Chapter 163: While making rules, we must also be prepared to break them.

But when Zhu Biao's voice sounded, Zhu Gang was obviously dazed.

Isn’t this just like the military parades in later generations?

After all, according to Zhu Biao's intention, it is to demonstrate military strength, establish national confidence, and deter potential threats.

At the same time, it can also show the demeanor of a great country.

To put it bluntly, people in later generations yearn for peace, and war is a waste of money and manpower.

Therefore, deterrence by force is often the simplest and most direct action.

As long as we can demonstrate our powerful military equipment, it will be enough to scare other countries.

So Zhu Biao’s idea is very good.

Sure enough, as long as we can open up the limited thinking of the ancients, their vision is also very long-term.

Because the Chinese civilization heritage has thousands of years of foundation.

This is the real reason why a nation can rise again in a short period of time after decline.

The national integrity remains, the Chinese heritage continues, and the Central Plains is still the Central Plains.

"Yes, this way, we can deter the scoundrels."

Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Biao with admiration and nodded.

"And it has demonstrated such a powerful military deterrent. If there are still people with evil intentions, the Ming Dynasty can send troops to fight them, destroy their race, cut off their descendants, and incorporate them into the territory."

Zhu Biao also smiled meaningfully.

To intimidate other countries with military force requires etiquette and law.

After all, it is better to use courtesy before force. On the moral level, the Ming Dynasty must take the lead in justice.

Even if we send troops, we must uphold the righteous cause.

This is to let them know that as long as they do not offend the Ming Dynasty, trade can continue, but if they offend the Ming Dynasty, the Thunder Heavenly Soldiers will never let them off easily.

This may not be a thorough understanding, but the meaning is actually very simple, which is to prevent them from uniting in panic, which would increase the pressure on the Ming Dynasty.

But if we defeat them one by one, even if they understand in the end, it will be of no avail. After all, the outcome is already determined and their country has perished.

In fact, Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao had a more ruthless decision in their minds, but due to their identities, they could not speak it out easily and could only plot in private.

To put it bluntly, this more ruthless decision is not even worthy of being made.

Even after using military deterrence, the Ming Dynasty still had to incorporate the surrounding countries into its territory.

But if you want to send troops against them, you need an excuse.

Having seen the strength of the Ming Dynasty's military, these countries would of course be afraid, but if someone tried to stir up trouble, someone would always take decisive action.

Because money can move people's hearts, as long as the price is high enough and the benefits are great enough, they will still take the risk even if there is a threat of force.

So this is a vicious scheme that will completely exploit people to death.

It is somewhat against the harmony of nature.

However, those who achieve great things do not pay attention to trivial matters.

We want to eliminate hidden dangers thousands of years from now and ensure that China will always stand at the top of the world.

Even if he was thrown into the Avici Hell, even if he provoked the First World War and caused the world to never have peace, Zhu Gang would never give up.

When the two brothers met and looked at each other, they understood each other's thoughts.

After all, they were born from the same mother, and their dark and cruel nature came from Zhu Yuanzhang.

No drug, no husband.

Moreover, considering personal gains and losses in this position is irresponsible to the Ming Dynasty.

Only national interests come first, which is what they should consider most.

"you understand me?"

Zhu Biao suddenly spoke.

"Of course I understand."

Zhu Gang replied with a smile.

It's just tacitly understood.

As for why Zhu Biao was able to figure it out?
It is because of Zhu Gang’s words that the territory of the Ming Dynasty is visible but also invisible.

But as long as we are strong enough, this invisible territory can also become a visible territory. As long as we dare to think and dare to act, everything in the world can be in our hands.

"But we don't have anything we want to buy."

"And what fun can there be in a grocery store?"

At this moment, Lu Xian couldn't help but curl his lips.

"That's right, and what does this have to do with Brother Maoer?"

Fu Zhong followed closely behind.

"Because I own this grocery store."

Chang Mao did not hide this, but smiled.

Grocery store, I didn't mean to hide it.

And such high-quality salt, white sugar and rock sugar.

It will definitely be coveted by others, so instead of hiding it, it is better to admit it openly.

Anyway, with the support of his father, Duke of E, Chang Yuchun, Chang Mao would not be afraid of the impending undercurrent in Yingtian Prefecture.

Even the Huaixi nobles and some wealthy businessmen had to consider whether they could afford to offend Chang Yuchun, the Duke of E.

"So it was opened by Brother Maoer. Now I understand."

