Chapter 9, Throwing Stones

Li Wei was taken aback; what did his grandson, the emperor, mean by this? Could it be that he intended to bestow some gifts upon him?

One's own grandson is the emperor, and indeed, one can achieve success by taking action through one's daughter. It is likely that I will end up displeasing my grandson, the emperor.

At this point, Zhu Yijun paused again, but the meaning within his words was already quite clear

Li Wei, upon hearing this, thought it was quite good. Although he secretly wished to have it all for himself, it was clear that his grandson did not want to call it out! Should he go to his daughter to discuss it? However, upon seeing Zhu Yijun's gaze, he dismissed this thought.

If Empress Chen were to pass away, it would not be a problem for her to bestow upon herself a title of honor. However, since she is still alive, how could one possibly grant oneself the title of Empress Dowager? In an instant, my mood soured, and I lost the inclination to deal with my father.

Zhang Juzheng was well aware that he had no way to persuade Gao Gong, and this time he did not consult with himself before bringing down Feng.

At that time, we need to carefully consider how we can sell more and at a higher price

Empress Chen is not dead yet

But what?" Li Wei couldn't help but asked eagerly, "Is there any problem?"

Although she wished to be the Empress Dowager in her heart, hearing her son say this made Li feel very happy. However, Li also understood that this was fundamentally an impossible dream. She felt some reluctance, but there was nothing she could do.

"Grandfather, after all, we are blood relatives, so I will not beat around the bush. " Zhu Yijun said with a smile, "I wouldn't trust this secret recipe with anyone else, so it is only fitting that I entrust it to you, Grandfather."

What should one do?

Zhu Yijun glanced at Li Wei and said with a smile, "A few days ago, I unexpectedly discovered an ancient book in the palace."

Zhu Yijun nodded and said with a smile: "It is that glass, which not only records how to make glass, but also details how to produce large pieces of glass, and even includes methods for making mirrors from glass"

This ancient text is believed to be a lost work, which records the methods of glassmaking Zhu Yijun said this and then turned to look at Li Wei

Li Wei felt as if his heart was about to leap out; are there such ancient texts within the imperial palace?

Your Majesty, rest assured, if I can truly make money, I will give it all to you," Li Wei said with a smile. Although he did not understand the thoughts of his emperor's grandson, he did not take it too seriously, after all, what could a ten-year-old child possibly produce

Upon thinking of this, Li Wei's eyes immediately brightened, but he said with a hint of grievance on his face: "Although there are many people in my family, we are still managing well. What does Your Majesty desire? You may speak to your servant, and even if it means pawning my family assets, I will find it for Your Majesty."

After a while, Li Wei also came to his senses and slowly spoke, "I am willing to make glass for Your Majesty."

"Which glass?" Li Wei's face immediately lit up with joy as he asked with wide eyes.

Zhu Yijun slowly came to a stop, and the eunuch Zhang Cheng, who was attending to him, hurriedly approached and said, "Your Majesty, please do not catch a chill!" As he spoke, he draped the robe he was holding over Zhu Yijun's shoulders

Where is that ancient book?" Li Wei quickly asked, thinking that if he could obtain that ancient book, he would truly become wealthy.

Zhu Yijun did not hesitate and directly took out the secret formula from his pocket, smiling as he handed it to Li Wei: "This is the secret formula for making glass. Grandfather, take it to someone for trial production, and do not sell it immediately after it is made."

"Your Majesty, you are truly overwhelming this old servant. Serving Your Majesty is a blessing that has been accumulated through the virtues and merits of my ancestors, a fortune that cannot be earned in several lifetimes." Zhang Cheng's face was beaming with joy as he hurriedly said

Zhu Yijun nodded and said: "Grandfather, please take care, I await your good news."

Zhu Yijun nodded and said with a smile: "Indeed, there are some issues. Grandfather knows that although I am the emperor, the treasury does not have much money! This method will definitely earn a lot of money, I..."

"Master, it is getting late, it is time to rest!" The steward, You Qi, walked in from outside, glanced at Zhang Juzheng, and said softly, "Aren't you going to the palace tomorrow to give a lecture to His Majesty?"

Zhang Juzheng sighed, nodded, stood up, and said: "Alright, let's take a break"

"There is no need for that!" Zhu Yijun waved his hand and said with a smile, "If grandfather has any financial difficulties, I do have ways to help. However, the matter is somewhat complicated; although the money will not be insignificant, it is..."

Good!" Li Wei did not even glance, carefully took the secret recipe, and hurriedly stuffed it into his bosom: "If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave, Your Majesty need not worry, I will immediately find someone to make it upon my return.

Putting down the teacup in his hand, Zhang Juzheng sighed, his fingers gently tapping on the table, his expression extremely serious. The fierce struggles within the court now caused Zhang Juzheng some concern. He was certainly aware of Gao Gong's temperament.

Having left the palace, Zhu Yijun glanced at his companion, the martial noble Li Wei, and a smile appeared on his face as he spoke: "Grandfather, is the household expenditure still sufficient? I have heard that living in the capital is quite challenging!"

However, I am also short on money!" Zhu Yijun exclaimed, saying, "Let us partner up!

Zhu Yijun was not very happy to see his mother, and he did not want to disturb her. He wanted to have a chat with his maternal grandfather.

Of course, no problem, I will act according to Your Majesty's wishes!" Li Wei nodded and said with a smile

At this point, Zhu Yijun stopped speaking, not continuing further, but instead turned his head and smiled warmly at Li Wei

Zhu Yijun glanced at Zhang Cheng and then at the obedient Sandzi behind him, nodding his head: "Zhang Daban is thoughtful!"

Zhu Yijun merely smiled, not responding to Li Wei's words, and then looked at Li Wei

As Li Wei hurriedly left, Zhu Yijun revealed a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. Throwing a stone onto the surface of the lake is sure to create ripples. Having already cast his stone, he now awaits to see what waves it will stir in the Ming Dynasty

Glass firing

Although Li Wei was very eager to curry favor with his emperor grandson and wanted to present him with some gifts, the fact that his grandson was the emperor meant that ordinary items would not be appreciated. If he were to give something valuable, the stingy bricklayer Li Wei would indeed find it hard to part with his money

East Lane of the capital, the residence of Zhang Juzheng, the Vice President of the Cabinet.

Early the next morning, Zhu Yijun rose early. After completing his morning routine, he began jogging within the palace. Zhu Yijun was well aware of the importance of a healthy body. The medical practices of this era were not as advanced as those of later times. At just ten years old, his body was still developing, so there was no need for overly intense exercise.

Zhu Yijun glanced at his grandfather and was truly at a loss for words; his grandfather was exceedingly stingy to an extreme degree

I will provide the secret recipe, and my grandfather will provide the manpower. How about a profit-sharing of 60% to 40%?