Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1408: Visit from Zhao Shu

Editor: Henyee Translations

Third Old Master Qiao let out a sorrowful sigh and continued on his way, resigned to his circumstances.

A few days after Third Old Master Qiao’s departure, Zhao Shu joyfully brought Uncle Qing and Aunt Qing to the capital.

On the second day after his return to the capital, he learned that Shao Yunduan was home for a break. With gifts in tow, he brought Uncle Qing and Aunt Qing to pay him a visit.

“Lord and Madam departed for the south before the New Year, and I was not present. My apologies! I heard that you’ll be sending the princess to Qingdi as a marriage envoy in three months. I thought it best to come to the capital before you set off.

“The weather is not bad after the New Year, and we were in a hurry to reach the capital. The journey was rather smooth, allowing us to pay our respects to you and Madam on time.”

Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan couldn’t help but chuckle.

It was already late January, with the New Year arriving quite late.

Nevertheless, Zhao Shu had thoughtfully made the trip to the capital while Shao Yunduan was away.

Jiangnan’s bureaucracy had always kept a close watch on the capital’s affairs, particularly due to the frequent movements of merchants between Jiangnan and the capital. News from the capital quickly spread to Jiangnan.

This primitive communication system in ancient times was surprisingly swift.

Zhao Shu discussed matters with the two of them regarding the flower fields and the perfume workshop in Hangzhou for the upcoming year.

Shao Yunduan had little interest in these affairs, but Qiao Xuan did.

Zhao Shu had a dedicated team of managers, shopkeepers, and workers who handled everything efficiently. Even the sales channels had been secured.

Qiao Xuan had no objections to these arrangements.

As long as he was aware, it was all fine.

The only source of regret lay in the fact that she would be traveling with Shao Yunduan and wouldn’t have the opportunity to visit Jiangnan again. Nevertheless, she had been to Jiangnan the previous year and had invested considerably in Hanada, expecting it to thrive.

Qiao Xuan casually reminded Zhao Shu, “Young Master Zhao, the land you acquired is excellent, and the flower and wood seedlings are of high quality. Your subordinates will look after them. When spring arrives, those flowers and trees will grow lush. You better be prepared in case there’s an abundance of flowers, and the workshop becomes quite busy. It would be a waste!”

Zhao Shu was delighted with Qiao Xuan’s praise and nodded. “If you hadn’t brought it up, I wouldn’t have thought of it! Madame Shao, you’re absolutely right. I’ll make sure they keep an eye on things and get ready.”

“I invested a significant sum in acquiring those flower seedlings. The field stewards mentioned that our flowers and trees are well-suited for the winter. They have full buds and are sure to flourish in the warmer weather. We’re bound to make a substantial profit this year.”

Perfume had only been introduced in the latter half of the previous year. Though the glass bottles were not cheap, a small bottle worth more than a hundred taels of silver still generated substantial profit.

Zhao Shu had overseen this endeavor entirely on his own, different from taking charge of the 100,000 mu of mulberry gardens. He experienced a special sense of achievement, especially as the profits continued to grow and multiply. His motivation was at an all-time high.

Qiao Xuan smiled. “If everything proceeds smoothly in the workshop, we’ll make quite a profit. In any case, I must remind you, Young Master Zhao!”

Zhao Shu responded with a smile. “Rest assured, Madame Shao, I won’t forget about it.”

After a brief stay, Zhao Shu stood up to take his leave. He mentioned that he had reserved a private room at Deyan Restaurant and invited the two of them for dinner the following evening.