Chapter 8, Old Zhang the Shopkeeper

The old shopkeeper stared at Su Jin's face for a while, then suddenly laughed heartily and said: "Blue comes from indigo but is better than indigo; the young master is definitely not inferior to the old master. I am somewhat impressed by you; this feeling has not been experienced since the old master passed away."

The old shopkeeper, tall and with long fingers, praised: "The young master knows when to advance and when to retreat; the Su family's reputation will surely flourish under the young master's leadership in the future. Tomorrow, I will have Deli apologize to the young master; he must have made a mistake for the young master to impose punishment on him"

Madam Wang shot a glance at Su Jin and hurriedly said: "The old shopkeeper's tolerance is comparable to that of rivers and seas. Jin'er is young and may have spoken inappropriately; please do not take it to heart, old shopkeeper. As for your son... allow me to arrange another position for him, and I assure you it will not disappoint you."

Su Jinxin remarked: It turns out that leaving early allows the son to take over, which reflects a heartfelt parental concern. Unfortunately, Zhang Deli is not cut out for this.

Madam Wang said: "Last year, after Old Master Su transferred the management of the fabric shop to De Li, he returned home to enjoy his old age. After toiling for most of his life, he deserves to enjoy a life of comfort"

Old Master Zhang said: "Hmm... The last time I saw the young master was three years ago. I didn't expect that in three years, the young master has grown into such a remarkable figure. It is truly a great fortune for the Su family"

Upon seeing Su Jin enter, Madam Wang hurriedly waved her hand and said, "Jin'er has arrived, we have guests at home, quickly come to greet them"

Miss, you are truly kind-hearted, seeing the world in such a positive light. If it were not for your timely arrival today, this Young Master Su would likely be lying on the ground groaning. Just look at his frail appearance; he also tries to stand up for others, yet he does not even pinch his own calf.

Su Jin and others, having eaten and drunk to their satisfaction, left He Feng Building. They entered as two people, but exited as five, which made Su Jin quite proud

What? Both Lady Wang and Old Zhang, the shopkeeper, were stunned, looking at Su Jin in disbelief, somewhat doubting their own ears

By the time Su Jin and the others returned to the Su residence, it was already evening. In the mule cart, there were three girls seated, while behind them followed a hired mule cart filled to the brim with a large number of items that Su Jin had purchased. Su Jin and Yang Xiao Si sat on the yoke, enjoying the evening breeze, feeling quite pleased as they entered the courtyard

Su Jin smiled and said, "It turns out that the Zhang family has such deep ties with my family; I have indeed been reckless."

Did the young master not say that someone was chosen

Su Jin noticed that the old shopkeeper had a broad mind, and his demeanor and words did not seem insincere. She felt a bit embarrassed and suddenly had an idea, so she said to Madam Wang: "Mother, may I ask where Old Shopkeeper Zhang is currently employed in the Su family?"

Madam Wang also smiled and nodded, thinking that the matter would come to a conclusion. Unexpectedly, Su Jin suddenly said: "There is no need for an apology; I have already replaced the position of the shopkeeper with someone else. It is unlikely that Zhang Deli will be able to return to the cloth shop as the shopkeeper."

Old shopkeeper, I will speak frankly with you. I have already devised a plan for the next steps in managing the fabric store. What I need most now is for you to take charge at the store. Even if you do not engage in any work, simply sitting at the counter will ensure the success of my plan. Therefore, I earnestly request your assistance this time, as a way to make amends for the mistakes made by your son. Once this matter is resolved, I intend to invite your son to be the accountant for the Su family's collection of tenant farmers' grain, as he is more suited for this role; but the prerequisite is that you come out of retirement.

Madam Wang, feeling a pang of sympathy, quickly said: "Jin'er, in business there are both losses and gains. You are not deeply involved and do not understand this principle. Even your father suffered a significant loss of tens of thousands of strings due to misjudging the situation back in the day. Moreover, the old shopkeeper has earned our Su family far more than hundreds of thousands over three generations. If I were to dismiss him over a small loss, others would say that the Su family is ungrateful and forgets righteousness for profit"

The old shopkeeper had dinner at the Su family, and by the time he returned home, he still couldn't understand why, despite coming to plead for his son, he ended up despising his son's actions along with others. Moreover, he had also invested himself in this situation, jeopardizing his happy later years. This young man from the Su family was determined to squeeze the last drop of oil from the bones of his very being.

