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

August 9th, a small courtyard in the west of the city.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated when Lu Qingyan stood in front of the kiln. This was his tenth consecutive day here, and Master Hu and the other two had long been accustomed to the meticulousness of this "Manager Chen"—even his strictness.

"Today we're testing formula number seven." Lu Qingyan unfolded a sheet of paper, on which were densely written down the proportions of various materials: "Six and a half parts quartz sand, two parts limestone, one and a half parts alkali. Also add half a part lead powder and a small amount of borax."

Craftsman Yu took the order and examined it closely, his brows furrowing slightly: "Manager, isn't too little borax added? Last time we added a portion, and the material did dissolve, but the color turned dark."

"Let's try a small batch this time to see how clear it is." Lu Qingyan turned to Master Hu, "Can the kiln temperature be maintained at last night's level?"

Master Hu stared at the observation hole and nodded confidently: "Yes. This new kiln retains heat well. It's still warm inside since we sealed the fire last night. Add a little charcoal today and slowly raise the temperature; it'll be stable."

Abdul squatted to the side, grinding the powder into fine powder, the stone mill creaking. He was used to this kind of meticulous work—in the Western Regions, the powder had never been ground so finely. But he had to admit that the finer the powder, the more transparent the glass would be.

The materials were prepared, pre-fired, and placed in the kiln. The blower roared to life again, and the kiln opening glowed red. This time, Lu Qingyan didn't stay at the kiln; instead, he went to the workshop. Inside were samples made over the past few days—from the initial dark green, murky blocks of material, to the pale green, semi-transparent slabs, and finally, the first cup made yesterday. The cup was crooked in shape and had uneven walls, but when held up to the light, it was already possible to see one's reflection in it.

He picked up the cup and examined it closely. A few bubbles remained, but they no longer affected the overall clarity. The key was the color—a pale green with a slight bluish tinge, indicating a reduction in iron impurities.

"Manager," Master Hu said in a low voice as he entered, "those two unfamiliar faces at the alley entrance are here again. They've been staying longer this time; they've probably become suspicious."

Lu Qingyan put down his cup: "Have someone keep an eye on things, but don't alert them. Once this batch of materials is ready, we'll find another way to get in and out."

Master Hu nodded and left.

This kiln was fired for six hours. At sunset, the kiln temperature reached its peak, the fire at the kiln opening was bright white, and the heat was intense. Master Hu opened the observation hole, inserted an iron rod, and dipped it in. The molten glass that came out was as red and bright as molten gold, and there were almost no bubbles when it flowed.

"It's done!" The old kiln worker's voice trembled.

Lu Qingyan strode forward. The molten glass on the iron rod swirled in the twilight, clear and bright, still bearing the reddish hue of high-temperature melting, but its texture was uniform and free of impurities. He took the prepared graphite mold—this was made yesterday by craftsman Yu according to his drawing, with simple intertwined vine patterns engraved inside.

"Mold making".

Master Hu poured the molten glass from the iron rod into the mold. The molten glass slowly filled the patterns, and craftsman Yu immediately used an iron plate to press down the mold opening, while Abdul began to rhythmically tap the side wall of the mold—this was the "mold vibration" method taught by Lu Qingyan, which could shake out tiny air bubbles.

After an incense stick has burned, the mold is opened.

A pale blue glass bowl lay in the mold, its walls of uniform thickness adorned with clear and flowing intertwined floral patterns. Looking towards the last rays of the setting sun, the bowl appeared as clear as water, except for the slightly darker bottom, which shimmered with a faint bluish-green hue.

The workshop was silent. The three craftsmen stared at the bowl, their breathing almost subdued.

Master Hu spoke first, his voice choked with emotion: "I've been firing kilns my whole life... and I've never seen such translucent material."

The craftsman reached out to touch it, then pulled back, afraid of damaging it: "This pattern...this sheen..."

Abdul knelt down, placed his hand on his chest, and murmured something in the Western Regions language, tears welling up in his eyes.

Lu Qingyan picked up the bowl. It was warm to the touch—this was because it hadn't been fully annealed, but it didn't affect its appearance. He walked to the water vat and scooped half a bowl of water. As the water poured into the bowl, the ripples spread through the bowl's surface, and the intertwined floral pattern on the bottom of the bowl appeared and disappeared in the shimmering water, as if it had come alive.