"I'm a little short on cash today, and I only brought a few hundred coins, but I'm going to have some fun, so I'm going to take out half of it to support Brother Maoer."

Seeing this, Lu Xian immediately spoke.

After all, things have come to this point, how could Lu Xian not understand?
Chang Mao, this bastard, just wants to blackmail them, so let's just use it as a stab at their big brother.

As for the things in the grocery store, there is no need to take them back. There is everything in the marquis's mansion anyway.

But from now on, they will never come to this grocery store, otherwise they will be blackmailed every time they come. Who can bear it?

"I can take out half of it."

The other brothers also expressed their opinions. After all, they really liked to play, but they were not stupid, so they naturally understood what Chang Mao meant.

"Do you feel that Brother Maoer is exploiting you?"

Chang Mao looked at them with a smile and spoke slowly.

"No no."

The brothers shook their heads quickly, but they were obviously lacking in confidence.

"Let me tell you the truth."

"This is available on the market, and Yujing Pavilion also has it."

"But what is not available on the market is also available in Yujing Pavilion."

"For example, this glass statue."

Chang Mao didn't want to hide it, so he took a glass horse from the display cabinet and looked at this group of noble children.

In an instant, the eyes of these noble children were all wide open!
Colored glaze was the most expensive decoration and architectural item in ancient feudal dynasties.

In fact, in terms of craftsmanship, even in the early Ming Dynasty, there had been significant improvements.

So even though it is precious, it is not unavailable, and it is very common among the powerful and wealthy.

As for the homes of ordinary people, it is not common, because colored glaze is a symbol of power and status, and its use is usually restricted by strict hierarchy and social status.

After all, colored glaze has been regarded as a precious decorative material since ancient times because of its bright colors and beautiful luster. It is often used in imperial palaces, royal gardens, important temples, and the residences of senior officials.

What's more, in the Ming Dynasty, the emperor had clear regulations on the use of colored glaze to demonstrate the supremacy of imperial power and maintain social hierarchy.

For example, the glazed tiles, glazed bricks and glazed components in the imperial palace were symbols exclusive to the royal family, and civilians and even low-level officials were not allowed to use them at will.

Noble families might be allowed to use certain specifications and quantities of glazed decorations in their residences, but such use usually required approval and could not exceed the prescribed scope to avoid usurping the royal majesty and privileges.

In addition, in some special occasions, such as temples, ancestral halls or memorial buildings built by noble families, they may be granted permission to use colored glaze as decoration to demonstrate their status and honor.

However, even for noble families, the type, color, and location of the colored glaze they used might be restricted to distinguish it from exclusive use by the royal family.

What's more, the glass horse in front of them was dazzling, and the exquisiteness of the carving far surpassed all the glass they had seen before.

Moreover, even the royal family did not have such exquisite colored glaze.

The horse's body has smooth lines and delicate texture, just like a living creature. The color changes gradually from blue to green and then to yellow, shining brightly under the light.

The horse's eyes are deep and its mane and tail are lively, and every detail reveals the craftsman's ingenuity.

How can it not be breathtaking?

"This is no longer glass, this is the ultimate pursuit of beauty."

Tang Jiye exclaimed directly.

His words were full of love for the glass horse.

"Can this really be forged by human power?"

Lu Xian also looked at the glazed horse with fascination and couldn't help but exclaimed.

No one would dislike such a glass horse, especially the powerful.

As soon as this glazed horse appeared, it attracted the attention of everyone who entered the store, and their eyes were filled with amazement.

But at the same time, there was also a flash of fear.

Because such an exquisite glass horse would probably be regarded as a treasure by the royal family, it would inevitably cause a sensation once it was unveiled to the public.

Not only would the person who sold the glass horse be punished, but the person who bought it would also be considered to have ulterior motives.

Because the system is strict, no one can violate it.

Even though Chang Mao was the son of Duke E, he was no exception.

After all, these are the rules.

Therefore, no matter how much they liked it, they did not dare to ask the price. Besides, a good-quality colored glaze could usually be sold for more than ten or even a hundred taels of silver.

The price of the glazed horse in front of him would definitely be even more expensive, even several hundred taels.

"Brother Maoer"

A hint of worry flashed in Lu Xian's eyes again, and he looked at Chang Mao with hesitation, but he didn't know where to start.

"You can rest assured. If it can be placed in a grocery store, it can be sold."

"What's more, this glass horse is not under the control of the royal family, and the palace does not lack such a glass horse."

