C50 – Self-Indulgence and Embarrassment
The following morning, after Wang Zizhao had finished teaching a set of bamboo slip scrolls, he handed a sheepskin scroll to Tang Yue. “This is a return gift.”
Anything recorded on sheepskin during this era held greater significance, just as Zhao Sanlang would write love poems on a handkerchief.
Tang Yue accepted it with joy. Upon opening the scroll, he discovered it was actually a land deed. This tycoon’s gesture was truly extraordinary. The gift weighed heavily in his hands, almost burning with its value.
“This… isn’t this too much? It’s too valuable.” Although the land prices in this era could not be compared to the 21st century, as the future ruler of this land, Wang Zizhao’s gift of a small plot seemed insignificant.
Nonetheless, Tang Yue felt that the value of this gift far surpassed his own. It was difficult to accept.
“Didn’t you mention wanting to use it for a medicinal shop? The location is on the main street. This piece of land meets your requirements. I will arrange for the construction of the building. Let me know your preferences.”
“…… So it’s not a gift for him!”
Tang Yue’s smile froze. He felt embarrassed.
“Ahem, well… Don’t you already have a ready-made shop? Wouldn’t it be troublesome to renovate a new one?”
“Don’t worry about that. If my legs are in good shape, you will soon see the shop open.” His underlying meaning was: If my legs are not fine, then everything becomes empty talk!
Tang Yue thought to himself, “That’s right. Most of the buildings during this era are one-story structures. It won’t take long for more people to come.”
He never thought Wang Zizhao’s leg couldn’t be cured.
After leaving Wang Zizhao’s room, Tang Yue rubbed his face and murmured to himself, “The longer I live, the more I regress.”
“Young master… Tang young master…” The housekeeper hurriedly approached with a joyful expression.
“Uncle, why are you so delighted?” Tang Yue composed himself and took the initiative to greet him.
He realized that the housekeeper was a good person. He didn’t look down on others. He didn’t look down on others. He didn’t look down on others. He didn’t look down on others. He was a fine housekeeper indeed.
“Young master, come with me and have a look. A servant reported that the ink has been made,” the housekeeper said excitedly.
Tang Yue’s eyes brightened. “Really?” As the deadline of one month drew near, Tang Yue had been worried that he wouldn’t get to see the ink before he left.
A brush without ink would be like vegetables without salt. It wouldn’t be perfect, would it?
Together with the butler, he went to a small courtyard that had been specifically arranged for making ink. With each step he took, he sank into the soil beneath his shoes. It was so dark that it appeared somewhat unattractive.
Tang Yue scanned the surroundings and noticed several pieces of equipment he had never seen before. There was an oddly shaped stove, a large pot, and layers of wooden shelves. A pungent scent of ink assailed his senses.
“Young master, please have a look. This is the ink we made today. It’s about 70% similar to what you requested. What do you think?” An elderly craftsman carefully presented a piece of ink to Tang Yue, his hands stained black.
The ink piece was the size of a brick, with flattened edges. Tang Yue knocked off a small portion and ground it on the stone. He dipped his brush in the ink and wrote a few words. As expected, it turned out well.
Despite the presence of some impurities and the ink not being entirely smooth, achieving this level was already commendable.
“How did you accomplish this?” Tang Yue praised the old craftsman as he looked at him.
The craftsman bashfully smiled. “We tried various methods and discovered that successfully making ink requires not only controlling the heat, but also timing the smoking process. Additionally, we must repeatedly beat the mixture to ensure the even distribution of smoke and glue. Only then can the ink be used as a consistent solution, not a lump.”
Tang Yue surveyed the humble workshop. Due to the necessity of burning wood, the entire yard was coated with a layer of soot. The craftsmen themselves were entirely blackened. When they noticed Tang Yue, they smiled cautiously, revealing their gleaming white teeth.
Tang Yue held the ink block in his hand. “I will present this to Wang Zizhao. You have made a significant contribution. Scholars throughout the world should express their gratitude to you!”
“We dare not expect such praise!” Craftsmen held a very low status, especially as slaves within Prince Zhao’s Mansion. Being rewarded by their masters was already a great honor. They couldn’t dare to hope for the gratitude of scholars and intellectuals worldwide.
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