Chapter 40

The instant he saw Glass, Rong Lian's mind was shaken to its core.

What was this? Why had he never seen it before?

"Second Young Master, do you know what this is?" Xi Yan, equally bewildered, asked his learned master.

Rong Lian pressed his lips together and shook his head. Walking up to Rong Xi, he asked directly, "Brother, what are these things? How can they be so transparent?"

"This is glass. It can be used for windows—it lets in light while keeping out the wind, far more useful than paper." Hu Yulin answered for Rong Xi. "This was Eldest Brother's ingenious idea. It will surely astonish the world in the future."

Seeing that the Rong Clan still overlooked Eldest Brother's talent, he could not help feeling indignant on his behalf. Without Rong Xi's consent, he spoke out directly, then offered Rong Xi an apologetic smile.

Rong Xi was helpless. It was not that he meant to hide his abilities; he simply could not be bothered to talk about them.

Rong Lian suddenly looked at Rong Xi, his gaze trembling.

Since arriving in Linxi, how many new things had he seen? The Hu Clan's coal briquettes, the Jiang Clan's Thin Cauldrons, the Duan Clan's new dishes—all were inextricably linked to his brother.

All these things, vivid as though before his eyes, brought forth in a flood the thought he had buried deep in his heart for so long, yet never dared believe.

Rong Lian parted his lips slightly, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

"Once the glass has been installed, Second Brother can study in peace. You will no longer be troubled by the cold wind, and there will be enough sunlight as well."

Rong Xi smiled.

After a long while, Rong Lian suddenly broke into a smile and let out a long sigh. "I was narrow-minded before. Brother, please do not blame me. Taking the imperial examinations and entering office is for ordinary people like us. With your talent, Brother, you need not seek any connection to the imperial court. Even living quietly in the countryside, you can still bring blessings to all under heaven."

Only now did he realize how terribly narrow-minded his advice urging his brother to study had been the other day.

"You overstate it, Second Brother." Seeing him look dazed, as if doubting himself, Rong Xi said, "Everyone has their own path at which they excel. Second Brother is good at studying. In the future, when you earn your name on the golden list and enter office, you can speak for the common people. Whether my path can benefit countless others will still require Second Brother's help."

If the court was unwilling to spend effort and resources, what could Rong Xi do even if he created new tools? How could one person's strength compare to the strength of an entire nation?

Rong Xi's words struck Rong Lian like a splash of enlightenment, leaving him dazed. He was still immersed in shame, yet his brother possessed such lofty insight.

"I will surely devote my whole heart and strength to supporting one another with Brother!" Rong Lian immediately became radiant, as though he had found the purpose of his life.

Before this, he had merely followed the world's expectations—taking the imperial examinations and entering the court—yet his heart had been full of confusion and helplessness. Even if he truly entered the court, what use could a mere scholar like him be?

Now, having heard his brother's words, it was as if his Ren and Du meridians had both opened. He was filled with renewed drive.

Through the tireless efforts of the craftsmen, by the time the sun sank behind the western hills, glass windows had been installed in the courtyard where Rong Xi, Rong Lian, and the Liu Clan grandparents and grandchild lived.

Light streamed into the rooms. Even after the golden wheel had vanished and only faint rosy clouds remained, the objects inside could still be seen clearly. It was unlike before, when even daytime felt dim.

Tonight, I can finally sleep well, Rong Xi thought.

After admiring their work, the craftsmen gradually departed from Rong Residence. Feng Shan and his son were kept for dinner.

"Eldest Brother, glass truly is novel and convenient. It is so clear, transparent, and smooth—its cost must not be low. How much do you plan to sell it for?" Feng Shan asked.

Rong Xi answered with a smile, "Brother Xuan Shi is more skilled at setting prices. If Master Feng does not mind, I can give you some glass, but I need your help with something."

Feng Shan was Liu Zishi's martial arts master, and Rong Xi held him in considerable respect.

Thinking of how Teacher Gao was already advanced in years and his eyesight was gradually weakening, Rong Xi thought he should use glass as well.

As he pondered this, Feng Shan said, "Eldest Brother, no need to be polite. If I can help, I certainly will. But I must purchase the glass myself."

"Master Feng, you are too courteous. The world does not yet know the benefits of glass. I am already delighted that Master Feng is willing to do business with Hu. As Eldest Brother said, the glass will be given to Master Feng. I only hope Master Feng will spread the word about it."

Hu Yulin smiled with narrowed eyes and exchanged a glance with Rong Xi. Receiving a grateful look from Rong Xi, he felt deeply satisfied.

His words sounded reasonable, but the world was not foolish. Once people saw glass, they would surely understand its wonders. Why would they need a craftsman to promote it?

Yet with matters having reached this point, Feng Shan could no longer conveniently refuse.

"Master Feng, glass breaks easily. I do not trust others. Do you have a way to help me transport it to Shengjing?" Rong Xi asked calmly.

Feng Shan's heart gave a jolt. He carefully weighed Rong Xi's expression and words. Was this asking him to deliver a pane of glass to Prince Qin's Residence?

Rong Xi had his reasons. First, glass was indeed fragile, and he did not trust ordinary courier services; second, Feng Shan had close ties with Prince Qin's Residence. If he found someone to deliver it, the residence would certainly treat it with due care.

"I will not fail you in this matter, Eldest Brother," Feng Shan replied solemnly.

Hearing this, Rong Lian assumed Rong Xi intended to send it to Shengjing Rong Residence, and joy rose faintly in his heart. Since coming to Linxi, his brother had never mentioned the family or sent even a single letter. He had thought his brother had already become estranged from the family.

Now it seemed his brother still remembered the clan.

Feng Shan truly was worthy of trust. Several days later, a smooth, transparent pane of glass was delivered intact before Qin Ke.

It was accompanied by a letter personally written by Feng Shan.

The glass drew a crowd of onlookers. Liang Siwen and Chen Chuangu both exclaimed in amazement. Gathering his courage, Liang Siwen asked, "Father, who sent this? It shines brighter than gold!"

Chen Chuangu smiled, already holding a guess in his heart. "Could this have been made by Eldest Brother again?"

After reading the letter, Qin Ke's lips curved into a smile, and he appeared to be in an excellent mood. "It is indeed Rong Dalang's ingenious creation. This is called glass. It can be used for windows, letting in light and warding off wind."

"Rong Dalang?" Liang Siwen was utterly incredulous, his face full of shock.

The image of Rong Xi's slightly plump figure surfaced in his mind, and the amusement in Qin Ke's eyes deepened. "I am going to the palace to see His Majesty."

He then took the glass and departed.

With the emperor's permission, Qin Ke entered the hall, where Minister Rong happened to be present as well.

"Cousin, have you brought another novelty?" Seeing Qin Ke carrying something in his hands, the young emperor immediately guessed the truth and asked happily.

Qin Ke removed the outer wrapping of paper and held a square pane of glass in his palm.

"Your Majesty, please look."

The emperor nearly leaped down the steps of the hall. He strode swiftly to Qin Ke, examined it closely, and revealed an astonished expression. Only after a long while did he ask, "Did he make this?"

Qin Ke smiled. "Precisely."

"Ha ha!" The emperor was overjoyed. Looking at the bewildered Minister Rong beside him, he could no longer hold back and laughed aloud in praise. "Minister Rong, you have given birth to a fine son!"