A Poor Man's Son-in-Law: He Picks Up the Daughter of a Duke's Mansion at the Start

In mid-July, the summer heat reaches its peak.

As Lu Qingyan stepped into the study that day, he felt a cool breeze—a new ice mirror had been added to the corner, with wisps of white steam rising from it. Zhao Jingshuo was dressed in a moon-white gauze robe and sat behind his desk, his face beaming with undisguised pride. In front of him was a brocade box, its lid open, revealing several items lined with bright yellow silk.

"Editor Lu!" Upon seeing Lu Qingyan enter, Zhao Jingshuo immediately stood up, his tone carrying a childlike boastfulness, "Look what Father Emperor rewarded me with!"

Lu Qingyan approached. Inside the brocade box was a set of glassware: a pot and four cups, refracting a dappled light in the morning glow. Glassware was indeed a rare commodity in this era, especially a complete set like this, with uniform color and perfect shape; it must have been a precious tribute from the Western Regions.

"It is a glass cup," Lu Qingyan praised politely. "It gleams brilliantly; it is indeed a treasure. Congratulations, Your Highness."

Zhao Jingshuo's eyes sparkled: "I begged Father Emperor for so long! My eldest brother got a set before, and I was so envious. This time, Father Emperor said my studies had improved, so he specially rewarded me with this!" He carefully picked up a cup and presented it to Lu Qingyan. "Look, how clear this color is! Look at it against the light, there are even tiny gold flecks inside!"

The ten-year-old boy's demeanor, like someone presenting a treasure, was completely devoid of the airs of a prince. Lu Qingyan took the cup, its surface warm to the touch. The glass was indeed quite nice—by the standards of this era. But in his eyes, it was nothing more than ordinary soda-lime glass, its color slightly bluish-green due to iron impurities, and those "gold stars" were likely unmelted mineral particles. The cup walls were uneven in thickness, and there were obvious air bubbles at the bottom.

"Does Your Highness know the origin of this glass?" He gently placed the cup back into the brocade box.

"They say it's from the Western Regions!" Zhao Jingshuo recounted with great familiarity, "It's made by artisans from the Abbasid Caliphate, and it requires forty-nine processes! One set can be exchanged for ten fine horses!"

Lu Qingyan nodded. In this era, glassmaking technology was indeed in the hands of a few craftsmen from the Western Regions. After being introduced to the Central Plains, it became rare and valuable due to its secrecy. He recalled the Warring States period glass bi discs and Han Dynasty glass earrings he had seen in museums in his previous life. In fact, China had glassmaking technology very early on, but it was later lost.

"What does Editor Lu think?" Zhao Jingshuo looked at him expectantly, wanting to hear more praise.

Looking at the child's expectant eyes, Lu Qingyan carefully chose his words: "It is indeed exquisite. However, I believe that the beauty of an object lies in its use, not its price. This glass cup is perfect for holding iced drinks in the summer. Observing its clarity and feeling its coolness is enough to make the most of it. If it is simply hidden in a box, it loses its original purpose."

These words were spoken tactfully, neither spoiling the child's mood nor overly valuing material possessions. Zhao Jingshuo seemed to understand, but he did take some of it to heart. He carefully closed the brocade box, but couldn't resist opening it again for one last look; he looked exactly like a child who had received a beloved toy.

The day's lesson ranged from glassmaking to the Western Regions, and from the Western Regions to the Silk Road. Zhao Jingshuo listened intently, occasionally asking questions:

"Editor Lu, how far is the Western Regions from the capital?"

"If we travel through the Hexi Corridor, it will take more than two months even at the fastest horse."

"What do the people there look like? Do they wear clothes like ours?"

"They had high noses and deep-set eyes, and their clothing varied. There were long robes of Arabs, Hu clothing of Uyghurs, and fur coats of Tibetans."

"What do they eat?"

"They eat beef and mutton, and drink dairy products. The fruits are extremely sweet, including grapes and cantaloupes..."

