Chapter 3, The Emergence of Soap

Shen Ao had long since become accustomed to this; for the past few days, he had been staying in the Duke's residence, where the servants treated him with the utmost respect. On the contrary, when he offered a smile to anyone, it would startle them. Thus, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

At this point, the task is more than halfway completed, and the soap will be ready after demolding in two days

"Oh, thank you, Duke Xie!" Hu De and his son Hu Yuhai instinctively knelt down

"No need for excessive courtesy." Shen Ao first accepted the bow with composure, and after Zhao Yuanji and the others stood up, he stepped forward, grasped his arm, and chuckled, "Cousin, this time I must trouble you, so please do not be impatient."

Although Emperor Qianwen adopted an open and inclusive policy after ascending to the throne, it is still a class-based society with a strict hierarchy among the "scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants"

A look of helplessness flashed across Zhao Yuanji's face. Previously, news had come from the Duke's residence stating that the young duke wished to borrow the workshop for a while, which gave him an immense headache. He had no idea what trouble the other party would cause this time. However, considering the other party's status, whether he was willing or not, he could only endure it. He knew very well that even if the lawsuit were to reach the palace in front of Consort Zhao, he would undoubtedly lose.

At that time, the prices in the Great Qian Kingdom were stable, and the average income of ordinary people was about one to two taels per month, roughly less than two taels. (The standard of living was comparable to the mid to late 1990s, with one tael of silver being approximately between 330 and 370 yuan) This expenditure of two taels of silver was equivalent to the wages of a skilled laborer for more than a month, so how could the Hu De father and son not be happy

All are skilled craftsmen, and the requirements for the mold are quite simple. As long as the dimensions are accurate, the rest is not an issue. In less than half an hour, the work was completed. Next, Shen Ao instructed the guards to bring out the prepared materials, including cooking oil, caustic soda, frozen milk, and cups. He took the milk, poured it into a cup, and added the caustic soda in small amounts, stirring continuously until the soda particles were completely dissolved. Then, he added the fat in small amounts while stirring evenly. Finally, he poured the prepared solution into the preferred mold.

The Hude father and son were equally astonished. They merely stood outside, not daring to enter, and this was their first encounter; the outcome truly took them by surprise

In the Great Qian Kingdom, one tael of silver is equivalent to one thousand copper coins, which can also be referred to as one guan of money. At that time, the price of rice was around 10 wen per sheng (0.75 kilograms), meaning that a person would only spend ten wen for a day's worth of rice. With two taels of silver, it would be sufficient for Hu De and his son to eat for more than three months if they were to purchase rice.

Some have seen the Duke of Loyalty. With Zhao Yuanji at the forefront, a group of people quickly bowed and paid their respects

After all, they are family of Consort Zhao. Having even visited the imperial palace once, Zhao Yuanji can be considered someone who has seen the world. In the presence of the Duke Shen Ao, he does not appear overly restrained; rather, it is the few individuals beside him who, upon seeing the ox cart, hurriedly lowered their heads one by one

Of course, it is the kind of notorious name that resonates loudly. However, it is precisely because of this that it instills fear in the hearts of Hu De and his son. This is what people often say: it is better to offend a gentleman than to offend a petty person

The carriage came to a steady stop on a dry patch of ground. The two guards, Feng Xun and Geng Liang, quickly fetched a wooden ladder. Only then did Shen Ao leisurely step down, arriving outside the gate of the Zhao family workshop

It was merely a matter of two days, which passed swiftly. On the third day, when Shen Ao once again rode the ox cart to the Zhao family workshop, Hu De and his son were indeed guarding outside the small workshop, as if they were watching over some extremely important treasure. It was said that even Zhao Yuanji, out of curiosity, was blocked from entering to take a look.

Zhao Yuanji only hopes that Shen Ao will cause less trouble, after all, the workshop's business is still quite good, with a surplus each month that needs to be sent to Zhao Fei for regular expenses. As long as the young duke does not hinder the overall plan, what harm can his antics do?

"Well done." Shen Ao stepped forward and patted Hu De on the shoulder, then reached back, and his subordinate, Shi Lei, immediately took out 2 taels of silver and handed it over, which was then placed in Hu De's hands.

Even the merchants are like this; let alone these small shopkeepers in the workshops, who, upon seeing Duke Zhongguo arrive, naturally become increasingly cautious and careful, each more so than the last

"Certainly," Hu De replied repeatedly, turning around to lead Shen Ao and his group towards a workshop that had recently been vacated. This space had been set aside by Zhao Yuanji early in the morning for Shen Ao's use.

I dare not, I do not dare to mention the word 'noble' in front of the Duke. I am called Hu De, and this is my son Hu Yuhai. We are both master craftsmen from the Zhao family workshop. If the Duke has any needs, please feel free to command us.

Accompanied by Zhao Yuanji, Shen Ao entered the Zhao family workshop with Shi Lei and two guards, after which Zhao Yuanji left. As the manager of the workshop, he indeed had too many matters to attend to. This was precisely what Shen Ao had hoped for; he looked at the father and son left behind by his cousin and kindly asked, "What are your esteemed surnames?"

Instruct Hu De and his son to take good care of this place, and no one is allowed to enter without permission. With that, Shen Ao left the Zhao family workshop with Shi Lei and others

With a chuckle, he patted Hood on the shoulder and strode into the workshop, immediately spotting the hundred pieces of soap that had been removed from their molds. As he approached, a faint and pleasant fragrance wafted into his nostrils, quite delightful.

Entering the workshop, Shen Ao observed that it was relatively clean and well-organized, with all necessary items readily available. Satisfied, he nodded slightly and then took out the pre-drawn blueprints, instructing the Hu De father and son to create the required molds.

The Zhao family treated this nephew exceptionally well, as if he were their own son

Wow! What is this smell, so fragrant?" Shi Lei and the other three guards exclaimed at the first moment. Although there was a fragrance when they first entered the mold, everyone knew it was the effect of the milk and did not pay much attention to it. Who would have thought that after two days, the scent could still be preserved until now

Shen Ao's reputation in Daliang City is still quite prominent

Shen Ao did not think too much; money is meant to be spent. Only with spending can there be profit; without circulation, what use is money?

Shen Ao paid no attention to the other's opinion of him; he was here to seek their assistance, not to win their hearts. "Alright, the Hu father and son, is it? In that case, let's find an idle workshop next and start making things."

Shilei, who had taken out the silver, looked somewhat bitter. There are still ten days left in this month, yet the Duke Zhongguo's residence already has less than one hundred taels of silver remaining. At this rate of expenditure by the young duke, it is feared that by the end of the month, they will be left with an empty pot. At that time, they would either have to seek help from Lady Zhao or from Duke Zhongcheng, and it seems they would once again face humiliation.