"Xiangbei, Tong Chen has been waiting outside for quite some time. I heard you're going to extract oil; take Mr. Qiao with you to have a look." The old master kindly called Qiao Er forward.
"Mr. Qiao, I've been here for many years. In the battle of the coastal city over a decade ago, the Qiao family's army fought bravely against the pirates. The villagers witnessed it and remembered the kindness. We trust General Qiao and are all waiting for the day he clears his name. The burden on a young person's shoulders is heavy, but don't push yourself too hard. Remember, justice will prevail.
It's good that Xiangbei is doing business with you. Life is tough in the mountains; hunting wild game and making handmade mountain products, with your help in selling, I feel at ease."
The old master's wise words settled everyone down and smoothly directed Xiangbei to the oil mill, including bringing Qiao Er along.
The oil mill was set up in the old wooden buildings near the entrance of the quarry these past few days. Now, the steamed tea powder cakes were neatly stacked in layers on the horizontal wooden planks, and everyone awaited Xiangbei to make the first strike.
It was a moment to witness the birth of a new product – there was nervousness, excitement, anticipation, and, most importantly, trust in Xiangbei.
In just a few days, these simple mountain folks had seen too many incredible changes, sparking newfound expectations for the future.
Supported by Qiao Er, Xiangbei, who was about to strike the first blow, received these expectations amidst the enthusiastic cheers. Yes, she was the Tong Xiangbei of her own new era.
After handing over the hammer to seven or eight strong men, golden and translucent liquid flowed continuously from the edge of the tea tree seed cakes into the oil groove.
Barrels of tea seed oil were lifted and replaced with new empty wooden barrels.
Once the tea powder was no longer being steamed, Xiangbei poured the rapeseeds into the iron pot, stirring vigorously until the fragrance filled the air, accompanied by a gentle crackling sound. After this step, pressing the oil was left to the others. Through the practical experience with tea seed oil, these people had become skilled hands at work.
Taking Qiao Ziqiu with her, Xiangbei went to see the bathing series she intended to promote at the North-South Supermarket.
In recent days, people at home had crafted numerous boxes, baskets, and trays of various sizes using wood, bamboo, and grass. Additionally, scented soaps and shampoos were produced in various fragrances and colors, packaged into sets as gift bundles.
"Brother Ziqiu, look, with just a small hint, they've created so many different new products. The peoples we brought back from Agent Chen have the potential to focus on learning these new things together.
This includes supermarket accounting, service, and shop management. We can transform the South Street into a learning workshop, combining study with practical experience, what do you think?"
"Xiaobei, I was just about to discuss this with you. Originally, the supermarket needed manpower, and the loyalty of the elderly from the Qiao family is sufficient. However, even I need to learn these completely new concepts. They..."
"Bro Ziqiu, you need to go down the mountain soon. Take charge of the supermarket and the new learning initiatives with Cheng Mo. Prepare the sea trade's invoices for this side of the North-South exchange.
Besides ceramics and textiles, I'll add some new products that Westerners are sure to like. If we introduce something that blooms inside the wall and smells outside the wall, our funds will be more sufficient.
As you've seen, many things are just an idea, and imitation happens quickly. So, rapid market domination is crucial. In other words, we need a lot of money."
"Xiaobei, my only concern is that with your mother back this time, you might not find it so easy to leave home. She is worried about you traveling around at such a young age and hopes you can be pampered like a true noble lady."
"Don't say it. I understand. What she wants most is to marry me off to you, to make up for the regrets in her life."
"Xiaobei, you and Prince Mo, what about you two?"
"We have concrete and detailed plans. Many new products are in the works. Bro Ziqiu, let's together sound the horn for the dream setting sail from here, alright?"
"Yes! Xiaobei, if your mother insists, will you—"
Qiao Er wanted to make a last attempt for himself, for that faint glimmer of hope deep down, but he was interrupted by the personal maid, Huo Lan, who came to invite them, putting an end to his only moment of recklessness, where he wanted to forget the heavy burden on his shoulders and express his feelings regardless of the consequences.