Chapter 76

Three of the store managers who had been embezzling funds were immediately dismissed, not only ordered to fill in all the accounting loopholes but also thrown directly into the prison.

The remaining store managers all became extremely tense, working diligently with their heads down. They all seemed to believe that everyone entering their shops was the so-called "County Princess's informant," becoming more proactive and cheerful.

Of course, what else could they do?

What if someone said business was slow because they weren't smiling enough?

This County Princess was not easy to please. Could it be that those several experienced store managers thought the County Princess, who seemed to know nothing, could be tricked into taking some extra money?

And so, they ended up in prison?

It was rumored that when they were released from prison, they would be sold off by the County Princess, which was truly pitiful.

In reality, most of these store managers were inclined to take a bit extra, but it was usually just small amounts. Song Dingxiang noticed this but didn't mention it.

It wasn't appropriate to criticize human nature as greed is inherent, as long as it didn't go too far. She didn't mind using those small extras as rewards for the store managers.

Because even if you raise their wages, they will still be greedy.

After resolving the store managers' issues, Song Dingxiang began recruiting new managers while temporarily appointing her sister and brother to manage the stores.

After testing out the thirty new dishes Song Dingxiang gave her, Song Yulan started her role as the manager.

On her first day, she placed an advertisement, offering a discount of 20% on all dishes for an entire month, free tastings of new dishes, and various activities such as free canned goods or pickles with membership applications. This brought a lively atmosphere to the restaurant.

To ensure there was enough manpower, Song Dingxiang specifically brought over some young men and women from the General's Mansion to help. It was said that they were working diligently all day, as the restaurant was always full, with tables being turned over several times a day.

After separating from her husband and sending her child off to school, Song Yulan's spirits improved significantly. She managed the large restaurant without hesitation, exhibiting well-structured management from top to bottom.

In the end, Song Dingxiang simply hired her as the head manager of the restaurant. As for the small eatery, she promoted the chef, who she had previously trained, to the manager's position, pleasing everyone involved.

As for the two clothing stores, as the peak period was over, her brother Song Hutou was left in charge temporarily. She had some other plans for the clothing stores but didn't intend to make any changes for the time being.

However, the pawnshop needed a thorough revamp.

The storerooms of the pawnshop were piled with various items, not only precious metals, jewels, and ceramics, but also numerous boxes of old clothes in the corners, some of which were so old that they had started to mold.

Song Dingxiang furrowed her brow tightly, as she and Zhenshu went through the pawnshop's accounting books from the past years.

The items that were beyond redemption needed to be sorted out, and expired items that were still pledged but not redeemed were compiled into another category. The remaining valid pledges were categorized based on their timeframes.

Everyone wore large masks, specially made by Zhenshu on Song Dingxiang's request. Made of all cotton fabric, they were soft, with a layer of fine charcoal sandwiched between them.

After all, these warehouses had not seen sunlight for months on end and were extremely dusty, with the dust mixed with mold spores, posing the risk of allergies or respiratory illnesses.

People in ancient times may not have been aware of these issues, but Song Dingxiang was very attentive to such matters. Even the men and women handling wool in the workshops were each wearing masks, although without the charcoal layer.

Song Dingxiang, pregnant and unable to handle heavy tasks, could only sit at the entrance of the sunlit hall to check the account books and pawn tickets. Meanwhile, Fang Shi and Zhenshu supervised the original assistants of the pawnshop in moving items in and out, sorting them into different categories.

"What should we do with these clothes?" Fang Shi looked at several large bundles of old clothes, weighing over a thousand catties, that were beyond redemption and mostly moldy.

Most of the clothes seemed neglected, suggesting that the previous store managers were more concerned with lining their own pockets with valuable items rather than maintaining the storage rooms.

After inspecting the old clothes, Song Dingxiang noted that the pawnshop didn't accept completely worn-out clothes, typically only taking those that were around seventy to eighty percent new. Many of the clothes were made of high-quality fabrics, finely crafted and appeared quite valuable.

"Take these clothes to the General's Mansion, have the servants wash them. For the cotton ones, have Twelfth Uncle or Sixth Uncle consider selling them in the village at a lower price to at least break even. The high-quality ones can be repaired by the seamstress and hung in the clothing store... yes, in the back. If someone wants to buy clothes but has a limited budget, take them to the back to choose, all at a fifty percent discount."

Looking at the pile of clothes, Song Dingxiang felt a headache coming on. However, at least this provided a sales channel for the clothes, enabling some funds to be recouped.

