Sun slapped her again, cursing, but both of them were smiling, so Lu Baichuan didn't say much.
However, Madam Sun started talking to He Jiu Niang about other things.
"This prefecture city truly lives up to its name. So many Lu Hei Ya shops have opened in the city, yet they all sell out very quickly. We went around and every single shop was empty!"
When this was mentioned, Sun couldn't hide the smile on her face.
Old Lu also said, "Those shops in our county town are sold out very quickly too. Otherwise, should we open two more shops in the county town?"
Although the per capita consumption level in the county town is not as high as in the prefectural city, it does not affect the Lu family's ability to make money. After all, there is no shortage of wealthy people no matter where you are.
The magistrate's daughter had a bit of a falling out with He Jiu Niang, but once the Lu family's Lu Black Duck went on the market, she desperately wanted to have some kind of kinship with the Lu family. Every day when the store opened, the first person to be approached was the magistrate's daughter's maid.
With the county magistrate's daughter promoting it, Lu Hei Ya became very popular among the wealthy people in the county town, and opening branch stores was not a problem at all.
"That's a good idea. We can run a medicinal herb business at home, but I'm afraid we'll be stretched thin. We should cultivate more promising talents from within the clan and assign them to various branches. That would be the proper approach."
When He Jiuniang talks about business, she considers things more comprehensively, taking into account the existing manpower and capabilities.
"This is indeed a problem. I need to go back and take a good look at it in a while. Cui'er and the others are all capable. In such a short time, they have already become competent in the workshop. Let them take care of two or three disciples, and then after a while, the disciples will take care of their own disciples. That way, we won't lack talent."
Sun had worked in the workshop for a period of time. Although she had handed over her work, she still paid close attention to the workshop's operations and knew a lot about it.
"Those boys who live with Xiao Yang are also quite good. I'll give them a second thought when I get back. If they're really good, I'll train them properly; they'll all be useful people in the future."
Old Lu also spoke up, and everyone was making plans for their family business.
Lu Baichuan stared blankly at the three of them, feeling that he had really missed out on so much.
In my memory, my parents only cared about the harvest of crops in the fields. My father had ventured out when he was young and had some experience, while my mother, although also very smart, was still limited by circumstances and didn't understand many things.
But now, the two of them talk about business with great expertise, something they would never have dared to imagine before.
If his parents are like this, then his older brother and sister-in-law must have changed a lot too. He can't wait to go home, reunite with his family, see what the family workshop is like, and how his family members live.
But he still had other matters to attend to. He felt that the child kidnapping case was far-reaching and involved many other things. Qin Jian had gone to the capital, and he had to stay in the prefectural city to keep things under control, otherwise things would fall into chaos.
After the three talked for a while, they finally noticed Lu Baichuan, who had been neglected. He Jiuniang then realized that her family had changed a lot and Lu Baichuan must be very surprised, so she took the initiative to explain: "Since the family started doing business, everyone in the family has started to study and learn to read and write with Leizi and the others, and also learn business skills. Now, my parents are becoming more and more like the old bosses."
Is the whole family starting to read and learn to read?
Lu Baichuan found it unbelievable. He looked at his parents and saw that the old man and woman were proudly raising their heads, proving that his wife was right.
Lu Baichuan was shocked. After a long silence, he could only say, "Impressive."
The two were immediately delighted.
Lu Baichuan watched and was happy for them. Suddenly remembering what his brothers had told him that morning, Lu Baichuan said to He Jiuniang, "My brothers also like to eat our ducks. They said they've been unable to buy them and want to ask you for a special privilege."
He Jiuniang waved her hand casually and said, "That's simple. Just tell them to go to the shop and find the shopkeeper, give them your name, and show them a token that can prove their identity. In a little while, have Xu Yong tell Sister Cheng to send someone to each shop to spread the word that they should set aside some money for your brothers every day. They only need to pay half the amount."
Of the money earned in the shop, the Lu family only takes half, and the other half belongs to Cheng Xuewei.
Although she could have easily said she didn't want a penny and treated it as her treat, that would easily lead to resentment over a small favor. By accepting half, she wouldn't cause Cheng Xuewei any loss, nor would she let Lu Baichuan's brothers feel that she got it for free, thus avoiding any trouble.
Those who followed Lu Baichuan were all extraordinary individuals. Maintaining good relationships with them was a way for Lu Baichuan to win over the hearts of the people.
She didn't want to get involved in the affairs of officialdom, but as a wife, she would do what she was supposed to do for her husband.
Lu Baichuan hadn't expected He Jiuniang to have planned so thoroughly. As clever as he was, he could understand her intentions even if she didn't say them aloud.
"That's a good idea. It's okay for our family to suffer a little loss, but we can't afford to offend Madam Cheng. When cooperating with others, we have to be mindful of our actions and not take advantage of them for no reason."
Sun nodded, and the matter was settled.
After dinner, Old Lu wanted to talk to his son about his experiences over the years. Although Old Lu was old in body, he was not old in heart. He admired his son's experiences and respected him very much.
But Sun didn't give him the chance at all. She grabbed him and pulled him away, saying, "That little monkey is so cute. Let's call Gou'er and take it out for a walk."
Old Man Lu and Gou'er were taken away just like that. After dinner, Sister Xu would clean up, so He Jiuniang didn't need to worry about it. She went to the study to write a letter to Cheng Xuewei, which was about giving Lu Baichuan's brothers special privileges.
The letter clearly stated that the half of the money given could be directly deposited into the Cheng family's account, and there was no need to split it with her again.
During this time, Lu Baichuan quickly washed himself clean and went to the study with his hair down.
"Wait a moment, I'll be done in a minute."
Because it involved business between the two parties, He Jiuniang wrote very carefully, which naturally made her work slower. After finishing, she would check it to make sure there were no mistakes.
This letter can be used as evidence later, so after it was written, it had to be stamped with her personal seal, and she would then represent the Lu family.
"No rush, I also need to write a letter to send to the capital."
Lu Baichuan walked slowly to her side, watching her write with such smooth and flowing strokes. It didn't seem like she had just learned. He had practiced whenever he had time over the years, but he still couldn't write as skillfully as her.
But he said nothing, stood firmly beside He Jiuniang, grabbed a piece of paper, and started writing with the ink that He Jiuniang had ground. The two of them each wrote half of the paper, without disturbing each other.
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