Chapter 67: Farewell

After deciding to go to Weihai, early the next morning, Liu Minyou went to the clothing shop as usual. Today he had many matters to arrange. All the way to Zhenhaimen Street, Lao Cai and Lu You had already arrived first to hang the shop sign, and the door panels had also been taken down. Seeing Liu Minyou arrive, both came over attentively to greet him.

Liu Minyou usually found these two somewhat superfluous, but now that he was about to leave, he saw them in a more favorable light. After warmly greeting them, he entered the shop and sat down. A while later, Shen Lishi and Zhou Laifu and his wife also arrived. Today was still only Zhou Laifu's second day at work. He had originally been at another shop and only did night work here; he had worried this clothing shop wouldn't last long, but now that the shop's business was slowly stabilizing, he had finally made up his mind to work here full-time. Shen Lishi still quietly sat in the corner; her table was there, its surface very wide, suitable for both sorting clothes and writing.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Liu Minyou said to them, "Today we'll follow the same routine as usual. First, the daily meeting. Shen Niangzi, please go over today's goods."

Shen Lishi took out an account book. She had drawn her own two-dimensional tables to record orders and shipments. However, Lao Cai's face darkened again. Lao Cai was a bit older; looking at those two-dimensional tables gave him a headache, and he could never learn them. Moreover, Shen Lishi could also do the accounts, which gave Lao Cai a certain sense of crisis in the shop.

Shen Lishi's gentle voice softly rang out: "First, outgoing goods: six pieces of clothing finished yesterday, one dress, four windbreakers, and one cape." After speaking, she glanced at Zhou Laifu's wife; deliveries had always been her responsibility.

Zhou Laifu's wife remained silent. Liu Minyou had no choice but to say, "Then I'll trouble Sister-in-law Zhou to deliver them."

Only then did Zhou Laifu's wife agree. In any case, if it wasn't arranged by Liu Minyou, she generally ignored Shen Lishi. Shen Lishi was used to it and continued on her own: "Next is garment-making. Today we should complete three windbreakers and one cape. The materials were prepared yesterday; today we need to do the cutting and sewing. I'll handle the finishing work as usual."

Shen Lishi did not directly say that Zhou Laifu should finish it, lest it seem like she was taking charge. Zhou Laifu, however, was mild-mannered. He was warm-hearted by nature and never bullied others, so he readily agreed.

"Third is miscellaneous tasks. Today we need to prepare the materials for tomorrow's six garments, and also restock what's needed in the storeroom: fabric, cotton batting, gold foil, buttons, buttonholes, leather straps, clothes hangers, colored thread, and needles. Count the quantities, get some silver in advance from Brother Cai, and go to the various shops to replenish them."

Seeing that Lao Cai and Lu You were still silent, Liu Minyou interjected, "Accountant Cai and Lu You will handle this matter." Only then did Lao Cai and Lu You stand up and agree. "Lastly, accounting matters. The hundred padded jackets outsourced a few days ago haven't been paid for yet to those households. Zhang Dahui collected the clothes yesterday but hasn't cleared the account. That's all for today's tasks." Shen Lishi gently concluded her report.

Liu Minyou greatly admired Shen Lishi's abilities and wanted her to play the role of an assistant manager. He had set up these daily meetings and let Shen Lishi arrange the tasks, hoping to build her authority. Judging by the results, it was very ineffective; if he didn't speak, no one took her seriously. Liu Minyou could understand. Someone who got beaten at home every day would find it hard to establish authority in the workplace. Even Shen Lishi herself lacked confidence, never fighting for anything, just diligently doing her work every day.

Seeing that Shen Lishi had finished, Liu Minyou spoke: "Then everyone focus on these tasks today. I have one more thing to arrange. Brother Zhou, today you need to make one undershirt. Tomorrow I want to see the result, so I'll trouble you to work a bit harder today."

"It's only right. There isn't much to do today; it should be manageable." Zhou Laifu politely stood up to reply.

Shen Lishi blushed in the corner. That undershirt was simply too small. After Liu Minyou drew a rough sketch, Shen Lishi was too embarrassed to even look at it. Liu Minyou, tactfully, didn't ask for her opinion. For other outer garments on normal days, Liu Minyou would usually ask Shen Lishi if there were any improvements to be made...

"One more thing. I'm leaving for Shandong tomorrow and may be away for quite a long time."