The old shopkeeper pondered for a moment and said: "I appreciate the kindness of the young master Cheng, but I am already quite old and fear I may not be of much help."

That person is merely a temporary substitute, with acceptable qualifications. After the old manager returns, he can appoint him as the second manager, and the old manager can teach him how to be a competent manager. The Su family's assets contain the old manager's hard work; surely the old manager does not wish for there to be no successors

I will now recount the matter concerning Chen Gui. In conclusion, I said: "To treat the shop assistants so harshly, without any compassion, when I discussed this matter with him, he merely used the excuse of protecting the Su family's interests to evade and dismiss me. Even if he cannot make a decision, he should at least report this to my mother. His indifference in the face of danger, coupled with his unilateral decision to conceal this matter, I believe, is what truly places the Su family in a position of injustice and immorality. This is the real act that jeopardizes the Su family's assets. Am I wrong for doing this?"

Lady Wang smiled and said, "Jin'er probably does not know that Old Master Zhang has been the manager of the fabric shop in the Su family for nearly twenty years. However, my son is deeply engrossed in poetry and literature, so he probably has not met him more than a few times"

Su Jin was about to speak when Madam Wang said sternly: "Jin'er, how can you dismiss Manager Zhang so easily today? The Zhang family has served the Su family loyally for three generations. Without them, how could the Su family's business have reached this point? You did not even discuss this matter with your mother, and this action is excessive. Tomorrow, Zhang Deli will return to the cloth shop to continue as manager, and you need not concern yourself with this matter."

As soon as Su Jin entered the residence, he saw Xiao Mi'er anxiously looking around in the large garden of the front hall. Upon spotting Su Jin's carriage, Xiao Mi'er hurriedly ran forward and said, "Young Master, the old lady is requesting your presence in the side hall. Several groups have been sent to the market to look for you, as it seems there is an urgent matter."

The old shopkeeper's face showed an awkward expression, and the smile on his face faded considerably: "Deli is my old man's son, alas, my son is incompetent, causing the young master much worry."

Su Jin observed the old shopkeeper's earnest expression, feeling that everything arose naturally, with no sense of dissatisfaction. This left her even more perplexed.

Su Jindao: "Understood, I will go to see Mother. You all unload the items into the study, and Sui'er will arrange accommodations for the two young ladies."

After speaking, he followed Xiaomi's lead to the left side hall. Su Jin pondered in his heart, what could the old lady want with him? The most likely reason was that the old lady wanted to inquire about the situation after he had dismissed Zhang Deli today. If that was the case, it was not a big deal; he firmly believed he had acted correctly in this matter and only needed to explain it clearly to the old lady.

Esteemed elder, I apologize for my lack of courtesy, as I have not ventured outside my home for many years. I hope you can forgive me. I find your face somewhat familiar; it bears a striking resemblance to that of Zhang Deli, the manager of Suji Cloth Store, whom I dismissed today. I wonder if there is any connection between you and Manager Zhang.

Su Jin noticed his refusal and thought that he still harbored some grievances. Therefore, he employed a provocative tactic and somewhat rudely said: "Is the old shopkeeper afraid that he lacks the ability to turn around the losses of the fabric shop, which is why he is hesitant to take action?"

The tall maid looked at the woman in purple with a hint of curiosity, opening her mouth as if to say something but ultimately refraining. The woman in purple chose not to speak further and quietly began to flip through the account book on the small table beside the couch.

Turning to look at Su Jin, he smiled and said, "The young master is wise and principled, the prosperity of the Su family is just around the corner. Madam, I am truly happy for you; the old master's legacy has a worthy successor." After speaking, his eyes glistened with tears, clearly expressing genuine joy.

I cannot see it that way. These two sisters have been singing for me and Feng Lou for many days, and many wealthy young masters have tried various means but have not managed to make them yield. I suspect this Young Master Su may have some skills.

Su Jing bowed to the old shopkeeper and Madam Wang, saying: "I understand this principle. The true reason for my dismissal of him is not because of this, but due to other reasons"

Su Jin hurriedly stepped forward to greet Madam Wang. Madam Wang rose and smiled, saying: "This is Zhang Shibei, the old steward of our Su family."

