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

Chapter 181 A New Technique for Glassmaking! Float Glass Production!
Xishan Workshop.

Zhang Yunxiu arrived at Liulichang early in the morning.

As dawn broke, the brick kilns in Liulichang were still steaming, the red boilers staining half the courtyard red.

Zhao Shizhen, with dark circles under his eyes, held a record sheet in his hand and stared intently at the kiln in his eyes.

More than thirty craftsmen gathered in front of the kiln.

The leading craftsman was named Xie Yichui. His family had been making glass for the imperial court for generations, and his lineage could be traced back to his ancestors during the Hongwu reign.

He noticed Zhang Yunxiu's arrival and spoke in a low voice to the busy craftsmen.

"Hurry up, everyone, don't let it affect you. Magistrate Zhang doesn't like flattery, so let's get things done."

Most of the artisans in the area were originally craftsmen from the Imperial Glass Factory, as well as some artisans from Beizhili.

Since the establishment of Xishan Liulichang, artisans have had another way out: to leave the stable life of the former Royal Liulichang and find a livelihood in Xishan.

For the artisans from outside the area, who were already struggling to make a living, coming to Xishan to beg for food was not a big deal.

But for the artisans of the Royal Glass Factory, no one wanted to listen to a fourteen-year-old child giving orders.

Therefore, only those as unpopular as Xie Yichui were ostracized to Xishan Workshop.

At first, Xie Yichui was naturally desperate, after all, the clever ideas among the adults could easily torment a nobody like him to the point of near death.

But when he arrived at Liulichang in Xishan, he was surprised to find that it was not as terrible as the rumors outside had made it out to be.

In fact, the treatment in Xishan Liulichang was much better than that in the Royal Liulichang.

After all, Zhang Tongzhi didn't have a group of eunuchs under his command who wanted to exploit him.

Upon seeing Zhang Yunxiu arrive, Zhao Shizhen quickly stepped forward, bowed, and reported.

“Master, the Xishan Glass Factory has been studying this for several months and has made some progress in the float glass production process.”

The student, acting on the master's orders, has come to make improvements and correct some details that the craftsmen previously failed to grasp. After five experiments in three days, it seems this time there will be some progress.

"That's fine, you can do your thing, don't worry about me."

Zhang Yunxiu nodded. These craftsmen were not very literate, and they still needed Zhao Shizhen to guide them before they gradually got on the right track.

The float glass process is complex and of great importance, so even he couldn't resist coming to investigate.

As the kiln gradually turned red, the molten tin in the pool began to churn.

Zhao Shizhen, wearing a mask, stepped forward and gave a confident speech.

"Master Xie! Add borax!"

Xie Yichui dared not be negligent in the slightest and quickly called on the craftsmen to get to work.

Following Zhao Shizhen's instructions, the craftsmen abandoned the centuries-old tradition of relying on experience to introduce auxiliary materials.

They carefully measured the amount of auxiliary materials, and even the pottery buckets were marked with measurements!
The materials required for glassmaking, such as quartz, soda ash, mirabilite, saltpeter, and arsenic, are added to the rest in an orderly manner according to the specified proportions.

The kiln temperature required for making glass is already high, and the float glass process requires even higher temperatures.

Holding his notebook, Zhao Shizhen remarked to himself with a sigh.

“In the past, the glass we made was the ‘lead-barium glass’ that Master spoke of. It required a low temperature and produced glass that was cloudy and brittle.”

The method is based on Western soda-lime glass, which requires extremely high temperatures to produce clearer and stronger glass.

Now that the float glass process is being used again, it's unclear what kind of quality the glass produced will be.

Zhang Yunxiu stared at the kiln for a long time without saying a word.

The technology of the Ming Dynasty was ultimately limited, and it would probably take a lot of luck to truly realize this simplified version of "float flotation".

Even Zhang Yunxiu dared to open this kiln only because the production of briquettes gradually increased, and only after there was sufficient fuel could it be done.

As various materials are added, the amber-colored fluid at high temperature turns crimson and slowly flows into the tin bath.

As the first stream of molten glass flowed down the refractory brick slope into the tin bath, all the craftsmen watching nearby couldn't help but hold their breath.

But then Zhao Shizhen shouted loudly.

"Keep the air damper open or closed by three inches!"

"No~"

The craftsmen looked thin, but they had a lot of strength, pulling the wooden bellows with a whooshing sound.

Through a series of operations, the molten glass spread out on the surface of the molten tin to form a mirror-like surface, refracting a dazzling light in the morning light.

Zhao Shizhen stared intently at the flat glass mirror, completely stunned.

He kept muttering something: "It's really true? This is what they call the combination of gravity and surface tension? It's really that amazing?"

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at the other person with a hint of sympathy.

Just like cultivators, ordinary cultivators absolutely cannot come into contact with techniques that cross multiple realms, as it's very easy to suffer a qi deviation and become possessed by evil spirits.
Zhao Shizhen is currently in this situation.