"Ah!" Shen Lishi suddenly looked up. Hearing this news so abruptly, she lost her composure for a moment and actually cried out. Everyone in the room looked at her in surprise. No one else had spoken yet, and she had already exclaimed like that.

Shen Lishi quickly turned her head away, blushing, and didn't dare ask further. Her time working here was her most relaxed time. Although the others somewhat ostracized her, it was still far better than the atmosphere at home. At least no one suddenly rushed over to beat her randomly. Moreover, Liu Minyou had always been very considerate of her; she could feel a sense of respect. She diligently learned everything about the clothing shop, and every time she received praise from Liu Minyou, she felt a sense of accomplishment she had never experienced before. Now, every day she looked forward to leaving that home and stepping into this shop. Every morning, seeing the shop door filled her with a sense of warmth. But just now, when she heard Liu Minyou was leaving, she suddenly felt empty inside. She didn't know what kind of feeling it was.

"Hmm." Liu Minyou cleared his throat dryly and continued, "You all know about Chen Xin's situation. I have to go with him, but this clothing shop will continue to operate."

Hearing this, everyone felt relieved. As long as the clothing shop remained, they would at least have food to eat.

Zhou Laifu asked, "Proprietor, how long will you be gone?" Out of the corner of his eye, Liu Minyou noticed Shen Lishi slightly raising her head.

"I should return once after spring begins. Brother Zhou, please don't call me Proprietor anymore; just use what you called me before."

Hearing that he would return after spring, everyone knew Liu Minyou still had to arrange the shop's affairs, so they all quietly waited for him to speak.

"Shop affairs will be managed by Shopkeeper Zhou Laifu, with daily meetings just like today. Everyone else will continue with their current division of labor and do their respective jobs."

Zhou Laifu stood up to decline, saying he had just arrived and wasn't suited to manage affairs. Liu Minyou insisted, and only then did Zhou Laifu accept with emotion. He had been a tailor for many years and had never been a shopkeeper. Rarely had anyone appreciated him, and he was quite grateful to Liu Minyou for recognizing his talent.

Lao Cai, seeing a newcomer like Zhou Laifu become shopkeeper, was inwardly displeased, but he didn't dare show it. He wasn't afraid of Liu Minyou, but he was somewhat wary of Chen Xin. He cautiously asked, "Proprietor, if you leave, what about the silver collected each day?"

"Miss Zhao will come every two days to collect it. Leave the silver for stocking goods, and hand over the rest to Miss Zhao." Liu Minyou and Chen Xin had discussed this. Zhao Xiang was Lao Cai's old proprietor, and she had shown great strength and composure during the funeral arrangements; she should be able to keep Lao Cai in check. Sure enough, upon hearing this, Lao Cai knew they still didn't fully trust him and felt even more dejected.

Liu Minyou recalled Chen Xin's arrangements and said to Lao Cai, "For Lao Cai, it's not just the clothing shop matters. Chen Xin has more important tasks arranged for you; he will personally explain them to you when the time comes."

The others in the shop turned to look at Lao Cai. None of them knew what that more important task was, but Lao Cai immediately thought of the maritime trade purchasing and serving as financial deputy. It seemed the Battalion Commander still valued him greatly. Compared to the Battalion Commander's side, the small wages from this clothing shop really meant nothing. Instantly, he felt his status was more than a level above the others. Smugly pleased, he stroked his few wispy rat whiskers and laughed with self-satisfaction, the very picture of a petty man reveling in success.

Liu Minyou ignored him and proceeded to arrange several important winter styles one by one, giving some instructions and precautions. Finally, he came to Shen Lishi. Liu Minyou said calmly, "Brother Zhou, any new styles you create, be sure to ask Shen Niangzi to look at them. Her suggestions are generally insightful. Shen Niangzi, you must assist Zhou Laifu more; he just arrived and is still unclear about many things."

Shen Lishi also agreed, still not raising her head. The blush from earlier had been too intense and hadn't yet faded.

"Everyone must cooperate sincerely. This shop isn't just mine and Chen Xin's. If everyone works hard, and when I return after spring, if we've made good profits, I will give everyone more bonuses."...

Hearing this, everyone perked up. What attracted them most to this clothing shop was the so-called bonus. If the shop made more money, they themselves would get a larger share, unlike other shops where it was just that fixed monthly wage. That was why their motivation at this Orchid Clothing Shop was greater than before.

Liu Minyou quietly observed everyone's expressions. Only Lao Cai didn't seem to care much; he was probably hoping to make a big fortune from going to sea and naturally didn't think much of the clothing shop's bonus.