"As for the gold and silver items beyond redemption, let the shopkeeper from the silversmith's shop take a look, either refurbish them or alter the designs. They can surely be sold. It's all manageable, except for the porcelain items." Song Dingxiang observed the various porcelain items occupying an entire storeroom, causing her even more distress.

Porcelain, precious and exquisite, was not affordable for poor families, and the wealthy had no reason to purchase them here. She hesitated to write to the Princess about handling the porcelain in the pawnshop.

Even if she did, the back and forth communication would take at least a month, and she didn't want to waste that time.

"Go, summon Mr. Wang and Mrs. Wang."

*

"Is everything going well for the County Princess?" Mr. Wang greeted Song Dingxiang as he entered.

Song Dingxiang, linking arms with Mrs. Wang, smiled and said, "Mr. Wang, you're being too formal. You used to call me niece, now it's just County Princess. Since you're playing it cool, don't blame me for calling you Mr. Wang in the future."

Mrs. Wang chuckled, "Our Dingxiang really knows how to talk, leaving us speechless. We actually wanted to visit you when we heard you were back, but considering your busy schedule organizing the shops, we felt it was inappropriate."

Song Dingxiang replied, "Why would it be inappropriate? I waited for you to come on your own, but since you didn't, I had to send someone to fetch you."

After a few lighthearted exchanges, Song Dingxiang proposed, "Mr. Wang, why not visit my workshop at home? It's no longer the small village workshop we started with. We have enough staff and a substantial inventory. You might be of help in the future."

Mr. Wang teased, "You said I was being too formal just now."

Song Dingxiang laughed, "Uncle Wang, please do provide more insights for my workshop."

Mr. Wang chuckled and gestured for the servant to lead the way. They got on the carriage and headed towards the workshop outside the town.

Mrs. Wang winked at Song Dingxiang and asked, "What's the matter? Do you want to talk to me privately?"

Song Dingxiang giggled and said, "Well, there is a little matter. Originally, I intended to discuss it with Mr. Wang, but then I thought if he helped, it would become a big deal. It's just about some porcelain items, nothing that Mr. Wang needs to be involved in. So, I thought I'd ask for your advice instead."

After hearing this, Mrs. Wang pondered for a moment and said, "Take me to see it."

The porcelain items had been rearranged, each one shining clean, with larger pieces placed against the wall and smaller ones on shelves.

Though Mrs. Wang now resided in town, enjoying a peaceful life, it didn't mean she hadn't seen luxury items before. In terms of extravagance in ancient times, Mrs. Wang's starting point was much higher than Song Dingxiang's.

"In fact, some pawnshops collaborate with other stores, such as silversmiths, specialized in selling antiques, calligraphy, and paintings. They aren't afraid of stocking up on items. I know there used to be a store like that in Wei County, but due to constant wars and subsequent droughts, they withdrew. You could open a similar store to digest the items from the pawnshop." Mrs. Wang suggested.

Song Dingxiang hesitated, "It's easy to say that knowing how to do something isn't difficult, but not knowing is. If it were other matters, I could manage, but I have no knowledge of these things. Even if I open a store and hire a manager, I won't know if I'm being deceived. And those boxes of calligraphy and paintings, they all look good to me, but the pawnshop's expert could easily differentiate their value. I listened to him but didn't understand a word, which gives me a headache."

She could handle cosmetics and clothes, as they were women's things, and anyone could understand them to some extent. But antiques, calligraphy, and porcelain were areas she was completely unfamiliar with.

Since she lacked understanding, hiring a manager and opening a store could easily lead to problems. Therefore, it was better to find a direct solution to dispose of these items.

"Auntie, what do you think of me hosting an auction?" Song Dingxiang suggested.

"An auction?" Mrs. Wang blinked, not quite understanding.

Song Dingxiang explained, "It just came to me suddenly. I'll create a catalog with the names of these items and circulate it. If anyone is interested, they can come to bid, and the highest bidder wins. I'll have the expert select some treasures for the auction, and for the rest, I'll display them with a set price for anyone interested to purchase."

Mrs. Wang tilted her head, deep in thought, and then said, "That's a good idea. But if it's an auction, why not auction off all the items?"

Song Dingxiang chuckled, "The inexpensive items wouldn't attract much attention at an auction. It would seem petty. Besides, with so many items, if I listed them all in a catalog, it would be too much."

Mrs. Wang nodded and said, "You make a good point... Oh, if you already have ideas, why did you even call me?"

"I just missed you, okay? Fine, forget I said anything." Song Dingxiang pretended to be annoyed and even huffed.

Mrs. Wang laughed, "Can't argue with you. Oh, I saw a pair of lotus branch patterned basins, sell them to me. You know how much my mother-in-law loves lotus-themed items..."

