People in the Ming Dynasty are lawless

Chapter 761 Let’s give our son a brother or sister
The morning mist in Hangzhou city has not yet dissipated, but the entrance of the Women's Workshop is already crowded with people.

Cloth merchants from Songjiang, Suzhou, Jiaxing and other places were eagerly waiting, holding visiting cards and draft contracts in their hands.

Zhu Youwei stood in the center of the main hall, looking around at the merchants who had once sneered at the Jinguo Workshop. She wore a lake blue skirt on purpose today, and the silver scissors on her waist gleamed in the morning light.

"You all came from afar, I believe you all came here for cooperation." Zhu Youwei said in a clear voice, "I will explain the rules clearly today."

The old man of Songjiang Zhou family stepped forward with his cane and said, "My princess, I am here with the sincerity of sixteen cloth shops."

Zhu Youwei nodded slightly, motioning Xiaotao to unfold a roll of silk cloth. The terms of cooperation were densely written on it, with the key points marked with red ink.

"First, all cooperative workshops must be staffed by female workers, and men can only serve as craftsmen or managers." Zhu Youwei pointed at the first line, "The monthly salary of female workers must not be less than two taels, and food and lodging are included."

Shopkeeper Shen from Suzhou couldn't help but interject: "The wages are higher than those of male workers."

"Shopkeeper Shen." Zhu Youwei's eyes were sharp. "Women's weaving skills are more sophisticated than men's, and their efficiency is higher. The best weaver in the Yunnan workshop can weave thirty rolls of high-quality cloth a month. Is it worth the price?"

Shopkeeper Shen was speechless. Boss Wang from Songjiang quietly pulled his sleeve, signaling him to stop talking.

"Second, 30% of the profits must be used to set up girls' schools." Zhu Youwei continued, "Each workshop must be equipped with a literacy teacher to teach the Thousand Character Classic and basic mathematics."

Old Master Zhou stroked his white beard and nodded, "Of course. We have already found a female teacher in Songjiang. She is the daughter of the retired Imperial Censor Liu."

Zhu Youwei showed a satisfied look: "Third, all transactions must be settled with treasure notes. The workshop will send someone to check the accounts. If it is found that the silver is used privately, the cooperation will be terminated immediately."

There was a murmur in the hall. The merchants were obviously worried that the circulation of Baochao in Jiangnan was not as good as in Yunnan.

Duke Qian Chen Han spoke at the right time: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ordered that merchants who cooperate with the Jinguo Workshop can exchange them first at the local Baochao Tizhu Division."

As soon as these words came out, the merchants smiled happily. Everyone knew that Baochao was more popular than silver in Yunnan now, and this promise was like getting a pass to make money.

"Now, those who are interested in cooperation, please go to the East Wing to sign the contract." Zhu Youwei clapped her hands, "Manager Xu will check the qualifications one by one."

A long desk with pens, ink, paper and inkstones had already been set up on the east side of the main hall. Manager Xu was a woman in her early forties who had worked as a clerk in the Hangzhou Weaving Bureau for twenty years. In front of her was a thick registration book, and next to it was a special anti-counterfeiting seal made by the workshop.

Old Master Zhou was the first to step forward: "I represent the sixteen cloth shops in Songjiang and ask Manager Xu to review this."

Manager Xu carefully checked the land deeds and guarantee documents brought by the Zhou family, and asked the accompanying accountant to calculate the assets on the spot. After half an hour, she nodded in approval.

"Sign it." Manager Xu pointed to the end of the contract. "Make three copies. The workshop keeps one copy, the government records one copy, and you keep one copy for yourself."

Old Master Zhou signed his name tremblingly, and asked his attendant to take out the Zhou family's copper seal and press it heavily on the cinnabar. Suddenly, a clear seal script of "Songjiang Zhou Family" appeared on the contract.

"Next." Manager Xu said loudly.

The Shen family of Suzhou, the Wang family of Jiaxing, the Li family of Huzhou, and other cloth merchants came forward one after another. The main hall was filled with the scent of ink and cinnabar, and occasionally there were sounds of bargaining, but they soon died down under the unquestionable attitude of Manager Xu.

At 15:30, the last contract was signed. Zhu Youwei looked at the pile of documents and raised her lips slightly.

"Everyone." She walked up the steps, "In three days, the workshop will send craftsmen to various places to install new looms. Please go back and prepare the venue and female workers."

Old Master Zhou bowed and asked, "Princess, how should we select these female workers?"

"Over 15 years old and under 40 years old, and with good hands and feet." Zhu Youwei thought for a moment and added, "Widows and girls from poor families will be given priority."

Shopkeeper Shen couldn't help but ask: "What if you learn slowly?"

