Because of the time constraint, they didn't have time to go to Shiligou to report to their employer.
As the most cultured accountant at Ruyi Cake Shop, Cao Wenshan was unanimously recommended by everyone to make a decision and stabilize the business, otherwise, they would miss this opportunity.
Cao Wenshan tightened and loosened his grip on his sleeve, outwitting the shopkeepers, and finally settled on a price of thirteen copper coins per catty.
The reason he felt that the price of thirteen coins was acceptable was the result of his careful consideration.
He did some mental calculations. The shopkeeper's offer was a 1.5-pound bonus, and 1.5 pounds cost 15 coins. This meant that 10 coins per pound should be enough to break even.
When they sell their goods, they also need to consider the loss of goods, transportation costs, packaging and labor costs. If they supply other stores, these losses will be greatly reduced, and the price of thirteen coins per catty should be acceptable.
Another crucial reason is that if the price remained at fifteen coins, the shopkeepers would likely be reluctant to place large orders.
You should know that the cost of the candied fruit in those shops is around ten coins, but their main source of profit is not these candied fruits. If it exceeds their budget, or if they feel that the profit is not much, then it is not worth the trouble for them!
Even so, Cao Wenshan was still worried, since the matter had not been approved by his employer, and he didn't know if his employer would be angry.
Last night, he tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. Old Man Cao was also very puzzled, assuming that he had insomnia at night. He had no idea that Cao Wenshan was filled with remorse. He had finally found a job as an accountant, with such a high salary and such good benefits. If he lost it because of his initiative, he would want to kill himself!
He remained anxiously waiting until dawn. As soon as he saw the first hint of light on the horizon, Cao Wenshan could no longer stay still. He had made up his mind: if his employer didn't come today, he planned to go with Brother Mu Chun to Shili Gou to apologize. He would do anything as long as his employer didn't fire him.
The moment the two met, they saw the bruises under each other's eyes and understood each other perfectly. But before they could even leave, they saw Qin San Niang slowly walk in.
Seeing the two of them, even though Qin San Niang wasn't particularly observant, she could tell something was wrong. However, the way these two looked like a wronged young wife was really quite funny.
Qin San Niang couldn't help but chuckle and asked, "What's wrong with you two so early in the morning? You're acting like you've lost two hundred taels of silver."
Uh, two hundred taels of silver? Even if you killed them and sold their flesh, you couldn't afford to pay for it.
Cao Wenshan hardened his heart, stamped his foot, and bowed to Qin Sanniang, apologizing, "Master, I must apologize to you!"
Qin San Niang frowned, unable to understand what he had to apologize for. The shop's profit margin wasn't very high these days, and the other party was an upright and honest person. So, she sat down gracefully in the chair and asked with a smile, "Accountant Cao, what's wrong? Tell me about it."
So Cao Wenshan recounted everything that had happened the day before, in great detail, as if pouring beans from a bamboo tube. Then he stood quietly in place, waiting for his master's reprimand.
Actually, he had figured it out last night. Most employers don't like subordinates who act on their own initiative, especially since he was an accountant. What if he made false accounts behind the employer's back? That's why many subordinates would rather miss an opportunity than take a risk.
Seeing that Qin Sanniang remained silent, Mu Chun hurriedly stepped forward to plead for her, "Master, I am also partly to blame for this. I thought Cao Wenshan was the accountant and encouraged him to go and negotiate business. If you want to blame someone, blame me!"
Xiao Liu and the others also came out one after another, taking the initiative to admit their mistakes. They all said that those shopkeepers were no good, constantly trying to drive down the price. Luckily, Accountant Cao was quick-witted, which was why the price of thirteen coins per catty was kept up.
Seeing their expressions, Qin San Niang was somewhat taken aback. It seemed that everyone was afraid of making her angry?
It makes sense, as the hierarchy was still quite distinct at that time. However, Qin San Niang was an enlightened person, and Cao Wenshan and the others did this with the intention of improving the business of the shop.
She had just done the calculations: four catties of apricots would require one catty of white sugar, which they made themselves, costing around ten coins. Four catties of apricots would cost two coins, so the cost of one catty of apricots was only three coins. Of course, labor costs also had to be factored in, so the price of one catty of dried apricots would be around four coins. Thus, the price of thirteen coins was quite good, and this way they could sign long-term purchase contracts. It was definitely a big business opportunity.
Only after everyone fell silent did Qin San Niang slowly speak, "You've all finished speaking, now it's my turn to speak?"
Everyone looked at each other, and their eyes all conveyed the same word: "cowardice"!
"Master, please speak..."
“According to the rules, you made this decision behind my back. It’s such a big thing, and it does seem a bit like acting first and asking questions later.”
Everyone lowered their heads, feeling uneasy. They knew that as the host, what the host said was absolutely correct, and that they had indeed been reckless.
Only Xiao Liu, being an impatient fellow, hurriedly explained, "Master, it's not Cao the accountant's fault, it was all us brothers who egged him on..."
"Xiao Liu, don't be in such a hurry, let the master finish speaking!" Mu Chun heard that Qin San Niang's tone did not seem to be about to get angry, so he quickly stopped Xiao Liu from speaking.
Qin San Niang waved her hand and continued, "However, I must say today that you did the right thing!"
As the accountant of our Ruyi Cake Shop, Cao Wenshan outwitted and outmaneuvered the other shopkeepers, analyzing the pros and cons and ultimately securing a large order, which is commendable.
And your unity and support for his actions demonstrate a great sense of responsibility. As the owner of Ruyi Cake Shop, I thank you all for your wholehearted dedication to our business. I also hope that everyone can work together in the future to make Ruyi Cake Shop a renowned name throughout Jiangnan!
Upon hearing what the master said, everyone was overjoyed and exclaimed that the master was wise.
In this short period of time, Cao Wenshan went from feeling lost and scared to feeling happy, and his determination to work hard for his employer became even stronger.
Unexpectedly, the owner wasn't angry at all about his mistake; instead, he praised him for doing a good job! This kind of magnanimity is something that most shop owners don't possess!
"Alright, since we have so many orders, let's get busy!" Qin San Niang squinted at everyone. "Isn't the Dragon Boat Festival coming soon? I've brought some new zongzi today, so everyone can familiarize themselves with them later. Let's see how the sales are today, and if they're good, we can accept pre-orders."
After everyone had taken their places, Cao Wenshan presented the apricot orders for the past two days. "Master, these theaters and teahouses have all ordered some apricots. I've done a preliminary calculation, and it's about four hundred catties in total."
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