The Pillar That Calmed the Seas

Once this operation is fully established, it seems there won't be enough people to handle it.

Zhao Ruxi sighed and said to Zhou Chun, "Buy another forty people. The requirements remain the same as before. You handle these matters; I'll just be there when it comes to selecting the men. After you buy them, send them to the estate for half a month of training."

"Also, see who's capable and recommend a couple of assistants to help you. Otherwise, you won't be able to handle it all."

"Okay, young lady."

When Zhou Chun was bought by Zhao Ruxi, he was still uneasy. But after getting to know him, he found that his owner was of good character and personality and not a fool. Although he was relieved, he still didn't think that Zhao Ruxi could accomplish anything great.

He felt that, as Zhao Ruxi's steward or housekeeper, he could at most help her look after the estate and shops.

Who would have thought that Zhao Ruxi's business would grow so large in just one or two months? He hadn't participated in the initial preparations of the three workshops and had no say in the matter. But he was involved in this rice noodle shop from beginning to end.

Having lived in his previous master's house, he had gained considerable experience. He felt that even though his current master was a young girl, her intelligence, knowledge, vision, and magnanimity surpassed those of most masters and young masters from prominent families.

My daughter is so young, and she's already achieved so much at such a young age. Life is so long, who knows how far she'll go in the future?

And as her right-hand man, he will surely be able to stand at a higher level with her.

Thinking about it this way, he became even more excited. Zhou Chun, who was usually very calm, was now as energetic as if he had been injected with chicken blood, walking with a brisk pace as he went to arrange the things Zhao Ruxi had asked him to do.

Zhao Ruxi stood up and asked Qingfeng to go out and buy several large food boxes of pastries. She then led Qingfeng, Dianjiang, and Ma Wushi to Gathered Treasures Studio.

"Oh, Miss Zhao, it's been so long! I've seen you've been very busy lately." Shopkeeper Wang was as enthusiastic as ever, but his attitude was even more respectful than before.

Initially, it was because Zhao Ruxi's jewelry designs were outstanding; later, it was because of the favor shown to him by his own county princess and the Princess of Zhennan. Now, he respects Zhao Ruxi Zhao Ruxi of her abilities.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Shopkeeper Wang, Zhao Ruxi asked him, "How are Shi Chao and Jiang Zhenjiang doing here?"

Shi Chao and Jiang Zhenjiang were two of the people she bought. Zhao Ruxi saw that they were quick-witted, eloquent, had a good way of dealing with people, and were of good character. After the military training, she sent them to Shopkeeper Wang 'Shopkeeper Wang so that they could learn from him.

Although the Earl of Suiping's Residence had several shops, and its own managers were more dedicated to managing them, eliminating the need to trouble outsiders, the grain and rice shops of the Earl of Suiping's Residence catered to ordinary people who bought a few liters or pecks of rice each day. There was really nothing much to learn from them.

Whether it's a jewelry store or a safe shop, she'll be dealing with high-ranking officials and wealthy people. The shopkeeper needs to know their status, temperament, preferences, how to speak to them, and how to avoid stepping on landmines.

It's okay if you don't know how to please customers; the most important thing is not to offend anyone.

Otherwise, even if she tries her best to avoid trouble, her manager will keep stepping on landmines behind her back, offending powerful and influential families in the capital on her behalf. In that case, even if she and the people of the Earl of Suiping's Residence had nine lives, they wouldn't be enough to survive.

So after discussing it with Xiao Ruotong, she shamelessly sent the two of them to Shopkeeper Wang.

Shopkeeper Wang chuckled and said, "They're both very diligent and eager to learn. Even if they can't remember what I teach them right away, they'll write it down and review it later. When I ask them questions the next day, they answer fluently."

He gave Zhao Ruxi a thumbs up. "Miss Zhao has found the right person."

Zhao Ruxi smiled but didn't say anything.

The habit of taking notes was a learning habit that she had Ma Sheng cultivate in all the servants during military training.

It doesn't matter if you're not smart or have a bad memory; the key is to be diligent, have a positive attitude towards learning, and have a love for learning.

Diligence can make up for lack of talent; this is absolutely true.

"Are they quick-witted? Can they handle things flexibly when they encounter problems?" Zhao Ruxi asked again.

"It's alright," said Shopkeeper Wang. "Shi Chao is quick-witted and can handle things flexibly; Jiang Zhenjiang is a little less so. But Jiang Zhenjiang isn't without his merits; he's more composed than Shi Chao. He's probably aware of this weakness, and he often comes to me for advice when he encounters problems."

Shopkeeper Wang seemed quite satisfied with both of them, and fearing that Zhao Ruxi might have a bad impression of them after hearing his words, he added, "In short, both of them are very good; they'd be fine as managers."

Zhao Ruxi smiled and cupped her hands in greeting, "If Shopkeeper Wang thinks there's no problem, then there's definitely no problem. Do you think they're ready to be used now? My shop is about to open and I'm short of managers. But both shops are very important and cannot afford to fail. If some people or things aren't handled properly, they could easily bring me trouble. To be honest, I'm not entirely confident about using these two novices."

Shopkeeper Wang's smile faded. He stroked his beard, frowned, and pondered for a moment before gesturing to the shop assistant beside him.

The shop assistant immediately brought over the writing implements, laid out paper, and ground ink.

Shopkeeper Wang picked up a brush and wrote two lines, then handed the paper to Zhao Ruxi: "I've been a manager my whole life, and I know a few good friends from outside. Of these two, Hu Mingda was once the manager of a large silver shop; Song Zhuo worked as a manager in Jiangnan when he was young, and returned to the capital after the age of forty to open his own silk shop."

"Both of them are very capable. It's just that they're old now, over sixty, and their children and grandchildren don't want them to work too hard, so they stay home enjoying their grandchildren's company. If Miss Zhao is willing, she could personally go to their door and invite them to come out of retirement. They wouldn't need to handle the shop's miscellaneous affairs; they could just sit there and offer guidance when Shi Chao and Jiang Zhenjiang are at a loss, acting as a stabilizing force. I think that would be quite feasible."

He laughed and said, "They've been busy their whole lives, and they feel uneasy when they suddenly have free time. I imagine they'd be very happy to come with these terms."

"That's wonderful." Zhao Ruxi stood up and bowed to Shopkeeper Wang. "Shopkeeper Wang, Ruxi grateful."

Shopkeeper Wang was startled and quickly dodged.

He was a servant of the Prince of Zhennan's Residence, while Zhao Ruxi was a noble lady of the same status as Xiao Ruotong. Naturally, he could not accept Zhao Ruxi's courtesy.

He knew that Zhao Ruxi understood this. And the fact that she knew it yet still bowed to him made him very pleased.

But the appearance still needs to be created.

He suppressed his smile, put on a stern face, and said reproachfully, "I helped you a great deal, and instead of thanking me, you bow to me. Isn't that making me feel ashamed?"

Zhao Ruxi waved her hand with a grin. "Okay, okay, I won't do it again next time."

Shopkeeper Wang then turned his anger into laughter.