Song Dingxiang replied, "Do I even need to explain? Do you know why I placed those basins in the most prominent spot? I was waiting to wrap them up and put them directly in your carriage."

Mrs. Wang couldn't help but find the situation amusing. This girl had a sharp tongue and was full of ideas.

She didn't know how to respond.

Song Dingxiang continued, "Actually, I need Auntie's help with those lotus basins. You know, whether in town or in this county, I don't know many people. A few ladies invited me to watch plays and admire flowers, but various circumstances prevented me from attending. And as for my parents, as you know, they don't like socializing outside. It's better for them to stay home and knit soles for shoes."

Mrs. Wang said, "You're not as knowledgeable as me. Even in the nearby towns and counties, I'm well aware of people's abilities and what they do. So, how about this, you make the catalog first, then write invitations, and I'll help you deliver them for the event?"

"Thank you so much, Auntie." Song Dingxiang smiled appreciatively and called out, "Zhenshu, quickly wrap up the lotus basins and deliver them to Mrs. Wang's carriage. Oh, and there's also a set of lotus-themed tea utensils, wrap them up together."

Mrs. Wang smiled and added, "Dingxiang, let me tell you, that pawnshop used to belong to the Princess's maternal family. It became what it is now due to neglect over the years. After all, the Princess was never short of money. But the pawnshop is the most profitable, so giving it to you is probably to test your skills."

Song Dingxiang asked, "Is the pawnshop's manager also from the Princess's staff?"

Mrs. Wang shook her head, "The pawnshop was part of the Princess's dowry, so the staff inside naturally belonged to her. However, the previous manager was replaced by the current second-in-command. The pawnshop, as well as the eatery and clothing store, were part of the Princess's dowry. The other shops were purchased by the Princess herself and given to General Zhou, with proper agreements and transfer of ownership."

Song Dingxiang inquired, "Why did the Princess replace the old manager?"

Mrs. Wang chuckled, "Old servants often take advantage of new masters, and the Princess had her reasons. The newly appointed managers have no ties, so if they perform well, they'll continue, if not, you can easily dismiss them without any troubles, understand?"

Song Dingxiang nodded in understanding.

At first, she thought these shops were temporary purchases by the Princess, given that she had to appease Zhou Yino. She didn't expect there to be so many twists and turns involved.

Firstly, the Princess wanted to provide more for her son, but most of her possessions were in the capital city. Despite having some industries here, it was just a few shops. So, she decided to buy the entire street of shops to make it look more coordinated.

Secondly, the Princess wanted to test Song Dingxiang's ability to manage a household. After all, she was the wife of a general.

If she lacked any household management skills, the Princess would surely send her own people to oversee the general's residence completely to prevent her son from being mistreated.

These three managers had all learned under the previous manager and looked down on Song Dingxiang, which led them to overstep their bounds. The managers of the other shops were originally the longstanding managers in the area who knew the ins and outs and wouldn't want to cause trouble with the county princess; they were not troublemakers.

Back in the courtyard, Zhenshu made tea, prepared snacks, and brought them over. Song Dingxiang said, "Actually, I have another matter to discuss. Now that I've dismissed three managers, my elder sister can handle the restaurant. I'll let her take charge. But I still need to hire managers for the pawnshop and the clothing store. Do you have any reliable recommendations for managers who want to settle down for retirement?"

Mrs. Wang laughed, "These old managers are really precious, you're smart. But we should ask your Uncle Wang about this matter; after all, he's a businessman and knows many people. I only have a few acres of land and a few common shops; having some surplus for food is enough for me."

Uncle Wang only returned after finishing lunch, and upon seeing Song Dingxiang, he laughed heartily, "Oh, my niece is truly talented, I've seen the workshop, good, very good!"

Initially, he was puzzled when he saw Jin Qiao'er and the others teaching knitting for free, but after listening to Song Xingyi, everything became clear. Song Dingxiang didn't want to monopolize the craftsmanship; she wanted to monopolize the wool business.

The more people skilled in making wool products, the larger her business could grow.

Currently, Song Dingxiang had already discussed with General Zhong that the wool from the North would be fully transported here. She would cater to the needs of Northern soldiers while producing wool by-products, which would yield considerable profits.

As long as the prices were reasonable, there would be no problem selling them.

He had decided to speak with Song Dingxiang about the agency sales of wool products and planned to make a trip to the Northwest. If he could negotiate the sale of wool from the Northwest to Song Dingxiang, he could earn a substantial profit from the transaction.

Wool wasn't edible and wasn't valuable, so no one would be in a rush to seize it. Moreover, a cart could carry a large quantity, ensuring multiple times the profit.

