To Bai Sheng’s surprise, Prince Yu did not delve into the sourcing channels, which was the most difficult question to answer.
Bai Sheng figured Prince Yu must have assumed they would, like merchants in the capital, purchase goods wholesale.
By the time Prince Yu remembered to inquire about the sources, her orchard’s fruits and her fields’ crops might already be confusing the issue.
Fortunately, as a local feudal lord, Prince Yu was not permitted to return to the capital without the Emperor’s decree. This allowed Bai Sheng to boldly initiate her ventures in the capital.
Even if she encountered competition, Prince Yu would be a powerful backer.
It was rumored that Prince Yu’s reputation in the capital was quite fearsome. It was better to offend anyone but him, lest his reckless nature would lead to the extermination of one's entire family in an instant.
After the Lantern Festival, Prince Yu departed. He promised Bai Sheng that in about a month, everything in the capital would be ready, and someone would be sent to inform her. Bai Sheng could set off a few days in advance to stock the shops before the opening.
For greater fairness, Prince Yu suggested that Bai Sheng also send a few trustworthy individuals to reconcile accounts at the two shops, ensuring daily settlements to avoid disputes.
Bai Sheng had considered this problem, but she currently had no one available. Red Tree Slope had numerous tasks, each requiring manpower.
However, if Mr. Ji, who was staying long-term at Red Tree Slope, could handle the affairs of the academy, Xiao Hua, Ga Mei, and Qing Feng would be free.
But these three were still young. If they went to the capital, they might not be able to manage the situation.
Bai Sheng planned to consider it carefully. With a month to go, there was no rush, so she told Prince Yu that she would send some of her people along when the goods were delivered.
Although everyone at Red Tree Slope was now undergoing literacy training, adult learning speed was very slow, let alone arithmetic. Without taking off their shoes and using their toes for assistance, counting was difficult.
Thus, the math lessons were often quite “lively.”
Du Min and Feng Pingyuan could go to the capital, but the vast number of affairs at home absolutely required them.
Yang Ming and Wang Xiao Ma, the mainstays of the planting department and the security team, also could not leave.
Therefore, after much thought, only Xiao Hua and Qing Feng could go. Letting Ga Mei tag along would provide Xiao Hua with a female companion, making interactions with Qing Feng less awkward. Secondly, Ga Mei was intelligent and spirited, a promising candidate who could be cultivated, and it would also create opportunities for her to interact with Qing Feng.
Bai Sheng shared her thoughts with Lu Ye, who agreed. Xiao Hua, though turning eleven after the New Year, would be twelve in terms of age, and it was time for her to gain some experience. Besides, with Qing Feng looking after them and Ga Mei accompanying them, there should be no major issues.
Bai Sheng frowned, “The three of them are young. If they go, they might not be able to manage the situation, and they are unfamiliar with the capital. I wouldn’t be at ease with three young people going there.”
Lu Ye smiled, “If we find an older person who is literate and can do accounts to look after these three, then there will be no problem.”
“But who can we find? This person must be trustworthy,” Bai Sheng racked her brain but couldn’t think of anyone.
Lu Ye said, “Wang Da Fa from Cao Miao Village can do it. He is literate, knows how to use an abacus, and reportedly worked as a peddler in his youth, traveling to the capital. He is quite honest and reliable.”
“Right, I didn’t think of him,” Bai Sheng patted her forehead. “Wang Da Fa invested two taels of silver when digging the well, making him the largest investor. This shows he has foresight. But this would mean leaving his hometown. I wonder if he’s willing.”
Lu Ye smiled, “We can call him over and ask.”
Bai Sheng nodded, “Husband, one more thing. Since we are sending people to station in the capital, to facilitate the transport of goods from the space, it would be best to buy a residence there. What do you think?”
“We’ll do as Baby suggests,” Lu Ye affectionately pinched Bai Sheng’s nose.
“Stop fooling around, I’m talking business,” Bai Sheng giggled playfully. “Our courtyard shouldn’t be too small, with plenty of rooms, preferably not too far from the two shops.”
“Understood, my dear wife. When I deliver the goods to the capital, I will first familiarize them with the place. I guarantee I will handle everything you’ve instructed perfectly.” Lu Ye cupped Bai Sheng’s face and pecked her lips.
“No, no, no, be careful not to ignite the spark,” Bai Sheng quickly pushed him away. The two of them dared not engage in intimate actions now, fearing they might lose control and make fools of themselves in front of the four little ones in her belly.
Lu Ye sighed, “My good darling, this is our only pregnancy. We won’t have any more.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you, husband. Call Wang Da Fa over now to ask him,” Bai Sheng couldn’t wait another moment at the thought of going to the capital to earn money from the rich.
“I’ll go call him now. You sit down and rest,” Lu Ye swept Bai Sheng into his arms and placed her on the rocking chair. This rocking chair was custom-made for Bai Sheng by Huang Gou Sheng, the first time he displayed his cleverness. Sitting on it provided a gentle sway, making it very comfortable.
Wang Da Fa heard that his employer’s wife was looking for him. Although he didn’t know why, he quickly followed his employer to the bamboo pavilion.
Lu Ye poured Wang Da Fa a cup of tea and invited him to sit down and chat. Wang Da Fa initially hesitated to sit casually, but seeing the sincere invitation from his employer and his wife, he no longer refused. Holding the teacup, he smiled kindly at Bai Sheng and asked what she needed him for.
Bai Sheng then explained everything about going to the capital and promised an initial monthly wage of ten taels of silver, with future increases.
Upon hearing this, Wang Da Fa’s eyes immediately turned red. He put down his teacup and was about to kowtow to Bai Sheng and Lu Ye. He said that he had originally rented a shop in town to do some small business, but due to the drought, the shop could not be sustained, and he had to return to Cao Miao Village.
However, he was accustomed to doing business and was not suited for farm work. After moving to Red Tree Slope, Steward Feng assigned him light tasks. Although it wasn’t strenuous, he still felt a sense of loss for not being able to do business.
He never expected his employer’s wife to assign him the task of going to the capital, and at ten taels of silver a month, it was like a pie falling from the sky, a great favor from the madam.
“Going to the capital is quite far, and you will be staying for a long time. Can Uncle Da Fa’s family manage without you?” Bai Sheng asked.
“They can manage, they can manage,” Wang Da Fa nodded repeatedly. “My parents are long gone, and my wife passed away last year. At home, there are only my son, daughter-in-law, two grandsons, and a young daughter. My daughter-in-law takes care of my grandsons.”
Bai Sheng smiled, “That’s good. About ten days from now, my husband will take you all. Uncle Da Fa, please go back and prepare.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” Wang Da Fa agreed with a flurry of responses and left with a light, unsteady gait.
Oh my, going to the capital! The madam really thought highly of him. He must work diligently for the madam and complete the task perfectly.