Chapter 43: The One Bringing Money (Combined Two Updates)

Chapter 43: The One Bringing Money (Combined Two Updates)

Before her departure, Madam Qu announced to the Chen Ji Paper Shop and the old residence that Xianjin would assume the position of manager at the Jing County workshop. Everyone at the old residence congratulated Xianjin, now addressing her as "Manager He."

Aunt Zhang's joy was evident on her face; it was unclear whether she was happier about Xianjin's promotion or the departure of Qu Erniang, who had always been above her. Early in the morning, she busied herself stewing an old hen, simmering it with years-old Tianma, the aroma so enticing it could make one's nose fall off.

The large stone pot was nearly emptied by Chen Fu, who, after putting down his bowl and picking at his teeth, commented, "...it still needs more cooking time. The meat should be cooked until the bones can be separated from the flesh..."

Aunt Zhang: ...

I didn't see you holding back!

In contrast, the person being congratulated was remarkably restrained. Due to mourning, she neither drank the soup nor ate the meat. Aunt Zhang loudly urged Xianjin, "Even if you don't eat the meat, at least have some soup. During thirty-six months of mourning, which household abstains completely from meat? Those who truly abstain from everything...oh...are often called...ah...ancient term for fishing!"

As soon as Aunt Zhang finished speaking, Star of Hope walked past, expressionless, carrying two steamed buns.

Chen Fu struggled to hold back his laughter, his facial muscles twitching.

Aunt Zhang's face instantly turned bright red.

How could she forget this master!

This individual, left in Jing County by Madam Qu, would attend classes at the Qingcheng Mountain Courtyard once they opened – three years of mourning did not prevent studying, and no one could stop a scholar from advancing.

Yesterday, Madam Qu specifically instructed Aunt Zhang, "Do not cook any oily or greasy food for Second Lang. Regardless of any festivals, do not decorate the old residence. Second Lang is mourning his father, and we must not give anyone grounds to criticize him in the future!"

Thus, a small kitchen was set up exclusively for this Second Lang of the Chen family.

Xianjin inspected the menu.

For breakfast: cabbage, rice, pickled vegetables, and dried radish; lunch: pickled vegetables, dried radish, rice, and tofu;

Dinner was slightly more varied: pickled vegetables, dried radish, rice, tofu, and cabbage, a feast featuring both cabbage and tofu.

In short, Star of Hope's menu primarily consisted of combinations of cabbage, tofu, and dried radish.

Three vegetables, creating infinite possibilities.

It was truly miserable...

Monks who abstained from meat could still enjoy eggs and milk.

Xianjin sighed, lamenting that if Star of Hope were to eat like this for three years, he might pass the imperial exams but would likely look like a refugee. Would he even have the strength to mount a horse when his name was announced and he paraded through the streets?

Chen Fu, with a toothpick in his mouth, leaned back and sneered, "My elder brother died, and my mother has placed all her bets on Second Lang – doesn't she think about why her eldest son died so young? To toughen him up, she made him practice calligraphy under waterfalls in the freezing cold of winter and under the scorching sun in summer. He passed the imperial exams, but his body was ruined from the root! My own mother, for the sake of the Chen family, is too harsh on her own offspring!"

Chen Fu spoke particularly loudly, as if deliberately saying it for Star of Hope to hear.

Xianjin saw Star of Hope's steps falter slightly. His tall figure was hidden behind the staggered shelves, the morning light pouring through the window lattice, revealing a touch of loneliness and desolation.

Xianjin felt a pang of sympathy and turned to push Chen Fu gently.

Chen Fu grumbled, "What did I say wrong?"

Xianjin tutted softly and whispered, "His father just passed away. Show some kindness with your words!"

Chen Fu wanted to retort but saw Xianjin's stern expression. "…the shop is about to open. Master Li and the apprentices will clean the workshop today. I need to settle accounts. Since you have nothing to do, go help out at the workshop!"

Chen Fu's eyes widened.

Xianjin's eyes were even wider. "I remember you have three jars of plum wine stored at Xiao Daoxiang..."

Chen Fu suddenly became alert. "What are you planning to do!"

Xianjin smiled with a sense of righteousness. "If you don't help out at the workshop, I can't guarantee your plum wine will survive until you see it again."

Chen Fu's confidence plummeted.

Ever since Xianjin settled Zhu Guan's account at Xiao Daoxiang, the young owner of the restaurant had developed a high regard for her. Every time he visited, the young owner would serve him attentively, greatly satisfying Chen Fu's strong vanity.

If Xianjin went to claim his stock, the young owner would surely laugh until his eyes disappeared, then obediently hand over the goods!

Chen Fu was furious, watching as Xianjin finished his white porridge and immediately switched to vegetable buns with remarkable efficiency. A wave of sorrow washed over him – his mother's body may have left Jing County, but her spirit remained with him in another form...

...

