Chapter 6: Placing an Order

The innkeeper's eyes lit up at the sight of the large gold ingot on the table, shining even brighter than a light bulb

Tang Yi hesitated slightly and asked, "Isn't Uncle Zhu planning to run a shop? Moreover, even if this carpentry work is completed, it won't earn much more than a few dozen taels of silver. I am afraid..."

Isn't this just subcontracting? Tang Yi brought a project from the Heavenly Consort Palace, secured the initial funding, and then subcontracted it to the Zhu couple, who further subcontracted it down the line. The embryonic form of the industrial chain has already emerged

Tang Yi weighed the ingot, which was a full five taels in weight, quite heavy in his hand. He chuckled and said, "Of course, this is the start-up fund given by the true master."

Ah, Master Tang, you have helped write the sign; such a significant matter, and I have yet to express my gratitude to you! Please come to my home for dinner tonight! The child's mother, please kill a chicken and stew it for Master Tang. I will go buy some vegetables first

Before Tang Yi could speak, Manager Zhu waved his hand. Perhaps after having a couple of drinks, he felt a surge of masculinity and boldly said: "What nonsense are you talking about? The young master is looking for exquisite craftsmanship; what can you do!"

However, the innkeeper could not lose his temper in front of Scholar Tang, as he had been of great help in the morning. He had to express his gratitude by saying: "Master Tang, and young sir, please come in and have a drink of water."

The two of them sat down, and the innkeeper brought tea, along with a plate of sunflower seeds and a plate of peanuts, leaving Tang Xiucai both flattered and astonished. He had never heard of the innkeeper being so generous before; it was truly a novelty to see a miserly person being so extravagant.

The innkeeper slammed the table and immediately became agitated, saying: "What’s the matter? I can figure something out. I know some guys at the furniture store; I can get leftover materials from them. The old craftsman in our village can make bracelets, and he even gives them to us during the holidays! Plus, our neighbor, Mrs. Xu, makes incense, and there are those who can do embroidery. I can gather them all; at most, I’ll just pay them a little. Right now is the off-season for farming."

... ...

"What? Zhu Laoshi, are they worth the price of a chicken?" said the innkeeper. "No, that's not acceptable. You should go buy some vegetables instead."

Without waiting for him to retort, the innkeeper spoke first: "Master, listen here, when buying vegetables, do you choose those with wormholes?"

The two of them chatted along the way, and Tang Xiucai gradually accepted the reality. As they walked back, they happened to pass by the Zhu family's shop and heard the inner steward asking, "Dead ghost, have the signboard and banners been made by someone?"

Scholar Tang had the intention to refuse, but Tang Yi preemptively said: "Thank you, Aunt Zhu."

Indeed, profits can drive people mad, as the woman said. Tang Yi shook his head and sighed

It seems I have indeed found the right person; Aunt Zhu is so capable, he can save some trouble as well

Father, we do not understand. We can outsource it, simply put, we can find someone to help us. After thinking it over, Uncle Zhu is the most suitable candidate.

Ah? The shopkeeper Zhu's eyes nearly popped out of his head, "Isn't that too, too inappropriate?" He originally intended to say it was too stingy

Tang Yihao waved his hand with a sense of bravado and said, "That is not important! What matters now is to create something. Do you understand carpentry?"

They are all old friends, and they agreed not to ask for money; providing a meal is sufficient. Don't we have a hen at home that doesn't lay eggs?

Tang Yi knows her thoughts well; if she wants to play mind games with him, she might as well practice for ten lifetimes

As the lights begin to glow, on the wooden table, there is a plate of scrambled eggs, a plate of edamame, a plate of greens, a bowl of hot and sour soup, and in the center, a large basin of braised chicken pieces, with a jar of Huadiao wine beside it, making it even more sumptuous than during the New Year

I am not doing this to save money, those who love to eat bugs also enjoy eating them, so hurry up and go!

Tang Xiucai suddenly thought of the three words that were spoken with clenched molars, as if he had gained some insight

Young Master, what are you asking the deceased to do? It is not that I am disregarding your authority, but the head of the household is busy with the shop's affairs all day long and truly has no time.

Shopkeeper Zhu rubbed his hands together, saying that nothing was as practical as money. He smiled and said, "Alright, I will go ask."

Manager Zhu furrowed his brows in thought, while the inner manager patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "Why are you confused? Isn't Old Ma Er good at making rabbit dishes?"

The young master is indeed straightforward; although I am a woman, I shall join you for a drink!

