Chapter Forty-Nine: Zhang Family Kiln

【I am the master of all under heaven, the Grass Kirin, 985526680. My thanks to the three generous readers for their rewards~ During the National Day holiday, Wei Yan traveled to Shandong for a reunion with classmates, so there was a delay in thanking you—my apologies. Additionally, I made a special visit to the Shandong Museum to see relics, scenes, pottery figurines, and restoration drawings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. When I have time, I’ll share them in the related works section~】

Seeing this, Zhang Zhen also led a chestnut mare, controlling its pace to follow just behind Zhu Cilang. His voice was steady and unhurried: “Master, the Linqing Construction Division oversees the Zhang Family Kiln, White Pagoda Kiln, Hewei Zhang Village, and Diao Ma Bridge kilns. We’re at the Zhang Family Kiln here; the others, White Pagoda and Diao Ma Bridge, are south of the canal. I’ve learned all about the division’s affairs. Officially, there are only three thousand households registered, but in truth, there are nearly sixty thousand people, not counting those pulling fiber or working elsewhere. Among the several kilns, there are about fifty thousand people. Those who work regularly and are skilled number around ten thousand. In recent years, Linqing’s brick kilns have seen less work, so fewer remain active. Most have turned to farming, while those more enterprising seek jobs elsewhere for a living.”

Zhu Cilang nodded, asking, “Sixty thousand people—does that exclude the women?”

Zhang Zhen paused, then quickly replied, “Yes, Master. Women are not counted.”

Zhu Cilang gave another brief nod, saying nothing further.

For ease of transport, all official Linqing brick kilns are distributed along both sides of the canal. Specifically, from the Diao Ma Bridge, fifteen kilometers southwest of Linqing’s city center, to the East and West White Pagoda Kilns, then to the Zhang Family Kiln in the northeast, and finally to the Hewei Zhang Village kiln in the southeast, spanning over thirty kilometers in total.

Some stretches are densely packed with kilns—such as from Diao Ma Bridge to White Pagoda Kiln—where, for less than ten kilometers along both canal banks, every twenty meters or so stands an official kiln (two kilns per site). Statistics show Diao Ma Bridge hosts seventy-two kilns; White Pagoda Kiln has forty-eight; Zhang Family Kiln and Hewei Zhang Village together have seventy-two. In total, that’s one hundred ninety-two sites, and since each site invariably has two kilns, there are three hundred eighty-four kilns altogether. If each kiln is allotted forty acres—for clay extraction, kiln construction, wood stacking, and brick storage—then the one hundred ninety-two sites occupy seven thousand six hundred eighty acres.

With nearly two hundred kilns requiring about a hundred workers each, it’s no surprise that the division manages twenty thousand able-bodied men.

“I’d like to inspect the firing process,” Zhu Cilang finally said, then gestured to those behind him to move forward.

Soon, nearly twenty riders galloped toward the nearest kiln.

Led by Zhang Zhen, Zhu Cilang swiftly arrived at the Zhang Family Kiln’s entrance.

However, Zhang Zhen halted his horse here, quickly whispering something in Zhu Cilang’s ear. After hearing him, Zhu Cilang also signaled his party to stop.

At that moment, a massive black-and-red staff was conspicuously placed at the entrance.

On either side of the kiln’s gate stood imperial tiger-head plaques.

“These are relics left by the founding ancestor. This black-and-red staff is three feet thick and seven feet long—though made of wood, it’s as formidable as a monk’s treasured sword. Anyone trespassing or causing trouble at the kiln is liable to be struck dead by this staff, and the kiln workers bear no responsibility. Of course, Master, you’re an official; the workers wouldn’t dare offend you. Besides, the capital has demanded less tribute brick in recent years, making things hard for the division—let alone these workers who’ve lost their livelihood,” Zhang Zhen explained carefully.

Zhu Cilang squinted, laughing softly, “I seem to have come at the right time. So, these kiln workers are quite bold and fierce.”

Zhang Zhen smiled in response, “Master is wise. I’ll fetch the foreman. I know him well—let me invite him to greet you.”

Zhu Cilang nodded.

Immediately, Zhang Zhen dismounted and hurried into the kiln.

Indeed, Zhang Zhen’s words proved true. Not long after, Zhu Cilang saw a sturdy, dark-skinned old man, his white hair and beard clean-shaven, unmistakably the foreman of the Zhang Family Kiln, Zhang You.

“Your humble servant Zhang You greets the official,” Zhang You said, having already learned Zhu Cilang’s identity from Zhang Zhen. Though he’d heard the official was young, seeing for himself that this sixth-rank officer was barely seventeen or eighteen—no older than his own grandson—he was surprised and became even more cautious.

Zhu Cilang smiled, dismounting to help him up. “There’s no need for ceremony, elder. Today I bring great news to the Zhang Family Kiln, not to wield power.”

“Yes, sir,” Zhang You replied, growing more wary at Zhu Cilang’s frankness.

At this time, Zhang Zhen spoke from the side, “Elder, my master comes in plain clothes today to buy bricks. One hundred thousand bricks—is that not a great affair? Remember, he hasn’t yet visited the White Pagoda, Diao Ma Bridge, or Hewei Zhang Village kilns.”

Hearing this, Zhang You visibly relaxed, grateful for his earlier careful attention to this unexpected visitor. Had he refused, the sale would have gone to another, and he would have regretted it dearly.

“I understand, I understand,” Zhang You said, smiling.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang spoke again, “Since that’s settled, would you mind showing us how Linqing tribute bricks are fired? Of course, the bricks I need are just for ordinary homes—no need for load-bearing or any forbidden features. Rest assured.”

Hearing this, Zhang You was troubled. There was no issue buying red bricks, but tribute bricks were reserved for the imperial family—not only forbidden, but their method was a closely guarded secret. Losing their livelihood was one thing; if someone secretly made tribute bricks, it would be disastrous.

But the promise of a hundred thousand red bricks was tempting. Tribute bricks cost two silver coins and seven cents each—tedious and unprofitable. Red bricks, however, were easy to make and didn’t require three years of firing. Once the order was taken, the money would come quickly. At the same price, ten red bricks equaled two silver coins and seven cents—one hundred thousand red bricks would bring in two thousand seven hundred silver coins. For Zhang You, this was a sum that could revive the entire kiln.

Thinking of the kiln’s decline in recent years and considering Zhu Cilang’s background, Zhang You sighed inwardly. If the official wasn’t afraid, why should he be?

He steeled himself, put on a smile, and said, “Yes, sir, I’ll lead you over right away.”

Zhu Cilang paid no mind to Zhang You’s inner turmoil, instead focusing on the bustling kiln workers.

Here, Zhu Cilang finally witnessed the craftsmen at work.

Zhang You led Zhu Cilang and his party into the kiln site, and at his command, the entire firing process of Linqing tribute bricks was demonstrated from the very beginning.