As dusk deepened, lights were lit in the shed. The light shone through the bowls, casting soft halos and dappled shadows on the walls.

"How does it compare to the tribute from the Western Regions?" Lu Qingyan asked softly.

Master Hu took a deep breath: "Shengzhi. I've seen those tribute items before; although the color was vibrant, they were cloudy. Ours is much clearer."

Craftsman Yu added, "Moreover, we can control the shape. The ones from the Western Regions are all blown, and the shapes are uniform. We have molds, so we can make whatever we want."

Abdul stood up and said in broken Mandarin, "Even the best craftsmen in my hometown couldn't make something this flawless."

Looking at the bowl in her hand, Lu Qingyan felt a mix of emotions. There was relief, excitement, and a slight sense of disbelief—the artifact she had seen in a museum through a glass case in her previous life was now being brought to life in her own hands.

He composed himself and carefully placed the bowl back on the table: "Anneal the kiln tonight, and check again tomorrow morning. Master Hu, you and your men will take turns guarding the kiln; the temperature must be lowered slowly, not hastily."

"clear!"

"Master Yu, prepare three more batches of materials according to today's recipe. Abdul, is there any glazing technique in your hometown?"

The craftsman from the Western Regions nodded: "Yes. Mineral powder, mix into a paste, apply it, and then fire it."

"We'll test the glaze tomorrow," Lu Qingyan decided. "If we're going to fire it, we should fire the best."

After giving his instructions, it was already 7 PM. Lu Qingyan carefully wrapped the bowl in a soft cloth and placed it in a wooden box. Before leaving, he instructed, "Don't tell anyone about this for now. If anyone asks, just say that new porcelain was being made."

All three solemnly agreed.

By the time the carriage returned to Wutong Lane, night had fallen. Lu Qingyan held the wooden box, but felt little fatigue; instead, he felt a strange exhilaration. He knew that today's meal was not only a technological breakthrough, but also the starting point for a possible future.

Back at the residence, Yun Shuwei was still awake, embroidering something under the lamp in her study. Seeing him return, she put down her needlework and stood up: "Why are you so late today? Have you eaten yet?"

"I used some at the kiln." Lu Qingyan placed the wooden box on the table. "Shuwei, look at this."

Yun Shuwei approached and noticed that his expression was different from usual, with a light in his eyes, which piqued her curiosity. She gently opened the wooden box and lifted the soft cloth—under the lamplight, the pale blue glass bowl lay quietly in the cloth, its body translucent, with delicate intertwined vine patterns and a shimmering halo.

Yun Shu's breath hitched. She carefully picked up the bowl and walked to examine it closely under the light. The bowl's walls were as thin as an eggshell, and when held up to the light, she could clearly see the outline of a finger on the other side. She turned the bowl around, and the light and shadow danced across the intertwined floral patterns, as if they had come alive.

"This...this is what we burned?" Her voice trembled slightly.

"Formula number seven, just came out of the kiln today." Lu Qingyan walked to her side. "The annealing is not yet complete, but it's fine now."

Yun Shu held the bowl gently, her fingertips lightly tracing its rim. It felt warm and smooth, without a single flaw. She recalled the Third Prince's set of Western Region glass cups, dazzling in their brilliance, yet revealing a craftsman's artifice. This bowl in her hand, however, was clear and warm, possessing a restrained beauty.

"Even better than tribute," she murmured, looking up at Lu Qingyan with eyes full of joy. "Lu Qingyan, you did it!"

She smiled radiantly, her eyes sparkling, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Looking at her joyful expression, Lu Qingyan felt a warmth fill his heart. He wanted to say something, but then he saw Yun Shu's smile suddenly freeze, and she sway slightly.

"Shu Wei?"

Yun Shuwei nearly dropped the bowl in her hand. She quickly grabbed the edge of the table and pressed her other hand to her forehead, saying, "I feel a little... dizzy."

Lu Qingyan was startled and quickly helped her sit down: "Have you been working too hard these past few days? I'll go get a doctor."

"No need..." Yun Shuwei tried to stop him, but another wave of dizziness washed over her, so she could only lean on his shoulder, her voice weak, "Perhaps...perhaps I'm too happy..."

Seeing her pale face, Lu Qingyan dared not delay and immediately called out to Chunxing, "Quickly, fetch a doctor! We need Doctor Chen from Huichuntang!"