"Huh." Liu Minyou suddenly realized. This Lao Cai drew a wage at the clothing shop normally, but whenever there was work, Chen Xin would transfer him away. He was essentially paying to support a subordinate for Chen Xin for free. "That bastard, what a clever scheme."

That bastard was currently kneeling respectfully on the floor of the main hall: "This junior pays respects to Lady Zhao!" Chen Xin didn't feel particularly awkward this time. Lady Zhao was very gentle and was Zhao Xiang's mother; it was always better than kneeling to those so-called lords.

"Quickly, rise!" Lady Zhao smiled as she looked at Chen Xin. Her complexion was much better than two months ago. Since the engagement was settled, Zhao Xiang had a future home, and especially since Chen Xin agreed that the first boy would take the surname Zhao, she seemed to have hope for life again, so even her hair had started turning black again in places.

"Thank you, Lady Zhao!" Chen Xin kowtowed once more before standing up. Zhao Xiang, dressed in mourning white, accompanied Lady Zhao. She hadn't seen Chen Xin for a long time, and seeing him today filled her heart with great joy.

Suppressing a smile, Chen Xin solemnly bowed to Zhao Xiang: "Greetings, Miss."

Zhao Xiang returned the courtesy: "Ten thousand blessings to the Battalion Commander." As she spoke, she stuck out her tongue at Chen Xin. Juxiang beside her nearly burst out laughing and hurriedly covered her mouth.

Lady Zhao, unable to see Zhao Xiang behind her, said gently, "Accountant Chen, please sit." She was used to calling Chen Xin by his old title and continued to do so; Chen Xin naturally didn't mind.

Chen Xin sat down properly. He wore a blue scholar's robe and a square scholar's cap on his head, looking every bit the refined gentleman. Lady Zhao, as a mother-in-law eyeing her future son-in-law, found him more and more pleasing the more she looked. Now Chen Xin had also become a purchased-rank Battalion Commander. Although military household status didn't sound good, it was still a Rank Five official at worst. Her own family wasn't short on silver, and having this official rank made them even more distinguished.

"Madam, Miss, I have come today to bid farewell."

"Ah!" Upon hearing Chen Xin was leaving again, Zhao Xiang couldn't help but cry out. Lady Zhao turned to glare at her. Zhao Xiang put on a placating smile, and Lady Zhao rolled her eyes at her before turning back.

After turning back, Lady Zhao also put on a smile: "Accountant Chen, are you going to Weihai? Why such haste?"

"In reply to Madam, that is indeed the case. The Wei River hasn't completely frozen over yet; if I delay any longer, I won't be able to travel."

Zhao Xiang interjected, "It wouldn't be so bad if you couldn't leave."

This time Lady Zhao didn't turn back to look at her. A kind smile appeared on her face as she said, "A man's ambitions lie far and wide; how could a mere girl like you hold him back? Besides, it's official business. Who ever heard of an official not taking up his post? As long as he doesn't go far away, anywhere is fine."

Chen Xin knew she was referring to the maritime trade with Japan. For now, he indeed wasn't going, and even if he were, he wouldn't tell her. He said to Lady Zhao, "This junior is indeed going to take up his post, but I will return after spring begins. I won't go far away in the future; at most, I'll send others."

Lady Zhao understood his meaning. Sending others to Japan was fine, as long as her daughter didn't become a widow. Having resolved this point, she said to Chen Xin with a gentle expression, "Don't blame me for meddling. It's just that for so many years, whenever he mentioned going to that place, my heart would be restless day and night..."

Her eyes reddened again. Chen Xin quickly offered words of comfort. Lady Zhao waved her hand, her face still serene: "Now, I just look forward to you and Xiang'er getting married next year and giving our Zhao family a grandson." She never forgot that the first boy must take the surname Zhao. Having followed Proprietor Zhao, that pirate, for many years, her manner was quite bold. Her words were so blunt that Zhao Xiang's face flushed slightly, and she pouted behind her mother's back...

Chen Xin, thick-skinned as ever—he couldn't even remember if he had ever blushed in this life—nodded upon hearing this and said, "This junior will certainly work hard to let Madam hold a grandson soon."

At this, Zhao Xiang's face turned completely bright red, and Juxiang beside her giggled. Seeing Chen Xin's declaration, Lady Zhao's eyes crinkled with laughter. Satisfied, she said, "Accountant Chen, for this trip to Weihai, are there any difficulties? Do you need any assistance from our Zhao family?"

