Chapter 053 The soap stall is erected
"Don't panic, Captain Zhao. Listen to me carefully. Even good wine needs a bush. No matter how good this stuff is, it's useless if it can't be sold. If we want to sell soap at a high price, even at a sky-high price, we have to resort to unconventional tactics. There are many talented businesspeople in this exile group. When the time comes, we'll develop a unified sales strategy, pricing, and distribution. To be honest, I'm quite ambitious and want to take over the entire soap market in the south."
Xu Qingying deliberately paused to give Zhao Bantou enough time to think.
"As for the problem you're worried about, it won't exist at all. All the soap is made by the exile team. You just need to know the quantity and send someone to follow us or just look at the unit price on the order. You can calculate the cost and profit and know how much you should get. Why bother to go out in the wind and sun to advertise? You are an official after all. As long as you use people properly, you can just order your subordinates to work and wait for the profits every day. Isn't that good? There are so many officials in Bianjing who don't get involved in any family business. Don't they all send capable confidants to manage it? Don't worry, we are more than a hundred people with sensitive identities. We can only do this kind of thing because we rely on you to promote us. Who would dare to disobey you?"
Sure enough, Zhao Bantou's expression gradually relaxed, and his eyes lit up when he heard the last sentence.
This doesn't require any manpower or effort, and you can make so much money by just taking a little risk.
Moreover, from Xu Qingying's tone, Zhao Bantou realized that although this girl was young, she was quite ambitious.
Zhao Bantou thought that he could just make a few dozen taels of silver, but his mind was dazzled by Xu Qingying's series of "unified sales, unified pricing", and he lost all his sanity.
He thought about it over and over, but couldn't find any reason to refuse. In such a situation where everyone benefits, he had no reason to be the bad guy.
This little girl in front of me boasts a lot in just a few words, but can she really be so good at doing things?
At that time, Zhao Bantou didn’t even know that there was such a thing as “painting a pie in the sky” in the world.
If he knew, he would not be fooled so easily by Xu Qingying.
"This is all well and good...but what about Master Fang..." Zhao Bantou deliberately found a flaw and pretended to be apprehensive. "As I just said, if he gets reinstated in the future and reports me, what should I do?"
Xu Qingying sneered inwardly. "You're an official of no rank, what's so worthy of the Fang family's master reporting you?" There was no point wasting that scrap of paper. He simply hoped she'd mitigated all the risks for him, so he could just sit back and collect the money.
Or maybe Zhao Bantou deliberately used this incident to test her ability?
Xu Qingying smiled calmly, "Don't worry, Captain Zhao. How can I let you take such a risk? Please wait a few days, and I will go and convince Old Master Fang."
Zhao Bantou was finally satisfied. He stroked his chin, his eyes sparkling. "Then I'll wait for good news from Miss Xu Liu."
When Xu Zhenying went downstairs, he met Ming Xiaoshuang, the new police officer who had replaced Liu Jieshi. He was a short, fat, sturdy man with dark skin, and even a bit honest. He didn't look like a clerk at first glance, but more like a farmer in the countryside.
Ming Xiaoshuang is responsible for escorting the Xu family's team today. His attitude is neither lukewarm nor cold, which is exactly what the Xu family needs most at the moment.
The two people met each other. Ming Xiaoshuang saw her coming out of Zhao Bantou's room. He seemed to be thinking about something, but he didn't ask much. He just told her "Don't walk around" and left it at that.
While the night was still long, Xu Qingying went to visit Old Master Fang under the pretext of returning a book.
Zhao Bantou never thought that less than half an hour after Xu Qingying left, the old man of the Fang family came looking for her.
This was the first time that Old Master Fang took the initiative to look for him.
Although the Fang family was also exiled, there was still Fang Ruyu in the family who had not yet broken off the engagement. Perhaps when Zhu Guojiu was dealing with the Fang family, he forgot that Fang Ruyu had already been betrothed to the prince of Qiongzhou, so the order to break off the engagement was delayed.
As long as there is no imperial decree to cancel the engagement that day, Fang Ruyu will remain the prince's princess.
It is for this reason that the escorts dare not slack off and are even more cautious towards the other party's family.
If the prince of Qiongzhou remembered and married Fang Ruyu, Fang Ruyu would be a real royal relative. Although the prince was in a precarious situation, he was still related to the royal family. How could a petty official like them dare to offend him?
