novelraw Chapter 83: The Signboard
Chapter 83: The Signboard
Chapter 83: The Signboard
Shen Yuan’s anger, stirred by the “lightened” money box, erupted in a fit of rage.
He didn't vent his anger on his outing and returned home with a mind full of contemplation.
Then he saw the two carts of glass that had just been delivered from Zhao Family Workshop.
Shen Qing and Shen Liu, who had been whispering together, immediately ran over, their faces full of excitement and anticipation.
They had already seen the effect at Wen Gu’s place and could finally install it in their own homes. The study, bedroom, and other rooms could all be renovated according to their own preferences!
No need to endure the cold, and it’s bright! It shows status!
By then, they could invite people from the clan over to visit and show off, wouldn't those people envy them to death?
These two carts of goods were only for their family, not for the clan.
Shen Yuan also temporarily set aside his thoughts and asked curiously:“This is glass? The kind you said can be installed in windows?”
He had flipped through the account books before, and there was a record, and the steward had also reported it.
These two carts were the latest orders.
Shen Yuan walked over quickly and looked closely. It was indeed as transparent as crystal, with a slight greenish hue. The color was particularly noticeable when stacked together in pieces.
He liked things with color!
Just looking wasn’t enough, he reached out to touch it.
The delivery man quickly reminded him: “The edges are sharp, please be careful, Master Shen!”
“Mm, not touching the edges.”
Shen Yuan touched it, feeling the cool sensation under his fingers.
“What a good thing!”
Even without installing it, he could imagine the effect and the hot topic of conversation among the wealthy and influential families in Xin Prefecture City afterward.
In winter, it’s windproof, warm, and translucent, much better than paper windows. It’s shiny and looks luxurious!
“Install it! Replace all the doors and windows immediately!” Shen Yuan said cheerfully.
The glass sheets on the cart were not all the same; there were several types. Some were plain, natural-colored sheets, some were slightly thicker with patterns, and some were of other colors. The owners could choose according to their own preferences.
Shen Yuan then asked the delivery men: “Currently, how many households in the city have received these glass panels?”
The delivery man replied respectfully: “Replying to Master Shen, so far, only this batch has been delivered, to two households. One is your family, and the other is Patrol Officer Pei’s family.”
The current production of glass is limited, and many rich households in the city have to wait in line even with money to order it. Without sufficient status, they would have to wait until after the New Year.
Shen Yuan secretly felt smug.
Their family received preferential treatment because of Madam Shen, and the Pei family received it because they had craftsmen and the formula. Everyone else, regardless of whether they were from the southern or northern lands or were dignitaries, had to wait behind them!
Who would have thought that the times would change so quickly, considering how much their Shen family had endured grievances and suppression because of their business in the past!
The fortunes of people are unpredictable, and his Shen family was just riding the wave of good fortune!
Despite his inner satisfaction, Shen Yuan maintained a serious expression.
The delivery men also informed them that if specialized craftsmen were needed for installation, they could make an appointment, as there were skilled workers trained by the workshop.
However, the owners had to decide which type of glass to install where.
The person in charge of delivery explained everything about the goods and precautions, then stood respectfully with his head bowed slightly. He didn't seem to be leaving.
Shen Yuan: ???
Is there something else?
Shen Qing leaned closer and whispered to his father: “The balance payment!”
Shen Yuan suddenly realized: “Oh, right, there’s the balance payment!”
The deposit had already been paid, and now it was time for the final payment.
This bill could not be defaulted on.
Who would dare to default on Zhao Family’s bills?
The money certificates were currently in Shen Yuan’s hands, so he had to pay this amount.
With the limited production of glass, it was a precious commodity, and the purchase of these two carts of goods was not a small sum.
More money certificates were handed out.
He had planned to put them in the money box, but now they were all gone.
Shen Yuan smiled calmly, but his heart ached as if he were losing flesh.
But this was a necessary expense!
Glass windows could indeed improve the living environment and allow them to live better through the winter. For families with better living conditions, it was indeed a preferred option.
In addition, it was preparation for the New Year.
By then, when they received guests, if everyone else had installed them and they hadn’t, would it seem like they had fallen on hard times?
There would surely be plenty of sarcastic remarks and veiled criticisms.
Their current display also represented Madam Shen’s reputation, and they could not afford to be embarrassed!
The money was spent where it was needed and was valuable!
Shen Yuan consoled himself this way.
As for the money box that was now empty again…
Their Shen family’s life had improved, and they would soon save up again!
After settling the bill, the delivery men left, and they began to discuss how to distribute the glass panels and where to install them.
“Wen Gu also contributed to the development of glass?” Shen Yuan sighed. “This child is truly capable!”
He had half of my Shen family’s bloodline, so he must also have a business acumen. If this were a peaceful era, if he managed it well, he would surely make a fortune and become a powerful billionaire!
Not only Shen Yuan but everyone else thought the same. They were envious and thought that if the world were peaceful, they would have invested.
But the times were different now, and any ideas had to be suppressed.
Even if they knew the formula, what could they do?
First, they couldn’t. Without materials, kilns, or craftsmen, what could they do?
Second, they wouldn’t dare. Compete with warlords for business in their territory? They must be tired of living?!
Of course, they could also defect to other factions after obtaining the formula. But that would be too risky.
After a period of restlessness, they calmed down again.
Meanwhile, in Jingxing District.
Uncle Shen’s sudden arrival was indeed an unexpected small interlude today.
Regardless of the cause and course of events, the result was a happy little interlude.
Wen Gu looked at the two money certificates in his hand.
Uncle Shen is such a good person!
He must have more contact with him in the future and strengthen their uncle-nephew bond!
After putting away the money certificates, he continued with the day's affairs.
Today was a special day for the grassroots clerks and scribes of Jingxing District.
The personnel from the Patrol Division, in addition to bringing the ten injured and retired personnel they had promised to transfer, also brought something with them—
The signboard that Wen Gu had applied for had arrived.
The foremen of each district also had different office locations.
Basic-level managers like “foremen” generally did not have independent, formal official offices.
Some simply set up a simple office near the district gate. Others used their private residences.
Wen Gu, managing affairs in two districts, also converted one of his courtyards into an office.
However, as more people moved into the district, and the number of houses built and the daily flow of people increased, the office staff would also grow.
Wen Gu pondered that he needed to enhance his professionalism and not let people mistake it for a makeshift operation.
This courtyard had been renovated and modified. To add a sense of formality and ritual, Wen Gu had specifically applied for an officially certified signboard, with four characters personally written by his cousin—Jingqing Public Office!
The main entrance of the courtyard had been renovated and rebuilt, making it sturdier and more imposing. With the addition of a signboard, it now felt much more official and highlighted his professional status!
From today onwards, this was the officially recognized, authoritative place for the Jing and Qing districts in Xin Prefecture!
Not just a small courtyard that anyone could enter!
It had a strong official atmosphere!
Wen Gu glanced at the others.
As expected, Cheng Zhi and Little Brother He had faces full of pride, and the eyes of the onlookers from the marketplace also showed more respect.
It was fortunate that there weren't too many etiquette rules now. Wen Gu could be a bit bolder in renovating the courtyard, and he had invited Pei Jing to design and modify the signboard and the main entrance of the courtyard.
Looking back now, it was all worth it.
Morale had significantly improved, and the emotional value was immense. Even dogs passing by would give it a thumbs-up!
Legend has it: The signboard is the GDP.
Perhaps it could even attract a few more wealthy households.