Chapter 367 A Different Kind of Gold

st is ever-present, though so distant, yet so clear. 。He knew these things were something he would never forget in his lifetime, and the people who had once appeared in his life would also cherish the...A sundial is an ancient timekeeping device that records time by observing the movement of its shadow.

But this kind of thing is useless in the rain, overcast weather, and at night, so it's usually paired with a "drip pot" for recording. 。Of course, this is a method used by court nobles. Ordinary people still use the most common rooster crowing. 。For a long time, people have been looking for ways to accurately record time without being affected by air. The improvement of sundials and the fusion with water clocks are things that Qichaogong has never given up on. 。They even sought help from the imperial astrologers, hoping to find guidance from the conjunction of sun and moon in the stars to create a brand new sundial. 。Unfortunately, the idea is beautiful, but the actual implementation is difficult, and it even caused quite a few arguments. 。

Today, there was an argument. Ye Wen heard someone saying to the craftsman who was polishing a new sundial: "Your thing doesn't have any new use, it's just adding some clever mechanisms to the original sundial to make it look prettier and more complex.

It's all just about pleasing people, and nothing more than that. 。“That craftsman, who was still polishing his work, refused to accept this: “Isn’t Qicha Ge just about researching unusual objects and pleasing people Although mine hasn’t improved much, at least it can be displayed outside like a landscape, pleasing the eye.” 。“This statement drew dissatisfaction from other craftsmen. Then a middle-aged man who looked to be in his thirties stepped forward and said seriously to him: “Although Qichaogong is not only staffed by members of our Ying family, since several dynasties ago, Qichaogong has always been managed by the Ying family.” 。We opened our doors to outsiders precisely because we hoped that more talented artisans would be discovered and recognized. 。But you must know, the Housemaster can let you in, and he can also let you out. Once your thoughts go against ours, this wondrous Pavilion will no longer tolerate you. 。“You mean, I’ve made some mistakes Could you please tell me where I went wrong” The artisan nodded. “You are right that your Qichao Pavilion is dedicated to researching unique and ingenious objects. But if this research is done simply to please people, then you have made a grave error.” 。Qiqiao Pavilion has never existed to please anyone, even royalty. Our family has never had the intention of deliberately pleasing anyone. 。Serving the royal court granted me access to this marvelous dwelling, Qiqiao Pavilion, and a plethora of delicacies rarely found outside the palace walls. Everyone here caters to their own needs, with no need for flattery or pleasing others. 。“ When that person heard this, and then looked at the sundial they were polishing in their hand, something they had originally liked very much suddenly became unpleasant. ” 。He put down the sundial and spoke honestly: “Actually, I wasn’t just trying to make a nice-looking sundial. I also think it’s not very useful.” 。My initial intention was to improve it, to overcome the difficulties of rain and darkness making it hard to see the changing time. 。

Unfortunately, I can't think of anything else. So after trying over and over again, I could only make a beautiful sundial.

“Don't worry, we've been thinking about this for many years and haven't come to a conclusion yet.” 。You can think about it slowly, even for a lifetime. Qiqiao Pavilion can afford it. 。He was overjoyed and wanted to stand up and bow in thanks, but as he rose, his eyes fell on Ye Wenyan standing at the door. 。"Who are you" he was surprised, for rarely did anyone come to Qicha Ge. Even if the royal family sent a message, they would dispatch eunuchs or palace maids. 。Though Ye Wen is a woman, she is definitely not dressed as a palace maid, nor could she possibly be a concubine. Even the girl standing behind her looks like an ordinary servant girl. 。The question drew everyone's attention, and all the people in Qiaqiao Pavilion looked out. They saw a girl standing outside the door with a smile that was as bright as day. She was so beautiful, like a fairy descended from heaven, that no one could bear to take their eyes off her immediately. 。Still, it was the artisan of the Ying family in his thirties who spoke first. He clasped his fists and bowed, calling out: "Night Four Sister" 。Everyone collectively let out an "ah" and also reacted collectively. 。No wonder she looks like a fairy maiden! Isn't this the First Beauty of Lin'an, the fourth sister of the Ye family, from the esteemed General's mansion What brings the fourth sister of the Ye family here"Lord Ying, you needn't be so formal..." 。Even skilled craftsmen in the palace held official positions. Though their ranks were low, it wouldn't be inappropriate to address them as "sir." 。Hearing Ye Wen's address, the skilled craftsman from the Ying family immediately waved his hand, "I am unworthy of being called 'Madam' by Fourth Sister. When the earth dragon coiled its body, many people in my Ying family were saved by your pills. Come, you are a great benefactor to our family! " 。People immediately remembered this, and they all bowed to Ye Wen and expressed their gratitude. 。Even the young craftsman who was polishing the sundial bent over, and couldn't help but steal glances at Ye Wenyan. He thought to himself, "Sister Ye is too beautiful! She's more than humanly possible, she must be a fairy!"