"The workshop will send experienced workers to teach, and we guarantee that you will learn it all," Zhu Youwei said firmly, "but there is one rule: if we find that the female workers are being abused, we will immediately terminate the cooperation. A Burmese businessman was just driven away from Yunnan last month because he withheld the meal money from the female workers."

The merchants agreed. Who dared to look down on this young princess now? The crown prince personally supported her, Duke Qian provided protection, not to mention the workshop's ability to make a fortune every day.

After seeing off the last guest, Zhu Youwei breathed a sigh of relief. Xiaotao quickly handed over the warm chrysanthemum tea: "Are you tired, Princess?"

"Not bad." Zhu Youwei rubbed her sore wrist, "Go and ask Manager Xu to come over. We need to decide on the personnel to be sent to various places tonight."

Chen Han came out from behind the screen, holding a list in his hand: "No need to look for it, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already transferred 20 female officials here, all of whom are literate."

Zhu Youwei took the list with surprise: "When did father arrange it?"

"The pigeon letter just arrived this morning." Chen Han said with a smile, "His Highness said that he wants you to have no worries."

Manager Xu hurried over, holding the contract that had just been stamped, "Princess, I've checked it all, and there are no omissions."

Zhu Youwei carefully read each contract, pausing for a moment at each special clause. After confirming that everything was correct, she looked up and said to Manager Xu, "Starting tomorrow, you will lead the new female officials to familiarize themselves with the rules of the workshop. In seven days, the first group will leave for Songjiang."

As dusk fell, the sound of looms in the workshop gradually died down. But the lights in the main hall were still bright, and Zhu Youwei and Manager Xu were explaining the key points to the female officials who were about to be sent out.

"When we get to the local area, the first thing we do is check the food and lodging of the female workers." Zhu Youwei pointed to the regulations and said, "Each person must have two taels of meat every day, and one day off every ten days."

A young female official raised her hand and asked, "What if the local merchants pretend to obey but actually disobey?"

"Just write back." Zhu Youwei said firmly, "The workshop will send someone to check, and if it's true, we will immediately terminate the cooperation. Remember, you are not only going to teach the craft, but also to protect those women."

The ladies-in-waiting nodded solemnly. Most of them came from humble backgrounds and knew that it was not easy for women to make a living.

As the night deepened, Zhu Youwei stood alone on the watchtower. The canal was filled with boats, most of which were flying flags of local businesses. She knew that starting tomorrow, these boats would be loaded with not only cloth, but also the hopes of countless women.

Chen Han came over quietly and put his coat on her: "What are you thinking about?"

"I was thinking, when the Yunnan workshop first opened, Aunt Liu couldn't even write her own name." Zhu Youwei said softly, "Now she can not only read and write, but also chat and laugh with the foreign merchants."

Chen Han followed her gaze and took in the lights of all the houses in Hangzhou: "This is just the beginning."

Yes, this is just the beginning. Zhu Youwei repeated silently in her heart. When women's workshops are built everywhere, the women of the Ming Dynasty will no longer have to rely on others for support.

The next morning, the first batch of female officials were ready to go. They wore the same blue dresses and had a copper plate made by the workshop hanging around their waists. Zhu Youwei personally tied a purse with the word "Jinguo" embroidered on it for each of them.

"There are ten taels of banknotes in here, which are your resettlement expenses." Zhu Youwei reminded, "Remember, you represent the reputation of the Hangzhou workshop."

The ladies-in-waiting responded in unison. In the morning light, their figures gradually faded away, rushing to various places with new hopes.

The people of Hangzhou stood on both sides of the street, watching this special team. Old Zhang, who was selling pancakes, murmured to himself: "The world is really going to change."

……

As the night deepens, the lights in the Hangzhou Women's Workshop go out one by one.

Zhu Youwei sent off the last batch of guests and rubbed her sore shoulders. Xiaotao brought hot tea and said softly, "Princess, it's time to rest."

Zhu Youwei took the teacup, and the warmth passed through the porcelain wall to her fingertips. She looked out the window, and the moonlight poured into the courtyard like water.

"Xiao Tao, go and have a rest. I'll take a look at the account book." Xiao Tao hesitated and finally left. Zhu Youwei was the only one left in the room. She opened the account book, but she couldn't calm down. The workshop had been busy these days, and she hadn't had a good rest for a long time.

Familiar footsteps sounded outside the door. Zhu Youwei looked up and saw Chen Han standing at the door, with the moonlight coating him with a layer of silver.

"Why aren't you asleep so late?" Chen Han walked in and closed the door.

Zhu Youwei closed the account book, and the corners of her mouth rose unconsciously. "Why are you here?"

Chen Han sat down beside her and reached out to gather her scattered hair. "I missed you."

These three simple words warmed Zhu Youwei's heart. She then realized that they had not had a good conversation since Chen Han came back from Yunnan.

