Under pressing time constraints, Wufu and Shopkeeper Lin met with Wen Congrui again for consultations, and the final outcome was that Wufu would compete as the Jade Carving Master for the Wen Family. On regular days, Wufu needed to participate in some of the jadeite design work for the Silver House, and any artwork produced had to be sold exclusively at the Hundred Treasures Silver Building.
In short, Wufu was employed as the Wen Family’s Jade Carving advisor, but the contract was signed annually.
According to Wufu herself, she had no intention of making jade carving her main source of income, nor did she like to be restrained. Given her willingness to walk away at any time, she only signed for one year, with the possibility of renewing the contract if she chose to continue.
Now, as an advisor, Wufu could earn twenty taels monthly, with additional rewards at the end of the year, all decided by Wen Congrui.
The consultation ended joyfully, and Shopkeeper Lin’s actions were swift. In just two short days, they had registered Wufu’s name and acquired a portrait of a beauty, modeled after Lady Gu.
The competition rules aimed to examine the contestants’ design skills and craftsmanship, hence participants brought their materials to carve. To facilitate judging and ensure fairness, mutton fat jade and jadeite were uniformly chosen as crafting materials.
Regardless of winning or losing, Lou Wanyuan promised to purchase all the competition pieces based on their value.
Once settled, Shopkeeper Lin provided Wufu with a variety of raw stones to choose from as her material.
It was also through this competition that Wufu learned Shopkeeper Lin had been promoted to Store Manager at the city branch, and he was also overseeing the smaller branch in Maofeng Town. There, Jin Xi—whom Wufu knew—was promoted to Second Shopkeeper, a happy affair indeed.
It was no wonder that Shopkeeper Lin was so devoted to the success of this competition. If Wufu placed well, it would count as a significant achievement for him, having just been transferred.
Wufu’s participation in the competition on behalf of Hundred Treasures Silver Building was no secret; when Lan Shu, Congrui’s senior maid, heard about it, she was stunned.
"My young master, that girl has yet to reach the age of marriage, how can she undertake such a significant task? Our Silver House has many Skilled Craftsmen," Lan Shu said, shocked.
Wen Congrui smiled faintly, "This world is full of once-in-a-century talents. Although she has not reached the age of marriage, her craftsmanship is no less than that of our Silver House’s Skilled Craftsmen."
Lan Shu was taken aback. That unruly girl—her young master thought so highly of her, comparing her to a once-in-a-century genius?
A wave of jealousy surged from deep within her, bubbling up.
"I never expected such a girl of plain appearance to have such talent, to be praised so highly by the young master," Lan Shu said, biting her lip with a forced smile.
Wen Congrui commented, "At such a young age, it is indeed rare."
In various trades, Skilled Craftsmen are primarily men, and it’s rare for women to take on craft work. Even those who excel often deal with elegant pursuits like incense making, lute crafting, or paper making, seldom venturing into intricate craftsmanship. Those who do rarely make a significant name for themselves.
And Wufu, at just fourteen years of age, already possessed such craftsman skills, which was truly remarkable.
"Having the young master’s favor is fortunate for her," Lan Shu said again, "But my young master, I am unsure if I should voice a concern."
"Such a grand event affects the century-long reputation of our Silver House; the stakes are high. She’s just a girl, and we don’t know if she’ll get stage fright. Shouldn’t the young master inform the Store Manager or the Third Old Master?" Lan Shu said with a smile, "I worry that if Lady Wu were to botch it, it could reflect poorly on you."
Wen Congrui’s expression turned cold as he looked at her, "Are you telling me how to do my job?"
Lan Shu’s face turned pale, and she fell to her knees, "I wouldn’t dare!"
Wen Congrui said coldly, "I will not change what I’ve decided. Leave."
Lan Shu’s eyes reddened, and on the brink of tears, she dared not disobey and, after apologizing, she withdrew.