In the final analysis, by adding alkali metals to silica, glasses with different specifications and properties can be obtained. By adding special compounds, the glass will take on more complex and magnificent colors.
Rurik originally thought about continuing to precipitate crystals from plant ash. He knew that the crystals he obtained at once would contain a large proportion of nitrate.
It is so difficult to obtain a small packet of precipitate. For the time being, Rurik does not want to do anything exciting.
The blacksmithing work will still continue.
As the hot embers buried in the twenty thick-bottomed and thick-walled glasses were finally extinguished and cooled down, the annealing treatment on the cups was concluded. As for the processing effect, Rurik believed it was good. It won't explode if you pour a cup of hot water on it.
After wiping the toner off the cup and polishing it vigorously with fine sheepskin, the glass really looked like what Rurik wanted.
In fact, Rurik didn’t want to create a glass bottle like a Coke bottle, which could be filled with a variety of drinks by plugging it with a cork.
However, glassblowing is a craft. Without a master, ordinary people's attempts are likely to not only fail, but also burn their mouths.
The crystallization of plant ash is still too precious. Since in theory, glass can still be formed by adding lime and lead, Klavasen started trying overnight.
On the next day, Rurik came in high spirits and got the news that Klavasen had made ten cups.
The newly made cups were placed on the wooden platform. In terms of appearance, they were already different from those of yesterday.
"This is your new cup? You actually made them a spout that can pour water?!" Rurik eagerly played with one, feeling its thickness and taste. shape.
Clavason said with great interest: "After you left, I did some experiments with the machine. I took out the embryo from the bronze mortar and continued to roast it on the fire. I successfully made its cup The mouth was heated and polished. Because of the tongs, I made a gap in it. It was a wonderful coincidence that I found that I could further process it."
Rurik put the cup down gently. There are new ideas in my head.
"Klavason, you should know Tao Weng's ears."
"Oh? Haha, kid, I already understand! Making cup ears, no problem" Klavason I instantly understood Rurik’s thoughts. Yes, just install a handle on the cup.
For a senior craftsman, when it comes to manufacturing equipment, they always have a strong ability to draw inferences from one example.
As for glassware, Klavasen has already thought that more glassware can be pressed by casting new molds.
Clavason was already making it himself, and he clearly realized that glassware is really a good thing with peculiar properties. Its infinite plasticity will inevitably bring great future.
Making cups, kettles and other containers is just a small application.
When he accidentally smashed a glass yesterday, the groundThe sharp edge of the upper fragment immediately made him think of the possibility of weaponization!
Using it to make arrowheads, at least there is no problem in hunting rabbits and turtle doves. Compared with other materials, it is really cheap and easy to obtain!
This afternoon, Rurik still brought his two followers. The three of them had stomachs full of meat, and they were full of strength after a good meal.
Klavathan understood Rurik’s attitude, so he said: "I will stop blacksmithing in the afternoon, and I will continue to help you make glass. This time I will add ears to the cup."
"Okay. Let's get started. I want to see your skills." Rurik ordered with a flick of his neck: "Kanuf, Fisk, you two are going to operate the air bag blower."
The switch was just like yesterday's operation, except this time, Klavasen took out some other tools.
How could Clavarson have professional glassware processing tools? He planned to use the tools used for blacksmithing to reshape the formed glassware.
Is this reliable? Rurik thinks it’s okay. Eastern chefs can use a kitchen knife to process ingredients in a variety of ways. It was all handicraft work, and Rurik wanted to see what Klavasen was doing today.
The raw materials were poured into the bronze mortar, and the flames quickly covered all the raw materials.
As the two children competed to show that they were trustworthy warriors, they controlled the air bag blower to push the charcoal to its peak calorific value.
The raw materials in the crucible have turned into a hot paste again. After a deliberate long baking, the sand full of impurities has basically been refined to the point where only silicon dioxide is left, as well as self-contained or Intentionally added alkali metals.
In general, this process is even shorter and less labor-intensive than making sponge iron.
The suppression of shaping is even simpler in Klavasen's opinion. He pulls the lever and more than half of the most critical shaping is completed.
Because of the heating effect of the molten glass on the bronze mortar, in order to make the production efficiency higher, Klavasen directly water-cooled the bronze mortar.
In this way, five more blazing glasses were made, and this was just the beginning of another great attempt.
Klavason used tongs to hold the bottom of the cup and put it on the stove to bake, which was called fire-polishing the mouth of the cup.
It also became very soft all over. At this time, Klavasen deliberately poured it on the iron plate, clamped it with a long, dented glass rod, and roasted it on the flame until it softened. Then make a curved shape and attach it directly to the wall of the glass.