Xianjin, under the guise of escorting Chen Fu, actually forced him to go to the workshop. It was early spring, and all things were beginning anew. Under the leadership of Li Sanshun, the workshop was sorting through the rice straw collected before the New Year. First, they removed the wilted, weak, and yellowed straw, then cut the plump, pale yellow good straw into uniform lengths with a chopper.

This process was repeated, requiring no great precision, but it was heavy physical labor. Li Sanshun oversaw the critical selection process, while Zhou Ergou and the Zheng brothers did the actual work.

Xianjin led Li Sanshun alone to the adjacent warehouse, unlocking several locks to lead him to the innermost part.

On the ground lay a stack of large sheets of paper, smooth, white, glossy, and resilient.

Li Sanshun looked at the ground, then at Xianjin, stammering, "T-this...is Eight-Zhang Xuan and Six-Zhang Xuan?"

Xianjin nodded. "Delivered by Mr. Chen Liu, presumably made by Master Li for the Chen family when he was still alive."

"H-how much is there?"

Xianjin maintained her composure. "One knife of each."

She had another knife of each under her bed.

She had tricked Mr. Chen Liu into giving her two knives of each, but she gave one knife of each back to the Chen family. Wasn't that not too dishonest?

Her father said that a businessman must be able to keep secrets, especially the boss. One must have a clear plan in mind when dealing with subordinates, but sincerity does not require total honesty. What needs to be hidden should be hidden.

An employer without secrets is like a chicken with its feathers plucked in the eyes of their subordinates, ready to be roasted at any moment.

Xianjin always heeded advice, not only hiding the paper but half of the total amount.

Li Sanshun restrained his impulse to pounce, his fingers trembling as they reached out.

The sixteen-foot Xuan paper lay before him, Li Sanshun's eyes closed as he slowly caressed and felt its texture—the slightly rough grain, the distinct structure, the subtly moist and cool sensation...

Such a large sheet of paper, with rice straw and sandalwood bark fibers evenly spread, uniform in thickness, without a single hole or knot, every inch of its texture and resonance showcasing the supreme craftsmanship of Jing County artisans.

Li Sanshun was nearly moved to tears.

Large paper was difficult to make, each process faced doubled challenges—from the selection of raw materials, the requirements for drying techniques, to the tests of papermaking skills...the coordination of manpower and resources required an entire workshop to focus solely on this task, with all hands working tirelessly for months, pouring their hearts into these sheets of paper.

The pure and reverent demeanor of artisans before their masterpieces was touching no matter when one witnessed it.

"How long does it take...to create such a treasure? How many people?" Xianjin couldn't help but lower her voice.

Li Sanshun's gaze lingered on the paper, "From ten to fifteen people, soaking the rice straw takes a month, boiling it requires twenty days, drying needs ten days, soaking again in actinidia vine juice also takes ten days, papermaking is a single push, completed in three to five days..."

In other words, making a ream of this paper required ten people to fully commit for around three months?

Xianjin said solemnly, "I'll give you half a year, during which you don't have to do anything else, just focus on the sixteen-foot Xuan. Once the sixteen-foot Xuan is done, we'll challenge the eight-foot Xuan. Can we do that?"

Li Sanshun thought he hadn't explained clearly enough, hurriedly saying, "No, no—if we start making the sixteen-foot Xuan, we won't be able to continue producing other papers, like the popular jia Gong and yu ban types, because the pulp consistency needed is different, the timing for production wouldn't..."

Xianjin nodded, "Yes, for this half a year, you don't have to make any other paper, just concentrate on the sixteen-foot Xuan."

"What about the shop's business?" Li Sanshun found it unbelievable, "Didn't we just clear out our inventory before the New Year? We only left some lesser-quality bamboo paper. If we don't quickly produce more goods, what will we sell when we reopen?"

Sell your silver-tongued eloquence that can bring the dead back to life?

Li Sanshun knew Xianjin was good at selling things, but the prerequisite was that she had something to sell!

Li Sanshun patiently explained, "Manager He, perhaps you didn't understand. There are just a few of us, the workshop is so small. Once we start making the sixteen-foot Xuan, we simply can't..."

This was why, after all these years, he dared not attempt to make the sixteen-foot Xuan.

Indeed, he lacked confidence in himself, but if he let go and focused solely on the sixteen-foot Xuan, what would happen to the other papers?

Was the shop supposed to open for a year and operate for half a year?

When others came to buy paper, were they supposed to tell them, "Please wait a moment, let us finish the sixteen-foot Xuan first, then we'll make whatever you need"?

They'd be out of business sooner or later!

Li Sanshun shuddered!

That wouldn't do!

He still had four grandsons at home waiting to be fed!

Xianjin calmly nodded, then firmly confirmed, "Yes, I understand, that's exactly what I mean. What the shop sells and how it sells it is my responsibility, you only need to make paper."

Xianjin spoke with conviction, "You have to trust me, I have the ability."

Then she smiled and joked, "Don't worry, the workshop won't collapse, your grandsons will have even bigger gold locks to carry next year!"

This...

How could this be possible!

