Wufu was confident in her craftsmanship and was convinced that the Pixiu seal she carved would dazzle everyone, and indeed, it was just as she had expected. Once it reached Wen Congrui’s hands, he was reluctant to let it go.
"If this were an item from our Silver House, I would want to claim it as my own," Wen Congrui, playing with the seal, said to Shopkeeper Lin with a laugh.
Shopkeeper Lin hastily replied, "If the young master likes it, next time we find some top-quality jade, we can have Miss Wufu carve it."
Wen Congrui smiled, fiddled with the seal for a while, and then placed it back into the Purple Sandalwood Box, saying, "We can discuss this matter later."
Upon closing the Purple Sandalwood Box, he sat down and asked, "Is that lady willing to come work for our Silver House as a craftsman?"
Shopkeeper Lin replied with a wry smile, "I have tried to probe many times, but she is not willing, though she agrees to individual commissions."
An individual commission means working as a carving master for a single item, not staying on as a permanent fixture.
"Talented individuals always have their own style," Wen Congrui was not surprised. Although he had only met her briefly, he could see the pride inherent in Wufu, and such a person would not be content to be subordinate or restrained by others.
Shopkeeper Lin smiled in agreement.
"To create such a work at her age is not to be underestimated. Shopkeeper Lin, you should put more thought into it. If you can recruit her, then do so," Wen Congrui tapped the Purple Sandalwood Box as he spoke.
"That is indeed my intention," Shopkeeper Lin hurriedly stated.
Wen Congrui continued, "I have heard about Mr. Lin’s apprentice. It seems that Mr. Lin will probably not stay long at the Hundred Treasures Silver Building."
Shopkeeper Lin’s face paled. Lin Gonyun was considered the treasure of the Hundred Treasures Silver Building. Although he hadn’t produced many works in recent years, there were still many who sought his expertise for commissioned pieces. It was precisely for this reason that the reputation of the Hundred Treasures Silver Building had remained illustrious over the years.
But now, the young master was suggesting he wouldn’t stay long at the Silver House?
"Young master, could it be because of that incident?" Shopkeeper Lin asked tentatively, his heart pounding with fear.
If the incident that caused unrest made Mr. Lin feel that he wasn’t valued and led to his departure from the Hundred Treasures Silver Building, Shopkeeper Lin would be to blame. Even if the young master didn’t dwell on it, it was inevitable that the others from the Wen Family would.
That would leave his future prospects looking grim.
"Rest assured, I have a sense of proportion in this matter, and I will explain it to my uncle," said Wen Congrui, as Third Old Master Wen was in charge of the Wen Family’s household affairs and the Hundred Treasures Silver Building fell under his supervision. "For so many years, the Hundred Treasures Silver Building has been providing for Mr. Lin. If he feels that Thousand Treasures Tower can offer him something better, we won’t stop him," he continued, his tone light and detached, sending chills down Shopkeeper Lin’s spine as he glanced at Wen Congrui from the corner of his eye.
"Young master, this..."
"Everyone has the right to choose, and if they choose wrongly, it’s not our place to blame," Wen Congrui said, approaching the subject from a seemingly unrelated angle. "Miss Wufu is a talented individual, and given her young age, if you cannot recruit her, then make sure to commission her with some fine jade to carve. Even if a few larger pieces are produced, they can serve as the shop’s centerpiece. In particular, it would be best if she carved jade ornaments for the ladies and misses."
Shopkeeper Lin was somewhat surprised, "What do you mean, young master?"
Wen Congrui explained with a smile, "The social circles of the ladies are the best way to promote our work. Having too many pieces does not necessarily mean they are good. It’s the scarcity that makes them more precious. Go ahead with the plan!"
"Yes," Shopkeeper Lin hastily agreed. "Young master, about the price? She has said that if she does it again, it won’t be just one hundred taels anymore!"
Wen Congrui picked up a Hao Brush and said, "If it can serve as the centerpiece, what’s the problem with the price? Our Hundred Treasures Silver Building should also be infused with new blood!"