Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Madam, the ink is well dried, but it looks simple. Is there a step missing?” Ye Muyu entered the east wing and was changing her shoes.
Ever since Madam Hu knew that ink blocks could be used to earn money, she valued them very much. She would go and take a look every day. After all, the formed ink blocks needed to be dried, and drying them took into account the temperature.
She was afraid that something would go wrong and affect the finished product. She had to go at least ten times a day and flip the ink every day.
Ye Muyu nodded .”Yes, it’s not bad. I’m just trying to make small ink blocks, so I need to dry it for about half a year. When it’s done, I’ll polish it and paint it gold.”
“Half a year…” Madam Hu was shocked. After a while, she said, “As expected, the obiects used bv scholars are verv Darticular. I saw that Madam’s work of using smoke was very meticulous.”
“There are more than a hundred steps to making ink. Naturally, the more detailed it is, the better the effect.” Ye Muyu sighed. This was the craftsmanship of a craftsman. If one could develop an ink and become famous, it would be extremely easy for the Chu family to turn the tables in the future.
“During this period of time, just make two to three pieces of ink a day.” Ye Muyu was not in a hurry. Now that the bookstore was on the right track, the daily income would not be less than 50 taels, which was enough for her to prepare for all her expenses.
They could also save silver to buy land, houses, and even support people.
She was slowly getting on the right track.
Ye Muyu changed out of her socks and planned to wash her feet before sleeping.
Since she was recuperating, she had to change her socks if her feet were sweating. If she continued to wear wet socks, she would catch a cold.
“Madam, I’ll get you some hot water. I just asked my husband to add firewood to the stove.” Madam Hu finished flipping through the ink block. Seeing Ye Muyu’s actions, she instantly guessed what she was going to do. After saying that softly, she quickly walked to the kitchen.
Ye Muyu felt that Madam Hu was getting more and more considerate. She remembered how Chu Heng had bought Madam Hu and Zhang Shu. He was really good at judging people.
“Madam, the water is here.” Not long after, Madam Hu came over with a basin of water and bent down to place the footbath beside her feet.
Ye Muyu reached out to support her. “Madam Hu, you should go down and rest for a while. Treat your wound carefully. I don’t need you to serve me for now.”
“Alright, Madam. If you need anything, just call this servant.” Madam Hu nodded lightly, her hand touching the ointment box on her waist, her eyes filled with warmth.
Ye Muyu soaked her feet and changed into new socks before continuing her afternoon nap.
In the afternoon, Ye Muyu got up to make ink. After a busy afternoon, she only made a big piece of ink. Big ink blocks needed a longer time to dry, most of which took more than a year.
To make good ink paste, one needed to use a hammer to continuously hammer it. There was a saying that it would take 100,000 hits. It could be seen that this step was time-consuming and laborious.
When hitting the ink paste, it was extremely easy to hit it.
Although Ye Muyu tried his best to move properly, the back of her hand was still slightly red and swollen after accidentally hammering herself several times.
Later, when Madam Hu found out, she called Zhang Shu and Lu Chuan, who were still at home, to help.
The four of them took turns hammering that piece of ink.
The bigger the ink, the bigger the ink paste needed to be hammered. Naturally, the longer it needed to be hammered.
After she finished molding the ink clay, she was done with today’s work.
“Madam, quickly come and wash your hands. This servant will apply the medicine for you in a while.” Madam Hu’s eyes were filled with worry.
Because of hammering, their hands were all black..