Therefore, Zhao Bantou was relatively respectful to Old Master Fang, and Old Master Fang was also knowledgeable and tactful, and never made things difficult for them because of their status. Zhao Bantou was also happy to do him a favor.
At this time, Old Master Fang suddenly came to the door. Zhao Bantou's heart skipped a beat, thinking that maybe what Xu Qingying said had come true?
It can’t be that fast, right?
But everything just happened by chance.
Xu Qingying was unwilling to waste time. She had already heard that it would take another day or two to reach Xiangzhou. There must be places selling pig pancreas and molds in Pingyang County. If she missed this county, she would have to walk for at least another ten days to see the next town.
She didn't want to waste a few more days.
So she left Zhao Bantou's place and went to find Mr. Fang.
When Mr. Fang entered the room, Zhao Bantou quickly invited him to take a seat. Even though Mr. Fang had been stripped of his official position, his influence as an official for many years remained. Zhao Bantou felt his legs go weak just by looking at him.
Zhao Bantou poured him tea very attentively.
Old Master Fang didn't drink, perhaps because he disliked the coarseness of the tea leaves or simply wasn't thirsty. He simply gestured for Zhao Bantou to sit down, then stroked his graying beard and said, "Zhao Bantou, I'm an old man, and there are some things I shouldn't be involved in. But since Miss Xu Liu has come to me for help, I'm shamelessly asking for a favor."
Zhao Bantou carefully pondered what Old Master Fang said. When he heard this, he knew that Old Master Fang came for Xu Qingying's matter, and he couldn't help but admire Xu Qingying even more.
This girl was too quick. He thought he would have to wait at least a day or two, but who knew she could convince Old Master Fang in just half an hour?
Now, Zhao Bantou no longer dared to underestimate Xu Qingying.
Zhao Bantou spoke noticeably slower this time, "Miss Xu Liu?"
He frowned slightly, as if trying hard to recall who this Miss Xu Liu was.
Old Master Fang said, "She's the eldest daughter of the third branch of the Xu family. She's the one who came up with the leg-binding method. She's very clever, and my old lady likes her quite a bit. So, I've asked this old man to come and meet you."
Zhao Bantou immediately acted as if suddenly enlightened and said respectfully, "So it was her. I remember now, it's all thanks to her method. Don't mention it, my feet used to hurt like crazy after walking for a few days, but this time I don't feel anything at all. So it must have been that little girl's method."
At this point, the two sides finally got to the point. Zhao Bantou glanced at Old Master Fang unintentionally and practiced Tai Chi. "You are too polite. If you need anything, just send someone to tell me. What is it, is it about Liu Jieshi? Don't worry, I have taken care of it. This matter is indeed..."
"That's not the matter," Old Master Fang interrupted, then coughed softly, "I heard from Miss Xu Liu that she had some soap she wanted to sell, but she was afraid of violating the laws of the Great Zhou, and even more afraid of asking you to take the risk. So this little girl came to me and asked me to speak up for her."
This is a subtle statement.
It was obvious that Xu Liuya was saying that she was afraid that the escort would cause them trouble and that all the money she earned would have to be handed over as bribes. However, since Old Man Fang had come forward, he naturally had to pay attention to the art of speaking. It was said that one should get to the point, and it would be meaningless to explain things too thoroughly.
"That girl's family isn't easy. Although she has an uncle who's an official, her parents are both naive, so they haven't saved much. Now in Qianzhou, she'll need money for food, clothing, and other expenses. Xu Liu, the girl, is bold and smart, with endless ideas. I couldn't resist my wife's pleading, so I'm shamelessly acting as a guarantor for her. This will also reassure Captain Zhao."
Having said that, Zhao Bantou definitely understood.
He didn't expect that Xu Qingying had such a good relationship with the Fang family that she could even ask Old Man Fang to be a guarantor.
Zhao Bantou admired Xu Liuyatou more and more.
Even though the girl was only thirteen years old, she was very careful in her words and deeds, and she was very good at dealing with people. Not to mention that if she followed Xu Deyuan back to the capital in the future, who knows where she would marry into a wealthy family.
This business has to be done in an orderly manner.
Zhao Bantou was open-minded and naturally knew how to speak. He immediately stated, "This is a trivial matter, not worthy of your great attention. As long as it does not violate the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty and as long as it is not difficult for our brothers, we will not make things difficult for a little girl like her. Let the little girl come tomorrow, and I will talk to her and encourage her to go ahead and do it."
Old Master Fang stroked his beard and was very satisfied with Zhao Bantou's attitude.