"Because before I opened this Yujing Pavilion, I had already replaced the glass with top-quality fine colored glass for your Majesty and your Majesty, as a special supply for the royal family."

"So you don't have to worry. His Majesty won't blame you."

Chang Mao bowed in the direction of the imperial palace and spoke.

This thing certainly couldn't have been made by Chang Mao.

After all, if Chang Mao had this ability, he would have asked for an imperial decree to have it spread throughout the world.

Therefore, the colored glaze in Yujing Pavilion, including the colored glaze supplied exclusively to the royal family, were all made by Zhu Gang.

In addition, in the past few months, Zhu Gang and Chang Mao have enclosed a lot of land in Yingtian Prefecture to build a salt factory, a sugar factory, and a glazed factory.

As for the craftsmen, they are all trusted confidants, and there are also masters from Taiyuan who teach them. The current output has also been steadily increasing.

As for Liuli, of course he had to show his filial respect to Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma first. After all, as a son, he had to think about his parents.

Moreover, it is not too difficult to improve the craftsmanship level of Ming Dynasty colored glaze.

We only need to optimize the raw materials and use high-quality porcelain clay as raw materials to improve the hardness and transparency of glass products.

And we are constantly looking for and creating new glaze formulas to enrich the color and texture of glass.

Then there are the improvements in technology, which can be divided into two categories: firing technology and molding technology.

In terms of firing technology, Zhu Gang improved the kiln structure, increased the temperature control accuracy, and adopted more efficient combustion technology, such as modifying the kiln mouth, to reduce fuel consumption and improve firing quality.

As for molding technology, it is even simpler. We just need to continuously improve the mold molding, blowing and wire drawing technologies.

Therefore, as long as we continue to innovate and improve, it will not be a difficult task at all to make colored glaze surpass the craftsmanship level of the Ming Dynasty.

After all, compared to improving firearms and building renovations, this glass is much easier.

Moreover, at this time, there is only one company that can produce such exquisite colored glaze.

Of course, this is also at the current stage, in order to gather funds for expansion and development.

As for the future, Zhu Gang would release those craftsmen who used to make colored glaze, and they could open kilns or set up factories.

Anyway, it is to promote the development of the Ming Dynasty and is more conducive to communication.

But it is not possible now, because in foreign trade, such exquisite colored glass will definitely be regarded as a fine product and become popular in various countries.

So this is also a way to make a lot of money, so it cannot be leaked for the time being.

"Brother Maoer, you name a price and I will never bargain."

"I don't have enough banknotes on me, but I have some at home. I can send someone back to get them."

The early bird catches the worm, and whoever speaks first will never lose out, so Tang Jiye spoke first.

In order to prevent his brothers from competing with him for the goods, he did not directly offer a price. Instead, he let Chang Mao set his own price and never bargained.

This is enough to show how much Tang Jiye likes this colored glass.

"The grocery store has already set the price. Such high-quality colored glaze will naturally be sold at a higher price than the market price, so the price is 200 strings of precious coins."

Chang Mao glanced at Tang Jiye and spoke softly.

"so cheap?"

Not only Tang Jiye was stunned, but even the sons of nobles were stunned.

Can you really buy such exquisite colored glass at such a low price?
Why does it feel like I'm living in a dream?
Just two hundred taels of silver?

impossible?

"We are the only company in the world that can produce such exquisite colored glaze. Besides, you all know the rules of colored glaze."

“So the price is not high, because there are many in Yujing Pavilion, but now it can only be sold to the rich and powerful, not to the public.”

"Because even if those wealthy merchants are rich, it doesn't mean they can use Liuli."

Chang Mao still nodded.

Colored glaze was often the exclusive property of the royal family and the nobility, especially under the rules set by Zhu Yuanzhang.

The clothing and lifestyles of different social classes are clearly divided into different levels, so no matter how rich you are, you cannot use glass due to your class.

As for why the price is so low, as I said before, rules are meant to be broken, because the rules set by Zhu Yuanzhang are not conducive to the progress and development of the times.

So even though it is still in the early stages, the price cannot be too expensive. After all, at this time, the gentry, powerful people, and wealthy families are all hiding in the corners, so how dare they show up?
There is no point in pricing it too high. It would be better to just price it at a normal level. Although it is a bit more expensive, it is definitely worth the money.

Afterwards, one after another of fine colored glass pieces were brought out.

The eyes of the Huaixi disciples were dull and full of disbelief.

(End of this chapter)