Chapter 142

After exchanging tender glances with Liu Yi, Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat and said seriously: "We must speak seriously. We must produce another five hundred sets of glassware before the fifteenth; I've already made an appointment with the Inspector—we must deliver them to the provincial capital on the fifteenth."

Liu Yi blushed and nodded: "I understand. I'll speed up the workers' pace and guarantee delivery on time."

Jiang Mingyu had many official duties to handle, so he hastily bid farewell to Liu Yi and strode back to the county yamen.

As soon as he entered the yamen, Tukesiluo stepped forward to greet him: "My lord, you summoned me back from the city defense camp—is there something urgent?"

Jiang Mingyu smiled and patted his shoulder: "Nothing major—I've brought you something." He pulled a delicate glass hairpin from his robe and handed it to him.

Tukesiluo looked baffled: "What is this?"

Jiang Mingyu chuckled: "A newly fired glass ornament. Take it to Miss Zhang—it'll win over that tigress!"

Tukesiluo's eyes lit up with excitement: "Thank you, my lord, for your kindness! When I marry Jiani, I'll never forget your favor!" He dashed off without delay.

Watching his eager haste, Jiang Mingyu silently scoffed: You've got no ambition beyond this.

Time flew by, and before long it was noon on the thirteenth of the first lunar month.

Standing before Liu Yi, Jiang Mingyu, now with a thousand glassware pieces packed, prepared to depart for the provincial capital with Tukesiluo.

Jiang Mingyu told Liu Yi: "The glass business must not halt. Keep producing—more output is better. Tukesiluo and I will return soon. If anything arises, seek out Lord Murong and Master Zhuge."

With that, he and Tukesiluo, driving the cart, slowly vanished into the swirling snow.

On the fifteenth of the first lunar month, Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo, weary from travel, reentered the provincial capital's gate.

Inspector Wang Zhe, seeing Jiang Mingyu, smiled broadly: "Lord Jiang, you've arrived just in time! I've been waiting for you! Did you bring the glassware?"

Jiang Mingyu replied calmly: "Don't worry—a thousand pieces have arrived. Have your yamen runners carry them in."

Wang Zhe frowned: "What is glass?"

Jiang Mingyu briefly explained the manufacturing process of glass.

Wang Zhe eyed him skeptically, so Jiang Mingyu signaled Tukesiluo to bring a glass moonlight cup.

Wang Zhe held it up for close inspection; Jiang Mingyu smiled: "At night, it glows like moonlight. There are many other intricate pieces—take your time choosing. Keep whatever you like."

Wang Zhe beamed: "Excellent! With this, we'll make a fortune!"

Just as he was about to order the glassware sent to shops for sale, Jiang Mingyu stopped him: "Wait, Inspector—I have more to say."

Wang Zhe grew impatient: "Spit it out, don't delay our profits!"

Jiang Mingyu said gravely: "Glass must not be sold immediately—it requires caution."

Wang Zhe insisted: "What's there to be cautious about? A novel product—sell it while you can!"

Jiang Mingyu explained: "Glass is difficult to produce; we cannot supply large quantities quickly. If we rush sales now, demand will outstrip supply and prices will spiral. The market will descend into chaos, and our profits will suffer."

Wang Zhe suddenly understood and nodded: "Lord Jiang is right. We must first test the market, stabilize production, then gradually expand sales. Thank you for the warning—I nearly made a grave mistake."

Jiang Mingyu continued: "Inspector, we must also consider how to effectively promote glass and draw more customers' attention."

Wang Zhe nodded: "You're right. Having the product isn't enough—we must make people aware of this novelty. Do you have any ideas?"

Jiang Mingyu thought for a moment: "Post advertisements on every street and alley—illustrate the glassware's appearance and explain its origin and use. We can also hire performers to stage shows that highlight its luminous effects, drawing crowds. Once more people understand glass, they'll come to buy it themselves."

Wang Zhe: "Brilliant idea! I can fund placing glassware in taverns—wealthy patrons will see it while dining and naturally want to buy! Between us, the fame of glass will spread across the entire province in no time!"

"We can also develop more designs—what about glass jewelry? We could gift them to the wives of high-ranking officials."

"We could also partner with local jewelers, displaying our exquisite glass jewelry in their shop windows—this would serve as excellent promotion."

Wang Zhe clapped his hands in agreement: "Exactly! Glass alongside jewelry will attract wealthy women shopping in the streets. They'll see it and be enchanted—our glass will gain instant recognition! Gifting them to all the noble ladies will make it the trend of the provincial capital!"

Wang Zhe laughed heartily: "Lord Jiang, you understand women's psychology perfectly! Our partnership is flawless!"

"Let's work together—our prospects are limitless!"

Jiang Mingyu: "I share your enthusiasm! With your support, we'll achieve great things!"

Wang Zhe: "Come, let us toast with tea—to our fruitful partnership and success!"

After finishing the tea, Wang Zhe raised his voice to the yamen runners outside.

"Summon every official in the city, and every person of standing."

"Tell them: as thanks for their support in my governance, I am distributing a special benefit."

The yamen runners, though puzzled, rushed out at once.