"I've heard about the workshop." Chen Han said softly, "You did a great job."

Zhu Youwei lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the account book. "This is the result of everyone's hard work."

Chen Han held her hand, and the warmth from his palm made Zhu Youwei's heart tremble. "Youwei, look at me."

She raised her head and met Chen Han's gentle gaze. Those eyes were filled with pride and love, making her forget to breathe for a moment.

"I'm proud of you." Chen Han's voice was low and firm. "In the past few months, you have run the workshop so well that even the prince praised you highly."

Zhu Youwei's eyes were slightly warm. She had been carrying the burden of the workshop alone these days, and she had never complained of being tired.

Hearing her husband's affirmation at this moment, all the fatigue seemed to surge up all at once.

Chen Han seemed to see through her thoughts and gently held her in his arms.

A familiar scent surrounded her. Zhu Youwei closed her eyes and let herself immerse in this moment of peace.

"You've lost weight." Chen Han stroked her back and said with concern.

Zhu Youwei leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "You too."

The moonlight shines through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

Chen Han looked down at his wife in his arms and suddenly felt as if these few months had been stolen.

He gently lifted Zhu Youwei's chin and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Don't be busy tonight, okay?" Chen Han's voice was pleading.

Zhu Youwei nodded and let him lead her to the inner room.

Under the candlelight, Chen Han undid her complicated bun, and her black hair fell like a waterfall.

He moved gently, afraid to hurt her.

"Thank you for your hard work these days." Chen Han ran his fingers through her long hair, his voice full of pity.

Zhu Youwei turned to face him and raised her hand to touch his cheek. "Did you miss me when you were in Beijing?"

Chen Han grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "I think about you every day and every night."

The flickering candlelight illuminated the overlapping figures of the two people.

A couple who meet again after a long separation have endless private conversations and endless longing to express to each other.

Late at night, Zhu Youwei leaned on Chen Han's shoulder and listened to his strong heartbeat.

"Youwei." Chen Han suddenly said, "How about we give our son a brother or sister?"

Zhu Youwei's face suddenly turned red, and she buried her face in his arms. "What nonsense are you talking about."

Chen Han chuckled and hugged her tighter. "I'm serious. Seeing how well you run the workshop, you must be a good mother."

Zhu Youwei raised her head, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "That will have to wait until the workshop is stable."

"I'll do whatever you say." Chen Han kissed her on the forehead, "But I can't wait to see you teach the kids how to use an abacus."

Zhu Youwei hit him lightly, but couldn't help laughing. The couple fell asleep in each other's arms and had a good night's sleep.

The next morning, Zhu Youwei woke up early. She got up very quietly, fearing to wake up Chen Han who was still sleeping. She opened the window, and the morning breeze with the water vapor from the canal blew in her face.

"Get up so early?" Chen Han's voice came from behind.

Zhu Youwei turned around and saw that he had sat up and was looking at her with a smile.

"We are going to Songjiang today, so we have to prepare early." Zhu Youwei walked back to the bed and straightened his collar for him.

Chen Han held her hand. "Does Xiaotao know?"

Zhu Youwei shook her head. "I haven't told her yet. This child is timid and I'm afraid she will be nervous."

As he was speaking, Xiao Tao's voice came from outside the door: "Princess, are you awake?"

Zhu Youwei and Chen Han smiled at each other. "Come in."

Xiao Tao pushed the door open and walked in, holding a cup of hot water. Seeing Chen Han was also there, she quickly saluted. "Good morning, Duke."

"No need to be so polite." Chen Han said with a smile, "I just happen to have something to tell you."

Xiao Tao looked at Zhu Youwei in confusion. Zhu Youwei pulled her to sit down and said softly, "I'm going to Songjiang today, so I'll leave the workshop to you."

Xiao Tao's hands trembled and she almost knocked over the basin. "Me? No, no, I can't take on this responsibility!"

Chen Han took the basin and put it aside. "Xiao Tao, you have been following You Wei for so long, you have learned the skills and management. You know the rules of the workshop and are familiar with the accounts. What can't you do?"

Xiao Tao was so anxious that she rubbed her hands. "But those merchants, those orders..."

Zhu Youwei patted her shoulder. "Manager Xu has taught you how to deal with merchants before, and you are familiar with the order process. If you are unsure, you can send a pigeon to Songjiang to ask me."

Xiao Tao bit her lip, tears in her eyes. "Princess, I'm afraid I can't do it well."

"Silly girl." Zhu Youwei wiped the tears from her eyes. "Have you forgotten who was the one who managed to stabilize the situation when the foreign merchants were causing trouble a few months ago? And who discovered the error in the accounts and avoided the loss of the workshop?"

……

(End of this chapter)