Chapter 640
Chapter 640: Chapter 633_1 Chapter 640: Chapter 633_1 Since the glassmaking had reached such a level, Lin Yue took out some of the designs and models for glass products that she had previously drawn and kept in the box. “Master Xue, these are some of the models and patterns I’ve drawn before. Try to produce them and, additionally, it would be best to incorporate some techniques of firing colored glaze into these few designs. Not only will they look exquisite and beautiful, but they will also possess a unique charm and mystery exclusive to our Great Zhou Dynasty, surpassing the glass made in the West in both quality and cultural depth.”
Lin Yue spoke thus. While the Great Zhou Dynasty sought after the glass and mirrors from the West, the latter actually appreciated the colored glaze products from the Great Zhou Dynasty. Colored glaze was not only rare in terms of the materials used but also in its craftsmanship. Artisans who had experience in firing colored glaze could easily make glass as long as they had the formula. However, the reverse was difficult; even with a formula, it was not an easy feat for a glassmaker to produce colored glaze. The success rate was low, seven or eight out of ten attempts would fail, and the production cost of colored glaze was many times higher than that of glass.
The glassware that Lin Yue combined and fired, integrating the strengths and essence of both materials, was bound to develop even better over time.
Having handed over the drawings to Master Xue, Lin Yue also reminded him of some points to pay attention to. Originally, Master Xue should have taken his leave, and with his temperament, having received these delicate and beautiful drawings, he would surely have been eager to start figuring out how to produce them. Yet, he stood in front of Lin Yue, hesitating and not stepping back as if he had something more to say.
“Is there something else, Master Xue? If you have any difficulties, feel free to speak up, whether it’s about the workshop or personal life. As long as it’s within my power, I will do my best to help you out. Moreover, I have also promised you a condition, so whatever it is, just speak your mind, don’t feel troubled.”
“Madam, I have made up my mind. Regarding the reward you mentioned last time, I still have family back in my hometown. I wish to bring them here so I can take care of them closely. I hope you can agree to this,” Master Xue said.
If Master Xue had hesitated before, fearing that bringing his family over would mean there was no turning back, which is why he did not mention it earlier, then the time since had been enough for him to recognize Lin Yue’s character. Such a master was hard to find even in the entire Great Zhou Dynasty. Here, not only was the treatment good, but the master also did not regard him as a servant. After years of living on edge and scheming within the palace, he could finally lead a normal life. Master Xue just wanted to settle down and work loyally for Lin Yue from now on.
Lin Yue, pleased with the condition proposed by Master Xue, showed a sincere smile. “I thought it was something serious. It turns out Master Xue wants to bring his family over. This is natural. I had the same idea myself, but I didn’t know how you felt about it, so it wasn’t appropriate for me to bring it up. Now that you have mentioned it, let’s pick a date. I will arrange for a carriage and guards to accompany you back to your hometown to fetch your family. As for accommodation, I will allocate a vacant courtyard in our house. You can choose a satisfactory one once the drawings are sent over.”
“Servant thanks the madam. I will serve you with all my heart and loyalty,” Master Xue said, and he was about to kneel and kowtow to Lin Yue, but she personally helped him up.
With Master Xue’s loyalty, Lin Yue also showed her acknowledgment. “There is no need for that, Master Xue. The colored glaze workshop will rely heavily on you from now on. From this moment, you are the Manager of the colored glaze workshop. All major and minor affairs will be entrusted to you. As for your salary, like other workshop Managers, you will receive a five percent profit share. As long as you do a good job, I will not treat you unfairly.”
Master Xue had not anticipated that his decision would yield such an unexpected bonus. Although his original intention was to make the mistress rely on him more, and just to gain her trust, he did not expect her to give him the position of manager. After all, the glass workshop was not like other workshops; otherwise, the mistress would not have guarded its secrets so closely and forbid anyone from inquiring about its affairs.
“Since the mistress places such great trust in your servant, your servant will lay down his life if need be to manage the glass workshop well, to repay the mistress for her kindness.”
With the task completed and his mind at ease, plus this significant bonus, Master Xue left with joy on his face, returned to the glass workshop, and considering the blueprints he carried, he decided to work day and night. He was determined to complete the item the mistress had requested as soon as possible. It was the first task he undertook as a manager, and it had to be done beautifully.
In a shadowy corner, a pair of eyes had been following Master Xue ever since he left Lin Yue’s courtyard, deep in thought.
Many in the Zhao Family knew that Master Xue had returned with Zhao Erhu from the palace, but few knew exactly what Master Xue did. This added to the mystery surrounding him. Some curious people had tried to investigate Master Xue’s background, but those who knew of Master Xue’s affairs had been strictly instructed to keep their mouths shut, so not a whisper escaped, and over time, everyone lost interest and stopped inquiring. However, the exchange between Lin Yue and Master Xue at the courtyard entrance caught the attention of certain individuals once again.
In the beginning, because Master Xue was so elated, he was wrapped up in his own emotions and did not notice anything amiss until he was almost back at the glass workshop. He felt as though there were eyes watching him from behind, but when he turned to look, he saw no one. This happened several times over. Master Xue even stopped and looked around thoroughly but still discovered nothing.
It seemed he was being overly suspicious. Not only had he not noticed anyone nearby, but this was also inside the house grounds—if somewhat in the outer courtyard. Given the importance of the glass workshop, its location was unique, and the guard nearby was much stricter. It was simply not possible for outsiders to break in.
Master Xue laughed and shook his head, then scanned the surroundings one more time before leaving. This time, he did not have that strange feeling—apparently, it had been his imagination.
After Master Xue had been gone for a while, the leaves of a shrub not far from where he had just been standing rustled, and a person stepped out. It was the same one who had peered in at Lin Yue’s courtyard earlier, also dressed in a green skirt.
The person touched the cold sweat on her forehead, relieved that she had been quick-witted enough to hide in the shrubbery. Nevertheless, she had almost been caught by Master Xue, who was indeed very cautious, having circled back several times to check. If she hadn’t kept her cool, she would have been discovered, and the mistress surely would not have spared her. This only made it clearer that there was something about Master Xue; he was so wary that one couldn’t help but wonder what his true role was and why he was held in such high regard by the mistress without a single clue to be found.