Seeing the other party's dazed expression, even forgetting to direct the craftsmen, Zhang Yunxiu quickly stepped forward and gave instructions.

Annealing~

Strict adherence to orders and prohibitions was a principle that Zhang Yunxiu consistently upheld in the workshop.

Xie Yichui and the others finally received instructions, and their tense nerves relaxed. They quickly stepped forward.

After a series of skillful operations, the already fired glass plate was carefully pushed into the annealing furnace, and then the furnace door was closed to begin annealing.

They were already very familiar with the relevant procedures.

It takes some time for the glass to cool down.

After leaving the kiln area, Zhao Shizhen finally regained some of his senses. He prostrated himself before Zhang Yunxiu with deep remorse and said...

"Please punish me, Master. I lost my composure for a moment and almost made a grave mistake!"

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at the other person with a complicated expression, and said nonchalantly.

"Get up, it's nothing. You haven't slept for several days because of this float glass process, so it's normal to lose your composure a little."

After several months of research, the glass workshop has mastered the technique of transforming cloudy glass into clear glass, and increasing production is only a matter of time.

But Zhang Yunxiu was not satisfied with the original technique and immediately proposed a more advanced "float process".

This technique, which became widely used in later generations, enabled glass to be smoother and free of bubbles and ripples.

Compared to the crude glassmaking techniques of the past, if the float glass process can be successfully developed, then building a crystal palace using glass would not be difficult at all.

Of course, Zhang Yunxiu's biggest thought was still to make money.

But Zhao Shizhen saw only scientific elements in his eyes. He took out his notes and couldn't help but ask all sorts of tricky scientific questions.

"Master! How can molten tin support glass and make it so smooth? What force is at play here? Is this tension?"

"The craftsmen all know that one must not rush the annealing process, otherwise the glass will easily shatter during firing. What is the reason for this?"

"Why does the quality of this glass be so greatly affected by even a slight error in the raw material ratio? What is the reason for this?!"

With a flurry of questions, Zhao Shizhen launched into a dozen or so, trying to extract all the answers from his master's mind at once.

Zhang Yunxiu was at his wit's end, and he put on a stern face and lectured him.

"How did I teach you?"

Zhao Shizhen was taken aback for a moment, then quickly and respectfully replied.

"Master once said that scientific research should proceed step by step and never be rushed. Only by laying a solid foundation can one be successful in everything."

"That's right."

Zhang Yunxiu, hands on his hips, lectured him.

"The Book of Rites says, 'To act without following the proper order is called humility.' Learning should be done step by step, not hastily. If you do not act in accordance with the rules, you will suffer great losses."

It wasn't that he didn't want to say more, but if he were to throw out all sorts of scientific theorems from later generations all at once, his identity as a prodigy would truly be confirmed.

Zhao Shizhen felt even more respect for the young man before him and bowed repeatedly.

"Thank you for your teachings, Master!"

Nearly an hour later, Xie Yichui came to report.

"My lords! My lords! The float glass process is complete! We've succeeded! The glass is as clear as water!" "Go and see!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yunxiu and Zhao Shizhen rushed out of the duty room without stopping.

Zhang Yunxiu immediately noticed a glass panel propped up on a wooden board in the courtyard.

This glass plate is large, as tall as a person, and is 50% thinner than the glass plates made before!
Most importantly, although this glass plate is much thinner, it is exceptionally sturdy and shows no signs of breaking.

"This thing! It's comparable to crystal!"

Zhao Shizhen was extremely excited, and even disregarding the danger of being burned, he couldn't help but reach out to touch it.

The glass plate had cooled down, but it was still extremely hot. After feeling the heat and smoothness on it, he quickly withdrew his hand.

"It's done!"

At this moment, more than thirty craftsmen in Liulichang had already knelt down, prostrate on the ground, weeping bitterly.

An old craftsman with graying hair was in tears: "I've lived for over fifty years, and this is the first time I've ever seen glass so thin that it's translucent!"

"From this day forward, our Great Ming Dynasty will never need those so-called Western peepholes again!"

"Hahaha~ I'm so glad I've witnessed such craftsmanship in my lifetime; I could die without regrets."

It's no wonder these people reacted so strongly.

For centuries, glass artisans have used largely the same techniques, adjusting the proportions based on experience. Each batch of glass produced was a matter of luck, sometimes good, sometimes bad.

Finally, one day, they were able to grasp the key points and even create such unprecedented glass.

For a group of people who have been doing the same thing for decades, the significance is beyond words.

"This is science!"

Zhao Shizhen stared wide-eyed and muttered to himself.

"Science is a miracle! It is a power that reaches to the heavens!"

Seeing that his stubborn disciple was about to go astray again, Zhang Yunxiu gave him a slap on the forehead in annoyance.

"You good-for-nothing! You've forgotten everything I taught you! Science is science, where do miracles come from?"

"Your disciple is dull-witted!"

Zhao Shizhen quickly bowed and continued speaking.