Although he agreed to help Xu Qingying with this matter, he did so after carefully weighing the risks involved. While it was rare for exile groups to engage in business, it wasn't explicitly prohibited. It all depended on the escort leader. If the leader was willing to be more flexible, it wouldn't be impossible.
What's more, Old Master Fang was also very curious about the so-called soap.
That thing was praised so highly by Xu Liuya that it aroused the curiosity of this old naughty boy.
If it weren't for the backpack and leggings incident, Old Master Fang might not have accepted Xu Qingying's request. This time, he wanted to see what else this girl could make.
After Old Master Fang left, Zhao Bantou inexplicably became more excited about the soap business. He couldn't even contain himself and went downstairs to find Xu Qingying.
Zhao Bantou was a seemingly carefree man, but he was actually very meticulous. Otherwise, he wouldn't have relied solely on himself to become the Bantou. He reviewed the entire situation, and after confirming that it was a sure win, he went to the first floor of the post station and asked someone to fetch Xu Qingying.
Xu Qingying was about to go to sleep when someone called out through the window, "Sixth Miss Xu, Zhao Bantou is looking for you."
There were beds for more than a dozen people on the large dormitory, and now it was packed with thirty or forty women. When they heard this, they all looked over here in surprise. Even the Xu family members were a little panicked. After all, apart from helping them deal with Liu Jieshi that day, they had no other contact with Zhao Bantou.
Huang immediately asked, "Sixth girl, what happened? Why did Captain Zhao ask you to go alone?"
Huang Cui'e also patted her chest and said, "Oh my God, what is he trying to do by calling someone all of a sudden? We've all been behaving well today..."
Xu Zhenying reassured everyone, "Don't worry, it's probably nothing bad. I'll be there in a moment."
Xu Zhenying knew without a doubt that the soap issue must have been resolved.
As expected, Zhao Bantou was obviously more respectful this time when he saw her. He flattered her right away, "Miss Xu is really smart. Just now, Old Master Fang..."
Xu Zhenying raised his hand to stop him. "Old Master Fang has been so kind to me and willing to stand up for me. I'm deeply touched."
This is because he didn't want people to know that he had colluded with others to deceive Mr. Fang.
It was true that Mr. Fang, despite his age, was willing to work hard for Xu Qingying. If he knew that the two had colluded in advance, he would definitely be furious.
This can be considered as a huge favor I owe to Mr. Fang.
Including the time with Fang Ruyu, she already owed the Fang family twice.
You will have to return it somewhere else in the future.
Zhao Bantou naturally knew the limits, so he said nothing more and only said, "Miss Xu, we must start our business as soon as possible. Please tell me in detail how to start."
Zhao Bantou puts himself in a lower position. Is this a sign of weakness? Is he willing to give up the power to himself?
Xu Zhenying knew it well, but remained calm. She naturally noticed the change in Zhao Bantou's attitude, and was naturally even more grateful to Old Man Fang. If it weren't for the Fang family's support, she would probably not even be able to keep the prescription.
Of course, she has a lot of prescriptions in her hands, and she is not afraid of people knowing about them, but in the current situation, she still has to keep it confidential.
"Don't worry, Captain Zhao. When we get to the next town, we'll buy some more pig pancreases, and I'll order a few custom molds. We'll also need some hands, preferably those who can act."
Zhao Bantou was stunned. "Can you act?"
"The soap-making process takes several days, and during that time we need some publicity. I thought we'd stock up first, and hype up the soap's reputation in these few cities. Once people are eager for it, we'll start selling it. This way, we'll definitely get twice the result with half the effort."
When Zhao Bantou heard this, his eyes lit up, but he didn't expect that there were so many tricks in selling things.
But that's not the case. Everything has to be spread by word of mouth. The one who is in a hurry is not the business. He is still worried about how to sell it. Is it possible to get close to people?
This time, Zhao Bantou asked sincerely, "Excuse me, Miss Xu, what do you mean by this publicity? How can we promote it?"
"The soap hasn't been made yet, so Team Leader Zhao is asking this question. Once the soap is made, Team Leader will know that this thing can only be sold to people with some money, preferably high-ranking officials, so that the price can be driven up. But we are all exiled prisoners, and we don't have access to these nobles. No matter how good the product is, these ladies won't use it without someone familiar to recommend it. That's why we need publicity all the more. Tomorrow I'll select a few capable people, set up the stall and hype it up, and then build the production line. You can take a look at the finished product first..."
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