Casting Nets to Catch a Husband

Chapter 121: Talent

What did Lu Chengzhang mean?

It started from the day the Lu family went to the Liu family to deliver the betrothal gifts. Relatives from the maternal side expressed their willingness to extend credit to Lu Chengxiao.

This time, Lu Chengzhang had personally seen Liu Yanping make a profit from a business venture that started with only a few dozen taels, enough to rent a large double-front shop on North Street in the county. In a month, they took a small amount of goods to Zhejiang for a trial run and earned over 130 taels. This transformed Lu Chengzhang’s initial disdain and disbelief into surprise, envy, and a bit of greed, leading to his current eager anticipation.

After returning from Changfeng Town to Xifeng Town, he pondered for two days and finally couldn’t resist the allure of making quick money. He discussed with Zhou Qiongying his plan to join Lu Chengxiao on his trip to Zhejiang in August.

However, Zhou Qiongying was vehemently opposed. After two days of arguing without reaching an agreement, they decided to visit her father after closing the shop.

Following Zhou Qiongying’s advice, Lu Chengzhang asked her father’s opinion. If her father thought it was feasible, she would relent.

The father-in-law and son-in-law discussed the matter. Lu Chengzhang roughly explained the profits Lu Chengxiao made from his trip to Zhejiang. While he didn’t go into exact numbers, it was clear that the earnings were substantial enough to spark his interest.

He expressed his desire to join Lu Chengxiao on the trip in August and sought his father-in-law’s advice.

Zhou Shoufu, Zhou Qiongying’s father, was a wealthy and prudent man. True to his name, he valued preservation over risk-taking and naturally did not support the idea.

However, Zhou Shoufu was a wise elder and understood the nuances of communication. Instead of outright rejecting the idea like Zhou Qiongying, he listened carefully, asked detailed questions, and engaged in a thoughtful dialogue before presenting his opinion.

In his view, the quick profits made by Lu Chengxiao were risky, akin to gambling with one’s life.

Lu Chengzhang felt somewhat dejected. He had these concerns initially, which made his resolve weak. But the allure of Zhejiang still tempted him, so he had hoped for some support and encouragement from Zhou Shoufu. Not hearing what he hoped for, he was naturally disappointed.

Seeing this, Zhou Shoufu gently said, “As your father-in-law, I see you as my son. I have to consider your well-being, so I speak honestly. Chengzhang, while this money seems easy to make, you must remember that even if you succeed ninety-nine times, one stroke of bad luck could turn everything to dust.”

Although Zhou Shoufu did not explicitly mention any dire scenarios out of respect for Lu Chengxiao, his point was clear. Any mishap, like encountering bandits, could turn their gains into nothing. This was like a cold splash of water, cooling Lu Chengzhang’s fiery ambitions.

Not wanting to be too definitive and risk resentment if Lu Chengxiao became truly successful, Zhou Shoufu added, “There’s no rush to decide. This is just my opinion. I suggest you ask your third brother about the risks involved and make an informed decision.”

Lu Chengzhang didn’t need to ask. He had witnessed firsthand the dangers faced by Li Cunyi and recalled Lu Chengxiao’s warnings about the risks before the initial trip to Zhejiang. Asking again would yield the same response.

Remembering Li Cunyi’s experiences, any remaining hesitation vanished. “No need to ask. Father-in-law, you’re right. I was momentarily blinded. It’s wiser to focus on running the shop well.”

His initial desire to join the Zhejiang trip was thoroughly extinguished through this conversation.

~

At the same time, in the backyard of Ruyi Embroidery Workshop, the Liu family was selecting an auspicious date for the grand opening.

The Lu family—father and two sons—along with Babao, were present, as were the eight female workers Liu Yu had invited to discuss business. Seventeen people crowded into the Liu family’s main hall, all eager to know the chosen date.

After examining the almanac, they identified two auspicious dates for opening: July 28 and August 6.

Liu Yu pondered. Most of her liquid capital was now tied up in fabric. She needed to sell enough by mid-August to afford the autumn inventory from Hongdu. While the Lu family had helped once, she couldn’t rely on them continuously. It wasn’t reasonable to expect such ongoing support.

However, August 6 is too late, and July 28 is too tight.

Apart from the opening day itself, this left them with only four days to prepare for the opening.

In four days, they needed to produce fifty to sixty sample garments to make a good impression on the opening day.

Counting Liu Yu and Wei Shi, there were two people responsible for cutting, five embroiderers for the embroidery work and Wei Shi, Liu Chunshan and Liu Datian’s wives were responsible for the simple sewing tasks. There were eleven people in total. This number was sufficient for daily operations but far from enough to prepare fifty to sixty sample garments within four days.

Wei Shi and the Liu brothers obviously realized this issue as well, and they all frowned, unsure of what to do.

Lu Xun, understanding their concerns, suggested, “July 28 is too tight. Why not set it for August 6? It gives us more time.”

Wei Shi also knew the time was tight. She turned to look at Liu Yu, who usually made most of the decisions since the shop opened. Wei Shi had become accustomed to deferring to Liu Yu when unsure.

Liu Yu had already thought of a solution. She said, “July 28 is better. The 26th is Chushu, which marks the end of the summer heat. The weather will be cooler, just perfect.”

Lu Chengxiao frowned, “How can we finish the garments in time?”

Even Mrs. Zhang and the embroiderers nearby frowned. With about ten people and only four days, it seemed impossible to make enough garments. Mrs. Zhang couldn’t help but advise, “Owner, this really can’t be rushed. The shop’s opening is crucial. No matter how fast we work, the number of sample garments we can make in four days is limited. If we have nothing to display on opening day, it won’t look good.”