Klavasen knows the technology of thermal welding. This technique is usually used on bronzes. He never imagined how simple this high-end operation would be on glasswares.
After flame roasting, the cup ears have been completely integrated with the cup.
Rurik looked at Klavasen's operation with satisfaction, "Are you planning to make a small pot that can pour water?"
"Haha, you can see it. I want to imitate Tao Weng as much as possible and make a transparent urn."
After saying that, Rurik saw it in surprise., Klavasen actually turned the cup with the ears upside down.
Under the action of gravity, the wall of the cup, which is originally very thick, is elongated.
“You actually want to make a small wine flask?” Rurik asked curiously.
"You guessed it right, now watch my performance."
Perhaps there is always a naughty child in a man's heart throughout his life.
Rurik felt that Klavasen was playing with a hot and transparent "plasticine".
Klavason continued to lengthen the cup, and used the tongs to restrain the mouth of the bottle above. He rotated the tongs, and was stunned to form a narrow and hollow neck.
There is a wide mouth above the neck, where the fire tongs also clamped out the real water outlet.
As far as the shape is concerned, Rurik feels that it already has the meaning of a handicraft, even if its shape is still relatively rough.
Clavason put the finished cup aside with satisfaction. But after a high degree of shaping, it is no longer an ordinary cup, but a "big-bellied, narrow-necked glass wine flask with a cup ear!".
After all, this era is not pursuing a simple style. People generally desire that the utensils they can control become more and more gorgeous.
Undoubtedly, this completely transparent pot that can hold slurry such as wine, if you don’t sell it at a good price, it is really a loss for its crystal clear appearance.
Klavasen showed his results with satisfaction: "What do you think? At least I think it's beautiful."
Rurik asked in surprise: "You...have you already Have you done many experiments? Your method seems to be experienced."
"Hey! What are you thinking? Have you forgotten that I am also a gem craftsman?"< /p>
"Ah!" Rurik suddenly patted his head.
Indeed, craftsmen of this era often did a variety of tasks, but of course these tasks were generally not sophisticated enough from the perspective of future generations. That’s okay, because given the limitations of the times, the need for technology in production and life is not particularly urgent.
In fact, Klavasen himself is very satisfied with the completion of this "handicraft".
He carefully placed the object on a stable wooden platform and prepared to make the next piece of glassware.
Suddenly, he suddenly asked Rurik: "Only ten silver coins? Is this appropriate? Although I didn't use a lot of effort and time to make it."
Rurik Without thinking much, Ke said: "It's probably suitable."
"Suitable?" Klavasen asked doubtfully: "Tell me, what is the big businessman's glass bottle like? And what's more? What does that bottle look like?"
"I remember it was about twenty silver coins, like..."
"The price is really expensive. "Clavason sighed slightly.
Suddenly, he saw the child in front of him suddenly chop his feet!
"No! It's not twenty silver coins, it's gold coins. "Rurik suddenly thought of the details of that banquet, "I can confirm that each of Gould's cups is worth twenty gold coins. After conversion, it is two hundred silver coins. "
"What? Is this true? "Clavason was shocked at first, and then slowly calmed down, with a bitter smile of disbelief on his lips: "How can I believe this is true? ! Two hundred silver coins? ! ”
“It’s absolutely true. "Rurik also began to tremble, not because he was cold, but after he figured out the exact price, he couldn't help but be shocked by the terrifying huge profits.
Klavasen also asked tremblingly: “Then why are you insisting on ten silver coins? We'll sell it for two hundred silver coins. There is nothing sinful about trying to make as much money as we can. "
"Maybe you are right. "
Rurik gently covered his little heart. After he calmed down completely, he seriously thought about the possibility of "two hundred silver coins."
It is possible. There should be.
In order to sell the goods quickly, I can only give a factory price.
You must have professionals to distribute these goods. And they are by no means ordinary commodities, they are luxury goods in the true sense! Even if their shape is not beautiful, Rurik gestures at the shape of the glass bottle.
“That’s it? "Klavason's eyes showed disdain, "For a stick-shaped bottle, that old guy as fat as a seal actually spent twenty gold coins? Might as well buy these of mine. ”
From this point of view, Rurik does not feel that Gould has suffered a loss.
As a luxury product, it must be purely rare, and secondly, he must have connotation and taste. .
“If it’s really twenty gold coins, I think it’s better to forget it. If the price is too expensive, who will buy it? I don't expect Gould to buy everything you do for a very high price. "
Now that the topic has reached this level, Rurik thought of many things.
Since ancient times, there has been a so-called "invisible hand" to regulate goods in the commercial society. The relationship between price and currency.
Marking an excessively high price will limit its buyers, so the supply of bulk commodities will reach a tacit agreement with ordinary people, although they will earn more than buying and selling. If it's less, it won't be able to support the large quantity. After all, merchants can still make a lot of money.
