Chapter Fifty: A Grand Gift

The production of Linqing tribute bricks involved several processes: soil collection, stacking, sieving, mud filtering, molding, kiln loading, and firing. Among these, the longest and most time-consuming step was stacking. After procuring the unique lotus soil of Linqing, the clay had to be transported to the storage yard and piled into large heaps, left exposed to wind, sun, frost, and snow. This was done to reduce its alkalinity and to evenly distribute its stickiness, transforming raw clay into matured soil suitable for use. This single process alone took about three years.

Fortunately, the Zhang family kiln already possessed matured soil.

Soon, Zhu Cilang saw a burly man lift a chunk of wet clay with an iron fork, forcefully slam it onto the ground, then scoop it up and slam it again. After repeating this several times, the man casually tossed the clay aside, neglecting it.

Zhang You, standing nearby, remained silent without explaining this strange behavior.

Zhu Cilang glanced over and directly asked, “Is the forceful slamming to reduce air bubbles in the clay? Leaving it to rest is like letting dough rise before steaming buns — giving the clay a period to rest and mature, making it more pliable. No wonder Linqing craftsmen can produce tribute bricks; their dedication is remarkable.”

“Y-You’ve fired bricks before, sir?” Zhang You was stunned, speechless. But he quickly realized his mistake. How could such a noble person possibly engage in the humble work of brick firing?

But… if not, then how did he know?

This was a secret tied to the survival of tens of thousands.

Zhang You’s question received no direct answer from Zhu Cilang. Only he knew that tribute bricks, of course, could not be sold in this era, but they could be in later times. This was something he had handled before.

Yet, of course, he would never reveal this now. So everyone looked at Zhu Cilang with astonishment.

Zhu Cilang merely smiled faintly and said, “Reading widely connects many truths.”

His answer only deepened their wonder and respect. Zhang You, resigned, continued explaining, assuming that the nobleman had many interests. Fortunately, only Zhu Cilang, Fu Rugui, Zhang Zhen, and Old Seventeen were present, so Zhang You was not overly worried about leaking secrets.

“Actually, it’s not just the process that requires care; even the fuel we use for firing is particular. There’s a saying: ‘The scholar argues cases, the brick burner uses bean straw.’ We must use bean straw stalks to fire tribute bricks because they burn evenly, producing bricks of excellent quality and color.”

“Besides, patience is key. The firing takes a whole day, especially on crucial days when the fire’s intensity must be carefully controlled. One kiln of bricks takes thirty days to fire. Around the twentieth day, the fire must be put out. But when exactly to stop the fire is an art. If mishandled, the tribute bricks spoil after over twenty days, wasting all the effort and bringing blame from the court. So, firing bricks requires skill. For instance, I just have him smell the smoke coming from the kiln; when it smells just right, that’s the sign.”

Zhang You chuckled and continued his explanation. However, since no tribute bricks were being fired at the moment, no one could understand why he would say the kiln smoke smelled fragrant.

Zhu Cilang and Fu Rugui showed little interest in this; their attention was fixed on the craftsmen making red bricks.

Zhang Zhen had arrived earlier than Zhu Cilang and had already paid a deposit to purchase bricks for the military camp outside as building materials.

As a result, the Zhang family kiln gained a livelier atmosphere, no longer seeming so desolate.

Now, everyone at the kiln clearly understood this was a major order, and all worked diligently.

Zhu Cilang and Fu Rugui observed this scene quietly from a high vantage point.

Seeing this, Zhang You realized that the two nobles had little interest in the secrets of tribute brick firing. With this thought, he relaxed yet remained vigilant.

But being seasoned and shrewd, Zhang You dared not offend and quietly waited nearby, watching.

“Brick firing involves many steps: soil collection, stacking, sieving, mud filtering, molding, kiln loading, and firing. Clearly, no single person can complete all these. You see, there must be division of labor and cooperation. Moreover, with many people, discipline is needed. Here, management is based on clan seniority; relationships are bound by blood ties and wages. It’s quite like the military,” Zhu Cilang said with a light smile. “The military is maintained by pay, discipline, and, most importantly, belief. Soldiers use firearms, which involve loading, aiming, priming, lighting the fuse, firing, and adjusting distance — all broken down into precise steps. Craftsmen similarly break down tasks and learn carefully. This means workers turned soldiers can quickly master firearms and become competent troops.”

Fu Rugui sighed softly after hearing this. “Indeed, as you say, sir, this is a rare source of excellent soldiers. Though the artisans are poor, they are bold and still retain some fighting spirit. With hard training, they can become battle-ready.”

There were other thoughts Fu Rugui kept to himself: Zhang Zhen’s presence was proof of Zhu Cilang’s skill and strategy. By controlling the purchase of bricks, Zhu Cilang held the artisans’ lifeline and offered them a way out. This gave soldiers entering the camp an innate loyalty to Zhu Cilang.

Combined with Zhu Cilang’s training methods and inspiring words…

Such a man…

It was fortunate he was an ally, not an enemy.

“Zhang Zuotou, besides the purchase of one hundred thousand red bricks, I also intend to give you a great gift,” Zhu Cilang said with a smile.

Then, Fu Rugui saw that after a few quiet words from Zhu Cilang, Zhang You immediately kowtowed deeply, tears of joy nearly falling. “Joining the taxation bureau? We accept, accept! Thank you, noble sir, for your great kindness...”

Zhu Cilang helped him up with a smile, then glanced at Fu Rugui and nodded.

Fu Rugui understood: the military expansion would soon be in full swing. Liu Zeqing might still harbor some tricks, but he would soon realize how gravely mistaken he was.

Fu Rugui himself was about to undertake an important mission away from Linqing. The task was so critical that Zhu Cilang had to dispatch his only capable general.

“Let Fu Zhen take thirty men with you. Equip them all with Lumu muskets,” Zhu Cilang said gravely, his voice heavy with concern.

“Bandits like these are no match for me,” Fu Rugui smiled. “Lord Qin awaits my good news. I also await yours… the conquest of Central Plains!”

Zhu Cilang nodded firmly.