A Good Country Wife
Chapter 462 - 456_1

Chapter 462: Chapter 456_1

Feeling affirmed and approved for something she herself regarded highly, Lin Yue smiled with her eyes crescent-shaped, especially since the patterns and styles of the wooden box were her own design, imbued with a sense of pride. "Indeed, since we’re sending these all the way overseas, covering such a distance and with such effort involved, it’s not just about making the content well but also giving importance to the external packaging. It has to make the people from barbaric countries immediately perceive it as valuable and high-class."

"My wife has thought of everything. Physician Jiang said that even the Empress had praised the Fragrant Soap, not to mention how exquisite you’ve made it. It doesn’t even look like something for washing, it’s so beautiful to simply display," Zhou Erhu praised.

"That’s just the simplest of designs. Since we’re now shipping overseas, I’ll put in even more effort to create more varieties. Just the distinctions in color and scent alone are limitless, not to mention other differences. I assure you, they’ll be one of a kind," Lin Yue said confidently. Although she wasn’t fully aware of the material culture in the barbaric countries, she had, during her time in the Capital City, seen the goods trafficked from there in the big stores, which were quite refined and beloved by the nobles of Great Zhou Dynasty. However, the general level of craftsmanship at that time wasn’t high, so she had great confidence in her own creations like the Fragrant Soap.

Having signed a contract with Lin Yue, Zhang Qiusheng had come early to report for duty, only to find out upon his arrival that Mistress Lin had not yet risen. He then encountered an approximately twenty-six or twenty-seven-year-old man of handsome appearance who had stayed in the estate for a day and was actively inquiring around, quickly realizing this was the master of the estate, Mistress Lin’s husband.

"Are you the carpenter Master Zhang, brought here by my wife?" Zhao Erhu asked, his tone leaving no doubt although he posed it as a question. He knew everyone in the estate, so an unfamiliar face carrying a carpenter’s tools was unmistakably Zhang Qiusheng.

"I have seen Dongjia. I am indeed the carpenter brought here by Mistress Lin," Zhang Qiusheng hastily greeted, his heart fluttering with apprehension. Seeing the stern expression on Dongjia’s face, he worried that perhaps his master was unhappy about the incident from the day before.

Zhao Erhu hadn’t gotten over the previous day’s incident. Although his wife wasn’t holding a grudge, he couldn’t help worrying that Zhang Qiusheng might become conceited because of his wife’s indulgence and his own carpentry skills. It was natural for him to admonish the man, intending to instill fear and make it clear that his treasured wife was untouchable and that Zhang Qiusheng should know his place. Hence, he didn’t give a warm welcome to Zhang Qiusheng, instead imposing a sense of intimidation.

"Since my wife has hired you, I will say no more. Just follow my wife’s instructions and keep her happy; that’s all that matters. However, don’t get me wrong—though young and kind, my wife is not someone to be trifled with. Be careful, for if it comes to my attention that she’s been wronged because of you, I won’t be as easy to speak with. Even if my wife protects you for your skills, I won’t let it go easily. Think about it—I’ve managed my affairs well for some time now, and I certainly know how to deal with small nuisances like you."

Zhao Erhu’s words were not just a threat or a warning; with the means at his disposal, dealing with Zhang Qiusheng would be a simple matter, which he would certainly carry out if it came to that.

Zhang Qiusheng broke into a cold sweat hearing Zhao Erhu’s admonition. The Dongjia’s wife was a sharp and fierce woman, not to be trifled with, and with Erhu’s imposing attitude, Zhang dared not step out of line, hurriedly assenting, "Rest assured, Dongjia, I wouldn’t dare. From now on, I will manage my household well and ensure there is no disrespect towards Mistress."

Seeing Zhang Qiusheng genuinely intimidated and respectful, Zhao Erhu let him off the hook. "You were looking for my wife, weren’t you? She hasn’t gotten up yet. You should first go see Zhao Fuquan; my wife will send for you if she has any instructions later."

"Yes," Zhang Qiusheng complied with the Dongjia’s order, and as soon as he was outside, he wiped the sweat from his brow and headed to find Zhao Fuquan. They were in the same trade and would be working together for Dongjia, so naturally, it was important to maintain good relations. Besides, he’d heard that Zhao Fuquan had some family connection to the household. It was always beneficial to cultivate such relationships, especially since Zhao seemed to be an honest and hearty person, with whom it would be easy to get along.

After Lin Yue got up, tidied herself, and had breakfast, Zhao Erhu informed her of Zhang Qiusheng’s visit. Lin Yue hadn’t been idle that morning and hadn’t thought of it, but Zhao Erhu’s reminder prompted her to immediately send for Zhang Qiusheng.

"I’ve seen Dongjia, and Mistress Dongjia," Zhang Qiusheng greeted.

Seeing his even more respectful behavior after just one night, Lin Yue was pleased, "Master Zhang, no need for such formality. You will be working on my estate for a long time, so relax a little. Seeing it’s your first day here, did you have a good rest last night?"

"Very good, Mistress Dongjia arranged everything impeccably, for which I am extremely grateful."

"Master Zhang, you will be working for me, and I assure you that you won’t be mistreated. I understand from my husband that you have already been to the carpentry workshop and have gotten acquainted with the environment there. Brother Fuquan may not be as skilled in carpentry as you are, but he’s truly kind-hearted and dependable. You two should get along well," Lin Yue said, her words containing a hint of caution. Zhao Fuquan was very gullible, and she worried that he might be taken advantage of, hence the need to be proactive on his behalf. After all, it was Zhao Fuquan who had found Zhang Qiusheng, wholeheartedly working for her without reservation. Such a person, though not as skilled, would not be neglected by Lin Yue.

"Mistress Dongjia, rest assured, Brother Zhao is indeed a very good man, and I will certainly get along well with him," Zhang Qiusheng assured.

After saying this, Lin Yue showed Zhang Qiusheng the designs she had prepared. These were creations she had devised from the start, which couldn’t be realized before due to Zhao Fuquan’s limited skills. However, after observing Zhang Qiusheng’s craftsmanship the day before, she believed that, despite the difficulty, these should be feasible for him to produce.

"Master Zhang, what do you think? Can you understand the designs for these wooden boxes, and are you capable of making them?" Lin Yue asked, her voice full of expectation. Although she was confident in Zhang Qiusheng’s abilities, she was still nervous before hearing a confirmation.

Zhang Qiusheng’s eyes lit up when he saw the designs. To a good carpenter, it’s not just about expert handiwork but also about a passion and fondness for the craft, which breathes life and spirit into their creations and enables them to make distinctive pieces. It raises their reputation and elevates their skills.

"Mistress Dongjia is truly ingenious. Not only are the patterns on this box attractive and refined, but the clasp is also designed ingeniously. If carved, they will be exceptional. Could it be that Mistress Dongjia is also versed in the Mechanism Technique? Truly remarkable," he admired.

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