and must have been beautiful with clear waters and green mountains.

In fact, quite the opposite is true. The destruction of the environment by the ancients was equally disastrous, and due to a lack of restraint, they were even more unscrupulous.

Throughout history, from Emperor Wu of Han's military settlements and land reclamation in the northern Loess Plateau to the construction of palaces and residences in Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty, a great deal of timber and charcoal were needed to provide fuel.

Later, soil erosion in the Loess Plateau region was partly due to the southward shift of the temperature line, but excessive reclamation and deforestation were also to blame.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the reclamation and logging activities reached their peak.

The Huangming Jingshi Wenbian records: "From Yongning to Yansui, every inch of the cliffs and precipices of the mountains was cultivated."

Of course, it's unrealistic to expect the ancients to talk about environmental protection.

Many people are starving and on the verge of death, yet we still have to worry about environmental protection.
The saying goes, "firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea." Firewood and rice are listed first, corresponding to felling trees and cultivating land.

In ancient times, when energy was scarce, firewood was even considered an extremely important resource.

Firewood is needed for everything, from boiling water and cooking to keeping warm in winter.

Therefore, whether they were poor or rich, they did not hesitate to cut down one mountain after another!

Therefore, Duke Zhang Rong of England looked at Zhang Yunxiu with a sneer and said.

“Boy, whether it’s the outskirts of the capital, the cities of Beizhili, or even the densely wooded Nanzhili, where can you find firewood around the city?”
If you want to make glass, you must transport charcoal from Southern Zhili.

His eyes held a hint of amusement.

"However, it's not like there aren't any nearby. Shanxi is a mountainous region, and there are still some charcoal and firewood available. But if the Shanxi merchants find out you're going to set up a glass factory, how much do you think they'll sell it to you for?"

Zhang Rong looked at Zhang Yunxiu with great pity, and for a moment she even felt a little sorry for him.

This kid not only squanders money on himself, but he also drags the emperor into it!
No matter how you calculate it, this business with "Liuli Gongfang" will result in a loss of money!

The losses are more than just a little bit.

Zhang Rong quickly calculated that it would cost at least 200,000 taels of silver to settle these refugees and build workshops in Xishan.

This is still in the wasteland of the Western Hills, which mostly belonged to the royal family and was not included in the calculation.

What a crime!
Zhang Rong tried to persuade him earnestly, but Zhang Yunxiu didn't appreciate it and said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Uncle, don't you know there are coal mines on West Mountain?"

"Coal? You brat! Are you trying to drive this old man crazy?"

Zhang Rong was furious and stomped her feet as she spoke.

"Even a three-year-old child in the capital knows that there is very little coal in the coal mines on the Western Hills; it's mostly toxic coal! Do you want to send these refugees to their deaths? Or are you trying to deceive the officials and nobles of the capital?"

That is to say, the Wanli Emperor, a young emperor who was not very reasonable, would believe Zhang Yunxiu's nonsense.

Zhang Yunxiu remained calm and smiled as he spoke.

"Uncle, there's no need to worry. What if I could produce non-toxic, smokeless coal?"

"Anthracite? Unheard of! Absolutely incredible!"

Zhang Rong instinctively wanted to refute, but then immediately stopped herself from speaking.

The promises they made in the past seemed like complete fantasies, yet they all came true!
Zhang Rong also became cautious, worried that he might make a rash judgment and then be refuted by this brat.

He looked at the telescope in his hand. If he could invent such a thing, inventing smokeless coal would probably be a piece of cake.

So Zhang Rong asked rather cautiously, "Leaving aside the anthracite coal for now, with your plan, how much glass could this Xishan workshop produce in a day if it were to start producing glass?"

Zhang Yunxiu stroked his chin, carefully considered the matter, and then spoke.

"I have heard that the Imperial Glass Factory in the capital can produce one to two hundred glasswares a day when it is operating at full capacity."

"My nephew thinks that if I open a glass factory beneath the Xishan workshop, relying on these able-bodied young migrants and employing more advanced technology, producing over a thousand pieces a day shouldn't be a problem."

This is a conservative estimate. If the production line and the craftsmen's skill level improve, it is possible to produce tens of thousands of pieces per day.

Even with thousands of items, Zhang Rong was already somewhat on edge. He frowned and looked at Zhang Rong with a questioning gaze.

"Nephew, is what you say true?"

Zhang Yunxiu said with great pride, "Have I ever said anything boastful?"

He certainly had the confidence to do so. Since the plague in the capital, every word Zhang Yunxiu had said and every boast he had made had come true.

Zhang Rong fell silent, and upon reflection, it really made sense.

Questioning Zhang Yunxiu? The fates of people like Zhang Ziwei and Xu Shuming are the best proof!

But the more this was the case, the more astonished Zhang Rong became.

The British Duke's Mansion owns quite a few shops in the capital.

On weekdays, he also runs a glass business.

Zhang Rong instinctively sensed that if the other party succeeded, the price of glass in the capital would plummet!
Damn it! The shop just received a batch of glass last month, are we going to lose everything?
No! We must act before that happens.