Was this girl the Queen Mother of the West?

If he didn't work, she would magically produce paper to sell?

If she had such a skill, wouldn't turning paper be a waste?

Wouldn't it be more straightforward to directly turn silver notes?

Li Sanshun stood there stunned, opening his mouth but unable to speak for a while.

Xianjin left Li Sanshun standing there with his mouth agape and went to inspect Chen Fu's work situation, seeing her cheap old man looking resentful as he held the bamboo curtain for Zhou Ergou, moving slowly and being scolded by Zhou Ergou, "Young Master! Where are your eyes? Focus on the bamboo curtain!"

Chen Fu had never felt so helpless in his life.

Where could he look?

All the men in the workshop were shirtless, revealing their strong and muscular bodies. He was, after all, a former scholar, and he understood the principle of not looking at what was improper.

But if he didn't look here and didn't look there, the only thing he could see was the free air outside the window.

Freedom...

Chen Fu was almost in tears.

Even his mother didn't dare force him to work!

Xianjin walked up to Chen Fu and whispered, "...if you idle around all day, how will others view Chen Ji? Who would dare buy paper from Chen Ji again? Don't worry, come to the workshop for two or three days out of ten, the rest of the time you can arrange yourself. I've set aside a ream of good paper for you, thick enough that ink doesn't seep through, perfect for writing travel journals."

Chen Fu sobbed softly.

Having a daughter was truly wonderful; she remembered her father when good things happened.

So he rolled up his sleeves and waved the bamboo curtain with vigor.

Zhou Ergou scratched his ear beside him. What good paper? Didn't they exchange all the good paper? Were they making this ream now?

Zhou Ergou chuckled.

The young master would have to wait!

After securing the carrot to Chen Fu's head, Xianjin left the workshop with Suo'er, heading for the shop without any burden. Manager Dong had already arrived early to open the doors. The shop, having been closed for nearly half a month, was covered in dust. Mama Zhang, armed with a feather duster, had it sparkling clean within less than an hour before she rushed back to the old residence.

Xianjin ran her fingers over the spotless counter, deeply comprehending why everyone loved to delegate tasks to Mama Zhang.

She was that kind of aunt who grumbled while getting things done impeccably!

Who wouldn't want to use her services?

Xianjin spent the morning sorting out last year's accounts, creating a report along the way. She inventoried the stock again and then enjoyed Mama Zhang's special mourning meal—two bamboo shoot and tofu stews, a small plate of golden peas, and a bowl of thick vegetable broth.

Protein from legumes, vegetable fiber, and carbohydrates were all meticulously arranged.

This was Mama Zhang's special treatment.

Even with Xianjin's recent promotion and salary increase, reaching the pinnacle of her current stage, the large kitchen at the old residence couldn't prepare meals this refined.

Xianjin recalled the pitiful cycle of plain cabbage and steamed buns at Star of Hope. After some thought, she told Suo'er, "When we return to the old residence after work tonight, when Mama Zhang is preparing my special meal, have her send a portion over for Second Lang of the main house as well."

It was like tending to one sheep or two—it was just a matter of convenience.

Adapting to local customs, not being an outsider, observing mourning, but not to the extent of an ascetic monk.

Everyone was a limited edition in this world. Since the environment couldn't be changed, one had to struggle within the flexible rules and test the rigid ones, striving to live a little better.

"What if Second Lang doesn't want it?" Suo'er asked.

Xianjin shrugged; that would be unbearably rigid and inflexible.

"Well, we'll ask him. That's all we can do."

Suo'er agreed.

Just past noon, Xianjin lounged at the shop entrance, her legs crossed, squinting in the sun. Today's weather was splendid. The light hit the sign, its shadow swaying in the wind, casting itself onto Xianjin's eyelids.

Light and dark, sensing the spring breeze through her eyelids.

Xianjin tilted her chin up, luxuriating in the leisure of a half-day off.

This peace didn't last long, shattered by a shrill sound.

"There! Chen Ji Paper Shop is there! Come on! Let's go demand justice!"

Xianjin furrowed her brows and opened her eyes, facing the spring light to look outside.

A group of seven or eight scholars, wearing green hats and long robes, turned the corner with fierce determination, marching toward Chen Ji Paper Shop in full force.

Xianjin narrowed her eyes.

Hmm, familiar faces, all loyal followers of the "Blind Bag."

Xianjin lowered her gaze and quietly instructed Suo'er, "...go fetch three or four bundles of unsellable paper from the warehouse."

Suo'er, who was eyeing the approaching crowd warily, didn't immediately react. "Shouldn't we call Brother Dog and the few Elder Brother Zhengs out?"

"Why call them out?" Xianjin didn't lift her head.

Suo'er glanced between the approaching phalanx of scholars and her unperturbed boss, stuttering, "They...they look quite aggressive...like they're here to cause trouble..."

Xianjin finally looked up, smiling innocuously. "Silly girl, they're not here to cause trouble."

"They're clearly here to give us money, darling."