"Pah, it seems that this Young Master Su is not a decent person either. He managed to deceive those two singing girls so quickly, which is enough to prove that his motive for saving them earlier was base." The tall maid spat.

The woman in the purple dress, with fingers as delicate as scallions, gently waved a round fan and said leisurely: "I think not necessarily. Since he dares to stand up for justice, he should have subsequent measures. He does not seem like the kind of reckless man who acts impulsively without considering the consequences; in fact, I only intervened to prevent them from causing a scene in the tavern. Otherwise, I would have been quite willing to see his follow-up strategies. Not to mention, just this courage to stand up is something that none of the young masters in this city can compare to. I hope he won't be retaliated against by Zhu Yanei."

Su Jin joyfully exclaimed, "Has the old shopkeeper agreed?"

Lady Wang changed color and said: "Jin'er is being disrespectful"

In the side hall, voices could be heard, and an elderly voice was conversing with Madam Wang. Su Jin hurriedly stepped into the hall and saw Madam Wang smiling as she chatted with a wrinkled old man.

What? Is it really so? The old shopkeeper could hardly believe his ears. This scoundrel had not mentioned a word about the operation of the fabric shop in front of me. How could a perfectly good fabric shop be turned into this? It is simply humiliating for me. The old shopkeeper's face turned crimson, and he covered his face with his sleeve, preparing to take his leave from Madam Wang.

"Old shopkeeper, Su Jin has an unreasonable request."

The younger generation wishes to invite the old shopkeeper to come out of retirement and take charge of the cloth business

As five individuals exited the He Feng Building, a stunningly beautiful face briefly appeared behind the curtains of a window in the side building of He Feng, only to vanish in an instant

Su Jin's heart skipped a beat as she immediately understood that this person's face bore some resemblance to Zhang Deli, and he also shared the surname Zhang. He was even the old shopkeeper of their establishment, which made it highly likely that he had some connection with Zhang Deli. Judging by the situation, it seemed that Zhang Deli had come to call in reinforcements and seek retribution.

The old shopkeeper chuckled and said: "Madam has underestimated me. I understand that the deficit is so severe, and yet Madam has not informed me of this matter. This has already given this unworthy person some leeway. How can one blame others for the incompetence of this young man? The Su family has already shown great benevolence and righteousness; I will not harbor any grievances whatsoever."

The younger generation, Su Jin, has met with Mr. Zhang. Having just returned from the city, I have not yet had the chance to freshen up, and I apologize for my rudeness.

Old Master Zhang had already risen and cupped his fists in return, saying: "Young Master, you flatter me. I have intruded upon your time with my sudden visit."

The old shopkeeper chuckled and said, "Is there any other choice?"

The charm of personality must be so. Su Jin thought with a sense of pride, while automatically disregarding other decisive factors such as the temptation of heavy financial incentives, the roundabout flowery language, and the prestigious label of being a young master of the Su family.

The two individuals in the hall fell silent. During the Song Dynasty, the entire society was permeated with Confucian ideals. Whether among officials, gentry, or merchants and commoners, the vast majority adhered to the simple Confucian values of honor and disgrace. If, as Su Jin stated, Zhang Deli's actions indeed touched upon the moral bottom line, then he would certainly be unfit to serve as the steward of the Su family

Young master, please speak freely; there is no need to be so formal with me

Su Jin smiled cheerfully at the old shopkeeper without any response. The old shopkeeper's face turned red, and his mustache curled up, clearly enraged by the questioning of his abilities.

The old shopkeeper sighed deeply and bowed to Lady Wang and Su Jin, saying: "I am deeply ashamed; such an unworthy son, and yet I still listened to his one-sided words to confront the old lady. It is truly laughable"

Madam Wang looked at the two in disbelief. She had asked the old steward to come out of retirement more than once, but each time she was politely declined. Unexpectedly, Su Jin managed to resolve the matter with just a few words, leaving the old lady's mouth agape as if she could fit a duck egg in it

According to my understanding, Zhang Deli has been in charge of the cloth shop for one year, during which the business has sharply declined, resulting in a loss of 3,700 guan to date. The cloth shop was originally the most profitable among the Su family's enterprises, and with proper management, an annual income of 10,000 guan was not out of the question. Instead, it has been managed into a worthless venture. As the manager, even if one cannot advance further, it is essential to at least maintain the business to be considered competent. If this continues, the only outcome for the cloth shop will be closure.