Upon hearing this, Chairman Ma and the others were extremely excited, repeatedly praising Song Jiyun for her generous heart and kindness, saying not only did she inherit her father, Song Youliang’s, mantle, but also his character. When Song Jiyun explained the reason for inviting them, Chairman Ma and the others were moved to tears, one after another praising her for leaving a way out for everyone in Jingde Town, as if Song Jiyun were the merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva coming to save those in distress. Not only did they reassure her to boldly collect the various families’ porcelain blanks, but they also offered advice, telling her which business families were honest and reliable, and which were cunning and deceitful, some even eagerly offering to write her a list by hand.
Song Jiyun knew that those recommended by Chairman Ma were not only of good character but also likely long-time supporters of him. She was happy to return the favor and take their suggestions into account, considering that if any trouble arose, she could find someone to handle it. Hence, she followed their advice completely and together, they decided on the families to collaborate with.
Some families did not have the capacity to make porcelain blanks, but they had skills in light painting, carving, or applying glaze; she simply conducted an open selection and took them all in.
The top masters of Jingde Town were now almost all working in her Kiln Factory.
To those who were not chosen, she felt considerable regret, "For now, we can only take in so many. When the business of the Kiln Factory gets better, we will certainly expand our recruitment."
If one could make porcelain, there was always a standout in the family.
In such times, having a meal to eat, no one was picky.
Not only did no one bear a grudge, but they were also very grateful.
Some who felt their skills were lacking even sought to become apprentices at the Song Family Kiln Factory.
Suddenly, there were people everywhere inviting the master craftsmen and the Store Manager of the Song Family Kiln Factory out for meals.
Moreover, people thought that the Song Family Kiln Factory was simply unwilling to compete with the Liangyu Kiln Factory at the moment, but given time, the Song Family Kiln Factory would definitely fire up the Dragon Kiln and vie with the Liangyu Kiln Factory.
The Liangyu Kiln Factory only had Jade Porcelain and blue and white porcelain. Needless to mention, the art of Jade Porcelain was from the Song Family; the blue and white porcelain, on the other hand, triumphed over other Kiln Factories and workshops by lowering prices. The Song Family Kiln Factory was different. Not to mention that Jade Porcelain was originally theirs, even the Dragon Kiln was their innovation. The Changjiang Gang continues to keep their promise to this day, only building Dragon Kilns for them. Then there’s the newly created sweet white porcelain which caught the eye of the Imperial Kiln Factory, helping them make Tribute Porcelain. Other families longed for the overglaze enamel that they sold at the price of blue and white porcelain.
Following the Song Family Kiln Factory was surely more promising than the Liangyu Kiln Factory.
Most people in Jingde Town chose to collaborate with Song Jiyun.
Song Family Kiln Factory henceforth had customers coming like clouds.
Song Jiyun also took the opportunity to offer various discounts.
The business of the Liangyu Kiln Factory quickly plummeted again, faring even worse than before.
The people who had previously supplied the Liangyu Kiln Factory with porcelain blanks regretted it immensely and secretly approached the Store Manager and master craftsmen of the Song Family Kiln Factory, hoping to change their ways and either supply the Song Family Kiln Factory with blanks or to work for them.
The Song Family Kiln Factory, of course, refused.
Zhou Zheng and others were frightened by the prospect of being wined and dined with gifts, and hid at Song Jiyun’s place, joyously complaining, "Just looking at the chicken, duck, and fish on the table, I don’t feel like using chopsticks, I just want to eat some vegetables and pickles."
Song Jiyun laughed heartily and reminded Zhou Zheng, "You should pay attention to those masters who come work in our Kiln Factory, see if we can keep a few."
There wasn’t much cost difference between applying one color of overglaze enamel or two, or three, so Song Jiyun decided to cater to the festive spirit of the Spring Festival and produce several more colors.
They were short on manpower, especially experienced, highly skilled masters who could get to work directly.
Zhou Zheng understood her meaning and laughed, "Don’t worry, I know what to do!"
They needed to entice the masters to join them while avoiding offending others and damaging relationships.
