A monthly salary of six taels of silver was considered quite good in the county town, something many elderly people who had spent their entire lives working as accountants probably couldn't even dream of.
"Doesn't the eldest brother yearn to amass more wealth?"
Bai Jinxiao naturally shared this wish, but he had no other skills besides accounting, and in the past he only dared to fantasize about a windfall in his dreams.
When Jiang Huaiyu asked him that question, a flame of desire ignited in his heart, and he was eager to try.
"Sister-in-law, why don't you just tell us what you need me to do?"
Jiang Huaiyu cleared her throat and spoke softly, "In the land of Lu'an in our country, there lies a secluded ancient town called Wusu. Flowers bloom everywhere there, and it's like spring all year round. In particular, there is a skillful woman who uses colorful petals as raw materials to create a rouge called Luo'er Yin. This Luo'er Yin has a dazzling color, a smooth and jade-like texture, and exudes a rich and intoxicating fragrance. Just a light touch with your fingertips and a gentle rubbing on your face will allow its color and fragrance to last for up to a whole day."
Upon hearing this, a hint of envy flashed in Yang's eyes. "Such a treasure exists in the world?"
Jiang Huaiyu nodded with a smile, "At first, I was also skeptical about the miraculous effects of Luo'er Yin, but after experiencing it firsthand, I realized its extraordinary nature. I dare say that no woman can resist the charm of Luo'er Yin."
In her previous life, she was only able to see Er Yin's true face two years after marrying into the Marquis's family.
At that time, Luo Eryin had become a trend in Beijing. Women who did not have such a box of rouge seemed to lose their luster in front of others.
Seeing that the outside world praised her highly, Lady Jingyuan purchased some of them and gave them to her so that she could treasure and use them.
Jiang Huaiyu didn't pay much attention to this at first, but it wasn't until she started managing the Marquis's business that she gradually learned about the story behind Luo Eryin.
Wusu Ancient Town is famous for its abundant flowers and spices, and the production of rouge has always been popular. The woman who created Luo'eryin did not initially attract much attention; in fact, she was looked down upon and ridiculed because of her unattractive appearance, and her works were often belittled.
The woman's background was quite tragic.
The mother was bedridden at home, and he made rouge to earn money for her medical expenses, but the income was meager and it was difficult to support the family.
One day, a merchant from the capital tried her rouge and was amazed by its beauty. He made a deal with the woman to order a batch of Luo Eryin's rouge to take back to the capital for sale.
Overjoyed to receive such a large order, the woman worked day and night to produce rouge.
However, after learning about the woman's family background, the merchant went back on his word and cancelled his order for Luo Eryin.
In that remote town, the woman spent all her savings and borrowed money to buy the precious raw materials for making rouge.
However, the finished products went unsold and piled up on the shelves, making it impossible for her to repay her debts. Creditors came to collect the debts and ruthlessly looted all the valuables in the woman's home. Even her mother's precious life was lost in the disaster.
In despair, the woman had no choice but to sell her body with tears in her eyes to pay for her mother's burial.
Just then, the merchant who had previously done business with her reappeared, offering to pay for her to be his maid.
The woman knew in her heart that it was this merchant's conspiracy that had put her in this predicament, but the townspeople avoided her like the plague, and no one was willing to lend a helping hand.
In order to allow her mother's remains to rest in peace, she had no choice but to sign a contract of servitude. After burying her mother, she began a life of forced labor making rouge for merchants.
However, no matter how well her Luo'er Yin Rouge sold, she remained a slave girl in the hands of merchants, forever unable to escape her shackles.
Upon first hearing this story, Jiang Huaiyu felt deep sympathy.
In her past life, she couldn't save that woman; in this life, she's determined to change her fate. Of course, she also has her own selfish motives—to secure Luo Er Yin's business deal before anyone else.
Jiang Huaiyu turned to Bai Jinxiao and said sincerely, "Brother, Luo'er Yin's rouge is still little known. If it could be promoted in our county or the capital, it would surely bring in substantial profits. However, as a private tutor, I cannot leave for long, and with the imperial examinations in Yujing just around the corner, I cannot let trivial matters distract me."
"Therefore, elder brother, I would like to invite you to Lu'an to discuss a business deal."
Bai Jinxiao was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Sister-in-law, do you want me to go to that small town, buy this kind of rouge, and then bring it back to sell?"
A resolute glint flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes. "You could say that's how it is."
Bai Jinxiao nodded in agreement: "If this rouge is truly as excellent as you say, it certainly won't have to worry about sales. I trust your judgment. Since you trust me so much, I'll go and make the trip for you!"
Although Ms. Yang didn't know much about buying and selling, she was well aware that rouge and face powder were popular items in the market. If she could find a reliable source, she was sure to make a fortune.
Therefore, she did not object, but secretly looked forward to this business opportunity.
In Bai Qishi's heart, she both longed to witness the growth of the family's wealth and felt uneasy about the risks of doing business, which made her expression appear somewhat contradictory and hesitant.
Bai Jinxiao rubbed his hands together and said enthusiastically, "Sister-in-law, now that we've decided to set off, which day would be the most suitable for our departure?"
Jiang Huaiyu cast a meaningful glance at Bai Yujing.
Bai Yujing understood immediately and said with a smile, "This trip to Lu'an involves many business details. Mother and sister-in-law, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you go back and rest to recharge your energy?"
He glanced around the room but couldn't see Xie Wenyin, wondering when she had quietly left.
A hint of helplessness flickered in Bai Yujing's eyes.
Since the last incident, the girl has been deliberately avoiding him, which has saved them from awkwardness. He only hopes that she can resolve her inner conflict soon.
Without much thought, Madam Yang smiled and said, "It's getting late. You can continue your discussion while I prepare dinner. Today, my sister-in-law successfully clarified the rumors and brought such a valuable business opportunity to the family. It's a double celebration, so I must cook a sumptuous dinner for everyone."
Although Bai Qi was displeased, seeing her two sons looking at her with concern and worry about her exhaustion, she felt it inappropriate to insist on staying, so she turned around and went back to her room to rest.
After they left, only Bai Jinxiao, Bai Yujing, and Jiang Huaiyu remained in the room.
Bai Yujing poured a bowl of fragrant tea for each of the three people.
Bai Jinxiao sipped his tea, his excitement evident: "If I decide to go to Lu'an, should I resign from my position as accountant? We've never been involved in the rouge business before. Should we go all in and invest all our funds in purchasing goods, or should we cautiously test the market first..."
He asked one question after another, as if he could already see the money rolling in.
Bai Yujing gently pressed his shoulder, "Brother, let's hear Huaiyu's opinion first."
He had a deep-seated feeling that his wife might not just be buying goods from Lu'an and reselling them; she might have a much more far-reaching plan.
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