Zhang Rong made up his mind, but a guilty expression appeared on his face. He looked very conflicted and grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.

"That... Shiyuan."

He looked rather embarrassed, even nervously rubbing his hands together.

Zhang Yunxiu immediately saw through the clue and narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

"Uncle wants to take a share of the profits?"

"Hehehe—" Zhang Rong blushed. "I've heard this is His Majesty's business. We nobles have received imperial favor for generations, so naturally we should help His Majesty solve his problems, shouldn't we? Oh dear~ and these refugees too."

Having been immersed in officialdom for many years, even as a military officer, Zhang Rong spoke with great eloquence.

Zhang Yunxiu waved his hand impatiently, looking quite disgusted.

"Investing as a shareholder is fine too. My nephew isn't stingy; we can all make money together, but..."

This question really made Zhang Rongxin's heart jump to her throat, and she couldn't help but ask nervously.

"But what?"

"However, investing in shares is acceptable. My Xishan Workshop is a large business, so a few thousand taels of silver is not enough. It must start at least at fifty thousand taels, and a series of contracts must be signed."

"How many???"

Zhang Rong was startled; Zhang Yunxiu's demands were simply outrageous.

After all, there is a fundamental difference between fixed assets and working capital.

Fifty thousand taels may not seem like much to a duke, but that includes all his family property and land.

For a duke to come up with 50,000 taels of silver in one go would be an astronomical sum.

Glancing at the other person, Zhang Yunxiu said leisurely, "If Uncle is reluctant, I will not force you."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rong immediately said in a serious tone, "Shiyuan, what are you saying? Since I have said that I am willing to share His Majesty's burdens, how can I back down?"
"Just you wait. When I get back today, I'll pawn all the shops on Chessboard Street, and I'll sell everything I own to raise the money!"

After saying this, Duke Zhang Rong of England regretted it somewhat.

Because Zhang Yunxiu is really not joking with you.

Turning around, the two arrived at Renmin Medical Clinic, and even their guarantor rushed over.

Zhang Yunxiu pulled out a pre-prepared contract, placed it on the desk, and said to Zhang Rong.

"Please sign and affix your seal, Uncle! After you sign, the royal business of Xishan Workshop will also have your share." With wide eyes, Zhang Rong looked at the contract again and again, then stiffly turned to the other party and stammered.

"Nephew, I haven't raised enough money yet!"

"No problem, no problem." Zhang Yunxiu chuckled. "I trust Uncle's character. It's all clearly written in this contract. The final payment can be settled within three months."

"Final payment?"

What new and unusual word is it?

However, Zhang Rong still understood the general meaning, and he turned his serious gaze to the contents of the contract.

After watching for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they still couldn't figure out anything.

Zhang Rong had never seen such a detailed contract before!
The text above is extremely abstract, yet very precise, with not a single error found.

Zhang Yunxiu stood aside and explained.

"Even close brothers should keep clear accounts. Uncle, please read the contract carefully to avoid future disputes. Now that it's settled, we won't damage our harmony."

“It’s natural.”

Zhang Rong swallowed hard and turned his gaze back to the contract. The dense text gave him a headache.

The key issue is that it doesn't use human language; it uses terms like "Party A," "Party B," "risk," and "responsibility."

Zhang Rong only had a vague understanding of it.

But when he thought about how this business was invested in by the emperor, and how Renmin Medical Hall's ability to make money was also obvious to all.

Most importantly, Zhang Yunxiu is trying to destroy the glass shops in the capital!
You can't stop it, the only way is to join!
Zhang Rong let out a breath, glanced at some key points, and, having lost patience, simply made the decision.

“Since you trust me, Zhang Rong, my nephew, I will naturally trust you too!”

After saying that, he acted very casually, and without even using ink, he simply took out his sword, made a cut on his finger, pressed his handprint down, and left his name.

"Hey, Uncle is really generous!"

Picking up the contract, Zhang Yunxiu grew happier and happier as he read it, his heart filled with countless emotions.

In the blink of an eye, fifty thousand taels of silver were in his hands!
People in the Ming Dynasty were truly honest! If this were in later generations, the other party would have to read it several times, and might even need to consult a lawyer before negotiating.

Seeing Zhang Yunxiu's mouth practically twitching with a grin, Zhang Rong couldn't help but ask somewhat nervously.

"Nephew, you wouldn't be lying to this old man, would you?"

"how could be?"

Zhang Yunxiu's face showed a righteous expression.

"What kind of person does Uncle Shi take me for? Do you think I, Zhang Yunxiu, am the kind of person who would betray his word?"

What I, Zhang Yunxiu, value most is the spirit of contract.

I, Zhang Yunxiu, alone possess eight-tenths of the justice in the entire capital!

"Alright then, I'll take you to see that smokeless coal, Uncle!"

Seven days later.

After careful consideration and planning, in order to thoroughly implement His Majesty the Emperor's imperial edict and make every effort to ensure the better and faster completion of the "Xishan Workshop" project (Phase I).

