Chapter 548: Floral Paper
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Under a starlit night.
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao followed Chu Qingzhi upstairs, calling out, “Fifth Sister…”
Chu Qingzhi stopped in the hall, turning back, “What’s the matter?”
Chu Xuyuan ran over and pulled out a stool. He frowned and said, “Fifth Sister, sit. Sit down and talk. Things are a little complicated.”
Chu Qingzhi looked at the two children and sat on the stool. She asked in confusion, “Something happened in the school again?”
Chu Xuyao sat next to Chu Qingzhi, leaning on her with a troubled look, “Fifth Sister, it’s like this…” He detailed the entire incident to Chu Qingzhi.
After listening, Chu Qingzhi analyzed, “Firstly, whoever did this must have a motive, and secondly, he aims to achieve something through this action.”
“The motive is unclear for now, but the purpose is evident. He spread rumors that Teacher Yan leaked exam questions to you. Regardless of the truth, your reputation is already tarnished.”
“Reputation is as vital as life for a scholar. He’s not after your lives but trying to drive you out of the school and cut off your path to the imperial examination.”
“You don’t have conflicts of interest with anyone, nor have you offended anyone. So, the most likely reason is jealousy.”
“The person jealous of you should be someone you know, who doesn’t consider themselves inferior to you, harbors a sense of resentment against the world, lives a repressed life, and is under significant psychological pressure. He likely has strict parents who expect him to succeed. This person constantly observes you, is usually taciturn, and studies hard.”
Chu Qingzhi looked at them, “Does anyone like that come to mind?”
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao simultaneously exclaimed, “Yes! Dai Ruolin!!”
“Fifth Sister, he’s exactly as you described,” Chu Xuyao’s eyes sparkled, “How did you figure it out just by analyzing?”
Chu Qingzhi patted Chu Xuyao’s head, smiling, “It’s all about experience. Analyze the situation more when you encounter problems, and you’ll understand.”
Chu Xuyao nodded firmly, “I’ll learn from you, Fifth Sister, and thoroughly analyze things before taking action.”
“Good.”
Ge Lihua’s voice came from the courtyard, “Xuyuan, Qingyan, Xuyao, time for martial arts training.”
“Coming.”
Wazi Alley.
After taking the medicine twice, Li Yunqing’s pale face regained some color, looking much healthier.
Madam Li looked at her daughter in surprise, “Yunqing, do you still feel pain?”
“It doesn’t hurt anymore. The medicine Sister gave is miraculous.” Li Yunqing smiled, shaking her head and patting her chest. The girl, though seven or eight years old, looked only five or six due to her frail health from constant illness.
Madam Li agreed seriously, “Right, Sister is a fairy sent to save you.”
Li Yunqing tilted her head, “Mother, I haven’t met Sister yet. When can 1 see her?”
Madam Li thought for a moment, “How about we invite Sister to our home for a meal, so you can meet her?”
Li Yunqing’s eyes brightened, “Okay! I’ll embroider a sachet for Sister.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll buy you some good needles and thread tomorrow. Once you finish the sachet, we’ll invite Sister for a meal.”
“Ok.”
Li Changjiang listened to the mother and daughter’s conversation from next door. The corners of his lips curled up unconsciously. He was indescribably grateful to Chu Qingzhi.
He was willing to give anything for this peaceful and joyful atmosphere.
In the early morning, with the sun rising high.
Chu Qingzhi received a list from Shen Ruyue, checked the names, confirmed they were correct, and then led everyone to the paper mill.
At the entrance of the workshop, Xiao Zongchao and Li Changjiang were waiting there. They stood upright with respectful expressions.
After Chu Qingzhi arrived, their eyes lit up. “Miss Chu.”
Chu Qingzhi nodded to them and introduced everyone since they would be working together from now on.
“Let’s change the plaque first.”
Chu Qingzhi signaled Chu Yun and Chu Feng to come forward. They carried out a dignified plaque she had custom-made and hung it above the main entrance of the mill, also adding a red cloth with embroidered ball flowers.
Chu Yun hung a string of firecrackers, warning everyone, “Step back, I’m about to light the firecrackers.”
Everyone walked away cooperatively and looked in the direction of the firecrackers.
Very soon, the firecrackers started crackling. After the firecrackers were set off, Chu Qingzhi gave everyone a big red packet.
Chu Qingzhi announced, “”Chu’s Paper Mill is now open!”
A round of enthusiastic applause rang out.
Chu Qingzhi called Xiao Zongchao over, “The people I brought don’t know about papermaking. I’ll arrange for them to clean the mill first, and meanwhile, could you explain the papermaking process to them?”
“Can, can I?” Xiao Zongchao had always been inconspicuous. He had never been the center of attention like this before. He was extremely nervous and extremely unconfident.
Chu Qingzhi encouraged, “Of course. It depends on whether you’re willing or not.”
Xiao Zongchao hurriedly said, “Yes, yes. I’m willing to do anything. I’ll definitely get this done.” His voice was trembling nervously, but his eyes were extremely bright.
“I believe you can do it well.” Chu Qingzhi smiled at him and then said to everyone, “Start by cleaning the mill. Dispose of unnecessary items and keep what’s useful. Make a list of what the mill lacks, and I’ll arrange for someone to buy them later.”
“Xiao Zongchao knows about papermaking. While cleaning, listen to his instructions. If you have questions, ask him. If you can’t resolve an issue, come and find me in the study.”
Everyone said in unison, “Yes.”
“Everyone, go do your work. Try to start work early.”
Xiao Zongchao took a deep breath and tried his best to overcome his low self-esteem. He said loudly, “Everyone, follow me…”
Chu Qingzhi watched everyone leave before calling Li Changjiang to the study.
“Master Li, please take a seat.”
Li Changjiang sat on the chair and said respectfully, “Miss Chu, if you have something to say, just say it. I’ll definitely do it.”
Chu Qingzhi scrutinized Li Changjiang. “1 heard that you can print flowers and birds on paper. Is that true?”
Li Changjiang said, “It’s true, but the paper made this way is harder.”
This was exactly what she wanted. She had found the right person. Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “What 1 need is hard paper with floral prints.”
Chu Qingzhi drew several designs on paper and handed them to Master Li, “Can you achieve this?”
Li Changjiang was very surprised that Chu Qingzhi specially wanted such paper. He couldn’t sell such paper when he made it in the past.
Despite his thoughts, he didn’t let it affect his actions. He carefully examined the designs and said solemnly, “It’s possible. But may I ask, Miss, what do you need this paper for?”
Chu Qingzhi replied, “For packaging..”