Chapter 474: 474: Grandpa Lu Celebrates his Birthday_1

Wei Ruo had a furnace of the same design in Mo Jiazha at Huzhou Prefecture, located at the rear of the house where she once lived.

Wei Ruo did not use it often, but found it inconvenient when needed and lacking. So, she chose a spot in the capital’s outskirts for this purpose.

The last time Wei Ruo made armor for Xu Zhengyong and Wei Mingting, she used steel she had forged at Mo Jiazha.

Now all that steel has been used up, and she needed to make more using this new furnace.

She had come to Long’an Temple on the first day of the second month to burn incense, primarily to select a location for the construction of this furnace.

Now, the furnace was ready for use; old Tao had brought her iron ore and coal, and all that was left was to fire it up.

After carefully inspecting both furnaces and confirming that they were both working effectively, Wei Ruo gave a satisfied nod.

“Good job, it’s almost indistinguishable from the blueprints, even the small details are perfect.”

“Master Xu, you’ve made it all so detailed and explained it to us so many times. We wouldn’t dare disappoint you by doing a poor job.” said Shi Dayou.

Soon after, Shi Dayou asked Wei Ruo, “Master Xu, there’s something I don’t quite understand. Since we are turning iron ore into iron anyway, why don’t we not just fire up the left blast furnace directly? Why is there a need to burn coal first?”

“Because the coal tar produced after coking coal is of great use to me. It is a good material that cannot be found elsewhere.” Wei Ruo answered.

“I see, Master Xu, you are knowledgeable! I am quite dull, I hope you don’t mind me.”

“It’s alright, just ask me if there’s anything you don’t understand.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Dayou took the opportunity to ask the questions that had been bothering him: “Master, these two furnaces are small, and the speed of firing is not fast. Does it matter?”

“That’s how it is. We don’t need to pursue speed. What I need is high-quality steel, prioritizing quality first.” Wei Ruo said to Shi Dayou.

This furnace, like the one in Mo Jiazha, is not large. The amount of steel and coal tar that can be produced at one time is not large, but Wei Ruo had never intended to mass produce these items.

“Okay, Master Xu, rest assured, we will do everything as you have instructed! We pledge not to cut any corners!” Shi Dayou assured her.

“After successful forging, I will have Meimei come and pick them up. I have a use for them.” said Wei Ruo.

“Okay.”

“What about the sulfur bought by the master, just leave it here?”

“Let it be, just make sure it does not get damp. I will come and use it when I need it.”

“Okay.”

After Wei Ruo finished her work and left, Xiumei asked Wei Ruo on the road, “Miss, what are you planning to use this forged steel for?”

“Make a sword for my second brother.” Wei Ruo answered.

Sitting in the carriage, leaning against the cushions, flipping through the account books, she responded to Xiumei’s question from the front of the carriage.

“Miss, you still care a lot about Prince.”

“Who asked him to be in the same boat as me? If he’s doing well, I’m doing well too. If anything were to happen to him, won’t I have to bother rescuing him? Hope that by providing him a good sword for self-defense, he does not find himself in a dangerous situation, thereby protecting myself as well.” said Wei Ruo.

“Miss is right!” Xiumei agreed.

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On the 20th of May, the patriarch of the Lu Family celebrated his 70th birthday.

The patriarch had fought numerous battles in his lifetime, holding a high-ranking position.

In the past, the patriarch and Duke Xu were known as “Lu of the South and Xu of the North”. The Xu Family now has no surviving members, while the Lu Family remains in power. Although the old patriarch is without official rank, he is still greatly respected by officials and nobility alike.

Therefore, during the patriarch’s birthday, all dignitaries in the capital city came to offer their congratulations, and everyone considered it an honor to be invited by the Lu Family.

The Wei Family was also invited to this event. Not only Wei Mingting and Yun from the third house, but the main house and the second house also received invitations.

This made Mrs. Bai overjoyed and she was in a great mood.

Receiving an invitation from the Lu Family showed that the status of their Wei Family was now exceptional.

Before leaving, Mrs. Bai took great care in her dress, taking out her finest jewelry and dressing herself up magnificently.

Wei Mingyong warned her, “Be careful. I do not hold any official position. Among the wives present, you will be of the lowest status. Behave yourself, be cautious and prudent.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Bai huffed unhappily before saying, “You should be ashamed. It could have been better if you had put in more effort. We would not have had to settle for less.”

“You should be content. Your family is involved in business. Without marrying me, could you attend such banquets? We can discuss what comes next, your day to be glorified will come.”

Wei Mingyong is confident about the future, believing that his day to shine will not be far off.

“Alright, just be careful. Whenever you get the opportunity, bond with those officials. Maybe one day, you’ll wear that official’s hat.” Mrs. Bai reminded Wei Mingyong.

“Don’t worry, I’m smarter than my gullible big brother. I won’t miss this chance.” said Wei Mingyong.

Both husband and wife had come up with a plan; this was a rare banquet, and they were determined to make a good impression.

###

Wei Qingwan sat in front of her dressing table, allowing Cuihe to dress her meticulously.

After changing two hairstyles, she still wasn’t satisfied.

“Miss, how about this hairstyle?” Cuihe then styled Wei Qingwan’s hair into a peach heart bun.

This hairstyle made her look playful and lively, reflecting the charm of an unmarried lady more vividly.

Wei Qingwan frowned, still not satisfied, “Try another one.”

Cuihe had no choice but to reconsider her approach to the hairstyle.

“Miss, you’ve tried all the currently popular hairstyles. Can you tell me what kind of style you prefer?” Cuihe cautiously asked.

“I don’t want an ordinary one. It must match the manner of an unmarried woman, should not seem frivolous, but should appear more dignified.” said Wei Qingwan.

“That…..is a bit challenging, but I’ll try my best.”

“We’ve got plenty of time. Try more. Today, I might see Prince Yu, and for our first meeting, I must create a good impression.” said Wei Qingwan.

“I understand.”

Choosing again, Cuihe created a few more buns for Wei Qingwan. Finally, Wei Qingwan settled on the Hanging Bun style, which while showcasing a young girl’s lively spirit, also complemented her delicate and gentle demeanor.

As for accessories, Wei Qingwan didn’t have many options. She punctuated her look with just a jade hairpin.

Finally, Wei Qingwan dressed up in a freshly made gown of this year, with embroidered gold-colored flowers on the goose yellow satin material, a jade sachet hung at her waist.

Wei Qingwan looked at herself in the bronze mirror and was fairly satisfied with her attire.

Cuihe praised from the side, “Miss, you are naturally beautiful. You always look stunning with just a bit of dressing up, and today since you’ve dressed carefully, you look even more radiant. Not to mention Prince Yu, even I, as a woman, can’t help but be charmed by you when I see you.”