Ye Wenyan didn't know what he was thinking. She simply took two steps forward, reaching out to help the skilled craftsman from the Ying family. She didn't immediately reveal her intentions but instead joined in on improving the sundial. 。She pointed at the improved sundial: “If I give you an idea, help you make a mechanical clock as a time-keeping tool, would your family be willing to spare two skilled craftsmen to help me open a jewelry shop in the outer city” People were stunned. Night Fourth Sister was going to open a jewelry shop And in the outer city So she came to Qichao Pavilion to find someoneBut the craftsmen of Qichao Pavilion were so distinguished, how could they possibly go to the outer city to open a jewelry shop Wasn't that an insultBut Night Fourth Sister had also laid out a condition: her ability to improve the sundial... no, not improve it, but create a completely new time-keeping tool. She could make one… 。Or perhaps...People looked at Ye Wen, a hint of hesitation in their eyes. 。Ye Wen smiled, bringing along the child (Zhui'er) without invitation, and even picked a chair to sit down. 。Yingpeng's token was taken out by her and handed to the thirty-something skilled craftsman from the Ying family who had come over with her. 。“It seems you’re considered someone of standing here, and given your connection to family, you must recognize this token.” 。To be honest, I have an appointment with Mr. Ying Peng. I did him a favor and he gave me this token. I can use this token to request two skilled craftsmen to accompany me out of the palace to prepare a shop in the outer city. 。He would even give me the contracts of the two master craftsmen I selected, and from then on, those two would be my servants, at my disposal, obeying only my commands. 。He clutched the token, a turmoil in his heart, but ultimately settled into a calm. 。He nodded: "It's the head of the house's token, there's no mistake. The master is in the capital, this can be easily confirmed. There's no room for deceit." 。Since we have this token, Fourth Sister, you pick someone! Whoever it is, if you choose me, I will also leave the palace with you. 。“

As soon as these words were spoken, someone behind him immediately objected: “Uncle Nan can’t leave!” The speaker was a young man of fifteen or sixteen. “Grandfather, you are the most promising craftsman in our Ying family. And your current skills are second only to his! ” 。How could someone as capable as you become a slave to others That would be a disgrace to your family! And the palace wouldn't agree to it either!" Other people didn't say a word, and the person holding the token remained silent. 。All eyes turned to Ye Wenyan, their gazes filled with suspicion, doubt, anger, and unwillingness.

Ye Wenyan, however, was not in a hurry. He simply said calmly: "That's why I didn't ask you to fulfill the Patriarch's order as soon as I arrived, but instead offered my own chips." 。"If you think the stakes aren't high enough, I can raise them too..."

She pondered for a moment, then said, "How about we add another type of gold refining technique and the craft of forging gold ornaments"

People were stunned. Gold refining techniques What did that mean

Ye Wenyan explained to them calmly, "The gold circulating in the world today is indeed real gold, and the gold used to make ornaments is also real gold..." 。But due to the low level of refining techniques, the gold was still gold, but the content of gold in it reached only six to seven percent at most. 。In addition, the limited techniques of polishing and forging result in jewelry with a generally low brightness and lackluster appearance. 。She reached into her sleeve with one hand and took out a gold hairpin from the storage bracelet. 。Just like this hairpin of mine, it looks very beautiful and is indistinguishable from all the gold people have ever seen. 。"And look at this one, too—" She reached into the bangle again and pulled out another hairpin. 。That was also a gold hairpin, but different from the previous one. This one she had used magic to melt down the gold of this era and, using magic to imitate the refining methods of later generations, refined the gold anew. She had also designed the pattern herself and materialized it with magic. 。Of course, the things that come out of this kind of magic have a limited lifespan and cannot be preserved for long. 。But she knew the method of purification, and if someone could use her provided methods to complete the purification process through legal means, they would be able to refine a real, high-concentration gold. 。The people in Qiqiao Pavilion were all staring, because the two golden hairpins were so different. One was almost dazzlingly bright, while the other looked dull and lifeless. 。Though lifeless on its own, this piece doesn't have any flaws when viewed individually because that's how jewelry is made. 。When Yingnan held the luminous one in her hand, she felt that it was soft to the touch, but not particularly soft. It didn't affect its usability at all. 。He asked Ye Wen in surprise, "Is this purer gold" Ye Wen nodded, but also told Yingnan, "Higher purity doesn't necessarily mean brighter. Brightness comes from polishing and forging techniques, while purity is what measures its value." 。Perhaps you think that if purity cannot be seen with the naked eye, it is not very useful. But if it can be passed down through the ages and reach future generations, then its value far exceeds that of this single, slightly worn golden hairpin. 。She brought back both items and asked the people in Qiaqiao Pavilion, “I’m offering these means and a brand new timing tool in exchange for two members of your family to work for me. Will you agree”g out there right now Aren't you afraid It's never this cold even in summer! 。“I’m not afraid,” the boatman said, “but I am worried, definitely.” 。This kind of weather has lasted for two days. My mot...