Why not take advantage of such an opportunity?

The workshop had just started, and there wasn't much to see yet. However, he had already decided that once items from here came out, he would secure the rights for agency sales.

Initially, he had thought about selling the pickles made by Song Dingxiang, but back then, it was just a small-scale family workshop with limited production, barely enough for the Song family's own use and not for others.

But things are different now with such a large workshop; how many good things can come out of it!

Looking around, it's all money!

"The agency sales of wool products can certainly be handled by Uncle Wang. As for the matter of negotiating the transportation of wool from the Northwest to here, it's not necessary. I plan to open a workshop there as well. When the time comes, Uncle Wang can arrange for transportation nearby, saving on unnecessary expenses..." Song Dingxiang chuckled, "But with so much on hand, can Uncle Wang's business handle it all?"

Uncle Wang thought for a moment and said, "If so, I'll handle the wool from the Northwest. But until that is sorted out, can I start taking from here?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "Of course, that's no problem. With more workers, production will increase. Apart from the goods for the Northern soldiers and what's sold in my shops here, Uncle Wang can take all the rest."

Uncle Wang's face was flushed with excitement as he swiftly calculated the considerable profits in store. Even if he sold at the local market price, doubling elsewhere would ensure a profitable return.

Song Dingxiang then brought up the matter of hiring managers.

Uncle Wang said, "I do have retired managers here, but most have returned to their hometowns. Let me go back and inquire, to see who might be willing to come here. Niece, rest assured, your Uncle and I will choose wisely, we won't let you down in the least."

For him, she was a golden Buddha, a money tree—only a fool would deceive her.

After seeing off Uncle Wang, Song Dingxiang also pondered who to send to the Northwest.

Zhang shi was taken aback and said, "Have Shuizi and Qiao'er go to the Northwest? This, this..."

Song Dingxiang asked, "Does Auntie feel it's too far, worried about their safety?"

Zhang shi nodded, "Indeed, they have never traveled far. Sending them to the Northwest all of a sudden, I'm concerned."

Li shi interjected, "It's not about the money. Shuizi and Qiao'er are still young. Both my granddaughters can manage such a large workshop, so why not let them venture out in the Northwest too?"

Zhang shi voiced her concern, "It's not about the money; it's just that this matter is too significant. I fear they may not be able to handle it."

Song Dingxiang reassured her, "Auntie, no need to worry. Zhou Ge has his own guards, a few young women who are willing to go along and have completed their training, two maids to take care of their daily lives, and I'll assign them another manager. Moreover, with Mr. Wang overseeing things there, there's no need to fear."

Jin Qiao'er was so excited she felt she could faint, repeatedly asking: "So, can I really go? Can I handle it?"

Even the grown man, Song Junshui, felt a bit apprehensive.

"Go there and give it a try, if it doesn't work out, just come back. Initially, I was thinking of asking with Dali Ge and Shuizi Ge, but I also need people for my workshop here. Besides, Jin Qiao'er has a talent for craftsmanship, knows the most patterns, and has experience managing a workshop, making her the most suitable for the job. But let's make a deal first - we'll split the earnings fifty-fifty. It's more than before, but the market has also grown."

Jin Qiao'er nodded, "I understand. I'm willing to split it even seventy-thirty. If you hadn't become the county princess and Zhou Ge hadn't become a general, we probably wouldn't have had the chance to open a workshop there. It's all thanks to you; I know where my abilities and Shuizi's lies. Originally, I was afraid of being taken advantage of in an unfamiliar place, but since our sister have arranged everything, I have no problem. It's just my children..."

Song Dingxiang said, "The children are still too young to take along. Once you've settled in over there for a few years, you can bring the children over later."

Song Dingxiang paused and added, "Our family has grown into a big business now, there's no need for frugal living. Zhou Ge's family isn't lacking in wealth, and as he is in the military, he can't provide help. So, it all depends on us. If you and Shuizi Ge go to the Northwest, the heavy responsibility here will fall on Dali Ge and my brother, which won't be easy."

She wasn't afraid of the possibility of enriching her family and causing rifts in the end. Moreover, if the younger generation were to squabble over money and tear the family apart, it would be their own fault for not being properly educated.

But when the time comes for her to meet the King of Hell, she has no interest in how the family fortune might be squandered in a quarrel.

She knew when to worry and when not to. She, Song Dingxiang, wanted to live a peaceful life with her loved ones. As for what happens after she's gone, let the living worry about it.

——— Author's Note:

My right wrist is injured...

It's my fault, I suddenly got the urge to rearrange the furniture, and after straining for a few hours, I ended up injuring myself QQ