Liu Yu nodded, “I know.”

Lu Chengxiao, seeing her expression, asked, “Do you have a plan?”

Liu Yu smiled, “Not exactly a plan, more like borrowing people.”

Before anyone could fully grasp what she meant, Liu Yu was already speaking to Liu Yanping, “Second brother, at dawn tomorrow, could you go to Changfeng Town and ask Sister Cui for help? Ask to borrow the embroiderers she regularly employs, those who take on freelance work, and anyone skilled with needles. Please ask Sister Cui to help find as many as possible. They can stay with us for four days, working late into the night. We’ll pay them by the piece, cover their travel and living expenses, and pay double the usual rate.”

The Lu family understood and Lu Xun chuckled, “You’re clever, Yu’er. Can you arrange accommodation for them here? If not, we have a few rooms behind our shop.”

Wei Shi also smiled, “We can manage. Because Chunshan’s wife and Datian’s wife needed to stay, we had Carpenter Tan and his son make two large bunk beds along the walls, like those in inns. They can accommodate many people, saving money and being flexible. They’re quick to make too. It’s just right now. Two rows of bunk beds can house ten to twenty people if they squeeze a bit, so accommodation isn’t an issue.”

This seemed like a solution. Lu Xun nodded, and Liu Yanping also smiled, “I’ll go first thing tomorrow.”

Mrs. Zhang and the five embroiderers, as well as Liu Chunshan’s and Liu Datian’s wives, were more focused on the earlier mention of double pay.

Liu Yu didn’t ignore them either and smiled, “The same applies to you. If you’re willing to work late into the night for the next few days, up until the third watch, we’ll pay double the usual rate per piece. Think it over, or discuss it with your families to see if it’s possible.”

When they were hired, it was agreed they would work during the day and stay overnight. Some families might not agree to this, so Liu Yu made sure to ask.

Liu Datian’s wife and the others were delighted to hear about the pay. None of them had objections as they needed the money. But Mrs. Zhang was different from the other embroiderers and was paid monthly so she was unsure how her pay would be calculated.

However, she had observed that despite Liu Yu’s young age, she was thorough and generous. Mrs. Zhang felt confident that Liu Yu wouldn’t shortchange her and agreed with a smile.

Seeing everyone was willing, Liu Yu smiled, “The helpers from Changfeng Town will arrive by mid-morning tomorrow at the earliest. Since time is tight, why don’t we start working tonight?”

Liu Datian’s and Liu Chunshan’s wives had no objections. They were already staying at the shop, and working late with the lights on was common for them. They immediately agreed.

Mrs. Zhang, after some thought, said, “If we’re asking for help from Changfeng Town, my relatives also have good skills. If you’re willing, I can call them to work for four days. Would that help?”

“Of course,” Liu Yu’s eyes lit up, “That would be a great help.”

Mrs. Zhang smiled, “I’ll go now. We’ll try them out tonight and start officially tomorrow morning.”

“That sounds good,” Liu Yu smiled, “We’ll follow your plan.”

“Okay, I’ll find them now and come back for the cutting tonight. We’ll stay here.”

Liu Yu nodded, and Wei Shi said, “We have clean bedding. Don’t worry.”

It was hot, so they only needed thin quilts. Mrs. Zhang said, “Thank you. I’ll bring my own bedding from home. With so many people, you might run out. I’ll also tell my relatives to bring their own.”

This relieved Wei Shi of some tasks. After settling the plan, Mrs. Zhang went to find her relatives.

The five embroiderers from An Yi County thought of their own skilled relatives who might want this job and asked Liu Yu if she needed more people.

Liu Yu, of course, did. “If you know anyone with the skills, please ask them. This would be a great help.”

Liu Yu’s politeness pleased the embroiderers, who all agreed and went to find help.

After they left, Liu Yanping asked, “Do we still need to go to Changfeng Town tomorrow?”

“Let’s see how it goes,” Liu Yu replied, unsure how many people Mrs. Zhang and the others could find.

Wei Shi already asked Liu Yanan to buy more lamps and lamp oil. Working late would require more light.

Liu Yu added, “Check if the furniture sellers live behind their shop. If so, ask them for more embroidery frames and stools.”

Wei Shi slapped her forehead, “Almost forgot. How many more should we get?”

“Twenty embroidery stools and as many frames as we have in the shop.”

Liu Yanping understood, realizing they needed at least twenty helpers.

With so many purchases, Wei Shi called Liu Yanqing to help. Liu Datian’s and Liu Chunshan’s wives quickly offered to help. “Aunt, let us help you.”

They were not familiar with the Lu family father and sons. It was fine earlier with Mrs. Zhang and the others around, but now that everyone had left, the two of them felt somewhat uncomfortable staying there. So, they quickly offered to take on some tasks to help out.

Wei Shi said, “That’s fine. The furniture shop can probably help with delivery.”

She left with Liu Yanan, Liu Datian’s wife, and Liu Chunshan’s wife, with Babao following.

With fewer people, Lu Chengzhong who was previously squeezed in the back, became visible. He was somewhat dazed, having seen the crowded hall clear out in no time. Liu Yu, with a few words, had dispatched everyone, leaving only the Lu brothers and the Liu siblings.

Lu Chengzhong was dumbfounded. They had discussed the opening dates, one too soon, one too late. Initially, he thought opening on July 28 was impossible, but within a few words, it seemed achievable.

He was deeply impressed, “Incredible, truly incredible, how Liu Yu’s brain work so quickly.”

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