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The moment he saw Glass, Rong Lian was utterly shaken.

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

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

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

"This is glass. It can be used for windows, letting in light while blocking the wind. It is far more useful than paper." Hu Yulin answered for Rong Xi. "This was Eldest Young Master's ingenious idea. It will surely astonish the world in the future."

Seeing that the Rong Clan still overlooked Eldest Young Master's talent, he felt indignant on his behalf. Without Rong Xi's permission, he spoke up directly, then gave 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? Whether it was the Hu Clan producing coal briquettes, the Jiang Clan forging Thin Cauldrons, or the Duan Clan introducing new dishes, all of them were inseparably connected to his elder brother.

All these things stood vividly before his eyes. The thought he had buried in his heart for so long, yet had not dared believe, burst forth all at once.

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

"Once the Glass has been installed, Second Brother can study in peace without being troubled by the cold wind. 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 officialdom is for ordinary people like us. With your talent, there is no need to seek opportunities at court. Even living peacefully in the countryside, you can still benefit all under heaven."

Only now did he realize how narrow-minded his earlier words urging Rong Xi to study had been.

"You think too highly of me." Seeing that Rong Lian seemed dazed and was perhaps doubting himself, Rong Xi said, "Everyone has their own strengths. Second Brother excels at studying. When you place your name on the golden list and enter office, you can speak for the people. As for whether my path can benefit the masses, I will still need Second Brother's help."

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

Rong Xi's words struck Rong Lian like a bolt of enlightenment, leaving him momentarily stunned. He had been immersed in shame, yet his elder brother possessed such far-reaching insight.

"I will certainly give it my all and support one another with Brother!" Rong Lian immediately brightened, as if he had found the goal of his life.

Before this, he had merely followed the world's expectations: take the imperial examinations and enter the court. Yet he had felt lost and uncertain. Even if he truly entered officialdom, what use could a mere scholar like him be?

Now, hearing his elder brother's words, it was as though every blocked channel within him had opened, filling him with renewed drive.

After the craftsmen's tireless efforts, by sunset, Glass windows had been installed in the courtyards where Rong Xi, Rong Lian, and the Liu Clan grandparents and grandson lived.

Light streamed into the rooms. Even after the golden sun had disappeared and only the faint glow of sunset remained, everything inside could still be seen clearly. It was unlike before, when even in broad daylight the rooms felt dim.

I can finally get a good night's sleep tonight, Rong Xi thought.

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

"Eldest Young Master, this glass truly is novel and convenient. It is so clear and pristine; it surely cannot be cheap. How much do you plan to sell it for?" Feng Shan asked.

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

As Liu Zishi's martial arts master, Feng Shan had Rong Xi's considerable respect.

Thinking of how Teacher Gao was advanced in years and his eyesight was gradually weakening, Rong Xi felt that he should use Glass as well.

As Rong Xi was considering this, Feng Shan said, "Eldest Young Master, there is no need to be so polite. If I can help, I certainly will. But I must purchase the glass myself."

"Craftsman Feng, you flatter us. People do not yet know the benefits of glass. Craftsman Feng is willing to do business with me, Hu, and I could not be happier. Just as Eldest Young Master said, the glass will be given to Craftsman Feng. I only hope Craftsman Feng will spread the word about it."

Hu Yulin smiled as he exchanged a glance with Rong Xi. Receiving a grateful look from Rong Xi, he felt deeply pleased.

His words sounded reasonable, but people were not fools. Once they saw the Glass, they would surely understand its wonders. Why would they need a craftsman to promote it?

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

"Craftsman Feng, Glass is fragile. 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 jolted. He carefully considered Rong Xi's expression and words. Was he 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, Prince Qin's Residence would surely take it seriously.

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

Hearing this, Rong Lian assumed Rong Xi intended to send it to Shengjing Rong Residence, and he felt quietly pleased. Since coming to Linxi, his elder brother had never mentioned the family or sent a single letter. He had thought his elder brother had already grown estranged from them.

Now, it seemed that his elder brother still cared for the family.

Feng Shan truly was trustworthy. Several days later, a smooth, transparent pane of Glass was presented to Qin Ke, completely intact.

Along with it came a letter personally written by Feng Shan.

The Glass drew a crowd of onlookers. Liang Siwen and Chen Chuangu both exclaimed in amazement. Liang Siwen boldly asked, "Father, who sent this? It is brighter than gold!"

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

After reading the letter, Qin Ke's lips curved into a smile. He seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. "It was indeed Rong Dalang's ingenious creation. This is called glass. It can be used for windows, letting in light and keeping out the wind."

"Rong Dalang?" Liang Siwen looked utterly incredulous.

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

He then took the Glass and left.

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

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

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

"Your Majesty, please take a look."

The emperor nearly leaped down the palace steps. He strode quickly to Qin Ke's side, examined it closely, and revealed a look of astonishment. Only after a long while did he ask, "Did he make this?"

Qin Ke smiled. "He did."

"Ha ha!" The emperor was overjoyed. Looking at the bewildered Minister Rong beside him, he could not help but loudly praise him, "Minister Rong, you have raised a fine son!"