"Science is based on facts; science emphasizes logic and rationality; and science believes that knowledge can be repeatedly verified."

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at the other person with pity and shook his head.

Suddenly, I began to doubt whether this kid was really a genius who could develop advanced firearms for the Ming Dynasty.
Why does he look more like a madman?
However, upon reflection, he realized that many outstanding scientists in later generations also behaved somewhat strangely, and he felt relieved.

Zhang Yunxiu patted Zhao Shizhen on the shoulder and said.

"My disciple, the path of science is long and arduous. You are a pioneer in scientific research, so you must continue to strive!"

"I will follow Master's teachings!"

Zhao Shizhen's eyes gleamed as he clenched his fist and spoke.

"I won't sleep tonight either, I'm determined to thoroughly study the details of the float glass process!"

madman!

Zhang Yunxiu's lips twitched slightly; he was too exhausted to even complain. Fearing the other person might suddenly die, he offered a reminder.

"Research is important, but health is equally important."

"Disciple will obey Master."

After much persuasion, Zhao Shizhen finally nodded obediently and went downstairs to prepare for a nap.

But he had only been out of Liulichang for a short while when he rushed back in a panic, his face filled with fear.

"What is it now?" Zhang Yunxiu asked impatiently.

"Something terrible has happened, Master!"

Zhao Shizhen, panting heavily, said in a low voice.

"His Majesty has suddenly arrived at West Mountain! He's already at the entrance, and someone from the palace has come to summon Master to greet him!"

"Your Majesty is here?"

Zhang Yunxiu frowned.

After a brief moment of thought, it dawned on me: I had sent the accounts to Zhang Xueyan yesterday, so the emperor must already know about the increased production in Xishan.

However, no one expected the emperor to be in such a hurry, arriving at West Mountain early in the morning.

Was silver really that important to Zhu Yijun?
Zhao Shizhen lowered his voice, pointed to the glass in front of him, and then pointed to the back of West Mountain.

"Master, should we hide these things?"

"Hide your head, my foot!"

Zhang Yunxiu kicked him in an annoyed tone.

He then looked at the other person with pity.

"Changji, from now on, you don't need to get involved in the affairs of the court. Just stay here and be a researcher. I'll guarantee you a life of comfort and security."

Zhao Shizhen still looked puzzled: "Then what should my disciple do?"

"Stay here quietly, and answer whatever the emperor asks you later."

After saying this, Zhang Yunxiu left Liulichang without looking back, mounted a mare, and galloped towards the gate of Xishan.

Halfway there, they saw the emperor's carriage in the distance, with a large group of people gathered at the entrance of West Mountain, looking very grand.

After getting off the carriage, they met their fourth brother, Zhang Jianxiu, who had come to greet them.

When Zhang Yunxiu saw his fourth brother, he was startled. He stared at the other man's heavy dark circles and said...

"Hey, Fourth Brother, how many days did you go to Dongsi Archway to seduce people?"

Upon seeing his younger brother, Zhang Jianxiu grabbed him tightly as if afraid he would run away, and said in a somewhat annoyed tone.

"Your brother has no interest in visiting prostitutes. You better give me a straight answer: did our Xishan workshop make a profit or a loss?"

"Why do you say that, Fourth Brother?"

Zhang Yunxiu said with a displeased expression.

"I've always told Fourth Brother that Xishan Workshop is bound to make a profit; there's no way it could be losing money."

Zhang Jianxiu's eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating that he was not in good mental shape. He was almost going crazy from watching the fluctuations in the price of briquettes on the market every day.

"Shiyuan! Are you trying to kill me?! Just give me a straight answer: did I gain or lose?"

Zhang Yunxiu looked helpless and spread his hands.

"Of course we made a profit, a huge profit at that!"

"Your Majesty, you absolutely mustn't dismount from the imperial carriage; it's against protocol!"

Feng Bao stood by and pleaded, but he still couldn't stop Emperor Wanli from getting off the throne.

The emperor waved his sleeve and said, "Stop making such a racket. I need to see Zhang Shiyuan. I've wronged him. I also need to ask him about the matter at Xishan."

Despite his emotional outburst, Emperor Wanli did not forget that his every word and action would be recorded in the daily records, and he could not speak so recklessly.

At least we can't keep talking about "money" in public anymore.

Fortunately, Emperor Wanli was lame, but it wasn't too serious yet. With the help of specially made shoes that raised his leg, he could still walk a few steps without much trouble.

However, as soon as he stepped off the imperial carriage, he regretted it. He had been working too hard in the harem lately, and after walking a few steps, he was already out of breath, and his lower back was aching slightly.
Fortunately, after walking only a few steps, he saw the Zhang brothers, who were anxious to see him.

Zhang Jianxiu, looking flustered, strode forward, knelt down, and bowed.

"Zhang Jianxiu, Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

But Zhang Yunxiu, who was standing next to him, seemed reluctant. He cupped his hands in greeting and said...

"Your subject Zhang Yunxiu pays respects to Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)