Han Xuri never expected that Zhao Qingyan would only take 10% of the profits.
Especially since the reason for sharing the profits was to support those homeless orphans, I suddenly felt more respect for this younger brother and sister-in-law.
Yes, it means respect.
In the capital, which noblewoman of the same age doesn't spend her days studying which clothes look good?
The more beautiful the color of cosmetics, the more one writes sentimental and melancholic poems about spring and autumn.
To put it bluntly, he really looked down on those self-proclaimed talented ladies.
They're just bored and have nothing better to do all day.
Which family member has a younger sibling who produces things that are all related to people's livelihoods and may even affect the entire country?
If the people have no food, can they fill their stomachs by writing a few sentimental poems, or can they eradicate disaster by performing a few dances?
Thinking about it this way, it's not as effective as having a shaman perform a ritual.
Zhao Qingyan had no idea that Han Xuri could think so much in such a short moment.
She is currently considering whether it would be more reliable to sign the contract directly with Han Xuri or directly with the Emperor.
Although she is not greedy for money, she still needs security.
Throughout history, there has never been a peaceful time in royal families. There have been many instances where princes have fought fiercely over the throne of their fathers.
What if the next emperor is not satisfied with the profit-sharing ratio? Wouldn't that mean she would have less income?
That won't do. We still need the money. Otherwise, how will we do charity work?
There is no idle land under heaven, yet farmers still starve to death.
Reality is always the cruelest thing.
"Brother, since we're going to cooperate, and our Uncle Emperor should also get involved, why don't we have him sign the contract as well?"
There are three of us, so one serving each. That way, everyone can feel at ease.
Han Xuri never expected that Zhao Qingyan would have such a plan.
Signing a contract directly with the emperor—is this a sign of distrust towards the emperor or distrust towards the court?
Zhao Qingyan noticed Han Xuri's confusion, and touched her nose.
"Brother, don't misunderstand, this is what I'm thinking."
This pie is so big, someone's bound to want a piece of it.
Some things can't withstand scrutiny, and I'm afraid that one day I'll be targeted by someone.
As you know, our Zhao family is just a small, insignificant household. In this capital city, where a single brick falling could kill four and a half officials, caution is of utmost importance.
Therefore, the purpose of signing this contract is to provide me, or rather, my Zhao family, with a guarantee of security.
They were both intelligent people, so there was no need for many words. Han Xuri immediately understood Zhao Qingyan's concerns.
However, he didn't dare to agree immediately, only saying that he would go to the palace tomorrow to discuss it with his uncle.
The next day, Han Xuri brought another jar of canned food into the palace. When the emperor learned of Zhao Qingyan's request, he laughed heartily.
"This girl really dares to think big."
However, it's not impossible. It all depends on her sincerity.
Han Xuri thought, "There's a chance."
"Uncle, my sister-in-law is indeed sincere."
In order to sign a contract with her uncle, she specifically requested that the profit-sharing ratio be reduced to 10%.
They also said that the method for making dried fruit would be free.
Well, to be honest, my younger brother's wife has really had a tough time.
Outsiders only know that the three orphanages run by the Zhao family are owned by the Zhao family.
But no one knew that it was actually his younger brother's wife who paid for it.
They raised thousands of children.
They provided for their basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. In addition to three meals a day, they also hired tutors to teach the children to read, write, and various skills.
The goal is that when the children grow up and go out into the world, they can earn a living with their own hands.
That kind of spirit is something even those so-called aristocratic families can't match.
The emperor was also surprised, but after thinking about it, he understood.
Whether the Zhao family funded the construction of the orphanage or Zhao Qingyan funded it, it all belongs to the Zhao family.
Taking in and raising those orphans would help increase the population of the Divine Dragon Kingdom.
After Han Xuri came out of the palace, he went straight to the Zhao family.
Zhao Qingyan, who had just returned from checking accounts at Huicui Pavilion, was quite surprised.
Han Xuri is coming too often.
Zhao Qingyan was delighted when she saw the Emperor's private seal on the contract.
After glancing through the contract, he signed his name.
Then he tucked his own copy of the contract into his sleeve, or rather, put it into his spatial storage.
This could be a lifesaver in the future.
However, Zhao Qingyan added an additional clause to the contract: the contract would be valid for five years.
In other words, five years later, all recipes, whether for white sugar or any other ingredients, will be handed over free of charge.
Zhao Qingyan's actions were not without reason.
Every secret recipe will eventually be discovered, and five years is enough time for her to make a fortune.
Don't think that there's only a 10% profit margin; you should know that this business covers the whole country and even the entire continent.
Han Xuri was a man of action. Following the blueprints provided by Zhao Qingyan, he first marked out land in the suburbs of Beijing and prepared the materials for building the workshop.
As for raw materials, we will acquire what needs to be acquired and arrange for planting what needs to be planted.
After all, his businesses were spread across almost the entire country. He had also purchased a large amount of land in the south.
As for the specific techniques, the men of the Zhao family have mastered them quite well.
Zhao Qingyan is only good at talking, and besides, there are differences between men and women, so the task of teaching skills must be placed on the male members of the Zhao family.
As for Zhao Qianci, who is not planning to participate in the imperial examination, he is unreliable; his practical skills are really lacking.
