After Zhou Biyao left, Wong Qiao did not go to the Qi family or the Jiang family. Instead, he relocated with the chanical Workshop to a courtyard in North City.
This was an abandoned warehouse purchased by Yuan Shang, which had been slightly renovated into the current setup, now known as the future chanical Research Institute.
This research institution, in addition to the workshop for making machines, of course, also had rooms for clerical work and artisan drafting.
Yuan Shang entrusted the machines and so craftsn to his manager, and he personally led Wong Qiao, Shi Yin, and six key craftsn to the three main houses in the center of the courtyard.
Entering through the central door was a bright living room.
In the middle of the living room sat Jinrong, accompanied by Jiang Yifan and Hu Jing on either side, and next to Jiang Yifan was Ye Xinyan dressed casually.
Hongzhi, Shi Yu, and several other attendants stood respectfully on either side of the living room.
Upon seeing Jinrong, Wong Qiao, Shi Yin, and a few others hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects and greeted His Highness Prince Yu.
Shi Yin already knew Jinrong earlier. He went to the chanical Workshop in Clear Water Village because Jinrong persuaded him by saying that Clear Water Village had great potential and that he could see novel devices unseen in this world, which convinced him to visit.
The other six craftsn had mostly t Jinrong and Jiang Yifan in Clear Water Village.
Of the two craftsn recruited later, although they hadn’t t the two, they had heard about them from others.
Upon entering and seeing the scene, and then observing Shi Yin and Wong Qiao’s behavior, they realized that the young man in the black robe embroidered with gold sitting above was indeed the emperor’s son, His Highness Prince Yu.
They imdiately tensed up, following the others to pay their respects.
Seeing Shi Yin and Wong Qiao enter and recalling what was ntioned in Wong Qiao’s letter, Jinrong was delighted and personally helped them up, exempting the craftsn from performing grand ceremonies.
Once everyone had exchanged greetings and seated themselves, Jinrong and Jiang Yifan each inquired if their journey had been smooth.
Jinrong looked over the craftsn present, smiled, and said, "Each of you is a master craftsman and has contributed greatly to the chanical Workshop. I’ve read the letters sent by Steward Wong, and the steam engine is now capable of running; your contributions are indispensable. When the steam engine can truly be applied to iron slting or other industries, I will surely report to the court to get you all recognized."
What? What recognition? The craftsn looked at each other, wondering what kind of recognition it would be?
The craftsn, regardless of whether they had t Jinrong before, couldn’t imagine that this high-ranking prince would say such things today.
They are craftsn who rely on their hands and physical strength to earn a living. Could such people actually receive recognition from the court?
Would this recognition make them, like the scholar-gentlen, typically not bullied by others? The scholars could see an official without bowing.
The craftsn were montarily incredulous, then exchanged extrely excited glances. Seeing their restless deanor, if not for the high-ranking figures present which were intimidating, these craftsn might not be able to help but jump up in excitent.
Even Wong Qiao found it quite unexpected. He was aware that the court was implenting patent laws to fight for the rightful benefits of innovative craftsn.
But isn’t that a matter of money? How co there’s now a discussion on status?
He turned his confused gaze towards Ye Xinyan. The proposal to grant craftsn their deserved treatnt was first brought up by Ye Zi. The idea of giving craftsn status by the court? Besides Ye Xinyan, probably no one else could think of that, right?
Wong Qiao looked at Ye Xinyan, lost in thought.
Jiang Yifan noticed Wong Qiao’s dazed look and couldn’t help but cough lightly.
Wong Qiao ca to his senses, feeling a little awkward.
Since going to Prince Fu’s Iron Workshop, it had been two years since he worked with Ye Xinyan. The Ye Zi of back then was now married, with a husband. He was overstepping a bit.
Jiang Yifan had no other intentions but seeing Wong Qiao’s embarrassnt, he conveniently explained, "If the steam engine can indeed improve iron slting efficiency, it would be a great achievent for the court. The credits of Ah Qiao and Master Shi are undeniable, and the craftsn also share the credit. It’s reasonable for the court to give so rewards."
Shi Yin, a master of ingenious devices, often felt a bit smugly proud, but found Jiang Yifan’s words quite reasonable.
But Wong Qiao felt embarrassed, "Yuanfan, your words are too flattering for us. The steam engine was Ye Zi’s idea. Many of the transmission thods and structures were thanks to Ye Zi’s inspiration that we could think of them. We’ve already earned a decent wage at the chanical Workshop using Ye Zi’s ideas and the workshop’s resources. Even if there are court rewards, it shouldn’t be us receiving them."
The craftsn sitting nearby all nodded promptly in agreent.
That’s indeed the truth.
Before the chanical Workshop, or rather, before they worked at the chanical Workshop, they never expected that as craftsn, they could earn several to about ten taels of silver in monthly wages.
Every ti they completed a device, all participating craftsn could earn a substantial tip money.
Now, they had even relocated with their families to the prosperous capital under the feet of the Son of Heaven. In the past, that would have been an impossible dream.
Even the scholarly teachers with official degrees, earning one or two taels of silver a month, couldn’t surpass the craftsn’s wages. This already seed like a blessing accumulated over several lifetis, and any more seed unseemly.
Jinrong listened to everyone’s polite refusals and said with a hearty laugh, "No need for anyone to step back. No matter whose idea it is, or who invests in it, in the end, it still depends on the craftsn’s diligence to accomplish things. Ah Qiao and the masters, don’t be overly modest; all the benefits co only after accomplishing things. Right?"
Shi Yin’s straightforward character and extraordinary skills made him impatient to see them pushing back and forth. He turned and pointed at the last craftsman, instructing, "Go and bring in the item we brought."
That craftsman was unfamiliar with the protocols and didn’t think about looking for any gestures from the prince above. He nodded promptly and went out effusively to fetch the item upon being ordered by his leader.
Jinrong wouldn’t bother arguing with a craftsman, focusing instead on the item Shi Yin ntioned, "Master Shi, are you talking about the small item made using the steam engine principle?"
Shi Yin, appearing extrely proud, replied, "Yes, that item is sure to satisfy Your Highness."
His Highness Prince Yu did not deceive him; at the chanical Workshop in Clear Water Village, he indeed witnessed novel things unseen in this world. And there weren’t just one; there were many. Perhaps, there would be even more in the future.
The letters from Wong Qiao had to go through Ye Xinyan’s hands, so she knew about the item described in Wong Qiao’s letter. It was a chanical toy driven by steam.
This kind of item naturally couldn’t pique Ye Xinyan’s curiosity. If the steam engine could be put into application, and the slting industry prospered, various steels of different properties could be produced. Then music and dance figures made of springs, and clockworks, would be far more interesting and exquisite than the toys powered by a steam engine.
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