Young master, there is no need to look for others, the skills of that dead ghost will suffice

I have done https://m.hetushucom.com, and it will be delivered tonight. Additionally, I am considering hiring two helpers to tidy up our storefront and give it a fresh look

That is such a pity, I just took on a carpentry job, and this is a deposit of twenty taels. However, both my son and I are novices in this field, and we were just thinking of consulting Uncle Zhu to see who would be a suitable candidate

That's great, Aunt Zhu. I will draft a list later, specifying the styles, quantities, and prices, and then we can place the order.

Zhu Zhanggui's dilemma: "Isn't that inappropriate?"

The innkeeper pondered for a moment and timidly asked, "Young master, do you think it would be possible for me to take on the task of making the bracelet?"

The innkeeper, perplexed, explained: "It is the clay doll. On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, women worship the moon deity and, fearing that the children might cause trouble, they give them a clay rabbit to play with, painted in gold and colors. Haven't you seen such a little gentleman before?"

Can that thing also be done? Tang Yi almost spat it out

The innkeeper spoke as he brought over a large wine glass, filled it with Huadiao wine, and drank it all in one go

Tang Yi spoke while hastily sketching a design, and Manager Zhu nodded repeatedly

"Hehe, this is easier than the large cabinet used for weddings. There is no need for carvings or anything like that. I can make three to five of these in a day," said Manager Zhu, patting his chest.

Hehe, Uncle Zhu need not worry. You can let Old Ma Er give it a try. Tell him that the Rabbit Lord can only be sold during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the Buddha statue is always in demand. This is a long-term business, and the prices are fair

"Where did this come from?" asked Tang Xiucai, puzzled by its meaning

Well, there are also items such as prayer beads, small Buddha statues, and incense candles or wax sticks. I can provide the designs, but the craftsmanship must be meticulous

After speaking, Manager Zhu, fearing a change of heart, quickly vanished without a trace. The inner manager walked out, instantly wearing an awkward expression. The so-called hospitality towards Lord Tang was clearly just an excuse

Yi'er, was it given by him, or did you find a way to obtain it yourself

"You are quite quick!" said Tang Yi as he took out the ingot from his pocket and placed it on the table. Tang Xiucai's eyes widened in surprise.

The innkeeper's eyes were filled with little stars, almost jumping up as they grabbed Tang Yi's arm

The craftsmanship of the innkeeper is indeed impressive. Tang Yi, happily eating, said: "Uncle Zhu, the first thing to be made is twenty merit boxes, each measuring two feet high, one foot wide, and five inches thick, with an opening on top to allow for the insertion of copper coins and small silver pieces."

As he spoke, he rummaged through his money pouch, hesitating to take out a few pieces of silver, and instead picked up a dozen or so copper coins, stuffing them into Manager Zhu's hand, which immediately caused Manager Zhu's expression to fall.

"I don't understand, do you understand?" said Tang Xiucai

Tang Yi shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't understand either"

While they were speaking, the innkeeper walked in again. She wanted to ask how the chicken should be prepared, whether it should be braised or made into soup. Upon hearing Tang Yi mention the head of the household, she immediately became alert

"What do you mean it's not good? My skills in cooking are excellent, even vegetables can taste like stewed chicken. Are you going or not?"

several taels

The innkeeper slapped his forehead and laughed, saying, "I forgot about that; I will get you the money right away"

Shopkeeper Zhu, feeling utterly helpless, blushed deeply and thought to himself how he ended up marrying such a wife. As he stepped out, he happened to look up and saw the Tang father and son.

What should we do? We might as well quickly return the money!" said Tang Xiucai with concern

The innkeeper spoke with dissatisfaction and asked, "Do we still need to hire help? Isn't that going to cost more money?"

Young Master, Young Ancestor! Let this task be entrusted to Old Zhu. I was unable to speak just now, but I will go buy a few jin of good wine, and we can discuss it slowly.

Talent

Tang Yi was completely defeated and could only reveal everything.

However, Manager Zhu expressed some concerns, saying: "Making a rabbit deity is not the same as making a Buddha statue. If it is not done well, I am afraid..."

"Where are you going? Isn't all the money in your hands?" said Manager Zhu, sulking.

The innkeeper turned around, ran to his own room, changed clothes, took some silver, and with a basket in hand, disappeared at the street corner in less than ten seconds. This level of efficiency is simply astonishing.

The inner steward seemed to have a moment of hesitation, his face flushed, "Um, Master Tang, I will go and kill the chicken now." The inner steward hurriedly made his way to the backyard, and not long after, a piercing scream was heard.

"I have seen it, I have seen it." Tang Yi coughed twice, clearly having misunderstood.