Chapter 17: Laying All Cards on the Table! Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Xiongying!

Wei Duke’s Residence, Western Garden.

Several towering kilns stood with tall chimneys billowing thick white smoke. Surrounding the area were high walls, at least seven or eight meters tall, with armored guards stationed at regular intervals along the ramparts.

These soldiers were seasoned veterans of the battlefield, each carrying a sword and bow, exuding an imposing presence that commanded respect and fear. They stood silently in formation, expressionless and motionless, yet from their statuesque postures, one could almost sense the blood-soaked aura of countless battles.

It was the spirit of a hundred fights survived—an indifference to life, an insatiable thirst for glory, and absolute obedience to their commander without hesitation.

Upon closer inspection, Zhu Gaochi immediately realized these warriors were the battle-hardened veterans who had accompanied General Xu Da through countless northern and southern campaigns. Normally, they served as the duke’s personal guards within the residence, but on the battlefield, they became an unstoppable vanguard, the sharp edge leading critical assaults.

Every inch of territory won by the Ming Empire in foreign wars bore the mark of these fierce warriors’ valor.

Inside the courtyard, craftsmen busily tended to their work. Bellows pumped vigorously, and the kilns blazed fiercely. As the temperature rose steadily, various glass materials inside began to melt and fuse into a flowing red liquid—glass in its molten form.

Workers then used long rods to stir the molten glass, a crucial step to remove impurities and air bubbles.

Zhu Gaochi nodded approvingly. At least Xu Zengshou had not been negligent over the past month; he had diligently followed the prescribed formula, step by step.

Xu Zengshou then brought out some freshly made glass. Zhu Gaochi carefully picked it up with tongs and examined it closely.

“To produce glass in just a month is commendable,” he remarked.

“However, the color is not yet pure; it leans too yellow. More trials are needed to eliminate this discoloration,” he continued. “The bubbles are few and small. With more stirring and a slight increase in temperature, we should be able to remove all of them.”

Xu Zengshou nodded eagerly, a hint of urgency on his face.

“The problem lies in the lack of experience. The craftsmen find it difficult to control the heat perfectly, so the glass invariably contains impurities and bubbles.”

“Though today, by chance, they produced a piece of transparent, flawless glass. We are currently summarizing the experience.”

At that, Xu Zengshou fetched the small piece of glass. It was no larger than a palm, yet under the sunlight, it shimmered with crystal clarity and dazzling brilliance.

Zhu Gaochi accepted it cautiously, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Beside him, Zhu Xiongying couldn’t help but exclaim, “Gaochi, is this… top-grade glass?”

As the eldest grandson of the Ming emperor, he had some worldly knowledge and understood the immense value of glassware, especially flawless transparent glass, which was priceless.

Yet, looking at the situation, it was clear that Zhu Gaochi himself had guided Xu Zengshou in its creation.

How could that be possible?

“Yes, top-grade glass,” Zhu Gaochi replied simply, offering no further explanation.

In truth, this was just colorless glass, worthless in later ages but worth a fortune now.

“Since the first piece has been made, the craftsmen can now fully master the mature production process. Third uncle, you must urge them on and ensure they receive ample rewards—that will keep their motivation high!”

Xu Zengshou chuckled ruefully, “Don’t worry, I don’t need your lessons—I’ve already rewarded them with real gold and silver.”

Compared to the mountains of gold and silver that would come later, this paltry sum was insignificant, something Xu Zengshou understood well.

“Also, tell the craftsmen to start by making small pieces. Once the technique matures, they can attempt to produce top-grade glass in one go!” Zhu Gaochi suggested with a smile.

But Xu Zengshou frowned in puzzlement, “Nephew, a piece this small, even if it’s top-grade glass, is hardly useful. Making a mirror out of it would be a challenge…”

“Small?” Zhu Gaochi laughed softly. “Small things have their uses. Are there any jade craftsmen in the residence? Have them make something according to my instructions. If successful, it could bring us daily riches!”

At these words, Xu Zengshou’s eyes lit up immediately.

“Of course there are. I’ll arrange it right away!”

After Xu Zengshou left, Zhu Xiongying turned to Zhu Gaochi, admiration shining in his eyes as he gave a thumbs-up.

“Gaochi, you’re truly amazing! You can even make glass—and top-grade glass at that. This is a gold mine waiting to be tapped!”

Zhu Gaochi casually tossed the piece of top-grade glass to him. Zhu Xiongying caught it clumsily, nearly stumbling.

“Well? Want to invest? I’ll give you dividends on time. Consider it seed money from me, your cousin, the Crown Prince,” Zhu Gaochi asked with a grin.

Hearing this, Zhu Xiongying froze, staring at the exquisite glass in his hand.

To say he wasn’t tempted would be a lie—this was an inexhaustible treasure trove!

Yet he wasn’t foolish; he couldn’t fathom why Zhu Gaochi would do this. Was it merely because of his status as the emperor’s eldest grandson?

“Don’t overthink it. I just remember your righteous help last time, and I’m returning the favor,” Zhu Gaochi offered casually.

But Zhu Xiongying was far from convinced. He toyed with the flawless glass, eyes burning as he looked at Zhu Gaochi.

“Gaochi, what exactly are you planning?”

Ah, this one wasn’t stupid after all.

Zhu Gaochi restrained his smile and met Zhu Xiongying’s sharp gaze without flinching.

“Brother Ying, since you want an answer, I might as well give it.”

“I want you to be emperor. It’s as simple as that.”

At this, Zhu Xiongying’s face turned dark. He stepped forward and covered the chubby little prince’s mouth.

“Rascal! What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Grandfather the Emperor is in his prime. If this gets out, we’ll all be in serious trouble!”

Zhu Gaochi sneered, wrenching his mouth free.

“I’m merely telling you that being the Crown Prince doesn’t guarantee the throne. You need a powerful ally to help you claim your rightful place!”

Hearing this, Zhu Xiongying narrowed his eyes, clutching the flawless glass so tightly his knuckles whitened.

Since his mother’s death and witnessing the scheming of Consort Lü, he had lived in fear. His father, Zhu Biao, cared little for family affairs, focusing solely on governance. Thus, Zhu Xiongying rarely had anyone to confide in or help him.

“Brother Ying, remember this: all the imperial sons in the main hall are legitimate firstborns. Why was Zhu Yunwen, a son by a concubine, allowed to enter the main hall for education?”

Zhu Gaochi's words struck like a sharp blade deep into Zhu Xiongying’s heart.

Zhu Yunwen’s entry into the main hall was due to Consort Lü’s desperate pleading, and Zhu Biao’s subsequent request to the emperor.

Thinking of this, Zhu Xiongying’s heart twisted painfully; the flawless glass nearly cut his palm.

“Only legitimate dragon sons and firstborn princes may enter the main hall for education. Why him, Zhu Yunwen?”

“Brother Ying,” Zhu Gaochi’s voice whispered in his ear, soft as a mosquito’s hum, “You’re not dead yet.”

Zhu Xiongying stared at Zhu Gaochi, then extended his hand still clutching the flawless glass.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaochi smiled and took his hand.

“Today, as your younger brother, I give you a great gift!”