I, Am a Living Yama; Empress Advises Me to Stay Calm

Chapter 103

Half a month later…

Zhu Dong and Gao Kan had already gathered the funds and were en route to Luoyang. The fundraising effort had gone more smoothly than anticipated.

The nobles of the Song Dynasty, known for their appreciation of quality, were quick to recognize the value of the high-quality glass. Many willingly invested.

Although fifty million strings of cash was a monumental sum, dividing it among more than twenty contributors made it manageable.

Each individual needed to provide less than two million strings. Gao Qiu and Gao Kan alone contributed nearly eight million strings from their personal wealth. Most of the others also poured in all they had, enticed by the promise of massive profits.

This time, Zhu Dong and Gao Kan traveled with a significant entourage. Considering the vast amount of money involved, ensuring a smooth transaction was imperative. Additionally, they needed to inspect the glass carefully to avoid any mishaps.

…

Ten days later

At the Yang residence, a servant approached respectfully.

“Master, a group of visitors is here to see you. The leader is named Zhu Dong,” he reported.

Yang Yi, momentarily surprised, set down his quill and pondered briefly.

“Escort them to the side hall.”

“Yes, master.” The servant departed promptly.

Nearby, Wei Zifu blinked in recognition. Her sharp memory reminded her of who Zhu Dong was, though she couldn’t fathom why her master continued dealings with him and his group. Being perceptive, she refrained from asking questions that weren’t hers to ask.

Yang Yi reached out and lightly pinched her cheek.

“Wait for me here.”

“Yes, master,” Wei Zifu responded respectfully.

…

A short while later, inside hall

“Greetings, Minister Yang…” Zhu Dong and Gao Kan bowed, their eagerness evident. They had endured a long journey, their minds singularly focused on the glass.

Behind them stood a group of representatives sent by the noble investors. This was a significant venture, and they naturally wanted their own people to oversee it. Included among them were experts in jade and antique appraisals to ensure the authenticity of the glass.

Yang Yi raised an eyebrow as his gaze swept over Zhu Dong and Gao Kan. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

The plan was unfolding even more smoothly than he had anticipated. Greed had blinded these men to the risks; even if they sensed something was amiss, they were too enticed to care.

Zhu Dong, unable to contain himself, stepped forward.

“Minister Yang, we’ve brought the money. Where’s the glass?”

He signalled his men to open the boxes they had brought.

The hall quickly filled with crates. When opened, they revealed gleaming stacks of gold bars that dazzled under the light. Transporting 50 million strings of copper yuan coins would have required a small mountain; gold was far more compact.

Yang Yi surveyed the treasure with satisfaction. This immense sum likely surpassed even the wealth of the State Treasury. He signalled his men to bring out the glass.

“Here, it’s all yours.”

Box after box of glass was placed before Zhu Dong and Gao Kan, who eagerly rushed to inspect the contents. The appraisal experts followed closely behind, scrutinizing every piece meticulously.

Meanwhile, Yang Yi sat to the side, calmly sipping his tea, utterly indifferent to their frenzy.

After half an hour, an elderly appraiser wiped sweat from his brow and exclaimed, “Master Zhu, Young Master Gao, all the glass is genuine! In all my years, I’ve never encountered so many high-quality pieces in one place.”

The others chimed in, nodding vigorously.

“Indeed, this glass is authentic.”

“Truly rare treasures!”

“This level of craftsmanship is unparalleled.”

Relieved and overjoyed, Zhu Dong and Gao Kan exchanged satisfied smiles. With the glass confirmed, they could exchange it for immense profits.

Zhu Dong eagerly turned to Yang Yi. “Minister Yang, we’ll take our leave now.”

Yang Yi gave a casual wave. “No need to see you off.”

Unbothered by Yang Yi’s indifference, Zhu Dong, Gao Kan, and their entourage departed excitedly, taking the glass with them. Moments later, Yang Yi’s men began collecting the gold.

…

After a while, Yang Yi arrived at a secluded courtyard.

“Minister Yang…” An elderly craftsman with greying hair greeted him, his voice brimming with excitement. “The first piece of glass is complete. Please take a look.”

Yang Yi followed his gesture to a table where a crystal-clear glass vase sat. Although it was slightly inferior to the system-produced artefacts, it was remarkably close in quality.

Yang Yi nodded, pleased. Once production scaled up, this glass would undoubtedly create a nationwide—and even global—sensation. Beyond its beauty, its practical uses, from furniture to windows, represented an enormous market.

“If every household installs glass, the profits will sustain the Zhou Dynasty for generations,” Yang Yi mused. “Glass will become the signature industry of Great Zhou, heralding the prosperity of our trade.”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Increase production. I want to see glass in abundance.”

…

The next day.

“Glass?” Wu Mingyue’s eyes widened as she held the glassware Yang Yi handed her. Her pretty face was awash with shock.

“You actually made this?”

Yang Yi raised an eyebrow.

“Of course. Soon, this glass will be a household necessity, something every family will need.”

“Your Highness,” he added, “please have someone draft an article about our glass. When it’s published in the Great Zhou Bao, I want the entire nation—and the Central Plains—to know that our Great Zhou can mass-produce high-quality, affordable glass.”

Wu Mingyue blinked, suspicion flickering in her gaze.

“Why do I feel like you’re up to something?”

Yang Yi leaned closer, raising a finger to his lips.

“This must remain confidential. Lend me your ear…”

Intrigued, Wu Mingyue leaned in, momentarily forgetting the mischievous schemes Yang Yi had pulled on her before..

Of course, Yang Yi looked at her chest. Tsk, so fair.

Moments later, Wu Mingyue stepped back, her cheeks flushed as she glared at him. “Scoundrel!”

…

A few days later

Great Song, Bianjing—Gao Residence

“This… This is exquisite!”

Gao Qiu marvelled at the glass before him, its quality far surpassing the imperial collection.

Gao Kan beamed with pride.

“Father, this is our chance to make a fortune! We can sell to other countries—Tang, Ming—all places with wealthy buyers.”

Gao Qiu nodded in agreement. “Finally, you’ve done something right.”

Gao Kan’s grin widened. “Like father, like son, right? I’m your son—how could I fail you?”