As for luxury goods, this method cannot be used.
Rurik estimates that they can buy it. Glassware people must be wealthy, and there must be few wealthy people.
The warriors of the tribe are willing to spend their life savings, even if it means borrowing money, hoping to get a good one from the blacksmith. Steel sword. After all, a warrior must have a good sword of his own. Now, the opportunity to obtain a sword that can cut through iron is just around the corner.
Glassware is different. If you just drink water, use a pottery bowl. Just a wooden bowl. Only people with a lot of wealth would think of it.Get a glass cup, or a horn cup inlaid with gold. Using them as containers to drink water, even if it is the most ordinary water, it is extraordinary. What they drink is actually a luxurious taste of life.
However, the price of two hundred silver coins is still too crazy.
Rurik basically figured it out. He said slowly: "We need to negotiate and set a suitable price. In this way, businessmen like Gould will buy in large quantities. In addition to satisfying their own use, I'll sell it and make a fortune from it."
"Oh? That's one hundred silver coins." Klavason couldn't help but glance at his masterpiece and said: "Look. Looking at it, I don’t even want to make iron anymore! Compared with my current job, making glassware is the most profitable.”
“That’s not possible.” Rurik shook his head. “I still need a steel sword.” ! Besides, I will have a new group of servants. I have already thought about something. I want my servants to work for you in your blacksmith shop."
"What?"
"Exactly." Rurik replied: "They are free labor. I don't need you to provide any payment to these servants, but I will provide them with food expenses and accommodation."< /p>
Klavason heard this in confusion: "Are you sure what you said has gone through your head? Is there such a good thing?"
"Of course! I have been thinking about this for a long time. You have to teach me They blacksmith and make glassware. I hope you can teach them a lot of things."
"Okay. The idle people in my work tribe are not willing to do it, so we blacksmiths have always been short of helpers. ”
At this moment, Klavason did not think about anything like starving the master to death. The fact is that because of the current situation that the so-called disciple himself was his own son, Klavason The attitude in this regard is very simple and straightforward.
"You do agree with my opinion?" Rurik asked.
"Yes."
"Well, I think we should sign a new agreement immediately."
Klavasen asked: "Still Engraved on the wooden board."
"Of course." Rurik said: "This is an agreement between you and me. I don't want to share the previous things with the other five blacksmiths. Hope it happens again.”
By the way, Rurik took the opportunity to express his position. He actually didn't hate the blacksmiths forming a guild, but it was unreasonable that they didn't notify him of Rurik's formation immediately.
Similar to the previous agreement, there are three core clauses here.
First: the problem of glassware, Klavasen is responsible for making it, and Rurik is responsible for selling it. The final gross profit is divided equally between the two.
Second: This agreement is only for Klavasen and Rurik.
Third: Both parties must ensure the secret of glassware making. Once one party teaches the skills privately, it will be a breach of contract. The defaulting party needs to pay one thousand gold coins to the other party.
The written agreement was quickly finalized and it seemed very strict.
The fact is of course that he still has many imperfections.
Klavason used a carving knife to carve the terms written in rune on the wooden board as quickly as possible, and Rurik also used a carving knife to carve out his name.
This is a document that satisfies both parties. Klavasen believes in Rurik very much, not only because this kid will be the next leader without any accident, but also because he thinks that with past cooperation, he The family has become extremely wealthy through what Rurik calls "the knowledge imparted by Odin"!
For making a steel sword, Klavasen can earn more than fifty silver coins. The money box at home now contains more than a thousand silver coins.
"You and I have marked our names, and we will not break our promise." Klavasen said happily.
"Of course, we are very good friends, and as friends, we will not break our promises." Rurik deliberately spoke louder, so that his two subordinates would be stunned by the glassware. have to.
Rurik continued: "I have knowledge, and I will not ask other craftsmen to do these things for me. However, my servant learned the technology from you. I will order my servant Do it, but at that time, selling the goods produced by the servants will have nothing to do with you. But don’t worry, as long as you make it, I will help you sell it.
That’s it. At that time, we need to get together and discuss carefully when selling goods, especially in terms of price."
"Oh! You are such a wise child. Chief, you rarely pay attention to our craftsmen, I am very grateful to you."
Rurik knew that this old guy meant what he said, "You can thank me, we have all benefited. , This is a good thing."
Clavason nodded: "I just hope that when I die, you will still value my son Kawei. You know, I only have this son."
p>"Of course!" Rurik didn't even hesitate: "I still need Kawei to continue training the craftsman team for me! Ah, maybe I am not a natural warrior in my heart, but a warrior in my heart. At least, I can understand you.