"This junior is short on some silver." The several people in the room simultaneously widened their eyes. Usually, such offers were just polite formalities; this Chen Xin really dared to ask.

Lady Zhao, however, didn't mind at all. Nodding, she said, "Good, no pretenses, just like Xiang'er's father. How much silver do you need?"

Chen Xin calculated. He had nineteen thousand taels of silver. He had already spent nearly a thousand taels and planned to give several thousand to Wen Tiren. He needed to keep at least ten thousand taels. His share from one maritime trade ship was over twenty thousand, so he still needed about fifteen thousand. Thus, he said, "This junior would like to borrow twenty thousand taels."

Lady Zhao closed her eyes and said nothing. Everyone quietly waited for her answer. After a moment, she opened her eyes. "Xiang'er, you stay. Everyone else, leave."

Old Woman Zhang, Juxiang, and another maidservant all walked out and closed the door behind them.

Only then did Lady Zhao say, "I can lend the silver. I only have Xiang'er, this one daughter. This family fortune will sooner or later be yours. But you must remember, you cannot go out to sea to the Wa country yourself. I need Accountant Chen to swear an oath."

Chen Xin solemnly swore a terrible oath, promising not to go to the Wa country again. As an atheist, he felt no pressure about this and had no intention of keeping it anyway. But he sometimes felt that respecting the gods might not be a bad thing, and it wasn't certain that gods didn't exist. However, after a lifetime of materialist education, it was very hard for him to completely change his own thinking.

"From now on, I'd better just tell my son the gods are real," Chen Xin thought, watching Lady Zhao's relieved expression after hearing the oath. That kind of reverence for the divine actually helps a great deal in forming a moral sense.

"Then Accountant Chen, please wait a moment." Lady Zhao rose and left the room, likely to fetch the silver notes.

"Hey." The moment Lady Zhao vanished through the doorway, Zhao Xiang beckoned Chen Xin over.

Chen Xin hurried to her side. The blush on Zhao Xiang's cheeks hadn't yet fully faded. "Little man, you now owe my family silver. From now on, you'll listen to me, alright?"

Chen Xin put on a troubled face. "As the saying goes, the debtor is the boss. If I broke that rule, I'd be letting the people down far too much."

Zhao Xiang burst out laughing. "Where did that come from? What do my family's affairs have to do with the people? Go on, call the people out here so I can see them."

"Forget it. I've heard plenty about these people, but I've never seen them either. What I meant earlier was that I can't let the Great Ming realm down. Didn't I tell you before that moral instruction begins at the women's quarters?"

Zhao Xiang pouted high. She knew it was unlikely Chen Xin would ever listen to her, but his temper seemed very good — she had never seen him even slightly angry, so he should be easy to get along with. Every time she spoke with Chen Xin, her mood improved. A pity this man was about to leave again.

"Little man, stay a couple more days, won't you? So we can talk a bit more."

Chen Xin grinned. "The boat will be stuck once the river freezes, then I won't be able to leave. How about I come keep you company and talk tonight?"

"At night, my mother would never allow it."

Chen Xin glanced back at the doorway, then pulled a paper tube and a string from his sleeve. He whispered, "See if there's a small hole in the wall of your room facing outside. Push the end of the string through, and we can talk."

"This thing can talk?" Zhao Xiang took it, half believing, half doubting. "Only the outer room where Juxiang sleeps has a little hole, blocked by a cabinet. It's not even as big as a little finger. How can we talk through that?"

"When the time comes, just remember to push the string end through, and hold the paper tube to your ear."

Just as they were speaking, Lady Zhao's footsteps sounded again. The two quickly separated and stood properly.

"Accountant Chen, take the silver notes and keep them safe. These four are all redeemable in Tianjin." Lady Zhao quietly told Chen Xin the secret codes for the notes, and Chen Xin committed each one to memory.

After Lady Zhao finished, she said to Chen Xin, "Accountant Chen, once you leave, it will be several months. Although we all trust you, it's always better to settle the formal status. Why not set up two tables of wine and food here tonight, invite your friends and family over, and finalize this betrothal."

Chen Xin knew that taking away such a large sum of money without ceremony would be hard to justify. Since he had no intention of swindling them anyway, he agreed readily. "Then I'll go inform them right now and return this evening."

"Good, good." Lady Zhao nodded repeatedly, her eyes narrowing to slits as she looked at Chen Xin.