After saying this, Master Liu finally reacted and asked Ye Lao San: "How come you have time to come to Luban Hutong today?"
Ye Lao San did not hide it and said, "I came here to see if there is any shop for rent. My boss wants to open a carpentry workshop in the capital."
Upon hearing this, Master Liu immediately became interested.
"That would be great. If you come to the capital, it will be convenient for me to find you in the future."
Master Liu not only talked about it, but also put it into action. He took Ye Lao San and Ye Lao Si to see two shops that were for rent.
However, both shops are not ideal. One is located in the middle of the alley, with an acceptable location but a small yard.
The other one is hidden deep in the alley. Although the yard is twice as big as the previous one, its location is really too unfavorable.
So Ye Laosan read both of them without expressing his opinion.
Upon seeing this, Master Liu asked, "You have come to Beijing to open a woodworking workshop. Have you decided on your main direction?
"Look at all the shops in the alleys. Some of them make large furniture, such as tables, cabinets, boxes, step-out beds, etc., which require large and spacious spaces.
"Others take the small but exquisite route, making ornaments and small items, which don't require such a large space.
“You have to determine the direction first, and then decide what kind of yard to rent.
"As for location, it's certainly important, but if you have the confidence to build your reputation, then it's just like the old saying goes, 'Good wine needs no bush!'"
Master Liu's words cleared the clouds and brought light to Ye Lao San, allowing him to make a decision immediately.
"Just rent the big yard at the end of the alley!"
This yard is not only large but also cheap to rent. Except for its location being too deep, it can be said that it fully meets Ye Laosan's expectations.
As for how to make a name for yourself, that's something you'll have to think of later.
Master Liu saw that Ye Lao San had indeed chosen the innermost courtyard. He smiled and patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry. With your strength, it won't be difficult for you to make a name for yourself even in the capital."
Several apprentices followed behind the two of them. When they heard that Master Liu, who was usually very picky about them, actually praised Ye Lao San so much, they were all very dissatisfied.
But Master Liu is a senior master in the Imperial Household Department. Not only does he have excellent skills, but he also often has many creative ideas. The things he makes are often praised and loved by the emperor.
These people were able to be assigned to Master Liu's name because they had some family background or had spent money to get connections.
So everyone pretended to be well-behaved and obedient in front of Master Liu, not daring to make any trouble at all.
After Ye Laosan decided to rent this yard, Master Liu immediately and enthusiastically asked his acquaintances to help him contact the owner.
Master Liu often comes here and is very familiar with the people in Luban Hutong. He is also quite influential here.
When the homeowner saw that it was Master Liu who acted as the guarantor, he not only generously gave a very realistic price, but also agreed to sign a two-year contract directly.
Fortunately, Ye Lao San was not dazzled by the opportunity in front of him, and he still kept in mind what Old Lady Ye said.
He immediately stated that he was just here to take a look today and would need to go back and seek his partner's opinion before making a decision. It was impossible for him to sign a deed directly with the homeowner on his own.
He had good reasons and the homeowner had nothing to say.
Master Liu smiled and said, "Okay, I'll just help you connect. You can handle the rest on your own."
After thanking Master Liu, Ye Laosan left Luban Hutong with Ye Laosi.
Ye Lao Si asked in confusion, "Third brother, didn't your young master give you full responsibility for all matters in the capital? Why do we need him to come and see before we can decide to rent a yard?"
"That yard we just mentioned is pretty good, and with Master Liu as your guide, the price is also cheap. What are you hesitating about?"
Ye Lao San frowned and said, "I always feel that this matter doesn't seem to be that simple.
"You don't know, Master Liu is just an idiot. Apart from his craft, he's not proficient in anything else.
“Master Liu obviously didn’t know the owner of the house just now, so he had to contact him through other people.
"But the owner was incredibly enthusiastic towards Master Liu the moment he arrived. As soon as I asked about the price, he immediately offered to give me a discount for Master Liu's sake. Don't you think that's a bit too enthusiastic?"
When Ye Laosi heard this, it seemed to be true.
"Third brother, do you think there is a trap here?"
“That may not be the case, but we’d better be cautious.
"It just so happens that you're working for the Imperial Guards. Go back and help me find out if there's any problem with this courtyard or the owner.
“If there are no problems, I will bother Brother Qingshan later.
"Have him find someone knowledgeable to go with me. It's not too late to sign it after confirming that there are no problems with the deed."
Hearing him say this, Ye Lao Si also remembered what Old Lady Ye had told him yesterday, and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Third brother is indeed very thoughtful. If it were me, I would have happily signed and put my fingerprints on it.
"I'm really not cut out for business. Thanks to Brother Qingshan for giving me this job, otherwise I wouldn't know what I could do until now!"
"Aren't you doing very well now? You've already reached the sixth rank.
"Mom was saying the other day that when we go to visit Dad's grave during the Chinese New Year, we must talk to him about this matter.
"Who would have thought that our family could produce an official who earns a salary from the emperor?
"It's really smoke coming out of our ancestors' graves!"
Ye Lao Si was speechless after hearing this, and turned around and asked, "Third brother, even if smoke is coming out of our ancestral grave, it can't be because of me!
"Have you forgotten Brother Qingshan? He's already a general appointed by the Emperor himself.
"All my achievements are thanks to Brother Qingshan's help.
"If smoke starts to rise, Brother Qingshan will burn down the ancestral grave."
"Pah, pah, pah, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Ye Laosan glared at him, but also realized that he had said the wrong thing.
The main reason was that he grew up outside the Great Wall and had no other relatives at home, so he forgot about Ye Qingshan.
"Brother Qingshan becoming the general is a happy event for the entire Ye clan.
"You have now been promoted to the rank of Sixth Grade Captain. This is an honor for our family. Speaking of this when we visit the grave will also make Dad happy in his grave.
"I'll open a carpentry workshop in the capital, and I'll need your help!"
Ye Laosan seemed quite serious at first, but it was obvious that he was joking at the end.
"Third brother, are you insulting me or not?" Ye Lao Si glanced at him sideways, "Between brothers, do we really need to go through all this nonsense?"
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