Glassware sells like hotcakes; Pei Mingli is beaten.

While Li Zhi was busily engrossed in the manufacture of telescopes, the city of Chang’an was once again thrown into an uproar by the glassware produced under the “Linde” name. After Liu An brought the glass pieces he had crafted to Pei Mingli, the latter immediately set an exorbitant price for them.

Although Liu An had already explained that the materials for these items were not costly and their production was not particularly difficult, Pei Mingli believed that, since only their establishment could produce such things, their rarity warranted a steep price.

Thus, glassware from the “Linde” boutique soon appeared in advertisements throughout the city, quickly attracting a flood of wealthy patrons eager to buy. This was the benefit of building a brand. The people of Chang’an were gradually developing brand consciousness. Many could now accurately tell which grain shop’s rice and flour tasted better, or which winery’s brew was more exquisite. Among these, products from “Linde” were widely recognized as the epitome of luxury, thanks to their unique qualities.

Many noblemen and wealthy merchants, having recently witnessed the splendid décor of the Linde Inn, had purchased quantities of cement, tiles, and even flush toilets to renovate their own homes. After such refurbishments, the status of their residences improved by several notches. The restrooms, especially when remodeled according to Pei Mingli’s instructions, turned the act of relieving oneself into an unexpectedly enjoyable experience.

These individuals not only gained face among their peers but also enjoyed newfound comfort, becoming staunch supporters of the Linde brand. Now, hearing that glassware had appeared under the brand, how could they resist coming to see for themselves?

Once they laid eyes on the glass pieces, they were utterly captivated. Thanks to Liu An’s diligent research, the glass now came not only in its natural hue but also in red and green. Under candlelight, the glassware shimmered with an enchanting brilliance, so different from the dullness of porcelain—seeming almost to flow with light and shadow.

Unable to restrain their desire, they vied with one another, spending large sums of cash without hesitation. Every purchaser would, in turn, show off their acquisitions to friends and family, hoping to win praise for their taste.

Through the enthusiastic promotion of these wealthy buyers, the exquisite glassware quickly became the rage throughout Chang’an. Anyone of any standing wanted at least one or two pieces to display before their acquaintances.

When Li Zhi heard of this, he gave a sly smile. Then he said to Liu An, “Go and pass the manufacturing method to Pei Mingli, and have him establish another workshop in Chang’an.” Liu An gladly agreed and prepared to leave, secretly proud of his contribution to the glassware’s success.

But Li Zhi quickly stopped him. “Wait a moment, listen carefully to what I have to say,” he instructed.

“Please speak, Your Highness,” Liu An replied.

Li Zhi said, “Tell Manager Pei that after the new workshop is built, do not be too hasty to increase production.”

Liu An looked puzzled. “Your Highness, now is precisely the best time for glass sales. Why sell less?”

Li Zhi replied, “That is where you do not understand. The high price of glass comes from its scarcity. If there is too much glass on the market, how can its price be maintained?”

Hearing this, Liu An’s eyes brightened. Tentatively, he asked, “Your Highness means to let the market believe glass is extremely difficult to make, and use its rarity to highlight its value?”

“Exactly,” Li Zhi said with a nod.

In admiration, Liu An praised him: “Your Highness has a masterful business mind. I am far beneath you in this regard.”

Li Zhi thought to himself: This is all experience I paid to learn in my previous life—of course you wouldn’t think of it so quickly.

Then he told Liu An, “Since glass is so highly sought after, have Manager Pei make more and send them to the palace—as gifts of my filial respect for the Emperor, the Empress, and the consorts.”

Liu An agreed and took his leave. Just as Li Zhi was about to let him go, a sudden inspiration struck. He called Liu An back: “I’ve just thought of something—we might coat one side of the glass with mercury to make mirrors.”

Liu An brightened at the suggestion, saying, “I will try it as soon as possible. If it works, it will surely be a great success.”

Li Zhi nodded and dismissed him, then began designing a set of equipment for grinding lenses. After several days of effort, he finally succeeded in producing optical lenses. Next, he planned to work on creating telescopes and microscopes.

With a telescope, the scouts of Da Tang would be able to spot enemies much sooner on the battlefield, allowing generals to devise tactics and seize the initiative. A microscope, on the other hand, would reveal the minuscule, greatly advancing the cause of scientific development.

He was now painstakingly compiling all his knowledge into a book through experimentation. The arrival of the microscope would greatly accelerate his progress.

Although Li Zhi understood the principles of lens making, the actual work was far from simple. It took more than ten days before he finally succeeded in grinding several sets of lenses. He handed these, along with their blueprints, to Pei Feishu, instructing him to find the best craftsmen to help construct the telescope and microscope.

While he awaited the products from the Imperial Workshop, Liu An suddenly came rushing to see him. Seeing Liu An’s urgency, Li Zhi could not help but ask first, “What’s happened to bring you here in such haste?”

With anger on his face, Liu An replied, “Your Highness, Manager Pei was beaten by Prince Liang! He’s waiting outside to see you now.”

At those words, Li Zhi’s expression changed at once. He quickly told Liu An, “Bring Manager Pei in immediately!” and hurried out.

Liu An rushed ahead to the door, just as Li Zhi arrived. At first sight of Pei Mingli, Li Zhi saw his cheeks were swollen and red from the blows he had received. The hat he was accustomed to wearing had vanished, and his down coat was covered in dust. Pei Mingli looked utterly disheveled, a far cry from his former self-assured demeanor.

A surge of fury welled up within Li Zhi at the sight. He had Liu An help Pei Mingli into the reception hall, and then fetched his own medicine chest. Ignoring Pei Mingli’s protests, Li Zhi personally tended to his wounds.

When he had finished, Li Zhi restrained his rage and said, “Manager Pei, please recount the events in detail. Today, I will see justice done for you.”