Zhou Zheng was someone Song Jiyun could trust with the job.
She discussed the matter of the Imperial Kiln Factory bidding with Zhou Zheng, "Our family’s sweet white porcelain will definitely make the cut. But with Song Tao and Eunuch Wan joining forces, it’s likely that the blue and white porcelain will go to Liangyu Kiln Factory. However, the grand masters from the Imperial Kiln Factory themselves are adept at making blue and white porcelain. Whatever Song Tao sends in may not have much of an advantage."
Zhou Zheng had another concern and looked at Song Jiyun, "I’m just afraid that Third Miss Song is aiming for the market of Sacrificial Porcelain— who in the palace knows how much sweet white porcelain our Kiln Factory can produce annually? If it comes to it, half of the Tribute Porcelain being sweet white porcelain and the other half being Jade Porcelain, who could argue?"
Sweet white porcelain was a new type of porcelain that had just become a tribute item. Its quality was not stable, so it had to be partially substituted with jade porcelain, which was very normal.
As for whether the quality of sweet white porcelain was stable, and how much could be supplied to the imperial family annually, it all came down to what Eunuch Wan decided.
The Song Family Kiln Factory was known as the number one in Jingde Town because they could help the Imperial Kiln Factory produce sacrificial porcelain for the imperial use. If the Liangyu Kiln Factory could also produce sacrificial porcelain for the imperial use, they would certainly stand shoulder to shoulder with the Song Family Kiln Factory in terms of prestige.
In Zhou Zheng’s opinion, since Song Tao was involved with Eunuch Wan, she would definitely aim for this opportunity.
However, Song Jiyun disagreed.
For nine years, her family had been producing sacrificial white porcelain for the Imperial Kiln Factory, and in the last year or two, the initially supplied sacrificial white porcelain would either fade or crack. If she continued to use jade porcelain to produce sacrificial white porcelain for the Imperial Kiln Factory, who knew what would happen?
Since Song Tao had been reborn, she must be aware of this.
She might use jade porcelain to curry favor with Eunuch Wan, but she wouldn’t produce sacrificial white porcelain for the Imperial Kiln Factory.
However, what was Zhou Zheng considering?
Did he think she was too indulgent toward Song Tao?
Zhou Zheng denied it and said, "I think the old Owner is amazing. He has taught you and also the Third Miss Song."
After all, he still thought she was too lenient with Song Tao.
When Song Daliang wanted to return to work at the Song Family Kiln Factory years ago, her father had refused, resisting the pressure from Madam Zeng.
Yet she allowed Song Tao to produce jade porcelain and oppose the Song Family Kiln Factory.
Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been so many problems.
"I have a clear understanding of this matter," said Song Jiyun with a smile. "Song Tao will not compete with us for the sacrificial white porcelain, but she might find a way to produce dragon jars instead."
Zhou Zheng cursed and then started complaining about Song Youliang, "Why teach the family skills to a niece? Now see, a thankless wretch has been taught, bringing disaster upon the Song family."
Song Jiyun was caught between laughter and tears.
She had a feeling that Song Tao’s skills weren’t taught by her father, but by herself in her previous life!
Wong Dahai came looking for Song Jiyun, "Owner, I was just called over by people from the Imperial Kiln Factory. They said Eunuch Wan has summoned everyone for a talk and wants you to come over early in the morning."
It must be about the bidding for the Imperial Kiln Factory.
Song Jiyun asked, "Did they invite Old Master Li?"
Li Zixiu’s family produced blue and white porcelain, and sometimes when the Imperial Kiln Factory was too busy, they would ask Li Zixiu to help produce a portion.
Wong Dahai replied, "I have already inquired. Not only did they invite Old Master Li, but they also invited Old Master Yan, Old Master Wu, and Old Master Chen. The Imperial Kiln Factory has invited all the somewhat influential people of Jingde Town."
There were no more than ten families qualified to bid for the Imperial Kiln Factory.
What was Eunuch Wan up to?
Song Jiyun and Zhou Zheng exchanged a glance.
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