I don’t like to rob others. The way to become rich is too complicated. You see, we can make some beautiful things. You can make a lot of money peacefully, so why risk your life to rob it?"
In fact, when he said this, Rurik had no idea that a mighty fleet would return soon. His cousin Arik made great achievements in the battle of revenge, and also led his tribe to rob huge wealth! There are more than 100,000 silver coins alone!
Yes, this is a huge fortune.
Rurik's idea of making a lot of money from business would not be shaken if he knew that many of his tribe had become extremely wealthy. Then use reasonable means to get himWouldn't it be nice to have our money in our own hands?
Klavason did not think about Rurik’s deep plans. He stroked his beard: "You are a smart kid, but naive. Listen, you have made a lot of money. For To guard this wealth, you need a strong guard to protect it."
"Yes, I will have another guard soon. I have asked Gould to recruit a mercenary force for me. "
Klavason has heard of these things, and Rurik has the idea of establishing a mercenary guard. It seems that the rumors are true.
But as for the mercenary guards, it is difficult for Klavason to have much favorable impression of these people who may exist. Specifically, Klavason just didn't believe in the loyalty of these people.
Clavason suggested; "Child, those mercenaries are naturally untrustworthy. They work for you for money. In this case, if they steal your money, why bother working for you to earn more?" Money?”
Rurik was startled because he had never thought about it like this before.
"Gould, he has dozens of mercenaries under his command to protect his wealth. Why can't we follow suit?"
"Who knows?" Clavarson shook his head. Shaking his head, he did not change his attitude at all: "Son, you have to believe in your brothers and bring wealth to them. This is the key to your father's success. You can't trust those outsiders who are seeking wealth too much."
Rurik then said along the way: "I trust Kawei very much, as well as my brothers, and all your blacksmiths. We are a tribe, and I want to truly integrate the tribesmen into one. ."
Klavasen smiled: "Oh, that's really an honor for Kawei. But compared to your great ideals, your father really hopes that those Novgorod people will integrate into us. "
"This is the general trend. Your daughter-in-law will be a Novgorod girl, and I think the same will be true for the servants I will give you to train."
"Oh?" Klavason's eyes lit up: "It's very interesting. Those people led by your cousin will be back soon if nothing happens. It should be within the next few days. Your father will be back soon too. When everyone came back, I looked at our Rossburg and could really see a large number of Novgorod women walking around casually.”
After all, Ross men have no idea about their wives’ identities. What special opinions, even marrying a Novgorod woman, can arouse a man's desire to conquer and gain a sense of satisfaction.
Rurik said no more and urged Klavasen to process all the remaining materials. He even made some suggestions.
"We'd better reprocess yesterday's products and make fifteen beautiful wine bottles. Combine them with the original glasses. Put them in a wooden box Make it into a set. Two hundred silver coins for a cup is too crazy. If the whole cup is sold for two hundred silver coins, then there will be no problem."
Klavasen thought about it, and the price was reasonable. Much more.
Rurik also paid attention to the wooden box for packaging.There are requirements, it needs to be made of hard oak, and the word "VONRUS" must be engraved with runes on the box, just to prove that it is "Made in Ross".
Rurik also took the opportunity to joke: "There are wine bottles and wine glasses. They are as crystal clear as ice, but they can hold hot water. We sold it to Gould for twenty gold coins and said Maybe that old guy will sell it for fifty gold coins, or even more. "Huh? So Gould is the biggest winner here?" Clavarson shook his head regretfully.
"But Gould has always risked being killed to do business. Because we have respected him for so many years, Gould claims that he has regarded our Roseburg as a second home. In fact, You can also feel that the technology of making glass is actually not difficult. In order to make money, you and I must stick to the agreement and keep this secret.
In fact, in my opinion, the secret of glass making will spread sooner or later. If it is destined to become cheap, let’s make more money before that.”
Klavasen nodded and forced a smile: “You kid, you are also a born profiteer! I like it."
"Then look forward to our future." Rurik knew that this was actually a compliment, so he echoed: "I hope Kawei's wife is beautiful and hard-working."
"Oh, you can definitely rest assured about this." Klavasen was obviously holding back a smile when he said this. Of course Rurik didn't know the secret behind it.
Rurik attaches great importance to Kawei’s potential. At this moment, he really couldn’t imagine that his relationship with Kawei was destined to be close.
Not only does Rurik need Kawei’s work skills, but Kawei needs Rurik’s visible future power.
Because Otto insisted on setting up a marriage without any special circumstances, the little girl named Svetlana would become Rurik’s wife many years later.
Kavi’s wife Lilia is Svetlana’s biological sister and Rurik’s sister-in-law.
In the foreseeable future, Rurik and Kawei will be brothers-in-law.