After finishing lunch and spending some time with Yan Xiaojing and Madam Yan, Yan Ge left with Gao Feng and the others to start the production of the fountain pen. He preferred a signing pen, but the fine and delicate nature of the pen nib, especially the tip, required highly skilled craftsmanship that was unlikely to be found in this era. So he had to settle for a fountain pen.
“Gao Feng, Gao Yun, please inquire about the best blacksmith shop in the city,” Yan Ge leaned against the window and instructed the two who were sitting up front. They were casually moving through the bustling city, with the carriage and horses moving at a leisurely pace.
“Yes.”
Gao Feng and Gao Yun pulled the reins and went to ask the shop owners on the roadside. They soon returned, urging the horses to a stop two streets away from their destination.
“Master, it’s just ahead. Allow us to lead the way,” Gao Feng informed, while Gao Yun nodded in agreement.
The carriage stopped in front of “Old Li’s blacksmith shop”. The shop door was wide open, and a muscular man with a bearded face was hammering iron, creating a rhythmic and melodic sound. Sweat dripped onto the glowing iron block, sizzling upon impact.
Gao Feng instructed Xiao Shuanzi to keep an eye on the horses and the carriage.
Yan Ge entered the shop and examined the various iron tools displayed on the shelves. There were sickles, scissors, iron shovels, hoes, knives, swords, daggers, and more, all finely crafted. However, he couldn’t find any small objects, which left him somewhat disappointed, fearing that this trip might be in vain.
Old Li glanced at the group but didn’t think they were customers who needed personal attention. He continued to hammer away without paying them much mind.
The shop was hot and stuffy due to the forge, so Wan Xiang picked up a large palm-leaf fan from the nearby table and began fanning Yan Ge.
Yan Ge took a seat on an empty chair and gestured to Xiao Chuanzi. Xiao Chuanzi placed twelve taels of silver on the table.
Old Li’s eyes flickered, and he finally stopped what he was doing. He wiped the sweat from his brow and spoke in a straightforward manner, “I don’t know what kind of iron tools this young master wants. But here, there’s nothing I can’t forge.”
“Oh?” Yan Ge smiled, delighted to hear those words. “What I need is something very small. I hope Master Li won’t overpromise.”
Old Li looked proud. “No matter how small it is, it can’t be smaller than a needle, right?”
Yan Ge was momentarily stunned, but quickly smiled. “Indeed, it won’t be smaller than that. I have a drawing. If Master Li can’t make it, the drawing must not be leaked, otherwise, I’m afraid…”
Gao Yun’s mind was quick, and he took out the token of the imperial guard and showed it to him, causing Old Li’s expression to change slightly.
Yan Ge continued, “If you can make it, not only will you receive a generous reward, but you will also earn merit.”
After a moment of surprise, Old Li became interested. “Really?”
Only then did Yan Ge present the drawing. “Take a look at this first. See if you can make it according to the drawing, and it would be best if it matches the size exactly.”
After carefully examining the drawing, Old Li pointed to a particular part. “Is this a hole?”
“Yes, this is a pen, superior to a brush, and you can write after putting ink into a thin tube.” Old Li nodded his head and Yan Ge explained in detail, “This is the tip of the pen, have you noticed the holes and gaps in the middle? This is where the ink comes out. The straw is to hold the ink…”
Gao Feng and Gao Yun stared at Yan Ge in astonishment. If this pen was successfully made, not only will it be a great achievement, but it will also be a great merit to all scholars in the world!
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi remained relatively calm, but their shimmering eyes revealed their equally unsettled emotions.
Old Li glanced at Yan Ge in surprise, then lowered his head to ponder for a while, “It’s possible to create, but….”
Yan Ge took over his sentence: “But the ink will cause rust on the pen nib, affecting the ink flow. Is that correct?”
Old Li nodded, “So the young master has also considered this.”
“Therefore, I require your assistance in finding a way to slow down the rusting of the metal tip of the pen, at least ensuring that it remains rust-free for a year. Alternatively, you can explore alternative materials that are durable and can replace iron. As a blacksmith, your knowledge in this area surpasses mine.” Yan Ge glanced at Xiao Chuanzi.
Xiao Chuanzi presented another ten taels of silver.
Yan Ge continued, “I permit you to discuss or collaborate with other skilled artisans in this field, on the condition that the nature of this new pen is not revealed. Alternatively, you may recommend more suitable talents to me. Once successful, you will all receive ample rewards. Our dynasty places great importance on literature, and this achievement will be a great contribution. Master Li should understand the significance, right?”
Old Li’s eyes betrayed his interest. After hesitating for a moment, he clenched his teeth and agreed, “I’ll do it!” His ancestors had been craftsmen for four generations, but they hadn’t achieved much. If he could earn this honor, it would bring glory to his ancestors and perhaps even bestow blessings upon his descendants.
Yan Ge reminded him, “Because the size of this straw must be compatible with the core, that task will also fall to you. It requires high flexibility and must not leak. Finding a material that meets these conditions may not be easy. Have you considered it carefully?”
Old Li replied, “That shouldn’t be difficult. Crow intestines, when dried and soaked, become quite flexible and meet the requirements for this pen.”
“Excellent.” Yan Ge was very satisfied with this trip. “Produce a finished product as soon as possible for me to examine. We can address any issues with the details later.”
“Rest assured, I’m confident.” Li nodded firmly.
“Very well, I’ll give you three days. Is that acceptable?” Yan Ge asked.
“No problem.”
“Three days from now, I will return.”
After walking a few steps away from the blacksmith’s shop, Yan Ge said to Gao Feng, “You’ll need to keep a close eye on Master Li for these three days.”
Gao Feng was puzzled. “Do you think he might take the money and run?”
Yan Ge shook his head. “No, it’s not that. The matter of the fountain pen is confidential and of great importance. If the design is stolen and someone else produces the pen first, it’s a minor issue if they make money from it. But if foreign spies obtain it, the losses will be irreparable. I don’t want to see our great Han Kingdom’s invention made by people from other countries. Be cautious.”
Gao Feng was impressed by the awareness he showed at such a young age and admitted, “You have great foresight, far beyond our abilities. I will do my best. You can rest assured that Old Li won’t discover my surveillance.” With that, he turned around and headed back, leading the horse that Gao Yun held.
Xiao Chuanzi asked with worry, “Master, the Emperor only gave you half a month. Wouldn’t it be better to find more blacksmiths for a greater chance of success?”
Wan Xiang gave him a disdainful look. “The more people who know about the design, the higher the risk of it being leaked.”
Yan Ge praised her, “Wan Xiang, you’ve made great progress. Xiao Chuanzi, you’ll have to work harder. By the way, Xiao Chuanzi, to avoid others suspecting that you came from the palace, I will now call you Xiao Chuan. Let’s make sure we don’t make any mistakes.”
It was difficult to conceal the characteristics of a eunuch.
“Thank you, master!” Xiao Chuanzi was so grateful that his eyes turned red, and he swore in his heart that he would always be loyal to his master.
Gao Yun watched from the side, wondering how many amazing things this Yan Daying would let him see.