Chunxing responded and left. Lin Mama rushed over upon hearing the commotion and saw Yun Shuwei leaning against Lu Qingyan's chest, her face pale. She panicked, asking, "What's wrong, Miss?"

"I suddenly feel dizzy." Lu Qingyan picked her up in his arms. "Let's go back to the room and lie down."

In the bedroom, Yun Shuwei lay on the bed, resting with her eyes closed. The dizziness had subsided slightly, but she still felt weak all over. Lu Qingyan sat by the bed, holding her hand, feeling guilty—he had been so focused on making glass these past few days that he had neglected her, as she had been managing the household chores day and night and dealing with the Zhou family's open and covert attacks for him.

About half an hour later, Doctor Chen arrived. This old doctor was a familiar face to the Duke's mansion, possessing superb medical skills and a reliable character. He bowed to Lu Qingyan upon entering before going to the bedside to take her pulse.

Doctor Chen placed his fingers on Yun Shuwei's wrist and closed his eyes in concentration. After a moment, his brow twitched slightly, and he examined her more carefully before opening his eyes.

"Doctor, how is my wife?" Lu Qingyan asked urgently.

Dr. Chen withdrew his hand, but a smile appeared on his face: "Congratulations, Editor Lu, congratulations, Editor Lu."

Lu Qingyan was taken aback.

"Madam, this is a sign of pregnancy," Doctor Chen said with a smile. "You've been pregnant for over a month. Dizziness and weakness are common symptoms during pregnancy. In addition, you may have been tired these past few days, and then suddenly became emotional, which caused the dizziness. It's nothing serious, just rest well."

The bedroom fell silent for a moment.

Yun Shu slightly opened her eyes, staring blankly at Doctor Chen: "You said it's a pregnancy pulse?"

"Absolutely true." Doctor Chen stroked his beard and smiled. "The lady's pulse is smooth and rapid, undoubtedly a sign of pregnancy. I have practiced medicine for thirty years, and I would never be wrong."

Yun Shuwei turned to look at Lu Qingyan. Lu Qingyan was also looking at her, his eyes filled with shock and confusion, which gradually turned into overwhelming joy. He grasped her hand, his fingertips trembling slightly: "Shuwei, we...we have a child?"

Yun Shu looked at him, then down at her lower abdomen, her eyes gradually welling up with tears. She nodded, a smile playing on her lips, but tears streamed down her face: "Yes...we're having a child..."

Granny Lin, standing to the side, had already clasped her hands in prayer, chanting, "Amitabha! May Buddha protect us! If Madam knew, she would be overjoyed!"

Doctor Chen prescribed a remedy to prevent miscarriage and gave some instructions before taking his leave. Lu Qingyan personally saw him off and gave him a generous sum of money for the consultation.

Back in the bedroom, Yun Shuwei had already sat up, leaning against the bed rail, her hand gently placed on her lower abdomen, her expression tender. Seeing Lu Qingyan enter, she looked up, her eyes still glistening with tears, yet she smiled brightly.

Lu Qingyan walked to the bedside and sat down, reaching out to place her hand on top of his. Their palms were pressed together, and through the fabric, they could almost feel the tiny life that was yet to take shape.

"Today is truly..." Lu Qingyan's voice was a little hoarse, "a double celebration."

"Mmm." Yun Shu leaned closer to him. "The glass is finished, and the baby is on the way..." She paused, then suddenly remembered something. "What about the bowl? Is it safe?"

"I've put them in the study." Lu Qingyan hugged her and said softly, "Tomorrow I'll have someone make a few more nice ones, one for you, and one... for His Highness the Third Prince."

Yun Shu raised her eyes slightly: "Are you really going to offer it up?"

"Of course," Lu Qingyan said. "Since I boasted that the Central Plains could produce even better firewood, I have to deliver on my promise. Besides..." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, "The profits are too great for us to bear; and it's time to let some people see what's what."

Yun Shuwei understood what he meant. The successful glassmaking trial was not only a skill, but also a bargaining chip. She nodded and leaned closer to him, saying, "Whatever you say. Just be extra careful these days."

"I know." Lu Qingyan stroked her hair, his voice gentle. "Take good care of yourself during your pregnancy. I'll take care of things outside."

The moonlight outside the window was like water, and the bedroom was warmly lit. The pale blue glass bowl lay quietly in the wooden box in the study, reflecting the moonlight and shimmering with a gentle glow.