The child's questions were boundless and imaginative, and Lu Qingyan answered them all. Having studied the history of ancient Sino-Western exchanges in his previous life, he could readily draw upon this knowledge. When he became engrossed in his lecture, he dipped his brush in water and drew a simple map on the table, marking Chang'an, Dunhuang, Kucha, Samarkand…

Zhao Jingshuo leaned over the desk, his eyes unblinking: "Editor Lu, have you ever been to the Western Regions?"

"I have never been there."

"Then how do you know so much?"

"From the books," Lu Qingyan said gently, "the 'Illustrated Gazetteer of the Western Regions,' the 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,' and the travel notes of envoys from previous dynasties... the vast landscape is contained within these books."

Zhao Jingshuo seemed to be deep in thought. After a while, he suddenly said, "Then if I have the chance in the future, I will definitely go and see it with my own eyes."

He spoke softly, but earnestly. Lu Qingyan looked at him and suddenly recalled the feeling she had when she first opened "The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions" in the library in her previous life—that longing for distant places was no different for children of all ages.

"You can do it; every place has a different view," Lu Qingyan said softly.

Before the noon bell rang, Zhao Jingshuo opened the brocade box again, took out the glass pot, and carefully poured half a cup of water into it. The water, once poured into the pot, refracted light, creating a truly delightful effect.

"Editor Lu, have a drink too." He pushed the glass towards him.

Lu Qingyan thanked him and took a sip. The water was at room temperature, but in this glass cup, it seemed to have a touch more coolness.

"Is it good?" Zhao Jingshuo asked expectantly.

"It's refreshing and helps to beat the heat." Lu Qingyan put down the cup, glanced at the bubbles on the cup, and finally said, "However, Your Highness, this glass cup is beautiful, but it has one flaw."

"Where?" Zhao Jingshuo immediately tensed up.

Lu Qingyan pointed to a spot on the cup's surface: "Your Highness, look closely, there are air bubbles here. True, top-quality glass should be crystal clear, like ice and jade." He paused, "I once read in ancient books that a craftsman in a previous dynasty could fire 'medicinal jade,' which was as clear as water and produced a sound like gold and jade when struck. Unfortunately, the method of making it has been lost."

This statement is partly true and partly false. "Medicinal jade" refers to glass, and ancient China did indeed possess advanced glassmaking techniques, especially from the Warring States period to the Han Dynasty, when they were able to produce lead-barium glass with rich colors and exquisite craftsmanship. However, due to various reasons, the technology failed to continue its development later on.

Zhao Jingshuo leaned closer for a closer look and indeed saw several tiny air bubbles, about the size of millet grains, on the inside of the cup. He pursed his lips and said, "It really is... but Father said this is the best set among this year's tribute."

"Of course it would be good." Lu Qingyan smiled. "I just think that our Central Plains is rich in natural resources and has countless skilled craftsmen. Given time, we may be able to produce even better ones."

The words were phrased subtly, but Zhao Jingshuo took them to heart. He blinked curiously, "Editor Lu, do you think we can make glass ourselves?"

"Why not?" Lu Qingyan retorted. "Porcelain, lacquerware, silk—aren't they all the creations of the ingenuity of Central Plains craftsmen? Although the method of making glass is secret, at its core, it is nothing more than sand and stone being fired in a fierce fire. Once there is an established method, it can be studied and improved."

He spoke casually, but a thought already formed in his mind. In his previous life, he had visited a glass museum and knew that the basic raw materials for glass were quartz sand, pure alkali, and limestone, melted at high temperatures and then shaped. The difficulties in the process lay in the formula ratio, temperature control, and impurity removal. This knowledge might truly come in handy in this era.

However, this matter cannot be rushed. Lu Qingyan changed the subject back to today's main lesson: "Your Highness, we should now discuss the 'Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Dayuan'."

"Alright!" Zhao Jingshuo readily agreed, carefully putting the glass cup back into the brocade box before opening the book.

The lesson that day was made all the more vivid by the incident involving the glass lamp. Zhao Jingshuo listened attentively, occasionally glancing at the brocade box on the table, his eyes filled with appreciation—it was a reward he had earned through his hard work, and also his father's approval.

When class ended, Lu Qingyan stood up to leave. Zhao Jingshuo suddenly called out to him, "Editor Lu!"

"Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"

The child hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Is it true that we can make glass ourselves, as you just said?"

Looking into his clear eyes, Lu Qingyan slowly nodded: "Really. As long as you're willing to put in the effort, there's nothing you can't do."

Zhao Jingshuo's eyes lit up, and he nodded emphatically: "I believe you."

Stepping out of the Imperial Study, the sun was blazing. As Lu Qingyan walked along the palace wall, he thought of the set of glass cups and how Zhao Jingshuo cherished them, and a plan gradually formed in his mind.

The preciousness of glass in this era stemmed from technological monopoly. If he could restore or even improve glassmaking techniques, it would not only be a beneficial industry for the country and its people, but it could also break the trade advantage of the Western Regions and enrich the national treasury.

Of course, this is also very risky. Developing the technology requires investment, there will inevitably be resistance from the central government, and it will also disrupt the existing power structure. But…

He recalled the look in the child's eyes when he said, "I believe you."

Some things just have to be done by someone.

Back in Wutong Lane, Yun Shuwei was looking through account books under the eaves. Seeing him return, she looked up and smiled, "So early today? Didn't the Third Prince keep you company for a game of chess?"

"The Third Prince is very happy today because he received a reward," Lu Qingyan said, recounting the story of the glass cup.

Upon hearing this, Yun Shuwei raised an eyebrow and said, "Western Region glass cups? They are indeed rare items. Last year, for the Empress's birthday, the Western Regions presented three sets as tribute. The Emperor kept one for himself and bestowed one set each on the Empress and Consort Zhao. Consort De doesn't have any."

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something: "Oh, right, Granny Lin came back from the manor today with some old gift lists. I remember there was a set of glassware, which was a gift from a merchant from Jiangnan for Father's birthday the year before last. He said it was made using Western Region methods, but the quality was so-so, so it was put away in the storeroom."

Lu Qingyan's heart skipped a beat: "May I take a look?"

"Of course." Yun Shuwei instructed Chunxing to fetch it.

Before long, Chunxing brought over a wooden box. Inside was a set of four glass cups, their color dull and cloudy, their walls thick and clumsy, indeed inferior to the Third Prince's set.

Lu Qingyan picked one up and examined it closely. It must have been made by a local craftsman using a traditional lead-barium glass formula, hence its dark color and poor transparency. But the fact that someone had tried it showed that the Central Plains did indeed have a foundation in glassmaking.

"Shuwei," he put down his cup, "I want to try making glass."

Yun Shu was slightly taken aback: "You? But you've never learned this before..."

"I've read some ancient books and know the general principles," Lu Qingyan said vaguely. "Besides, when His Highness asked about it today, I said that craftsmen from the Central Plains could fire even better ones. Since you've made such a boast, you should at least give it a try."

Yun Shu looked at him, her expression complex. After a long silence, she whispered, "What...are you planning to do with this?"

As expected, she couldn't be fooled. Lu Qingyan nodded: "Glass is precious, but it's monopolized by the Western Regions. If we could produce it ourselves, it would not only replenish the national treasury but also break down trade barriers. It would be a good thing for both the country and its people."

"Do you know how much investment is required? How much risk is involved?" Yun Shu frowned slightly. "Those in the court who profit from trade with the Western Regions, how could they sit idly by?"

"I know." Lu Qingyan held her hand. "So, I want to try it out privately first. If it works out, then we'll consider other options."

Yun Shuwei remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "Fine, do as you wish. If you need anything, I'll have Granny Lin find it."

"I'll have Granny Lin help me find some skilled craftsmen. I'll ask them to give it a try." Lu Qingyan felt a warmth in her heart. "However, this matter must be kept secret, especially from others."

"I see."

As night fell, Lu Qingyan spread out paper in his study and wrote down the basic principles of glassmaking from memory: the ratio of quartz sand, pure alkali, and limestone; the control of melting temperature; the importance of the annealing process... He wrote it very briefly, and many details still needed to be explored through experiments.

He knew this was a completely new path. But now that he had seen the direction, there was no reason not to take it.

That set of Western Region glass lamps might be a turning point.