Chapter 592 - 586_1
Lin Yue was intently embroidering an opulent double-sided embroidery with different colors on each side, when she heard someone outside, too impatient to wait, already clamoring before entering. She didn’t initially register the question, "Has it been successful?" Upon seeing Master Xue enter the room, she instantly understood and her face broke into a surprised and joyous smile. She set aside the embroidery she had been working on, casually covering it with a piece of silk cloth.
"Master Xue, has the glass been successfully fired?" Lin Yue’s words brimmed with impatience.
"Madam, indeed it has. We’ve produced only a small piece, but it’s a success nonetheless. We just need to adjust the formula and methods a few more times, and we will definitely be able to fire larger and better pieces of glass. Look, this is the newly fired sample." While speaking, Master Xue passed a piece of glass the size of a chicken egg to Lin Yue.
Lin Yue took the glass and inspected it carefully. Although it was just a small piece, it was already a groundbreaking progression, convincingly proving that the glass formula was correct. And even though the piece was small, the quality was already quite decent. It was only a bit smaller and thicker compared to the glass available in modern times. As long as they continued to invest efforts and conduct experiments with the firing, they were certain to overcome the current drawbacks and produce better results.
"Excellent! I’ve always said that if you all work hard, I will never fail to reward you. Master Xue, you’ve made distinguished contributions this time. Do you desire anything? Whether it concerns silver coins, daily life, or if there’s anyone at home you wish to bring over for support, as long as it’s within my power, I will definitely try my best to help you." As long as those below her performed well, Lin Yue was never stingy with rewards.
The moment Lin Yue spoke, Master Xue was momentarily stunned, at a loss for what to request. He hadn’t thought about it before, as he believed that being diligent was merely fulfilling his duty and not something to be rewarded for. Even though Lin Yue had made such promises, he had never taken them to heart.
Master Xue had such an attitude because he had seen much in his time. Previously, in the palace, without a significant background, his achievements were always claimed by others, which made him appear mediocre. Otherwise, even if he had wanted to leave the palace, Princess Yongle wouldn’t have easily given him away as a gift. Back then, achieving such tasks based on formulas was expected, and failure would have meant punishment.
"All I have done is my duty. The formula was provided by Lady, and even if it had been someone else, they could have managed to fire the glass, just perhaps taking more time. I dare not ask for Lady’s rewards," Master Xue said, though having grown to understand the Zhao Family and knowing the Lady to be kind, he declined out of caution and politeness.
"You needn’t feel anxious or doubtful, Master Xue. To reward achievements and punish failures is the rule I have set for everyone. If just anyone could succeed, I wouldn’t have bothered asking Princess Yongle for you. Moreover, your ability to achieve results in such a short time proves your capability. I was originally hoping to fire a batch of glass before the Master sets sail, fearing we wouldn’t make it in time, but now it seems there’s hope," Lin Yue said reassuringly.