Following His Majesty the Emperor's wise governance, the Anping Camp in the western suburbs carried out all resettlement work after the dispersal of refugees in a more stable and secure manner.

At the same time, in order to promote the economic development of the Xishan area and ensure the basic livelihood of tens of thousands of migrants in the western suburbs.

To achieve the goal of "everyone having food to eat and everyone having clothes to wear," and to properly complete the resettlement work after the disbandment of the Anping Army in the western suburbs.

Commander Zhang Yunxiu of the Embroidered Uniform Guard presided over the "Mobilization Meeting for the Construction of Xishan Workshop in Anping Camp, Western Suburbs"!
The aim is to unite all parties and work together to ensure the smooth implementation of the "Xishan Workshop" construction project!

Lord Zhang Rong, Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies of the Beijing Garrison, Commander-in-Chief of the Anping Army, Duke of Yingguo, Junior Guardian, and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, personally attended and assisted in this gathering.

-

Looking at the makeshift stage, Zhang Rong had no idea what Zhang Yunxiu was up to.

There was no scenery on the stage, and even the "actors" on stage were a mismatched bunch.

On the stage, there was only a small square table. Two scholars dressed in blue robes stood behind the table, smiling at the refugees below.

Judging from their serious expressions, they seem to be "students"? But the two of them don't seem to be skilled in ventriloquism.

Are they called "paiyou" (a type of male entertainer)?
However, actors and entertainers, who are often comical and amusing, are rarely as serious as these actors.

Yet they resemble storytellers, but where are there two storytellers standing side by side?
Zhang Rong looked puzzled, but the refugees below were very excited.

Today's mobilization meeting could not possibly include all 20,000 refugees. Instead, some "village elders" and "village leaders" were selected from among the refugees to participate as representatives, numbering about three or four hundred.

They formed a circle in front of the stage, their eyes wide open, waiting for the two performers.

For ordinary people, being able to watch a play is the happiest thing.

Once things calmed down inside, one of the people on stage finally spoke.

"Hey~ Today, the two of us will tell you a crosstalk routine."

This person had clearly undergone some training; his voice was loud and clear, and his pronunciation was simple, so that every refugee present could hear and understand him.

"Clap clap-"

As soon as these words were spoken, before the performance even began, the refugees in the audience started clapping enthusiastically, all looking excited.

However, one person realized that something was wrong.

Zhang Rong frowned deeply. He took out the telescope that Zhang Yunxiu had given him and looked at the "actor's" face. He was immediately startled.

He didn't recognize him from a distance just now, but he recognized him immediately.

The man on the right is clearly Zhu Yinghuai, the young master of the Duke of Cheng's mansion!

How did this kid end up here?

He had a bad feeling and shifted his gaze to the left.

Upon seeing the shorter man's appearance, Zhang Rong nearly fainted from anger.

Damn it! Isn't this my youngest son, Zhang Yuanhao?

Zhang Rong knew that his youngest son spent all his time hanging out with Zhu Yinghuai, but he never expected that his son would end up here.

These two were once notorious playboys in the capital, and Zhang Rong found it extremely difficult to discipline them.

He thought that even if it was absurd, it would only cost more money, but he didn't expect that Zhang Yuanhao would be so rebellious, actually acting as a "performer" in front of his father, and even wanting to perform in the Anping Army.

Suddenly, Zhang Rong's anger surged up from within, and his face turned bright red.

"Rebel!"

He roared and tried to rush forward.

Not wanting to be stopped by Zhang Yunxiu, who was standing by watching the show, she immediately stopped him.

"Uncle, please calm down!"

"Step aside!!!"

Zhang Rong said angrily.

"Zhang Shiyuan! Is this the method you spoke of for stabilizing the refugees? Is this the method that will allow the refugees to go to the Xishan workshops to make a living with peace of mind?"

What's my son doing here? And acting like a 'performer'? You heartless wretch! When have I ever slighted you?

"Old man"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rong, this burly veteran, actually felt a little aggrieved, and his voice trembled with a hint of tears.

"Art! This is art! It's called crosstalk!"

While stopping the other party, Zhang Yunxiu patiently explained.

"Uncle, please don't get agitated! Your son has been committing all sorts of misdeeds in the capital. I'm just helping to set things right!"

"Uncle, you're being too old-fashioned! How can you compare this 'actor' to 'crosstalk'? My crosstalk is elegant!"

"Hey! Zhang Rong, you're really asking for it! Go ahead and cause trouble! If you make such a scene that all the refugees flee, your fifty thousand taels of silver will be gone!"

　Note 1: Excessive deforestation occurred during the Northern Song Dynasty, as recorded in the "Treatise on Food and Commodities" in the History of Song: "In the second year of the Zhiping era... firewood and charcoal were transported from Jingxi, Shaanxi, and Hedong to the capital. The firewood was valued at 17,130,000 catties, and the charcoal at 1 million catties."

　　
　
(End of this chapter)