Aside from shoveling and sowing seeds, he doesn't seem to be good at plowing.
Now is really not a good time.
Outside, the cold wind howls, and occasionally a heavy snow falls.
Unable to do anything and constantly troubled, Han Xuri could only wait.
Another important factor is that he wants to see his younger brother pass the imperial examination with flying colors.
Zhao Qingyan handed over all the formulas and tool blueprints to Han Xuri.
"To be honest, I know all these production methods, but these tools were really devised by my brothers."
My son Qingyang has a lot of ideas when it comes to equipment, and my older son is also quite good at hands-on work.
If there are any aspects that you are unclear about, you may consult them as appropriate.
However, the scientific expedition is imminent, so please don't be impatient, brother.
Zhao Qingyan gave instructions, and Xu Dongsheng nodded in agreement.
"Yes, brother, now is not the time to rush. You should think about it slowly."
"With so many skilled craftsmen under your command, surely they're no less capable than my brothers-in-law?"
Han Xuri had a feeling that a son is no longer under his mother's control once he grows up—or rather, a younger brother is no longer under his older brother's control once he grows up.
After slapping Xu Dongsheng, he turned and left.
His younger brother is so annoying; he's hindering his path to making money.
After seeing Han Xuri off, Xu Dongsheng finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"My brother is so clueless. He knows you're busy, yet he still comes to bother you."
What could Zhao Qingyan say? She always felt that Xu Dongsheng was jealous, but what was there to be jealous of?
He turned Xu Dongsheng's face over and examined it carefully from all angles.
"You're wrong. I feel like you don't like me talking to your older brother too much."
What do you mean by that? Are you jealous?
That's your older brother. This is wrong, understand?
Xu Dongsheng's eyes flickered, but he still stubbornly insisted on his words.
"Who's jealous? I just don't like him taking up too much of your time. Yan'er hasn't been paying much attention to me lately."
Zhao Qingyan almost choked on her own saliva.
Are you out of your mind?
We live under the same roof all day long, see each other every day, and sit side by side when we eat.
Every single piece of clothing you wear is one that I prepared for you.
How else do you want me to pay attention to you? Shrink you down and put you in my handbag?
Looking at Xu Dongsheng's gleaming eyes, Zhao Qingyan felt a chill.
"You can't be serious, you're that weird? Your thoughts are dangerous, you know that? That's wrong."
Let alone now, I'm busy with things and have to meet all sorts of people, and you'll be endlessly jealous.
That means in the future, when you become an official, I will not only have to manage the business, but also go out and socialize for you.
Do you understand diplomacy, Madam?
"You're busy, and I'm busy too. What are you going to do then? Are you going to just give up your official duties and do nothing else just to keep an eye on me?"
Xu Dongsheng lowered his head guiltily under Zhao Qingyan's gaze.
Even so, Zhao Qingyan still had to look up at her.
"Squat down, you're so tall, it's tiring for me."
Xu Dongsheng indeed squatted down, and now it was Zhao Qingyan's turn to lower her head, while Xu Dongsheng looked up.
Zhao Qingyan then pulled Xu Dongsheng up from the ground, making his line of sight level with hers.
"You, remember this: don't have so many messy thoughts all day long."
As long as you don't betray me, don't go out and cause me any trouble with other women or concubines, I will never leave you.
Therefore, you must trust my character. Understand?
Your task now is to study hard, pass the imperial examination with flying colors, and earn me an official title.
In the future, whether I stand or kneel before others will depend on how high I stand.
Don't you look in the mirror?
Look at your own face, how good-looking you are.
Your dark spots weren't so bad before, but look at your skin and your face now, you're absolutely gorgeous.
Remember, you must stay away from other people's girls, understand? Not even the hem of your clothes can be touched by an outsider, get it?
Xu Dongsheng nodded solemnly. After being scolded by Zhao Qingyan, he felt relieved and hurriedly went back to study.
Time flies, and soon it was time for the imperial examination.
On the ninth day of the second lunar month, apart from the two sisters-in-law who stayed at home to take care of the children, the rest of the Zhao family went to the examination hall to see off the candidates as they entered.
The lineup is very strong.
Except for Zhao Qianci, who did not continue the exam, everyone else entered the examination room.
The spring chill was still in the air, and I didn't know what the rules were at the examination hall, but they didn't allow candidates to bring charcoal inside.
Because they were not allowed to wear clothes with linings, the Zhao family students wore pure cotton undergarments close to their skin.
Then there was a full set of sweaters and wool pants, with a pair of lambskin pants on her legs.
He was wearing a short, slightly fitted sheepskin coat.
They are all smooth.
In addition, there was an oversized sheepskin overcoat. It was loose and baggy, with the hood attached, and reached to the ankles.
On her feet were cotton socks covered with wool socks.
Then came a layer of plain sheepskin stockings, and on top of that, a pair of oversized felted wool shoes.
The soles are made of cowhide.
The hats and gloves were knitted wool. Not only were they incredibly warm, but each person also had a wolfskin sleeping bag.
Sheepskins are easy to obtain, but wolf skins are hard to come by.
How big is a wolf pelt? To be able to make ten sleeping bags from a single wolf pelt, you can imagine how many wolf pelts must have been used.
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