Transmigration: A Farm Girl’s Brocade
Chapter 616 - 310 Efficacy_1

Chapter 616: Chapter 310 Efficacy_1

In the western suburbs of Capital City, within the boundaries of Xijin County, not far from the foot of Jiufeng Ridge, there is a dense forest. Within the forest, there is a factory surrounded by high walls. Atop the high walls are fragments of broken glass, and the sounds of barking dogs can be heard from within the compound.

Nowadays, this place has caught the attention of many.

This is the first glass factory of the Great Qian Kingdom, known as the Dingming Glass Factory.

The factory commenced production in early April and has been selling its glass products in Capital City and all over the country ever since.

Since the glass factory began operations, many have tried to discover how glass is manufactured, including several princes and many powerful families.

However, the glass factory is heavily guarded, with no one allowed to approach within two li. Furthermore, those who make the glass never come out, and the trade of the glass is conducted in several warehouses just outside the forest...

The factory is managed by Steward Li, who was sent by Prince Ning, with Huang Tie as the deputy manager. Jack oversees the technical aspects, while Butler Qin from Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop is in charge of accounting, and Wong Yong, the son of Wong Shou, manages production. The managers and guards for procurement and security are also appointed by Prince Ning.

In short, the top management of the factory consists of Prince Ning’s and the Qian family’s trusted aides, and the key craftsmen are also people sent by Prince Ning.

Since factory personnel are not permitted to leave for three years, to accommodate the lives of the top executives and their spouses, family housing has been built within the factory premises. As a result, only Pan Ying and the concubine of Steward Li have moved in. Pan Ying has also taken up a minor official position, responsible for managing a dozen women who cook and do laundry.

After the manufacture of the glass, it is stored in the inner warehouse just outside the back door of the glass factory and then transported by a designated person from the inner warehouse to the outer warehouse beyond the forest. The responsibility of carrying glass to the inner warehouse lies with Li Ah Cai. During the handover, guards watch over the process, ensuring that no one speaks or exchanges items.

Not only is the glass factory under strict guard, but even the half-li radius outside the large forest is watched over.

Butler Xie from Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop is in charge of selling the glass from the outer warehouse. People transport glass products from there to Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop in Capital City or sell them to large merchants across the country. Inside Capital City, with Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop too busy to handle the sales alone, several shops have been found to act as distributors, including the store of Wan Yunniang, Qian Manxia’s great-aunt. Thanks to the distribution of glass, her shop has become one of the well-known stores in Capital City.

Therefore, despite many inquiries and the lure of significant rewards, no one has managed to obtain the formula for making glass.

The glass factory has also captured the Emperor’s attention. After hearing that it was opened by the Qian family and his own son, as well as that his brother, nephew, and the Empress Dowager’s maternal family held shares, he summoned several shareholders—Prince Ning, Qian Manjiang, Prince Shou, Sir Fu, and Pan Yang—before him. He went on a long speech about putting the country before family, implying that since this cake was so big, the Imperial Court also wanted a share of the profits.

Prince Shou, having already happily received a ten percent share, knew it was large enough to bring in a substantial profit. Sensing it was his moment to speak, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the foreigner who knows how to make glass was kept by the Qian family and Heir Ning in the rural areas with a large sum of money. Hehe, perhaps we should let them recoup their initial investment before discussing anything else?"

Prince Ning also bowed and said, "Father, please grant your son three years. After three years, Jinjin and Xiuer will present the formula to the Imperial Court."

The Emperor, considering that they should be allowed to recover their investment and that they were willing to offer the formula to the Imperial Court after three years, nodded in agreement. He said, "Very well, once the formula is presented, I will not let you be at a loss. Your taxes will be reduced by two percent for three years. Beloved Minister Fu, remember this for me, both matters must be handled in three years."

Sir Fu bowed and replied, "As Your Majesty commands."

Only Grand Minister Cai, standing behind the Emperor, understood the true meaning of the Emperor’s words, whether the Emperor would still be alive in three years or not, these two matters must be carried out. His eyes reddened, and he quickly bowed his head even lower.

The Emperor glanced at Prince Ning and added, "Some subjects say I play favorites. Of all my sons, your residence is the poorest. For these three years, your glass factory will be the only one in the entire Great Qian. With the profits being made, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that you’re earning a fortune daily. Go and refurbish your Prince Residence, acquire more properties, and try not to appear too impoverished."

Prince Ning bowed and said, "Thank you, Father Emperor, for your guidance."

After leaving the palace, Prince Ning kept his face composed, but inside his sleeve, his fist was clenched tight.