Bai Ruozhu nodded and said, "Thank you, young master." She didn't seem to be being courteous at all. From her perspective, it was only right that she compensated the customers. If she were the shop owner, she might have even given a 50% discount. Prescribing the wrong medicine could have serious consequences. If it were given to someone who didn't understand medicine and they brewed it at home, even one wrong ingredient could potentially lead to a tragedy.
She paid for the medicine with broken silver and turned around to leave. However, after a few steps, she suddenly halted.
"I propose a business venture suited for the pharmacy; would it interest you?" Bai Ruozhu suddenly turned back and inquired.
The young master hadn't expected a pregnant woman to suggest a business idea out of the blue. He hesitated slightly before replying somewhat uncertainly: "Of course. Mrs., please follow me to the backyard for further discussion."
Bai Ruozhu felt fortunate that in this era of relaxed rules between men and women would allow a pregnant woman like herself to openly discuss business affairs with a man. In a more feudal time, her life would have been tough.
At the backyard, the young master, fearing that she would become tired standing up with her sizable belly, hastened to find her a place to sit. Bai Ruozhu nodded secretly, confirming to herself she had made the right decision.
"I propose that you sell a kind of toothpaste in your shop," suggested Bai Ruozhu forthrightly.
"Toothpaste? What's that?" asked the startled young master. He looked at the woman in front of him, feeling slightly disconcerted. She was dressed plainly but carried an scholarly air, reminiscent of a learned woman from a literate family.
The realisation hit the young master - despite her pregnancy, the woman in front of him seemed as lively as an unmarried young woman. Having been taught from a young age by his grandfather to read people, he didn't believe his observation could be mistaken. How strange it was.
"My surname is Bai. How should I address you, young master?" Bai Ruozhu found it rather awkward. How could she refer to herself as a young girl despite her pregnancy? Yet she had no idea when she had become a married woman.
"Oh, my name is Du Zhongshu, I'm the son of the owner of Du Family Pharmacy," the young master introduced himself courteously.
"Well, nice to meet you, Master Du. Right, let's get back to the subject of toothpaste," Bai Ruozhu began to speak at a relaxing rhythm. "Toothpaste is a substance used for brushing teeth, made from various medicinal ingredients. I've once heard about it from a wandering Taoist monk. Daily use not only keeps teeth white and breath fresh but also prevents toothaches, gum bleeding, and other teeth-related problems."
Although Bai Ruozhu wanted to introduce the concept of toothbrushes, she had not figured out how to make them yet. She knew that people in ancient times used willow twigs with the ends chewed into bristles, dipped in green salt as a toothpaste. But that was far from being effective. She had considered making toothbrushes from horse hair, but common folk didn't own horses, so where would she get the horse hair for toothbrushes?
Thus, she decided not to mention the toothbrush. As long as there was toothpaste, even using fingers or a cloth to apply it would clean teeth.
"Oh? That's fascinating! If it really works that well, it surely will sell," Du Zhongshu's eyes lit up, and he broke out in a smile, revealing a set of white teeth.
Bai Ruozhu couldn't help but silently compliment him. Children of the wealthy really were different. On the one hand, these benefits were due to his age and his good dental health. On the other hand, he clearly kept his teeth clean with green salt or dental powder regularly.
"I plan to buy some medicinal materials to experiment with blending a batch. If it's successful, I'd like to partner with you on this venture," said Bai Ruozhu.
Du Zhongshu was a man of action. Hearing this, he immediately said, "Go ahead and try blending it. I will cover the initial costs." As he finished his sentence, he quickly pulled out five taels of silver to give to Bai Ruozhu.
Bai Ruozhu was in no hurry to accept the silver. She was surprised by how easily he trusted her. Just by her words, he readily laid out five taels of silver. Either he was imprudently trusting or he was used to being generous in everyday dealings. Hadn't he just been concerned about his shop's poor business?
"Aren't you worried I'll take the money and disappear?" Bai Ruozhu couldn't help but ask.
Du Zhongshu laughed, his eyes lit up, enhancing his already handsome features. Bai Ruozhu found herself thinking this young master was rather handsome, and it was a pleasure to work with such a man.
"In business, risks are inherent. But if I miss this good opportunity due to indecision, won't that be regrettable? At worst, I lose five taels of silver. I can simply chalk it off as a lesson about my poor judgment. Besides, Mrs. Bai, do you see yourself as a cheat?"
Bai Ruozhu instinctively stroked her belly and laughed, realizing how ridiculous it was. Even in the modern era, a heavily pregnant woman attempting to scam others was a rare sight, let alone in this small town of the past, where people were generally honest and simple.
"About the silver, I happened to overhear that your shop is not doing well and you're quite worried about it, so I'll pass. We can discuss this when your finances are more stable," said Bai Ruozhu. After all, she had already bought the necessary medicine, so the expense wasn't much. There was no need to make his situation even more difficult.
At this, Du Zhongshu started to laugh heartily, his laughter particularly robust.
"Mrs., you're overthinking it. The business in the shop is an assignment from my family, and I'll be punished if I don't meet the target, hence my worries. However, I myself am not lacking in silver, but I can't mix my personal funds with the shop's finances."
Bai Ruozhu laughed awkwardly, her well-intentioned deed was based on a misunderstanding – he didn't need the money.
"Well, I won't stand on ceremony then. I'll bring you a sample in seven days. If I fail to create the blend successfully, I'll return this five taels of silver," Bai Ruozhu said as she picked up the five taels of silver that were still on the table. Clearly, refusing to accept it would be a slight to him.
"Mrs. indeed has a forthright personality. In seven days, I'll be waiting for you at the shop," said Du Zhongshu, standing up as he saw Bai Ruozhu about to leave.
"Alright, a deal it is."
Fortunately, by the time Bai Ruozhu had arrived at the market, her mother had not yet sold all the vegetables. Her mother called out from the distance, "Daughter, how come you're here alone? Where's your older brother?"
After giving it some thought, Bai Ruozhu replied, "My older brother went to buy some things and told me to meet him at our usual spot. Let's go find him."
Her mother, Lin Pingr, found it strange and grumbled, "What's he thinking? I told him to stay close to you."
By this time, Bai Ruozhu was already beside her mother. She took her mother's arm and gently pinched it, whispering, "I'm feeling heavy, mom, and I want to go home early. Let's go find my big brother quickly, shall we?"
"Ah, let's go home then," understanding Bai Ruozhu's hint, her mother immediately looked towards her. Seeing the glint in her daughter's eyes and the slight squint, she realized what she was hinting at. She quickly packed up her basket and left the market together with Bai Ruozhu.
Once they reached a secluded spot, Bai Ruozhu cautiously looked around before whispering into Lin Pingr's ear, "Mom, the product has been sold. I asked my older brother to take the money home first."
Lin Pingr immediately understood "the product" meant 'Fresh Soup Powder'. A surprised expression spread across her face, "How much was it sold for?"